Sixteen Shiny New Teachers Go Forth From New Mexico

Teacher Training in Albuquerque, NM; Nov. 11-16, 2007

“If we examine it closely, we find that awareness is the root of T’ai Chi Chih, which is essentially inner-oriented. Circularity is the fundamental. And we already know that ‘softness and continuity’ are the Essence. When we practice T’ai Chi Chih faithfully, we will find that Love Energy is the fruit.”

– Justin Stone’s Spiritual Odyssey:

Comments from Justin to our entire group (attendees, auditors and trainers, alike):

Learn to flow. Don’t learn to move. There is no muscular effort. Muscular tension means tension. Any tension tends to close the meridian channels, which means you don’t get the flow of the Chi. The flow of Chi brings so many benefits. Chi is the basis of life. If you want to worship something, worship the Chi. To do T’ai Chi Chih properly is all important. You’re here to learn how to pass it along to others. That is your main purpose. You must be a good example of how to do T’ai Chi Chih yourself. When you are soliciting classes, make it provocative. My first advertisement in the classified section of the newspaper said, “Enter the cosmic Chi” to draw in students. And it worked!

A teacher must be very confident. People know instinctively there is a life force, though they don’t know what it is. Everybody is searching for this (TCC). I’m only interested in one thing: how you move. Three inches that way, two inches this way … That’s not T’ai Chi Chih! By moving, I don’t mean the moving shoulders and arms. How are you moving – particularly the legs, heals, toes. Concentrate on how your students are moving with the body.

From the newly accredited teachers:

“Although feedback is a part of T’ai Chi Chih, I wondered why it was here. At the beginning of the week, corrections felt like criticism. Gradually, though, I realized that the sense of negativity was coming from within me. I realized that feedback encouraged reflection. When I listened from my wholeness, the feedback felt like kisses and I was eager to get more. I started going around to the auditors looking for more. I am deeply grateful for the labor of love from the T’ai Chi Chih community.” – Sara Nelson, Kennewick, WA

“Abundance in the reality of a Chi that we share with others … as it has been abundantly gifted by Justin, Pam, Antonia and all the generous auditors. I have never experienced such a powerful week. My knees hurt, my nose is running, and I’ve never been so happy. – Pat Moseley, Spokane, WA

“The week has been more emotional than I ever anticipated. There are no appropriate words to express the magnitude of the love, support, and teaching provided by everyone present.” – Stephen Ryter, Boise, ID

“Mahalo (thank you) to all the teachers who shared their energy and wisdom with our accreditation class. And lots of Aloha (love) to Justin, who has made the biggest impact on my life by his gift of T’ai Chi Chih. A hui hou (until we meet again). – Sharon Cushman, Kea’au, HI

From an auditor:

“The teacher accreditation week is truly a transformational experience. During it, each candidate moved from serious practitioner to committed teacher. We felt TEH (the “inner sincerity” that characterizes a teacher’s commitment to keep TCC pure) developing in each candidate. … I understand that no matter how well students prepare for the training, candidates return to old patterns of moving before the Chi does a final sprint in transformation to create impeccable teachers. … Learning is an ongoing process while we keep a beginner’s mind. I believe the willingness to look at our own form as auditors and the commitment to improve supported the process of transformation in the candidates. Auditing teachers so willingly offered their expertise. Having the pleasure of the presence of Justin and Antonia was an added gift. – Lorraine Lepine, Overland Park, KS