Going Deeper into the Wellspring of Joy: TCC LA Workshop June 18, 2005

The weather was gorgeous at the coast-side campus of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles where 24 participants gathered in the Burns Recreation Center to participate in a one-day workshop facilitated by Teacher Trainer, Pam Towne. Of the 24 present, 10 identified themselves as wanting to become T’ai Chi Chih ® teachers. In addition, there were five accredited TCC teachers attending. The other participants were serious students/practitioners. All came to learn more, deepen their practice and meet their fellow practitioners from Northern, Central and Southern California.

The day began with a TCC practice of six repetitions; the day ended in the same way with a TCC practice of 9 repetitions. The difference between the morning and afternoon practice was notable. During the final practice the softness and flow was evident as well as the focus at the soles of the feet. The day-long focus on the principles of TCC and the refinement of movements produced observable results as Pam facilitated the workshop, fielding questions and imbuing participants with the knowledge of Justin Stone’s wisdom and his understanding as the originator of the movements of TCC. Participants were encouraged to partner and learn from each other during the afternoon – teachers with teachers and students with students, to sharpen observation skills and learn to provide feedback to each other. These skills are necessary to acquire as one progresses along the road to becoming a teacher.

Gordon Dilger (Oxnard) wrote, “Having the opportunity to spend a whole day practicing among a group of devoted TCC people allowed me to focus on my practice as I never have before. We had the time and Pam had the patience and insight to allow us (me, in particular) the chance to make those subtle changes that improve our practice. I feel like I accomplished much more than I would have in the equivalent time in my ongoing class.”

Sunshine and a comfortable coast-side breeze, allowed us to eat outside, taking in fresh air and food to nourish the body. The morning had already been spent nourishing body, mind and spirit with TCC. After lunch, Pam discussed further how to observe students and self to be able to discern and effect a correction. Host Roberta Taggart talked about the Good Karma materials available at the workshop, mentioning that Justin’s video is now available on DVD. Many students and teachers appreciate this option which is fast becoming the preferred media choice for viewers. It’s lightweight, compact and can be played on computers, giving it greater viability for usage. The new CD format for Justin Stone Speaks on T’ai Chi Chih also debuted.

During the afternoon of refinement and practice, participants were attentive and moved more deeply into their refinement process. The final practice was soft, fluid, rhythmic, focused and the group moved as one with the chi. This group of practitioners, many who did not know each other before the day began, were rapidly beginning to build friendships cemented by the common bond of TCC.

Practitioner Steve Gahbhir (Newport Beach) wrote, “This was a great workshop full of love. Pam is a very calming personality. She did a wonderful job of bringing out the finer points and technique which was easy to understand.”

Helping the day flow smoothly was a team of 3 teachers: John Taggart (Redondo Beach), Janelle Taggart (San Jose), and Kate Hollister (Hermosa Beach). Two Teacher Candidates also assisted: Jerry Bumbalough (Greenfield) and Greg Callaghan (Los Angeles) who is celebrating 6 months of freedom since his release from Avenal Prison. Judy Tretheway, well known for her role in establishing TCC programs in the Folsom and Avenal prison systems, traveled from Sacramento to spend the day with Greg, who she taught to do TCC while he was in prison. It was a joyful reunion for these two friends. TCC Teacher Jan Kovac wrote, “I liked … being greeted by Judy and Greg.” Of the overall experience she said, “The day was well planned and one of the easiest, most loving times I’ve experienced.”

Justin Stone says, “The very nature of Reality is Joy.” We could feel Justin’s presence in the day-long experience of this workshop during which Pam gave us the opportunity to go deeper into this wellspring of joy we have come to know intimately in our practice.