Exploring Meditative Ways

The first weekend in June saw twenty-two people come together at Asilomar retreat center near Monterey, CA for an exceptional experience in meditation and T’ai Chi Chih practice with Steve Ridley. The pace was relaxed and provided a much needed rest and renewal for participants. For those who practice and meditate regularly, an opportunity to work with Steve is invaluable. For beginners, the retreat opened up a whole new world. Steve seems to have the ability to intuitively know what is needed in the group and structures the time to fill those needs. A wonderful balance of sitting meditation and TCC practice was the result this weekend.

The retreat was scheduled to immediately precede a teacher’s training course in Alameda and several teacher candidates were also at the retreat. I can’t think of a better way to begin a relationship with the TCC family than to spend a weekend in peaceful retreat with a group of loving people. I enjoyed getting to know new people and offering support and encouragement for the week ahead.

It has always been my experience that any time spent working and practicing with Steve has resulted in a deeper understanding, more powerful movements and a feeling of stronger connection. This retreat was no exception. I returned to Albuquerque fresh and new and eager to teach.

Teaching has always been my greatest joy, before I am anything else I am a teacher. So when I began my class, it was as always, with excitement. I was not prepared for the overwhelming enthusiasm of my students. They were on fire! I have never had a class learn so fast, so well, and be so demanding of me. They asked questions I’ve never answered before and wanted more, more, more. I feel as though I have become clearer, a better receptacle for the Chi and so a better teacher. I feel very grateful and know that my participation in Steve’s meditation retreat along with continued practice are responsible for what feels like a leap in my development.

I would like to encourage every person to think twice when an opportunity for growth presents itself and to check The Vital Force calendar carefully and plan to give yourself the opportunity once in a while. It is too easy to neglect ourselves – give yourself a treat. Make the time; your students deserve it.