Note from Justin (Fall 1989)

At the recent very enjoyable Teachers’ Conference in Albuquerque, I was pleased to hear frequent reference to the “T’ai Chi Community.” I do not take this as an organizational reference–T’ai Chi Chih does not have an organization–but as a description of a spiritual community that has grown very naturally from T’ai Chi Chih. This would include not only the teachers but their sincere students as well. This wave of the T’ai Chi Chih Community is slowly spreading throughout the world, furnishing a constructive force that is badly needed to counter the influence of drugs and violence (all prompted by greed). The peace that emanates from T’ai Chi Chih practice should have a noticeable effect as T’ai Chi Chih continues to spread. It’s obvious in the faces of student and teacher alike as they conclude their practice. T’ai Chi Chih is truly a “moving meditation,” with spiritual as well as physical benefits.

My most pleasant memory of the Conference has to do with the early morning practice, in silence, at the Old Town Plaza–watched by many townspeople–as the sun began to rise over the Sandia mountains. It is interesting to note that the “Sandias” in India are the three periods of the day felt to be most suitable for meditation–sunrise, noon, and midnight. Some would also include dusk in this list.

There were many other highlights, including one discussion session led very ably by Guy Kent. He divided the group into a number of smaller units of nine each, so they could discuss various points about the future of T’ai Chi Chih. I have seen many such groups in so-called spiritual movements, and they often wind up with people at each others’ throats. None of that occurred in Albuquerque. There was enthusiastic conversation, with each one seemingly supportive of the others, and eventually the results were reported to the whole group. I am not much on discussions, but I was greatly impressed by the love and understanding that permeated the huge room during this time.

I have received many letters from those who learned the sound-with-movement from me, the Toning paired with Seijaku preliminaries. Apparently they feel the same surge of energy that I do. This is a powerful Yoga and a great force in one’s life. I will probably make it part of the “Heightened Awareness” seminars, starting with the one in Edmonton, Alberta at the end of September.

Much thanks must go to Carmen, Cliff, Virginia and others who planned the Conference so well. When everything goes smoothly it is not by accident. It is to be hoped that more teachers–many more–will come to next year’s Conference to reinvigorate themselves and their T’ai Chi Chih.

There was much talk of Seijaku at the Conference, but letters are not coming to me relative to a Course in Monterey in March. If I do not receive quite a few in September, it looks as though there will be no Course, though I would truly like every teacher to have the benefit of this most powerful of practices.

Lastly, I was glad the teachers at the Conference had a chance to come into intimate contact with Steve. When Steve said “No Compromise!,” I believe he was voicing the sentiments of all of us.