1997 T’ai Chi Chih Teachers’ Conference and Retreat

Since Steve Ridley’s resignation [as Appointed Head of T’ai Chi Chih (TCC)] I’ve received letters and phone calls from teachers:

⇒ who are not planning to come to the conference because Steve will not be attending.

⇒ who are very confused about the form of TCC they are to practice and teach.

⇒ who are coming to the conference to share the Gratitude Ecstasy, and Transformation that TCC has brought to their lives.

Regardless of how you feel about what’s taking place in our community, I invite you to come to the conference July 25-27 and share yourself. I invite you to come to the conference and give back just a little part of what you’ve received from TCC. If you have a clear picture or some deep insights into how TCC wants you to practice and pass on TCC, the conference is a great place to share these. If you are looking for clarity on where TCC is taking you, the conference may be just the place to gain that clarity. Coming together as teachers and dedicated practitioners of this profound and powerful art is a tremendous service to yourself, your students, other teachers, and the world. Moving together, eating together, and sharing together is for much more than ourselves. The energy of love we create together has an everlasting impact on the entire world. Together we create an incredible, vibrating, expansive ball of Chi that Transforms everything.

In deciding whether or not to come to the conference consider these words by Yang Luk-Shen (1799-1872) as notes to The T’ai Chi Ch’uan Classics by Chang San Feng (13th Century):

“This is the theory transmitted by Master Chang San-Feng of the Wu Tang mountain, with a desire to help all the able people of the world to attain longevity and rejuvenation. The technique and art are the least things to be concerned with.”

Practicing TCC on a daily basis brings countless rewards and blessings into my life. On days when I practice with another teacher, those rewards and blessings are multiplied. Moving is easier. My mind stays more focused. When I teach classes, those rewards and blessings are multiplied even more because of the group energy. And those rewards and blessings are multiplied even more at conferences where I can be with over one hundred other teachers who bring their dedication, love, and experience to share. This year we will be doing TCC together more than ever (eight to ten times). Think of the love that will be generated with this much movement! The ecstasy! The transformation!

We are also extremely fortunate to have the Golden Harp of Joel Andrews (Emblissening Movement) as background music for our Friday afternoon session of moving together and to transport us deep within as he plays a concert Saturday evening after dinner. Joel’s divine music, a candle lighting ceremony, a tea ceremony, Justin’s sharing of his Chi Enhancement Program and the origination of TCC, and being together are just some of the highlights of this years conference.

You’re also invited to participate in the Seijaku Accreditation course that Ed Altman will be teaching from July 23-25 before the conference and the Meditation Intensive I will be facilitating on July 28 after the conference. This Intensive will allow the experience of the conference to sink deep within and also give you new tools to expand your consciousness and deepen your practice of meditation throughout your daily life. Through TCC, silence, contemplations, chanting, Kundalini breathing exercises, chimes and Tibetan bowls, and several other “treats” you will experience the ever expanding, ecstatic bliss of your inner Self and learn how to hold on to that experience “all the time.”

Don’t Miss Out! Conference Deposit Due May 1st. (See related articles on pages 8, 10, and 20.)