Balancing the Chi: Conference Responses

16th International T’ai Chi Chih Teacher’s Conference

August 2 – 5, 2001 — Saint Mary’s College of California, Moraga, CA

Wow! What an incredible experience. As a new teacher, not only is this my first conference, but by being on the planning committee I had the special privilege of watching Sandy McAlister and many other very talented Bay Area teachers build the structure and vitality of this phenomenal happening. I have been warmly welcomed into the Bay Area T’ai Chi Chih family and now into the World T’ai Chi Chih family. Teachers’ Conference feels like being hugged by an angel. This is truly a unique and very special group of people.

– Athene Mantle
Hayward, CA
(First-time Attendee)

* * *

Such a wonderful, relaxing and informative Conference. I can truly appreciate all the effort that goes into making it flow after having co-hosted last year’s Conference. It just went by far too quickly!!

Ed’s emphasis on alignment was so useful and Sandy’s input on the correct weight transfer when moving the waist was very helpful.

Each time I come to a Teachers’ Conference I realize how much I need to be there every year. It’s going to be a lifetime of improvements!

Seeing Justin again and listening to his talks is a very special part of each Conference — which all new teachers should experience.

A big thank you to Sandy and all the local teachers who helped to make this Conference so memorable.

– Carolyn Perkins
New York, NY

* * *

Justin & Ed’s wisdom and humor kindled a new level of commitment to my TCC practice and the “big picture:” to be truthful to myself (change habit energies) and to make the most of each moment — to learn to let go and bend like the bamboo — there was lots of love here.

– Linda Robinson
Seattle, WA

* * *

It is such a joy to come to the conference and reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. The TCC community is a unique group of people and I feel truly blessed to be a part of it.

It always amazes me how much I learn at each TCC event I attend. The lessons for life and for my TCC practice and teaching have been invaluable.

Thank you to the Bay Area teachers for organizing such a warm, welcoming and wonderful conference!!

– Jackie Williamson
Moose Jaw, SK
CANADA

* * *

It is really sweet to be part of such a dedicated and loving community as the T’ai Chi Chih teachers. The more I see and hear and practice, the more respect I gain for the form, and for Ed’s teachings, and for Justin Stone’s wisdom. Especially I respect the integrity and generous spirit in which T’ai Chi Chih is shared. I’m sure that is partly responsible for its rapid growth. There is a true spiritual motive behind the teaching as well as the form, and that is beautiful and rare. This was my first teachers’ conference and my only regret is not having enjoyed one sooner. Not only for the new friends and connections, but because of how it has deepened my commitment to my own practice. I also appreciate all the wisdom and ideas and suggestions from everyone that I can use to enhance my own teaching, so as to bring greater benefits to my students.

– Diane See
Daly City, CA
(First-time Attendee)

* * *

I will always remember my first T’ai Chi Chih Conference. It was just as wonderful as I had anticipated. Everything went so smoothly, it had to be the chi. It was great to be with an ocean of dedicated TCC teachers. I feel renewed, invigorated and refreshed. I felt honored to meet Justin Stone in person as well as reconnect with Ed Altman and my companions from the May 2001 Teacher Training.

GRATITUDE
ALMOST EIGHTY-FIVE
T’AI CHI CHIH MASTER, JUSTIN
CHI FLOWING FREELY
LIKE THE SEA

– Sr. Corita Keane
Sacramento, CA
(First-time Attendee)

* * *

Lovely mellow quality — of both the inner and the outer landscape . . . Teachers’ presentations on Sunday, especially Linda [Robinson’s] about bereavement, were excellent. Loved the sense of personal-ness. And then loved Justin’s response, bringing us back from the medical to the balancing-of-the-chi.

– Anne Perkins
St. Louis, MO

* * *

Peer break out groups were excellent — my peers are great teachers. Although the lunch room was great it was difficult to hear each other to promote discussion and community. . . . As a “recommitted” TCC teacher and student I am blown away by the level of maturity in the students and of Ed’s teaching. Having been away from the conferences for several years, I am acutely aware that the TCC community has expanded to another level. Thank you for your continued commitment and support.

– Linda Siebeck Prosche
San Rafael, CA

* * *

The conference was beautifully planned to the finest detail. Clearly the caring & hospitality was primary. The great amount of work involved can only begin to be appreciated The only thing I can think of that I need would have been a little more down time — to integrate & even to socialize — although meals were a fabulous time for that. For me, I require a little more sleep & was torn between missing anything planned & having enough rest to function well. I kept having to remind myself that this is a conference — not a retreat! It was a very “classy” conference — Thank you!

– Pat Fisher
West Linn, OR
(First-time Attendee)

* * *

As usual, the conference committee stood on the shoulders of those who came before and put together a conference that was bigger and better than ever. Having limited contact with other teachers during the year, it was extremely rewarding to receive corrections from and practice refinements with Justin, Ed, and my fellow teachers. I recognize I have just begun to plumb the depths of T’ai Chi Chih.

– Jerry Granok
Pagosa Springs, CO

* * *

I continue to be filled with gratitude for the gift of T’ai Chi Chih in my life. The new friends I have made are a treasure of great richness in my experiences. T’ai Chi Chih continues to evolve my life in new and fascinating ways that amaze me. As a new teacher I have attempted to set up three different classes, and each has been roadblocked at the last minute. Although I don’t understand this, I accept that this is the way things are supposed to be occurring. During the conference, through the lunch roundtable topic discussions I was able to discover, acknowledge & let go of some fears that have blocked presenting/offering classes at the local drug & alcohol rehab. hospital. Working with other teachers, through their love & encouragement, in the flow with the chi, I am energized to move forward in the Cosmic Rhythm, wherever it takes me.

– Barbara Lippert
Camarillo, CA
(First-time Attendee)

* * *

To me, Justin’s and Ed’s talks are worth the price of admission — they always move me and my “practice gets bigger on the inside,” just by listening. My respect and appreciation of Ed grows as he so willingly shares his vulnerabilities without hiding behind an outward picture of himself.

Being in the presence of other committed practitioners is inspiring and I loved the sharing of stories, formally and informally.

– Jan Arrott
Las Vegas, NM

* * *

Alignment, stance, weight shift
Alignment, stance, weight shift

Release the tension
Release again, again
Sinking into the stillness
Moving in the stillness
Resting in the stillness
[/poem]

Thank you Ed & Justin and fellow TCC teachers.

– Linda Williams
Camarillo, CA

* * *

If you understand, T’ai Chi Chih is just the same.
If you do not understand, T’ai Chi Chih is just the same.

Going to conference always adds to my understanding of T.C.C. But, it’s reassuring to me, that even if I do not understand, T.C.C. is just there, the same — for us all.

– Nancy Werner-Azarski
Minneapolis, MN

* * *

A whole new move! Pivoting from the hips. “Understanding” and “feeling” pivoting from the hip is what I’ll be working on. The integration of balancing the artist & scientist . . . I could flow fine, but I’ve deepened my practice by “yielding” and letting go of my mechanics. Thinking versus flowing. . . . The conference was my second, but first one away from MN. Let’s just say — I will not miss future conferences! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you JUSTIN — Ed & Noel — Sandy & crew! It was awesome and well done! Gratefully, with blessings & peace,

– Judy George
Roseville, MN

* * *

The Conference has taught me the movements in greater detail. Particularly the principle of alignment helped me to improve all movements. I thoroughly enjoyed the silent group practice. To me it is a superb form of meditation. The moving meditation that TCC is comes alive in this practice as nowhere else.

– Jan Linthorst
Orange, CA
(First-time Attendee)

* * *

What a terrific opportunity to put faces with names, deepen old relationships and forge new ones. I have become very close to people I just met here. Everyone is so open — so real. I would challenge anyone to find a more genuine group. I truly feel like I have friends (family?) all over the country now. I found great warmth & genuine caring all around me. It (being here) has also helped me accept the deeper side of my practice. I’ve come away with some outstanding ideas on how to share more of the essence of TCC w/ my students. Most importantly I’m coming away with the courage to take my TCC practice to a deeper level, get out of my head and feel the moves more. That is more meaningful because I feel I have the support of the whole TCC community. . . .

– Deborah Cole
Severn, MD
(First-time Attendee)

* * *

. . . I feel a much clearer awareness of how I am moving, of how my body’s alignment actually works. It will take awhile for me to break old habits, to get out of the way, and to allow an improved alignment to flow. Homework! Ah yes, that’s why I came.

– Joanna Woodrow
San Jose, CA

* * *

I sincerely thank the conference organizers for a wonderful T’ai Chi Chih experience in a beautiful setting.

My “a ha” experience at this conference came when Sandy McAlister showed us the difference between turning the waist and shifting the weight — allowing the waist to move, in “Carry the Ball to the Side.” I had been shifting the weight side to side, but had also been too diligent in turning my waist, thus causing my right knee to shift out of alignment, and create pain in my hip joint. So thank you Sandy. I am enjoying allowing the chi to move me.

I am grateful for Justin’s words of wisdom, his willingness to share & play the “Devil’s Advocate.”

Thank you, Ed, for your gentle example of how the “teacher is also the student.” You exemplified that many times during the conference & I appreciate that in you as a leader.

– Trisha Jewellen Hargaden
New York, NY

* * *

I rejoice at the feeling of sensitivity and love at this conference! I was especially moved when Ed stepped aside inviting Sandy McAlister and later, Pam Towne, to the platform to explain technical features of two T’ai Chi Chih movements. Whatever caused my emotional response was strong enough to draw me to Ed while he spoke outside to Sandy. I heard my thoughts begin to form as I said, “It was important to see you both share in teaching that side to side step. You work so well together.” While Pam assisted in explaining and leading us in the Pulley, more emotions surged to the surface, and I wonder if I am alone in appreciation for this acknowledgement, yet needing more significant leadership in teaching training and other empowering roles for women in the TCC organization. I applaud the current emerging structure of openness, equality, and non-hierarchecal and participatory leadership. Ed gives respectful responses to us all. I wonder if Justin and Ed need to hear what we would like in the evolution of the TCC leadership. I wonder whether I was the only one deeply touched today by Ed’s willingness to incorporate at least two of TCC’s most talented and generous women into the conference training. Am I alone in hoping that this may be a beginning?

– Daryl Isenberg
Chicago, IL

* * *

T’ai Chi Chih Conference 2001 — a MOSAIC of color and light, woven together by love, nourishing the soul, uplifting the mind, and touching the heart. For here, under the spacious blue of California sky, bathed in golden sunlight, we came together, bonded by one common goal — to strengthen our practice of T’ai Chi Chih…..to deepen…..to immerse ourselves…..to open…..to let go….to allow ……to discover……..to connect more deeply to the ESSENCE….And as the weekend unfolded, we shared and touched spirits, each of us in our own unique way, adding to the GREAT POOL of flowing CHI of which we are all a part. And through the unerring guidance of Justin’s crystal clear words of Truth and great wisdom, we were led even deeper along our path of Purification, deeply opening doors within, focusing us again and again on our inner vision — reminding us that we are not here by accident, and inspiring us to be constantly aware that the CHI is our own inner teacher — we only need to feel it and it will always do what it needs to do, if we just get out of the way. And, of course, Ed’s truly outstanding ability to clarify the deepest steps of awareness moment by moment that will guide us ever deeper into our practise, was so valuable. . . .

– Beverly Weil
North Salem, NY

* * *

EVERY YEAR MORE LIGHT

So many wonderful people — how would we know them without T’ai Chi Chih? Not only old friends, but the new teachers (friends) also. This year the highlight was the candlelight ceremony and realizing that we are growing not only in numbers but also in depth. Sr. Antonia commented on how easily everyone was able to flow with the program. Have we always flowed that easily? I know I didn’t. I also know how grateful I am to Justin, T’ai Chi Chih and all of you. I am grateful — I give Thanks. Thank you to the California Teachers (angels) for all the Love and work and especially Sandy — whose great heart made it easy and graceful for us to come together and have a fantastic Conference.

– Carmen Brocklehurst
Albuquerque, NM

* * *

. . . Justin’s talk on Vashanas was excellent. During the candle lighting ceremony I had this image of the Vashanas melting away as the wax rolled down the candle. If only it were that easy!

– Sharon Sirkis
Columbia, MD

* * *

HOW TO REMEMBER MORAGA

M is for Masterful Planning
O is for Outstanding inspirational talks and instructions by Justin and Ed
R is for Reverence and Appreciation for the beauty of the Campus
A is for Commitment to TCC
G is for Graciousness of everyone
A is for Alignment within and without

Put them together and they spell TCC Conference 2001 — Moraga. Thank you.

– Sr. Margaret O’Connor
Wayne, NJ