Such a Gift

It seems like such a small thing – the inclusion (in a welcome packet) of a lovely bar of sweetgrass soap handmade by Sherry Corson, a member of the generous Minnesota team who hosted the 2006 T’ai Chi Chih Teachers Conference. We felt welcome from the moment we arrived. So many lovely touches indicated how much thought was given to planning our special, annual conference. This aromatic gift reminds me everyday that I use it how happy all the Minnesota teachers were to have us there. And we also felt happy and grateful to be there.

This little bar of soap also reminds me that our coming together wasn’t, as we know, to have a boisterous time. Instead, our focus was sinking deeply and knowing the joy within. This was the heart of the many opportunities we had to practice T’ai Chi Chih with Sr. Antonia, Pam, Sandy, and each other. It was great to share the depth we have come to know with teachers all over the world. And because of our practice we want to share our love with all through T’ai Chi Chih.

The information we shared about the populations we teach was wonderful. We inspired each other with ideas on how to communicate better in our classes and with the public. We learned practical ways from KG at Good Karma Publishing about how to inform the public that we are here, ready to be of service. It is information we can copy and share with others from our community who were unable to attend Conference. Perhaps, as Justin Stone says, it isn’t too early to begin planning to attend next year’s Conference in New Jersey.

Yes, the little bar of soap strikes a cord of service within me that keeps the conference alive and moves me to love and want to share the chi.