Teacher finds seeds for renewal in articles that appear in The Vital Force

Dear Noel,

Every time I read through the newest edition of The Vital Force I just want to write you to tell you what a wonderful job you do in putting the magazine together. It’s not really only a wonderful job but a wonderful gift. I’m happy with the editorial decisions you’ve made re. what goes into the paper and how it goes in – as you say, “editing and not editing”!

The comments of teachers and candidates after an accreditation and/or conference are most helpful – maybe because it brings back memories of the tremendous learning I received at my accreditation and last summer’s conference and gives me points of renewed observation for my own practice. This past issue [December, 1999] is simply packed full of “seeds” for renewal.

Of course Justin’s and Ed’s articles are priceless – I always look for these first and come back to them several times in the intervening months. Justin’s article “Flow Softly” reminded me of a class last winter where one person was having great difficulty coordinating hands and feet and shifting. At one point I realised that not only was the student trying hard but I was trying even harder! I was momentarily embarrassed and then grateful for the awareness. I learned that “the effort of no effort” applies to my teaching as well as to T’ai Chi Chih practise. . .

Sincerely

– [Sr.] Viola Bens, ose