Attending Conference

Why is it important to attend the annual International T’ai Chi Chih Conference? This question was posed to me and after reflecting on all the benefits of our annual gatherings, here are just a few of the reasons why teachers do come:

Opportunities for Growth Abound: The purpose of Conference is teacher centered: develop teaching skills, sharpen awareness of the TCC form, deepen and refine your own practice.

Teachings by Justin and Teacher Trainers: Since he is unable to travel, Justin always sends his annual message to teachers by way of a DVD message. Justin covers important aspects of movement and breaks down essential parts, such as yinning and yanning, moving from the T’an T’ien, focusing in the soles of the feet, circularity and polarity, turning, pivoting and swiveling of the waist in side to side movements. It is important to return to the basics, and that is what we do.

Sharing Time: Each Conference offers scheduled time when teachers gather in small groups to discuss pertinent topics of interest for teaching, personal reflection, future of T’ai Chi Chih, and other aspects about our practice and teaching skills. It affords an opportunity to be heard and recognized.

Connecting on an International Level: “Never underrate T’ai Chi Chih or feel that it exists only for our own benefit.” (Spiritual Odyssey p.110) The CHI has no boundaries. It is all inclusive. It is moving out into International territory. Conference provides a forum for teachers to get to know other teachers from the international community of France, South Korea, Italy, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, West Indies, Zimbabwe – Africa, and in 40 of the 50 States. Justin says if everyone in the world practiced TCC, there would be peace.

Camaraderie: TCC teachers are great people – they possess the power of inner sincerity, which Justin calls TEH! When teachers gather, it is always fun! Justin quoting Ray Reps: If it is not fun, better left undone! It also provides a sense of community for teachers in isolated areas, and opportunities to reconnect with friends we otherwise would not see throughout the year.

You are missed if you don’t come!: So plan to be in New Jersey for the 2007 International T’ai Chi Chih Conference. We will gather Thursday evening, August 9 to Sunday noon, August 12 in Parsippany, NJ. Contact Co-hosts: Janet Oussaty and Alba N. Cordasco, their contact information is listed on the web site or refer to the Conference article in this issue of the Vital Force. Early registration will save you money.

I am personally looking forward to seeing you there!