Celebration!

Although there were no fireworks at the 50th celebration of the beginning of T’ai Chi Chih (TCC), there were explosions of joy, memories, and pleasure. After five years of no in-person teacher conferences, we were finally together again. And for those of us who have been gathering at the TCC teacher conferences for years, it felt like no time had passed. Longtime friendships reignited in a flash. Folks we had only met on Zoom over the past four years became more than 1-inch flat squares. Seeing someone in 3-dimensions shifted perspectives.

A highlight for many attendees was the several small group gatherings which were scheduled throughout the conference. Several questions were suggested for each discussion time, but each group let the sharing flow which developed into meaningful exchanges. Looking around the room during these times you could really see engaged and heartfelt connections being made.

Many teachers spoke of how they began TCC and their journey. Through hearing the various stories, a fuller picture of the history of TCC unfolded. And watching a clip of Justin talking about TCC brought his presence into the room in a tangible way.

I was especially touched by a visit from Justin’s early publisher and friend, Skip Whitson. He spoke of meeting Justin and how they worked together on several of Justin’s books, including the first photo book on TCC. Hearing how Skip met Justin and how they formed a working relationship was truly the beginning of TCC for me, even though Justin had been playing around with various movements and developing TCC for a while.

Each year a conference scholarship fund supports teachers who would otherwise be unable to attend. Each year the nearly depleted fund is replenished during conference. I was brought to tears when the total of the raffle, silent auction, and live auction was announced: $ 6,974. What a generous group of humans. This money is designated for conference scholarships exclusively. Teachers opened their wallets and hearts and had a fun time doing it. The live auction is always entertaining but was especially so when auctioneers April Leffler and Holly Hershman lost track of the bidding (and the audience identified the last bid and bidder). I think someone even raised their own bid. It was lighthearted fun and occasionally suspenseful when a bidding war ensued. How high will they go? Who will be the last man/woman standing/bidding?

The morning TCC practices offered two choices: inside or outside. How wonderful to be able to enjoy the fresh New Mexico morning air or an intimate gathering indoors.

There were many more delightful moments: a pyramid poetry evening, presentations, a rededication ceremony, local students joining us Saturday for practice, lunchtime “birds of a feather” topics at tables designated with specific topics for discussion. These are just some of the highlights.

All this could not have happened without Guy Kent stepping up and accepting to co-host (with Judy Hendricks) the conference in Albuquerque and be the point person, manager, coordinator, meeting planner, note taker, question guy, trouble shooter, and hand holder. The teachers of Albuquerque and others in the community accepted assignments and joyfully created an atmosphere of welcome. The organized and grounded presence of registrar Jim Maple allowed the registration and finances to run smoothly.

I was thrilled that Minnesota teachers who could not attend created a gathering (with some students) and joined in spirit with practicing and sharing on Saturday. Dan Pienciak gathered about 30 teachers on Zoom on Sunday, and they too shared and practiced together in spirit.

To balance the reminiscing there were discussions regarding the future of TCC. There were several suggestions for committees to explore how we can move TCC forward. In the next couple of months as the dust settles from summer travel, announcements will be made regarding ways to be involved to support the community and growth of TCC.

This year’s conference generated excitement for the future of TCC and renewed our enthusiasm for teaching. It has been decided that an in-person conference will be held every other year a with a Zoom conference on the “off years”. This will allow teachers two years to save for the event and build anticipation for getting together. If we have a Zoom conference next year and an in-person the following year, we need to begin planning now. Teachers: talk with others about supporting the community in this way. Every year I hear from those who hosted that, yes it was work, but that they received so much in return through connections and relationships made. May your hearts be open to serve and receive in the process.