Justin Proud!

I am not enthusiastic about writing. As I think over and over again about what to say, I hear you thinking: “Lynne, get up and do some T’ai Chi Chih.” At least, that’s the first thing Justin would have told me. After a Seijaku practice and Sandy’s Zoom practice this morning, don’t you think that would bring forth a great article? We shall see.

Over the past three decades I have taught several classes weekly. My last week of six regularly scheduled TCC classes came to a close on March 13th here in Missoula, Montana due to COVID-19. The abrupt halt felt like a great loss of a way of life. Then the awareness of online Zoom teacher practices gave me a huge boost, a new way forward for a COVID-19 life. As of this writing, I have returned to teaching two of six weekly classes.

Thank you to Monica Cejudo, Jessica Lewis, Lisa Stroyan, Janet Starr, Margery Erickson, Anita Vestal, Becky Shinas and Albuquerque teachers. Over the last four months I have experienced a practice or several with each of you (and those who have led during teacher’s circle and rotating practices). I continue to be grateful for COVID-19 Zoom practices. I have donated to all of our much-needed and appreciated TCC fund on behalf of each of you.

I so appreciate Sandy’s Tuesday morning practices and guidance, a perfect fill-in for our missing annual conference. Wow, and on a weekly basis! And I appreciate Pam’s ongoing TCC support. Justin proud! In sincere gratitude and blessings all around.

We Are All Connected

Bu Julie Anongos, Monterey, California

At times I’ve heard myself say I wish I had met Justin Stone, as my discovery of T’ai Chi Chih did not occur until 2013. When I first heard stories about Justin from other teachers who were his direct students, I experienced feelings of loss. I don’t know exactly when these feelings changed, but I do know they changed, in large part, because of the influence of four of my students – Ellen, Bob, Ann and Fred – all of whom knew Justin when he lived on the Monterey Peninsula in California in the early 1970s.

When Justin needed a place to teach, Ellen’s husband, Donald, cleared out his Carmel gallery for Justin’s classes. Ellen became one of Justin’s first students and continues to practice to this day, more than 50 years later.

Bob attempted TCC at that time and decided it wasn’t for him. Instead, he and Justin became friends, sharing their mutual interest in the stock market. Now in his 80’s, Bob has taken up TCC. When I see him in our circle, my heart literally melts. He is a gentle soul flowing peacefully.

Ann and Fred were also Justin’s students at the Carmel gallery. I was so excited when Ann shared her TCC Photo Text with me from that period. It was interesting to see how the practice has evolved. Her husband, Fred, has also taken up TCC again and is so enthusiastic. It’s delightful to watch him and to hear his questions and comments. About Justin, he remembers “how comfortable he made it to do something so radically new and different – his commitment to teaching, his grace – and how every element of a move was so beautifully integrated into a coordinated flow.”

I am very fond of each of these individuals who inspire me to continue to teach TCC. They remind me that we are one, that we are all connected. Through them I have come to know Justin Stone.