Remembering Justin Stone

I first met Justin through my first T’ai Chi Chih teacher, Ron Barker, and then through Justin’s books beginning with the TCC Photo Text. I really liked that Justin did not want money from teachers at every turn, and Justin’s history sounded interesting, and when I learned that he had created the form, I was intrigued.

Then I met Justin through my teacher trainer, Ed Altman, and from him I learned that Justin was the authority on TCC and that it was a serious practice. After being accredited, I went to every conference and visited the New Mexico TCC Center to practice with Justin, and I attended one of his meditation retreats. I wrote him often and would get postcards in return. So I sought him out. But he is, was, hard to describe. It reminds me of the 12 blind men trying to describe an elephant by touching a very small part of the elephant. I only met Justin a few times, only knew bits and pieces of him, but felt very connected. I miss him but feel he is still with me in my practice of TCC.

My feelings for and about Justin are wrapped into my feelings about my TCC practice. The person I was isn’t who I am today, and that has a great deal to do with my TCC practice. So how does one describe that relationship? Love and gratitude. And now I once again learn about Justin from his books and other teachers, and I am happy to meet him in my TCC practice still. Do your practice, read his books, talk to other teachers and you will know the heart of Justin Stone – all that you need to know.