Conference Reflections

From Justin Stone’s Spiritual Odyssey: “A day of profound gratitude – when we are grateful we are joyous.” This quotation, which appeared within the conference schedule, set the tone for a joyous weekend filled with gratitude.

Also included in the program was “Our heartfelt gratitude to Justin Stone, Originator of T’ai Chi Chih.” The general welcome in print continued: “In the spirit of gratitude we return to the heartland for our annual TCC teacher’s conference. As we gather, we set our intention to embrace the joy of gratitude and receive all learning with an open heart. We are blessed with the wondrous gift of TCC, and may we be renewed with gratitude as we share this gift with the world.”

My deep gratitude is extended to all who helped to create an amazing TCC international conference at Lied Lodge. Several were responsible for preparing the way to Lied Lodge as teachers registered with anticipation of the mid-August gathering. Many teachers contributed to the conference schedule by presenting topics, offering feedback during movement work sessions, announcing community updates, selling items in the vendor room, sharing ways Justin’s writings can enhance our teaching, opening to Seijaku, “Star Chart”-ing, viewing Justin’s DVD conference message, leading practices, preparing students for teacher training-panel, answering questions, raffling chances … and on and on. The conference was informative, enriching and very energizing as we reflected on Gratitude throughout.

As in past years there is always time set aside on Sunday for my thoughts on the future of TCC. I offered one example: “To someday have 300 teachers attend conference.” The follow up to this was questions posed to conference participants: How do you see our future – What is your dream? After a few moments of reflection the following “nine dreams” came forth:

• To establish TCC centers in various parts of the country. (How about around the world?)

• To have more young people become part of our TCC family. In groups with specific goals, such as presenting to the United Nations.

• For all people to be as familiar with the form TCC as they are with Yoga.

• That we will be a community in unity. Maintain the vision (Justin’s). We are a puzzle of many different pieces coming together. What a grace it is to be together, even as we are leaving conference.

• As we practice TCC, we will truly experience “Joy thru Movement” as our focus.

• How may we incorporate more joy… to nourish and be nourished?

• In the rededication ceremony it felt as though there was a “wave of Chi” moving through the room. We will grow and extend this out into the world as Joy thru Movement.

• That TCC will be practiced in the morning in city parks like various qigong practices done everywhere in China.

• Allow space for serious students to attend conference, and thus encourage their TCC journey as they experience the power of Chi and the energy of our time together.

• Honoring our originator and leaders and do so in a unity of mind, body and spirit with love and respect for one another.

Keeping in mind the universal principle, “Energy follows thought,” you the reader are invited to ponder the following, whether you are a student or a teacher: What is your dream for the future of TCC? How do you envision TCC in five, fifteen, fifty years? A whole new generation will take our places – the joy of impermanence. It is my dream that Justin’s vision will be carried on into that future and his legacy will be handed on as well. This is the only way TCC will survive as a form of service… with teh… with Joy thru Movement. How will you pass on this legacy, not five or fifteen years from now, but with every class, every practice?

That about sums it up. You will read many contributions in this issue of TheVitalForce of how gratitude touched the heart and spirit of participants. We look forward to Conference 2011 at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, Ohio, which is a unique woodland setting nestled on the shore of Lake Erie. Come join us at this Great Lake to “Go with the Flow” as three area teachers prepare to welcome us from July 21 to 24. Hope to see you there. Could this be the year of 300 participants? Reserve your space at a reduced price, and be one of the first 150 to register. See you there. Wishing each of you peace and all good.