Dear Friends

Dear Friends,

Wishing you well in your TCC and other endeavors.

Justin asked me to write a piece for VFJ explaining how I left my assignment as head of TCC on a voluntary basis. In a resignation letter which appeared in the December ’96 issue, I explained why I felt the need to make the choice I did. I’ll review and elaborate a bit on those thoughts here to fulfill Justin’s request.

My decision for resigning was based on Justin’s expressed discontent and unhappiness about my way of conveying his TCC. He felt there were two TCC’s being taught, his and mine. I didn’t agree, yet expressed that “my TCC” was a slightly streamlined version of his, which gave me better results. In good conscience, I could only pass on the best TCC I knew through 20+ years of practice. Justin could not except this and said he would not attend the annual conference until this matter was resolved.

I communicated at length, in detail with Justin, primarily by writing, also over the phone, and in two homemade videotapes showing and talking about our slight movement differences as I perceived them and modeled the full practice, moving naturally, for his examination. None of these efforts resulted in resolution.

Recognizing our impasse and that the situation could only grow worse, I knew one of us had to make a decision. I deferred to Justin twice, offering to leave my post at his request, and he said that wasn’t a good resolution. Eventually, I called a third time and resigned.

I regret not being able to welcome new teachers into the fold and to interact in ways I became so grateful for through my role, yet TCC has its certain destiny which continues to unfold, now with new leadership. Justin as “originator” is assured that his TCC will be carried forward in the manner he prefers.

I am so thankful for those special years and continue to be rewarded by new adventures of sharing ‘ways’ along the way.

– In Love, Your Friend,
Steve Ridley

* * *

Dear Justin,

A free man is an endless gift
awakening others
to the treasure of themselves.
He gives without giving
and receives without expecting.
Abandoning hope
he is the embodiment of wholeness,
the inextinguishable flame
of eternal love.

– Loving You, Steve