Conference Impressions (September 1997)

1997 T’ai Chi Chih Teachers’ Conference — Gratitude, Ecstasy and Transformation

Looking back I recall timeless moments … flowing together in TCC practice with only the heavenly sound of Joel’s harp.

Moving together as One in the candlelit circle, rededicating ourselves to our practice and teaching of TCC … being with Justin, honoring the privilege of learning from him … reconnecting with old friends, making new ones.

Looking in each other’s eyes and singing “Do you know how much your love means? … deepening my understanding of TCC.

Visioning the bright future of TCC … gracefully concluding with silent TCC practice before heading home with a full heart! With love,

– Pam Towne
Camarillo, CA

Some comments on the conference… The TCC conference this year was so informative…Staying focused on TCC gave me a chance to refine moves. Jing is a powerful addition to the practice, and seems so natural after completing a TCC practice when the Chi is really flowing. Of course, it is always so very special to see other teachers, exchange ideas, and have a joyous time together.

– Rhonda St. Martin
Albuquerque, NM

* * *

These reflections begin with my sincerest thanks to Timothy for his superb effortless-effort to plan, host and execute the 1997 Conference so well. His serenity and centeredness set the pace to make everyone feel welcomed, and harmony continued to flow as our time together unfolded. It was so good to laugh and enjoy the talent show, balanced with the graceful conclusion of the harp concert. How blest we are to have the presence of Justin and Ed leading our TCC practices to help refine and deepen the transforming gift of what TCC is all about.

I feel personally blest to be in the presence of so many sincere and dedicated teachers who are such fine examples to me of their emerging spiritual selves. May our connections continue as we enter our daily practices, being united in CHI. Sending love and blessings to each of you, and also to those who were not able to attend the Conference for whatever reason.

– Sr. A. Cooper, osf
North Plainfield, NJ

“This roaring flame up the spine to the top of my head…” Since I am recovering form recent brain surgery I was intrigued with Justin’s remarks about placing chi into some areas of the body, to promote good health. When we practiced mentally pushing the flowing chi into the marrow of our bones, coming up the body and through the top of our heads, a healing sensation was most welcome.

The day after the conference ended I met with my neurosurgeon in Los Angeles. He was intrigued with the pulsing shaking energy in the forward movement of my right hand. There was no explanation for how this energy sea, T’ai Chi Chih, could have effected my right side after surgery in the left side of my brain!

– Anne Doering
Albuquerque, NM

The theme for the conference could have been softness and continuity. The weekend flowed softly, with an emphasis on the soul of T’ai Chi Chih the movements. The continuity was expressed in the present and future plans for the expansion of the T’ai Chi Chih community, through development of new areas within the U.S., in other countries, and on the World Wide Web. Thanks to Timothy for his own softness and continuity. It helped us all to move effortlessly through the weekend to a graceful conclusion.

– Edie Budney
Upper Montclair, NJ

Justin — lights up my life
Room — adjusted
Timothy — my hero
Negative Thoughts — letting go
Cafeteria — WOW!!
Time — Not enough
Ms Clown & Friend — Smiles that last
Pat H. — All that I can have as a teacher and a friend
Joel & Harp — An Angel on Earth
Ed — We learn, We love.
Old Friends, New Friends — Expanded Mind and Heart
Carmen — “Joy” in my heart!
Dearest Liz (In Spirit) — If nothing changes, nothing changes.

– Virginia Lee Cepeda
Dublin, CA

Heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Timothy for a job excellently done! Bravo! The HARP music was beyond heavenly (sigh). I was floating in the clouds… Terry, your contribution to the “talent show” was superb… See everyone on the “World Wide Web”!!!

– Marianne Merritt
Galt, CA

* * *

The 1997 T’ai Chi Chih Teacher’s Conference offered many opportunities to renew old friendships and make new friends. The energy generated by T’ai Chi Chih was the impetus to encourage all of the participants to evolve in their practice. The time spent to review and to practice the philosophy and form of T’ai Chi Chih was definitely the most important part of the conference.

Host teachers of TCC Teacher’s Training Accreditation classes imparted lots of worthwhile information to encourage other TCC teachers to be host teachers. Host teachers also extended an ongoing invitation to contact them if further information is needed. Inherent wisdom imparted by Justin is invaluable.

– R. Montes de Oca
Albuquerque, NM

From quarter inch refinements to infinity–that was the scope of the conference. It was like Timothy had been saving up prajna for the occasion. We were surrounded by Chi, flowers, lovely days, birds and fountains, not to forget the Supreme Ultimate.

– Kathy Grassel
Albuquerque, NM

Thanks so much to Tim and Pam and all the others who put together such an effortless conference–although I’m sure it actually took quite a bit of effort. And thanks to Ed for his clear, calm leadership. And thanks to all the concentration and focus of everyone attending. I feel my movements make more sense now as I work on embodying the principles Ed pointed out. A very clean, solid renewal. I feel a lot of gratitude. And of course much of the gratitude is for and to Justin. Thank you.

– Amy Hackenberg
Evanston, IL

Some comments on the conference . . . The TCC conference this year was so informative . . . Staying focused on TCC gave me a chance to refine moves.

Jing is a powerful addition to the practice, and seems so natural after completing a TCC practice when the Chi is really flowing.

Of course, it is always so very special to see other teachers, exchange ideas, and have a joyous time together.

– Pat Huseby
Danville, CA

Gratitude,
Ecstasy
And
Transformation

This year’s conference was enriching and energizing for me. My appreciation to Timothy for his organization and heartfelt comments, to Ed for guidance and leadership and to Justin for sharing the gift of TCC.

It’s wonderful to meet and share with other teachers old and new, but for me there was a void left by the absence of Steve and Lia Ridley. Since there was no acknowledgment of them at the conference, I now extend by personal recognition and thanks for their past involvement and contributions: to Steve for the years of guidance, by his example and teaching, toward a greater spiritual expansions and to Lia for her open hearted warmth and humor. My best wishes on life’s continuing journey.

Finally to all of you present at the conference, as we said in the circles, I truly appreciate your being there!

– Linda Meyer
Oakland, CA

* * *

One is never separate from the chi. It is in all of us regardless of how long ago we began, enriching our supply through T’ai Chi Chih practice. Once part of this family–we are never separate. chi is stronger than blood. It is our power source. We may retreat, evolve with and through the chi, yet we are never separate, or separated for that essence that supports us. We are one family.

– C. McLain-Horpendahl
Fargo, ND

This is my 2nd conference and I’ve vowed not to miss any since becoming a teacher last year. Timothy did an excellent job at finding a site, dorm rooms and all the organization. My heart felt thanks goes out to him, for without his help I would not have been able to come. Ed embodies TEH as he teaches Seijaku and TCC and is a wonderful teacher with an infectious smile. The loving support of all the TCC teachers is a feeling impossible to put into words. I am truly blessed to be one of the sparks of light with the opportunity to bring peace to the world. With love and light,

– Deborah May
Tijeras, NM

As a newly accredited teacher I can see that this may have been one of the most important things I have done this year. I’ve learned a lot about deepening my practice and have renewed confidence in my form. The sessions are marvelous, but also time times in between are wonderful for making and renewing connections.

Thanks for a terrific job of organizing and see you all next year! I keep thinking of one experience after another of times that my heart and eyes were opened and re-opened. What a way to spend the weekend!

– Carrie Kinsey
Concord, CA

As I sit waiting for the talent show to start I feel calm — at peace. The emphasis on this conference has been T’ai Chi Chih. Ed has led several discussions centering of the principles of movement and Justin has introduced a system of Chi enhancement called Jing. We have had silent practice twice per day. Peace and joy reign here.

Thanks to Tim for organizing the conference, everybody for attending/sharing and to Justin for bringing TCC to us all.

– Unsigned

The T’ai Chi Chih convention has been a most wonderful experience, meeting wonderful people, sharing (through the heart) and being in communion with one another, where there is no barrier or generation gap. I had the pleasure of meeting 3 generations of one family teaching TCC.

Also just as impressive is the fact of people traveling great distances to come together. Yes, the “Chi” is most powerful.

The most moving and joyful part of the 1997 T’ai Chi Chih Teachers’ Conference was when Terry Jennings led us singing “Do you know what loves means?” facing Justin. We are all so very grateful to you, Justin!

– Noel Altman
San Rafael, CA

The T’ai Chi Chih conference has been a most wonderful experience, meeting wonderful people, sharing (through the heart) and being in communion with one another, where there is no barrier or generation gap. I had the pleasure of meeting 3 generations of one family teaching TCC. (see picture on page 40).

– Paula Favorito
New Milford, NJ

* * *

Since I was the person who outwardly posed the question regarding “two TCCs” at the San Diego conference (Summer 1996), I’d like to say that I feel like the question is answered now. On reading and rereading Justin’s and Steve’s responses, I can see that there are and were two views – one more or less static and the other evolving and changing. It becomes easier to see now why it was difficult for Justin and Steve to see eye to eye and, although the outcome has been hard for many of us to accept, it appears that both of these men will continue to shine in the independent directions they are now taking. I wish each of them nothing but the best.

– Leslie Johnson Leech
San Diego, CA

It was so good to see old friends … Steve and Lia were sadly missed. I know we have more ahead as with all things in our lives. Move ahead as Steve, Lia, Liz Salada and others are, making changes in their lives. We all know the essence of T’ai Chi Chih will carry us where we need to go. Thank you Timothy.

– Jean Horton
Grand Junction, CO

Although I have been an active TCC teacher since June 1, 1996, this July marked my first Teacher’s Conference, and after this wonderful experience it definitely won’t be my last. Meeting incredible “new” friends and re-meeting dear “old” friends made it feel like homecoming. The atmosphere was concurrently electric, serene, loving and fun. Many thanks to Timothy, Pam, Ed and Noel, Justin, Carmen, Sister Antonia and everyone else who contributed their time, efforts and love to this most successful endeavor. I am looking forward to next year in Albuquerque. With Love,

– Kristina Newcomer
Whittier, CA

The conference where I cleaned up “my act.” (transformation). Timothy’s guiding, firm focus shepherding us onward great food choices and happy, community meals outside on the verandah. Beautiful campus.

Meaningful connecting through the clockwork circles. Sore feet, calf muscles soaked and massaged at days end. Friends, teachers missed, who could not come, present, remembered in the movement. Exhilaration of the jing from Justin (ecstasy).

– Mark Moloney
St. Louis, MO

Suggestions for Next Time . . .

To me TCC was over done. It was like having too much of a good thing, after a while it becomes its opposite.

Would appreciate “seated TCC” — actual demo.

Not enough time to have lunch, buy TCC materials and rest.

Accommodations — Rooms – too far from meeting hall.

Outside practice, please! Seated meditation after TCC practice, led by Justin.

Sales rooms/VFJ table – located too far away.

Friday Introduction Session – 12 to 15 people come to the front and stand in a row facing the audience, brief introduction.

Rededication Ceremony – add a verbal commitment which each person could say as they light their candle. I liked it better when we were in concentric circles.

All teachers need feedback on their form. [However,] corrections during [silent] practice [detracts from] everyone’s focus, puts people on their guard, and diminishes joy. Break into small groups for corrections by Ed, Pam, Justin.