“Love Letters”

Prior to the conference, I reviewed 20 years of T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) folders, notes, letters, and Justin’s books. Because it was held in Albuquerque this year, I also revisited several years of notes exchanged with Justin Stone. I choose to refer to them as “Love Letters.” To me, Justin was all about love. Love of TCC and the teachers. His love was expressed with a congratulatory typed note to each new teacher. We all cherish those “Love Letters.”

His sharing of Turiya meditation in his home (followed by a group dinner and instruction), that was more love. When I wrote that I was struggling with the meditation, Justin lovingly wrote back, “It takes time for the mind to build the habit energy where, eventually you will go right into meditation. Stick to it and try to sit at approximately the same time every day. The reward, Mary, is great, and I do not mean for just a short time.”

Anyone traveling to Albuquerque remembers being encouraged to include the Tuesday morning teacher practice at the TCC center with his sometimes-critical instruction. He only wanted us to do it correctly. Following practice? “Second Breakfast” — more love.

A note from Justin could simply be a note of THANKS for attending a conference. A birthday celebration at the TCC center. A modest donation toward supporting the center that he loved. A stock market comment. And encouragement during difficult cycles because he cared about how I was coping. Justin always ended his notes with gratitude and encouragement. We can all learn from that, another form of Love.