Peace And All Good!

BY SR. ANTONIA COOPER, OSF, NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ

Wishing each of you a Happy Chinese New Year – at the beginning of the Lunar New Year that falls on February 7th in this year of the rat. Many of our Asian brothers and sisters will be observing this time of change, much like those who make New Year’s resolutions on January 1st. What changes will this new year hold for each of us?

One thing is for sure: We do not have to think up what they could be, but we can allow them to evolve. My wish for each of you is that your T’ai Chi Chih form will deepen along with your understanding of “how to move” so that you will impart this essence to your students. But most importantly, perhaps you can allow the Chi to change you. Perhaps the resolution could be fidelity to daily practice.

Before looking forward to 2008, let’s backtrack to Justin’s Life Celebration on November 17th. For the 60 teachers and students who took part in this day with Justin, no words can describe the energy of Justin’s participation and his animation. Can he really be 91?! The celebration highlighted Justin’s diverse creative works: painting, poetry, writing, T’ai Chi Chih, and piano composition. Justin oversaw the program and contributed his photo collection, which has been compiled into a DVD biography of his life by the T’ai Chi Chih Association. This 17-minute DVD briefly sketches the highlights of Justin’s lifethrough photographs and narration. It was personally enriching to see photographs that connected many of the stories Justin has related over the years. Thanks to Ginny Morgan, Doug Harned, and Ann Rutherford, we now have historical pictures and text available for future generations of T’ai Chi Chih teachers and students. Along with the DVD, there is also a 10-minute CD of two poems that Justin calls, “my best creative work.” The poems, read by professional actors, are entitled, O Ye Restless Man and On the Mountains of the Moon. When they were played at the celebration, the audience was deeply affected. Pam, Sandy, and I will be showing the DVD during various programs we present. We feel it is important for people to experience the thread that was woven through a life to give the world T’ai Chi Chih (and so many other artistic and creative works.) These archival works will help to keep Justin’s life and memory alive for future generations.

In the Calendar you will see opportunities for intensives and teacher trainings along with retreats, workshops, and renewals. Teachers are encouraged to attend these with their students. But perhaps the months or locations don’t fit your busy life. If that is the case, please contact Sandy, Pam or me about sponsoring something in your area. In reflecting on past and upcoming events, the gift that enriches me most is being with so many dedicated practitioners. I am inspired by all those drawn to the T’ai Chi Chih form. I would never have imagined the impact this has in my life. For those who have not attended a program lately, you are especially welcome to be a part of the ongoing experience of evolution that emerges in silence, movement, refinement, and awareness. 

My gratitude to Justin for his fine article in the November 2007 Vital Force. We are hoping to grow an international scholarship fund for individuals who may need assistance in attending a teacher training. Justin has pledged a certain amount to this fund and “we hope other teachers will do likewise.” As soon as this has been set up, you will receive more information regarding the fund and whom to contact about requests and contributions. In the past, individuals, conferences, and area teachers made such funds available, and we are deeply grateful for this outpouring of interest.

Please consider attending the Annual Conference in the San Francisco Bay Area (July 17 – 20.) These four days invite us “In the Essence” to gather as a TCC community, be inspired and supported, and be renewed and energized. We look forward to welcoming and seeing you! Come and enjoy; come and have fun!

Wishing you abundant blessings in this New Year!