Conference Impressions (September 1994)

Being and sharing with those I’ve met before and those I just met for the first time is such a joyful experience. I sure would like to see this conference on a 3-day (holiday type) weekend or just extended so we’d have more time together. Would also like to see less time “wasted” in throwing out to the group what they want. This seems to take place annually and it always comes down to practice time with Steve and Justin. Just schedule it! The more we can practice with them the better! It’s a rare opportunity that “words” cannot take the place of. It’s so easy to lose connection with the form, and the form is always evolving. In order to serve those who come to T’ai Chi Chih, I believe we, as teachers, should require ourselves to attend a conference or teachers’ training at least once every two years or not teach until we do!

– Timothy Stuetz
Anaheim, CA

Congratulations on a job well done!

– Luba Blumberg
Oakland, CA

Very helpful! Thank you, especially Saturday afternoon session with Steve. I also enjoyed the dancing workshop with Lia. It was a much needed change of pace. I would have preferred less discussion of the schedule. I realize it’s very difficult to structure this session and that a set schedule will create criticism, but time is very precious here. I wish we could have had a week. Saturday night’s entertainment was terrific. Great fun and a delightful change of pace.

– Jan Martindale
Wood Village, OR

The power of the Chi was certainly evident at the 1994 Conference. Sharing of ideas, meeting new friends, feeling the love and joy from everyone attending the gathering was a wonderful experience…looking forward to next year’s conference in Denver.

– Don Fiore
Phoenix, AZ

T’ai Chi Chih demonstrated and discussed by Justin was extremely helpful to many people. Polarity with Hannah and Dancing with Lia were real treats that helped keep me grounded. What a great weekend. Thanks to Sandra Tanner for doing such a good job as conference chairperson.

– Vicki Brodie
Burlingame, CA

It was great to meet everyone and hear what they’re doing. It was inspiring to hear about the new center and PBS special and imagine all the ramifications of this growth and be encouraged to prepare for a wave of new students.

– Vi Williams
Spring Valley, CA

Lots of planting of new ideas and seeds–last year’s conference in Chicago prompted me to start teaching a weekly class at a health club in Evanston, (see MAKING NEWS, p. 32) and this year’s is prompting me to expand that to private classes–especially geared toward youth and young adults. I feel reconnected, as I always do at conference, to the power and joy of T’ai Chi Chih, and almost burgeoned with ideas for sharing it with others.

– Amy Hackenberg
Evanston, IL

Before I got to the conference (this was my first) I was a little jittery–realizing that many who would be there have known one another for a long time. I wondered how I would fit into the group. Within minutes I realized that simply being a TCC practitioner, I was part of a family—a network that survives and nurtures me and that I nurture whether I know everyone for just days or years. The conference helped me confirm my commitment to TCC, motivated me to continue spreading the “word” and made me an even greater believer in the power our individual and collective energy holds. Peace and love to all T’ai Chi Chih-ers!

– Leslie Johnson Leech
San Diego, CA

I thank everyone for putting together such a peaceful and relaxing retreat. I would like to see Luis Sanchez give a session on Feldenkrais. I feel inspired to teach TCC all over again. I loved meeting other TCC teachers and sharing information. I admire Carmen for her diligence in spreading the word about TCC

– Diana Windwood
Santa Barbara, CA

Peace
Joyous Life
Healing of the heart
Life.

– Donna Bundock
Tijeras, NM

Opening impressions — all embracing,
connecting, comfortable, love is
practicing..
standing behind the Master
Steve
moving together
breathing, flowing
joy always.

– Anonymous

This was a very peaceful and purposeful weekend at a beautiful place. It was well worth the long trip here from Iowa. I know my year will benefit from all the “chi”. See you all next year.

– Esther Kieffer
Cedar Falls, IA

Never enough time to meet everyone–always enough time to meet the people you were meant to connect with. Where else will you find this many authentic people? Very conscious of all the work it took to put this together. Thank you all.

Need more vegetarian, non-dairy meals–plain yogurt would have been an easy substitute for all meals (alas the desserts were great!) It would have been nice to group people by region at the initial meeting and introduction. For the benefit of students/teachers, I would like to see a more cohesive relationship with Steve & Justin. How are we supposed to experience connectedness with each other and ourselves when the two leaders have little interaction–seems a little inconsistent.

For next time: Need a new agenda. I think it was great to get feedback but went on too long and disorganized. I would like to see some practical discussion groups and people can sign up: i.e. The business of TCC; warm-up and tips; connected form and Seijaku. Maybe set up areas with a group leader to discuss for 1/2 hour each and then rotate so everyone can participate.

Intro. letter to include hints on getting the most out of the conference: i.e. bring a pen, sweater, water, wear your name tag no matter how strange. Entertainment suggestions. Add morning yoga or walk to get cardio chi moving (ask for volunteers in advance)

Great Job! Graphic and theme a nice touch and very effective. Elevated state and circle seating area–very effective–let’s get for next year. Sleeping accommodations very nice. Great idea to show video–would have liked to hear more music throughout sessions to see what works with what. i.e. last year Steve’s drumming inspired me to buy the tape.

Idea board was effective–need more organizing however. I was able to locate people in charge, however I felt you needed more help to answer questions. Thank you!!

– Linda Prosche
Chicago, IL

It was a joy to celebrate 20 years of TCC, and for me, 10 years of Chi cultivation! I feel nourished by being with my T’ai Chi family, renewed in body, mind and soul by our deep TCC practice and heart connections. Thank you, Justin, Steve, Sandra and every teacher present!

– Pam Towne
Camarillo, CA

As always, I absolutely loved every moment of the Conference! I’m sitting against the Ginko tree here at Vallombrosa, just enjoying being! After all the “no words” experiences here, I feel free and born again! All my life, I had this idea that everything was the same, and that has been difficult to express to others. However, after doing TCC for 10 years, I’m beginning to feel that I’ve been “nibbling around the edges” of the “Great Truth,” or “Eternal Void.” And I know Joy thru Movement! So all the loving Chi to everyone, especially Justin, Steve, Lia, and all the members of my T’ai Chi Chih family! I knew the Cosmic Consciousness would be smiling (with that original face) on us all! See you in Denver, Yee-Haw! (Remember to bring Cowboy Boots, hats, spurs (maybe not spurs)! I’m going to take home some seeds from this Ginko tree and hope to grow a continuous reminder of Vallombrosa and our wonderful times here! Thank you, Sandra, Sandy, Liz and Lois, and…T’ai Chi Chih!

– Ellen Greyson
Santa Barbara, CA

The most valuable thing that comes first to my mind is Justin Stone’s talk on Saturday morning. I needed it to be reminded of the powerful stuff that we are dealing with and that TCC has nothing to do with “aerobics.” “Don’t take it carelessly,” is his advice and I’m determined to put that in practice. Thank you, Justin!

– Rosa Fallon
Pittsburg, CA

Wonderful, wonderful conference! I especially appreciate all the diversity of the students and special gifts we bring.

– Rhonda St. Martin
Albuquerque, NM

I’m forever grateful for connecting with Justin and Steve and for the gifts they continue to give. At times I have felt like a butterfly (during conference). Being present, quietly fluttering around, listening, observing, drinking in the Chi. Most importantly, allowing “me” to be “me”–speaking when I feel called to and not speaking if I don’t feel called to. Those of you who know me, may not know that my quietness has not always been something I’ve been at peace with. It’s a wonderful feeling and brings me sincere inner joy to relax into myself and say yes, this is who I Am. Many thanks Justin.

– Lynne Blackford
Missoula, MT

I thought it was wonderful–my first time at Conference. I think having a set schedule is the best way to go. The center was perfect. Thanks.

– Shan-Marie Stehno
Aloha, OR

This conference has been the instrument of a new direction in my life that will be unfolding in the next year. I also feel renewed and very much alive from my experiences at the conference.

– Pat Hill
Golden, CO

Wonderful conference! Lots of new faces and great connections. Loved the entertainment–we are a talented group. Would like to see more hugs on Friday night, (“We need 4 hugs a day to maintain and 8 hugs a day to grow.” Virginia Satir), because the weekend is short and the level of connection can be enhanced sooner. I invite everyone to set an intention to hug one stranger at next year’s conference on Friday night!

– Regina Horgan
Ridgecrest, CA

I love this place–so happy the conference was here this year. Peaceful yet stimulating. A way to revitalize, refresh, review and expand in every way. So many people who enrich my life. Would like to spend many hours with each. Everyone shares so graciously and lovingly. Such a special theme–“Gather the Dreamers–Catch the Dream.” Thanks for the Dream Web, the little note cards and the lovely poem “Gather the Dreamers” by Sr. Anita Germain and presented in such an elegant form. I appreciate all the talent and giving Saturday night. Fun too. Have no complaints, no negatives.

– Adele Wenig
Oakland, CA

Entertainment was the best ever–really balanced and all encompassing. Would have liked a less jam-packed Saturday-maybe some empty space after each meal–to shower, visit with individuals, walk, meditate, have quiet time. Good conference, lots of wonderful Chi.

– Ellen Tatge
Albuquerque, NM

T’ai Chi Chih folks are so joyous and playful, besides being a unified, spiritual family during practice. Thanks for bringing all of us together. The sharing has been delightful.

– Anne Doering
Albuquerque, NM

More and more one realizes

“There is only one religion: That of Love.
There is only one language: that is the Language of the Heart.
There is only one caste and that is the Caste of Humanity.
There is only one God, and He is Omnipresent.”

Appreciated Justin and Steve sharing and all the extra work the committee did to make the conference a huge success!!

– Theda Gillespie
Medford, OK

Everything moved so smoothly. I loved having more special instruction from Justin and Steve. It is like starting all over again and opening up for all of the inner peace and joy, balance and serenity to surface at a new level. I feel like a new-born baby with an entire life of TCC ahead of me. The Seijaku practice was an excellent idea! Refreshing renewal.

– Susan Webster
El Cajon, CA

Coming back for the second time to Vallombrosa has been like coming home! I feel a part of this wonderful TCC family–and awed and honored to be a member. That first night, I hung my beautiful Dreamcatcher above the bed in my room. It has caught all my good dreams for me so that I can visualize who I really am. The clouds cleared for a brief moment of time this weekend in 1994 so that I could glimpse my true nature/self. Suddenly I understood how all the struggle, pain and, yes, brief moments of clarity, are guiding me back to Myself. The work we do both inside ourselves and our teaching is truly sacred. The tears flow freely as I bow to each of you in deep gratitude and respect.

– Hope Burla
San Leandro, CA

I’m not a poet, so many things in The Vital Force are poems; in any case words are inadequate to describe the healing that occurred for me this weekend. As Steve talked about many habit patterns changing to more life enhancing patterns. I met a teacher for my friend in Boston, I met a teacher/healer for my sister in Fargo. I met myself for me, my practice is for me, my practice is for sharing as a teacher. Thank you.

– Wanda Zimmerman
Albuquerque, NM

I found it to be most helpful to listen to Justin, to watch Steve and practice meditation with him, the Seijaku (please, more time devoted to this next time because I cannot make an extra trip to a refresher. I am sure long distance travellers have the same problem.). I loved the wonderful group practices! Enjoyed getting to know some of the people behind the names I see in print in The Vital Force. Thank you all for the Saturday night performance: a special thanks to Tamara, to Richard–his poetry and his wonderful gift with humor and to Lia–your story and your dance moved me deeply! I feel a renewed desire to share the blessing of TCC and who I am with others on returning home. As I expressed verbally to the persons involved, for organizing this conference you have once more my appreciation!!!

– Lavana Kilborn
Port Alberni, BC, Canada

Integrative – Visionary – Reflective – Bonding
The family awarenesses grow, evolve, support and assist us on this life journey.
-Joyful!–Celebrating Justin’s Sharing of Energy with us–honoring that creative force in each person.

– Christeen McLain
Fargo, ND