An Overwhelming Experience

In June we planned a trip to Albuquerque, NM. For sometime we had wanted to visit the T’ai Chi Chih Center. The first event on our itinerary was to participate in the teachers practice at the T’ai Chi Chih Center. Prior to our visit, arrangements were made for us to join the Tuesday morning practice circle. When we arrived the practice was already in session. Connie Hyde greeted us warmly and found a place for us in the circle. Justin Stone was directly across from us and Carmen Brocklehurst was to his right, what a pleasant surprise. If we created a disturbance by our late arrival, it was not apparent. The air was full of joy and energy. During practice Justin made comments on how to improve the movements in order to create a better flow of chi.

Justin set aside time to demonstrate each movement, impressing the importance on keeping the movements pure. He reminded us that T’ai Chi Chih is to be done softly, without effort, as if swimming through heavy air. This was the learning experience we were hoping for. We felt it a privilege to visit the Center and a special honor to have had this time with Justin.

Carmen, who was so very gracious, spent a great deal of time with us, in spite of her busy schedule. She invited us to visit the Center at any time as it is open to all interested students and teachers. Thank you for sharing the NEI KUNG meditation with us. It has been of great benefit. The Center is a great resource for information.

We were invited to join Connie’s evening class, which we found very impressive. We are very grateful for the genuine hospitality and the incredible joy in sharing T’ai Chi Chih with us.

This was an overwhelming experience. We want to extend our appreciation to all the teachers for sharing their experiences with us. This has deepened our commitment to T’ai Chi Chih.