TCC Retreat

With Carmen Brocklehurst in Albuquerque, New Mexico; October 2011

Compiled by Sheryl Adair (Atlanta, Georgia) and Caroline Guilott (Lake Charles, Louisiana)

Here are some insights that attendees shared during evening get-togethers – in response to Carmen Brocklehurst’s two questions, “What did you get from the T’ai Chi Chih retreat? What has changed inside?”

Lemoyne complained that she didn’t feel anything but received encouragement to be mindful. She said “Why can’t I make space for the Chi inside myself?” (CB says, “Know that it is beginning and it will continue.”)

Jerry said “I came to the retreat with complacency. After 18 years, I’d thought I heard it all, but I go home and don’t practice. I realize that I have to commit to myself, then I will do my practice.” (CB asks, “What steps are you going to take?”)

For JoAnn, the language has been helpful and she feels like she has learned a thousand things. (CB responds that, “The silence wants to be heard. You have been very attentive, hungry inside. When we are in that space of teh, it will unfold. Justin says it is the most important thing we can have inside of us.”)

Cecilia and Robert appreciated the corrections and decided to change their ways, to find the waist turn especially with the taffies. (CB suggests, “The Chi is calling both of you. You will help each other.)

Dianne felt inspired by the other people in the room, by their seeking spirit. It reminds her to feel gratitude for the Albuquerque community. She is sticking with the practice when usually she doesn’t stick with things. She appreciates the corrections and is open to the journey. (CB says, “Every single correction is a precious gem. There is synchronicity in life. We are the beloved of the Chi. On a spiritual level, we are shown that it matters.”)

For Mary, release, let go, opening, grounding are the words that came to her on the first night. She adds that, “Grounding is a challenge. I have a hard time settling down, and TCC is a miracle worker for that, and I can still have fun with it. The ‘taffies’ have not felt right, especially the wrists, but I decided not to worry. And when I didn’t worry, it all came together; all the words came true and everything felt right all together.” (CB reminds students that Justin says, “To have loose wrists, you have to have a loose mind.”)

“What did I get?” asks Pauline. “Everything. I always look forward here to my TCC time with myself and with my students. I signed up for this retreat on the last day of the last retreat. I have been preparing for this. I have clarity with who I am. I have purpose. What has changed? It is not only in the hands and feet; I feel it through my whole being, and I know there is more. That is so exciting. The transformation goes on, and I accept it with all of us.” (CB suggests that, “To make that commitment allows you to flow; it will carry you through a lot. It is amazing to see you come into this place of knowing, caring, developing into yourself.”)

Judy reflects that, “I feel very grounded. I have such clarity, and it is so easy when you are grounded. Things work. You feel a connection with people. When you are grounded, it all flows.” (CB affirms that, “This is a new level of being grounded.”)

Lisa told a story about something that had happened a week earlier. It was not only a story of car keys locked in the trunk in the middle of nowhere or of another woman being upset with the situation. She said, “The ‘old me’ would have been bitching. Instead, I did my TCC practice. Even the other woman went through a transition because of this practice. Our lives may have been extended. In that moment, I felt peace. I was able to hold the center. This stuff works. I actually experienced what Justin and Carmen have told me.” (CB says, “Thank you.”)