Letters from Teachers (Fall 1989)

To Justin, Steve and Fellow Teachers,

The T’ai Chi Chih Teachers Conference, which was a first for me, can best be described by quoting from our Native American brothers, “My heart soared like an eagle. So much was contributed by everyone. In spite of the degrees of experiences, assortment of personalities and varying ideas, there was the harmony of One mind.

What can I say about the new techniques we learned? The Chi was truly with us. I imagined as we were toning that the vibrations drifted into the atmosphere blending with the trilling of our Arab brothers then pulsating into the resounding Om of the Himalayas. Perhaps some day those sounds will be picked up by future astronauts as once before music was heard from another time.

I particularly enjoyed the presentation of our Native American sisters from the “Sky City” of Acoma. I have long had a keen interest in Native American culture. To have them at the conference sharing with us was a richly rewarding educational experience, adding another piece of the puzzle toward our wholeness.

Without a doubt T’ai Chi Chih will flourish. It will be like a myriad of stars showering light, love and wholeness around the world.

My birthday was August 11. Thank you for the beautiful gift of spiritual inspiration and Renewal.

Think Big! Think Positive! Think T’ai Chi Chih!

– Doris Dandridge
Albuquerque, NM

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Dear Justin:

My first class was given last Saturday morning and the students are very enthusiastic. My computer-wizard son helped to design a flyer to interest others to form a second and third class. Three classes per week is my goal at present.

I have received an invitation from the Patrons of Golden West College to be the featured speaker at their October luncheon meeting. (This came out of the blue triggered by the curiosity of the Patrons’ president!) Since I do volunteer tutoring in English As a Second Language, and am a paid tutor in the Department for the Disabled, I am hoping this speech and demonstration will lead to teaching T’ai Chi Chih to some of the disabled students.

My personal benefits from the practice of T’ai Chi Chih thus far have been the discontinued use of medication prescribed for hiatal hernia and gallbladder spasms, control of a chronic inner ear problem, and overall firming of the body. T’ai Chi Chih has been a great blessing for me!

– Jean Doan
Huntington Beach, CA

P.S. I have been assigned as a reader for a blind student who was a former marathon runner. She has requested instruction in T’ai Chi Chih and is an apt pupil. She will be appearing with me at the presentation in October!

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I was gratified to learn that when I recently had my eyes tested, my nearsightedness had improved and the power in my prescription had to be lessened. My optometrist had no explanation, but I do! It’s most certainly the result of an accumulation of chi from many years of T’ai Chi Chih practice.

– Jean Katus
Fort Yates, ND

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As a new graduate of the recent Teacher Training in San Clemente, CA, I would like to thank all the “old” teachers who contributed to our teacher packet.

The material is invaluable and should save us countless hours by not having to reinvent the wheel in several areas.

Their willingness to share materials that have been forged in the field is a wonderful graduation gift.

It says to me: “We love you; we support you, and desire your success as you join us in our common goal to give the gift of T’ai Chi Chih to the world.”

Thank you. Love

– Corine Reeber
Pt. Hueneme, CA

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Sharing for VITAL FORCE,

My heart opens in gratitude to everyone who contributes even the smallest sentence in the VITAL FORCE as words here and there touch deep remembrances within. Please keep sharing yourselves so we can all grow! While deep in meditation one afternoon I found myself doing “Passing Clouds.” How incredible! Here I am sitting silently, yet I’m also doing “Passing Clouds!” Or are the “passing clouds” doing me? Suddenly, I find myself rising up out of the movements, out of my body, yet my body is still doing “passing clouds” and still deep in sitting meditation! This is too much! Time to come back to “reality!” But a lasting impression has been made. Another one reminding me who I truly am. Who we all truly are! Consciousness! Bliss! Creation itself! Constantly evolving! Constantly “pulling the sticky taffy” from our minds and bodies so we can merge with and live as the “light at the top of our heads!”

With blessings to you,

– Tim Stuetz
Anaheim, CA