Preserving the Integrity of T’ai Chi Chih Practices
A Supremely Important Reminder & Request
I was entrusted with the copyrights to Justin's words and works – and the trademark to T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) – in December 2020 when Good Karma Publishing folded. A huge part of that involves making sure that the TCC we know today, the TCC that Justin left us, is the TCC that will exist decades into the future.
I understand the desire for teachers to meet students where they are, but a dangerous and slippery slope is emerging. Please do not change the names of TCC movements. Please do not present TCC as something else. Please do not mix the teaching of TCC with other modalities. Please do not embellish it; keep it simple. Please do not imply that a seated meditation at the end of practice is part of TCC. If this continues, we (and the world) will not recognize TCC in short order.
There is power in TCC as Justin originated it. We’ve experienced it. It’s profoundly changed lives. Please let others have a chance to experience its unadulterated potency.
Conference 2021 Articles
This issue is packed with modified conference presentations – great for teachers and students. Enjoy! Special appreciation is reserved for Marie Dotts and Becky Shinas who liberally and effectively utilized Justin’s words and The Vital Force excerpts. Lovely.
Students
You are an integral part of this community, and The Vital Force readership wants to hear from you. Thank you in advance.
Oldies… but Goodies: A Note from Meara Joy Norice
“I am deeply grateful for the amazing people I have met through T’ai Chi Chih: other teachers, wherever annual gatherings were held, and mostly what I’ve learned about life from my students. Becoming a teacher in 1990 in Bemidji, Minnesota, I made a commitment to myself to walk my talk, daily practice, attend teacher gatherings whenever possible, and pass along the Joy of Movement to others. I celebrate the wisdom gained from others in the community. One of my dearest memories is from a teacher conference many years ago, when I was invited by Antonia to co-create the circular dance of gratitude and dedication at the end of Saturday night’s activities. My life service of ceremony and celebration continues until a graceful conclusion.”
