The Vital Force Archive
Eighteen years of The Vital Force (2007-2025), the journal of the T’ai Chi Chih community. Search for a word, a teacher, a movement or a place, or browse by category and topic.
Alaska
Articles written by T’ai Chi Chih teachers and students in Alaska: their classes and practice groups, retreats and events, and personal stories of practice.
Nancy Jo Bleier took "There is only One Thing going on" as her mantra from the 50th Teacher Conference, praising its organization, small-group sessions, and remembrance of Justin and Connie Hyde.
Nancy Jo Bleier
Sitka, Alaska
Nancy Jo Bleier recounts the 2019 Minnesota conference, from Dr. Ehlinger's guitar-accompanied public health talk and tribute to his late wife Sally to breakout sessions on props and on veterans with PTSD.
Nancy Jo Bleier
Sitka, Alaska
Nancy Jo Bleier recounts how a breast cancer diagnosis and surgery in Seattle led her back to a T'ai Chi Chih practice she had nearly abandoned, and to plans to teach again.
Nancy Jo Bleier recounts the 2017 Boulder teacher conference through the hunt for a usable hotel bathroom at altitude, drinking water all day, swollen ankles, and gratitude for chi and laughter.
Nancy Jo Bleier
Sitka, Alaska
Nancy Jo Bleier recounts jamming her right leg on a house step in June 2014, the conference, retreat and Seijaku practices she had to cancel, and her slow return through seated T'ai Chi Chih.
Nancy Jo Bleier
Sitka, Alaska
Nancy Jo Bleier stands up to practice when her mind chatters, then asks what clarity means in class: short sentences, a full weight shift, daily practice, and a student's note on stress relief.
Nancy Jo Bleier
Sitka, AK