Flowing Into the New Millenium with Softness and Continuity: Conference Responses

15th International T’ai Chi Chih Teacher’s Conference

July 20 – 23, 2000

Xavier Retreat and Conference Center, Convent Station, New Jersey

Just a fantastic job done by the conference committee under Sister Antonia’s and Carolyn’s guidance. Lots of elves that magically attended to all the details – posting signs, water refills, chairs, electronics, music. Many thanks to all for making this a great momentum builder for the new millenium!

– Guy Kent
Albuquerque, NM

What an enriching & enlightening experience!! I always learn something new. The lessons of hard work & repetition reinforce the depth of my practice. What a duality: hard work & working for softness. Thank you.

– David Schulberg
San Lorenzo, CA

I always seem to hear what I need to hear and see what I need to see at the annual conference. My understanding of TCC seems to be more real as time goes on.

The interactive practice on Saturday was particularly helpful and was handled very well with microphones provided for questions and answers. This format gives us a healthy forum for interchange in an undefensive way.

My particular thanks to Ed for being candid, open, vulnerable and humorous in his sharing with us all. It seems like he erases any tension with his understanding and choice of words. Now we have two great leaders who seem to complement each other. I am very grateful for both of them.

– Jan Arrott
Las Vegas, NM

The energy, vitality & love in this conference was inspiring to us all. Even I could revel in the subtle energy that filled every cranny of Xavier Center. Ed’s talk on integrity gave us so much to think about & to put into our lives. Thanks, Ed. And we were so fortunate that Justin stopped the “show” to wisely emphasise the importance of moving, swiveling from the waist. I’m grateful to him for his kind words.

Every conference must have it’s own personality and this one was JOYFUL! Carolyn & Sr. Antonia set the tone for that. Thank you Sr. & Carolyn & your “staff” for a beautiful weekend.

– Jack Stankard
Hopkins, MN

I have always been extremely impressed by the teachers who travel such long distances to attend the conference. There has to be something extremely special about T’ai Chi Chih to make such long journeys. . . . Other than improving my T’ai Chi Chih movements, I thoroughly enjoyed Justin’s spiritual talk (and Ed’s) very much. Totally excellent!!! . . . * Extra thanks – to Sr. Antonia, Carolyn Perkins & Victor Viereck who did most of the work. I have had the pleasure of being associated with the planning of the conference and the committee members.

– Paula Favorito
New Milford, NJ

. . . When we received a piece of sea glass at the opening ceremony it reminded me of my differences as it was odd-shaped with rough edges. The rough edge was a constant reminder to become soft in my practice. With the help of some wonderful available teachers, it was possible for me to smooth some of my rough edges during the conference. . . .

– Larry Sava
Lubbock, TX
(First-time Attendee)

. . . The opportunity to focus on refinement with Justin and Ed is the primary reason I come to conference year after year. It was wonderful to practice with 150 teachers who are dedicated to spending time to raise their level of understanding of how the chi moves through them. . . .

– Roberta Taggart
Cupertino, CA

The 2000 Conference is everything everyone had told me it would be. The sincerity and joy of the participants was catching. The energy, the chi was all around . . .

– Sr. M. Pauletta Kane
Henderson, KY
(First-time Attendee)

This is so wonderful to flow all together. So many faces, so many different individuals all doing 19 movements and one pose—all in unison, we enter the cosmic rhythm as Ed has so often mentioned. . . . From the start, people were attentive and very appreciative of the teaching Justin, Ed and all of the teachers shared with us. Isn’t this the best reason to come back for more? I’m very grateful to be part of this growing “family,” to be part of this evolutionary process. Once more, Thank you Justin.

– Caroline Guilott
Lake Charles, LA
(First-time Attendee)

. . . The TCC movements and insights as taught by Justin and Ed were great and have certainly brought my practice to a new level. Working with other teachers at this level was also very productive. It was also wonderful to see old friends and to make new friends. Throughout the conference, I appreciated the effort that Sr. Antonia and Carolyn put into this event. I wish to thank them for making this happen on the East Coast. . . . This was my first conference, but it won’t be my last.

– Opie Reed
Holley, NY
(First-time Attendee)

There was a part of me that was hesitant about coming to the conference. I was accredited last October, and have since gone through some difficult life transitions. I haven’t taught a class yet, and thought that I wouldn’t feel very much a part of the TCC Community. I was wrong. I’ve not only been able to connect with old friends, but have made some new ones. I’m already looking forward to next year’s Conference. I can’t imagine teaching TCC classes without the regular support (and corrections) that we get at the annual Conference.

– Paula Ahles
Gilbert, AZ
(First-time Attendee)

Thank you for choosing a quiet and beautiful location that allowed for walking and outside places for meditation/contemplation. . . . The practice refinement talk by Ed about moving from the center, staying in alignment and asking questions about weakness and tension was immensely helpful to me and will be something I will share with my students!

– Eric Imbody
Denver, CO

A beautifully planned out and executed event. I was very impressed (and amazed!) at how smoothly it went—one after another, each ‘segment’ flowed seamlessly, and each thing on the daily schedule was balanced by what followed.

The group practice was what I needed badly, to reinforce my understanding of the moves and to refine my form, and each time we met, the comments on specific aspects of each move were of great value. In addition, we had enough practice sessions to really solidify what we’d discussed the time before. . . .

– Karen Roewade-Houser
Silver Spring, MD
(First-time Attendee)

This was a most enriching TCC conference for me. . . . Most grateful for corrections made to me personally. I leave here very enriched, uplifted, very elevated to teach . . . Ed’s presentation on Chi and Violence made a lot of sense and it was very practical for our group and how we respond to life’s daily challenges. . . .

– Sr. Juanita Morales
Newburgh, NY
(First-time Attendee)

A few weeks before coming to the T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Conference at Xavier Center in New Jersey, I was doing one of my periodic checks of my moves. I asked myself questions. Am I shifting my weight fully? Is my spine straight? Am I moving as if I am moving through very heavy air?

These are the same questions I ask my students. What I felt I needed were more specific questions. On Friday afternoon the questions I asked for were spoken by Ed:

Is there any tension in your body? If there is tension you are using strength to cover up a weakness. Release it. Work from the bottom up.
Check your ankles. Is there tension? Release it.
Check your knees. Is there tension? Release it.
Check your back. Is there tension? Release it.
Check your shoulders. Is there tension? Release it.
Check your wrists. Is there tension? Release it.

As I review these checkpoints, it reminds me of the oil change and lubrication we give our cars every 3000 miles. It’s good to give our T’ai Chi Chih practice a good check up, too. Of course, this needs to be done more often than every 3000 miles.

– Margery Erickson
Hanover, PA

This was my first conference ever and I really loved it! It was very worthwhile and helpful. I would have liked more time for round table discussions and more opportunity to attend several . . . What I liked BEST is that I could walk up and ask Justin Stone himself any questions that I wanted and walk up and ask Ed Altman anything I wanted. And they took the time to answer thoughtfully and carefully! Lots of Great energy and wonderful, joyous connections at the spiritual level! I made fabulous new friends that really resonate!

It was difficult being corrected over and over & over for the same errors when I had just learned something new and hadn’t had time to incorporate it into my practice yet. I tried hard for an open cup and refrained from saying I’d already been told that ten times. I need time to make changes. I am grateful however for the pain & embarrassment of this—it will drive me to work harder on these changes.

At the last practice of the conference, I found myself standing in PERFECT ALIGNMENT—with Ed Altman, Noel Altman, Sister Antonia and Justin Stone (across the room). It was such a perfect moment that tears were streaming down my face. I will always remember that moment. It will remind me to be in alignment.

[Chart by Mary Stebbins: Justin X — Sr. A X | Noel X — Ed X | Mary X]

I was facing Justin and Sr. Antonia and we were moving toward and away from each other like YIN and YANG! WOW!

– Mary Stebbins
Baldwinsville, NY
(First-time Attendee)

The image of “no splash” really speaks to me. For me it was emphasized in Justin’s two attributes of gratitude and desirelessness and Ed’s talk on Violence (for me, non-violence) – “petting the dog.” This “no splash” is an inner strength and a whole way of being that bespeaks the spirituality of my life. Thank you for helping me to name what’s been going on.

– Sr. Rose Marie Adams
Wayne, PA
(First-time Attendee)

I appreciated the schedule. It was full yet there was breathing space within the time frames. There seemed to be an effort to meet and give a suggestion to each person. Having experienced teachers leading the practices modeled well the flow & continuity of the moves. . . .

– Sr. Celeste Crine
Wilmington, DE
(First-time Attendee)

. . . I appreciated the jewels of wisdom that nourished my soul:
1. “I patted the dog—that gentle action changed everything.”
2. The generosity of people who gave me gifts of appreciation, healing, prayers, Justin’s tape….In their giving I learnt to receive.
3. (Being part of) Justin’s stillness.
4. Moving in unison in a large group—experiencing the stillness, and harmony.
5. Being aware of my own movement—transferring weight, gentle hands moving through the air, giving and receiving.
6. Sharing with so many people—Thank you everyone!

– Trisha J. Hargaden
New York, NY
(First-time Attendee)

This was the best Teachers Conference so far. The instruction by Ed and Justin was excellent, the atmosphere was very relaxing, and the teachers were warm and joyous to be around.

– Dale Buchanan
Herndon, VA

What a privilege to be present here! It was wonderful to see Justin, Ed, Noel and others I had met at my own training, Seijaku, and the [NJ] teacher training last year. It was also wonderful to make new friends! I so appreciated all that Justin and Ed shared . . . I’m going home renewed and inspired. . . . . May we all flow with softness and continuity from our deepest center so others can share in our peace and joy!

– Sr. Mary Griffin
Brookhaven, PA
(First-time Attendee)

Everything went very smoothly and well. Ed’s corrections of the movements was very clear and helpful. His personal testimony was very inspiring. We are fortunate to have Ed for our leader and head of T.C.C.

Carmen’s ideas on forming classes and preparing teachers was very well done.

Each conference that I attend seems to be better than the past ones.

T.C.C. is in for a great future. Hopefully our world will become a better place through our efforts.

– Caroline Chavez
Albuquerque, NM

My strongest feeling is that the spirit of love, commitment, and community that was so present during the Conference drew me back to the heart of TCC which I experienced during my teacher training a year ago.

Coming into the early practice on Friday morning felt very sacred. It was such an honor to participate with the other teachers. Having Justin at the Conference sharing himself with us was very precious. . . .

– Diana Wright
Fountain Valley, CA
(First-time Attendee)

. . . I was very impressed with the care and concern our “planning committee” had that our conferees got the appropriate transportation to the airline terminals. It was a Trojan effort and I, for one, was impressed, even though I didn’t need the services myself.

It was a special treat to have Justin be present to share his experiences and wisdom with us. His generosity of spirit, positive encouragement, humility, and sparkling wit explain why he is so loved and respected by his students/teachers. It was truly an honor to have met him.

– Sue Reed
West Nyack, NY
(First-time Attendee)

This was a special weekend – so very much sharing and joy. Words are not sufficient to express the gifts that I will take home. (a) the getting acquainted time sharing was profound – sharing from the heart. (b) being with Justin Stone – listening to his stories, experiencing his sense of humor, reaping the rewards of his creativity. Justin has such a wealth of knowledge and life experiences that he freely shares. (c) The special interest groups – Seated TCC and Accreditation Preparation were especially helpful – and opened up new areas of TCC for me. (d) I would like to thank Ed Altman for sharing what is in his heart with us, this was a very precious gift. (e) all of the hard work and dedication of the Committee Members was appreciated and applauded. (f) Sister Antonia’s rededication ceremony – uplifting and memorable. Thank you one and all. I will leave New Jersey revitalized.

– Patricia Herbig
West End, NC

“Flow from the center”…. It was great to be reminded to come back to the “center,” to the T’an T’ien. I can’t say enough about how this conference has helped me. I can enter my practice with new awareness and spirit because of what I have gained from this weekend. The chi brought me here and knows what I have needed.

It is also a gift to be able to do T’ai Chi Chih with so many other teachers. I don’t have that opportunity throughout the year. I thank everyone for sharing their time, space and chi with me.

– Arthur Foo
Schenectady, NY
(First-time Attendee)

As I spiral out of this powerfully moving Conference I begin to reflect on the joy that built momentum as I renewed so many old and new friendships. An impressive “perfect wave.” Inwardly I watched my T’ai Chi Chih practice rise, fall, crash & burn and then begin the rebuilding process. It’s a marvelous process to watch & it’s wonderful to feel the support from the entire T’ai Chi Chih Community as we continue to unveil each of our own perfection.

There are no words, only hugs & deepest gratitude to Sr. Antonia, Carolyn Perkins & the entire staff that facillitated this hugely successful conference. PERFECT!

On a lighter side:
What do you call a group of T’ai Chi Chih teachers who come together from different parts of the USA & the world to do T’ai Chi Chih together?

Answer: A celebration of diversichi!

– Holly Davis
Fennville, MI

The conferences only get better and better! T’ai Chi Chih 2000 was exceptional. The setting—a beautiful retreat (Xavier Center) was wonderful as we lost no continuity between group meetings, eating and resting. The information provided by Justin and Ed was clear, to the point and very meaningful. When others asked questions about movements, I would realize “Oh, that’s me doing that.” Can my body do that movement differently—can I let go and trust? The other teachers I dined with are wonderful—so much TEH!

Thank you NY/NJ folks who put such a gathering together. Thank you Justin for originating T’ai Chi Chih and Ed for continuing to make it flow!

I miss not seeing other teachers I have seen in the past—I challenge you—if Alaskans can come to conferences so can you. (We all need you).

– Nancy Jo Bleier
Sitka, AK

My heart is filled with gratitude and I know this is a feeling that will last and carry me to next year’s conference. Each year that I attend I am warmed and delighted, even somewhat amazed by this group of people that gathers annually to celebrate T’ai Chi Chih—it’s not always the same individuals but it’s always the same combination of remarkable characteristics. The spirit of T’ai Chi Chih is concentrated, and beautifully expressed, at our annual conference. This year’s conference was its highest expression to date.

– Beverly McFarland
Cedar Crest, NM

Last year, we didn’t have Sister Antonia to lead the candlelight ceremony. Now I understand what we missed. Her smiles (and Carolyn’s) have lightened and brightened our days here, as well. . . . Thank you to all the planners and doers, both TCC teachers and Xavier staff, for three beautiful days here outside of time, living in a sea of shared and heightened chi, learning and growing. Thank you, Justin and Ed.

– Joanna Woodrow
San Jose, CA

For some reason I felt a lot more relaxed at this, my 3rd, conference. I’m not sure why, but I didn’t feel as rushed & I didn’t feel the tension that I felt at the ’98 and ’99 conferences. Maybe partly because there were not as many group practices as previous conferences. Last year I felt that I had too much chi built up within me & I could not dissipate it. This manifested itself as pressure at the temples.

I really liked the refinement & detailed correction sessions with Justin & Ed. I hope that these sessions will be included in all future conferences.

– Susan Evans
West Chester, OH

This is perhaps the most gentle, light-hearted & joyous conference I have ever attended. There was obvious great attention to the details of the schedule, housing, and programs which allowed the Conference to flow so smoothly from our collective T’an T’iens! I believe the physical safety & energy at the Xavier Center allowed me to personally move to much deeper levels & allow the Chi to do its work this weekend. . . .

I particularly enjoyed Justin & Ed’s spiritual talks concerning gratitude & Ahimsa [non-violence]. As teachers it is not enough to be soft, stay in our feet, allow the waist to turn, etc. We must live our lives accordingly. I take home with me renewed enthusiasm and committment for my practice and teaching, and precious memories of exchanges with old & new friends. See you next year! . . .

– Rhonda St. Martin
Albuquerque, NM

This was my first TCC Conference, and it was a very spiritual, rewarding, educational, Love-filled three days thus far. Tonight’s (Saturday) Candlelight Rededication Ceremony was so exquisitely done by Sister Antonia, and appropriately dedicated by Justin to Carmen Brocklehurst. I thank my TCC Family for their Love and acceptance of me. . . .

– Grady F. Anderson, Jr.
Nanuet, NY
(First-time Attendee)

I am so grateful for all the work that Sister Antonia and Carolyn put into planning and organizing this conference, along with their very hard working committee. Things went very smoothly and all the effort really showed.

I also especially want to thank Trisha for all the work she did organizing cabs to the airport for so many of us. That was a huge undertaking and she remained patient and friendly even though it was very stressful. . . .

– Robin Kidd
Chicago, IL

. . . The beauty/joy/spirit of each participant was evident. . . . Even Justin Stone was impressed with the feelings of joy & gratitude. He was truly happy & radiant. I for one experienced his essence & glow when he played the piano & interacted with our most wonderful, talented singer, Grace O’Connor. There was magic in the air. . .

– Paula Weiner
Chicago, IL

Justin spoke of gratitude and grateful is how I feel about being at this conference. It was wonderful to be a part of the unity & joy in the growth and positive direction of TCC.

The pointers I received from fellow teachers for improving my movements were valuable gifts that I could not have gotten anywhere else. Deepen my stance; step out farther…..all signs of holding back as I have been holding back in my life.

The presentations given by Justin and Ed and also Sr. Antonia’s closing about “Where Chi Can Take You” were all deeply inspiring. Once again I go home having experienced a spiritual shift that will forever change my life.

– Sherry Corson
Bemidji, MN
(First-time Attendee)

Sitting here listening to Justin play great jazz is the ultimate closing to a wonderful conference. We moved, we connected, we laughed and cried—new friends and old. I’ll be floating with softness and continuity for a long time.

– Carol Houtkooper
Yankton, SD