Conference deemed “important”

The word I would use to describe this conference is important. Every conference has its own life and personality but this one was different for a number of reasons:

(1) Justin was not there (physically). I had previously spoken with him about his not attending and have come to accept his wisdom in this. I missed him. There had to be a first conference he did not attend and this was it. It was heartening for me that Ed opened and closed the conference with respectful references to Justin. I am also glad we got to see the video greeting from Justin (twice).

(2) The TCC community got to challenge itself on a topic of serious magnitude, i.e. proposed changes in the teacher accreditation process. Hearing the views of so many was both a privilege and at times difficult. The discussions gave us a tremendous opportunity to reassess and deepen our understanding and commitment to teaching the TCC discipline. Such sharing occurred because of the sacred space created by Ed’s patience and genuine desire to hear from teachers as well as Alice’s strong and humorous leadership. At such times laughter is especially powerful medicine. I felt sad and disappointed at some of the remarks made and defend everyone’s right to their opinion. Such is the way towards inclusion. I acknowledge and thank those who shared. What a gift we all received though it may not have felt like it in the moment.

(3) This conference was marked by a seeming deficiency of movement time. The content and quality of the refinements, however, was right-on for me. I came away with some very concrete suggestions for improving my practice and these flowed into renewed inspiration and enthusiasm to strengthen my practice teh. I also look forward to teaching again (something I hadn’t felt for months). Thank you to all who contributed to this weekend in your own unique ways.

For a spiritual discipline that gives us so much, one weekend to offer up for discussion and sitting with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings is nothing if it ultimately benefits T’ai Chi Chih Joy Thru Movement in its purpose and integrity. I believe such difficult times can be incredibly healthy and healing. There can be an abundance of lessons here for a still-young community learning about trust, following the Tao, and honest identification of clinging and resistance to change. I consider it a great privilege to be a T’ai Chi Chih student/teacher who attended this conference. I view the conference as an important milestone in the unfolding of T’ai Chi Chih Joy Thru Movement. And I am (already) very excited about next year’s conference in Canada!

– Rhonda St. Martin
Albuquerque, NM