Conference Q&A: “There is Only One Thing Going On”

Conference Q&A

#1: Why did you come to this year’s conference?

To connect with the community. Deepen my TCC. Root. (DB)

To celebrate live 50 years of TCC and to keep the spirit of conferences vital as it was the first in-person since 2019. Also, it was closer to my home. (AMN)

For the experience of my life. (JZM)

To come together in person again; to deepen/reinvigorate the practice/to celebrate the 50th. (SSW)

I missed in-person conferences, I was accredited in Albuquerque, and I thought the 50th anniversary couldn’t be missed. (JT)

I didn’t have the choice. Actually, it was to be with the TCC community again to honor Justin. (GK)

It was the right thing to do at this point in time/my life. (SES)

50th anniversary, Albuquerque. (DA)

To renew my motivation for practice/teaching and to refine movements. (CM)

To reunion with my fellow TCC teachers after COVID and to celebrate the 50th year creation of TCC and so much more. (JB)

It was the first in-person conference since our accreditation; thanks COVID. (JJJ)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of TCC. To meet in person all the wonderful teachers I had previously only known over Zoom. (BZ)

To stay fresh, make sure I am moving correctly, fulfill Justin’s desire to stay informed, see friends, and maintain motivation. (LV)

To reconnect with teachers I know and meet those I didn’t know. To learn, to heal, and to feel the gathered Chi. (TJ)

To continue to love TCC; to refine movements; and to gain general insights from other teachers from various geographical areas. (MC)

I come to every conference. (SKY-W)

It was in person and close by; for personal development; for the 50th anniversary. (MD)

I wanted to connect with the greater TCC Community, learn more about TCC, and get resources. (EM)

Because it had been five years since our last conference. (ST)

I’m a new teacher. I wanted to make connections and meet people I’ve only seen on Zoom. (BM)

First reason: the people. Also to deepen my practice.  (JMC)

First in-person in years; wanting to feel the community; unity. (JKV)

First conference for me and no travel. (MEQ)

Because I needed to reconnect. With my feet and with others. (HH)

I have never been to an in-person conference and wanted to see what it was like. (DML)

I haven’t participated in any in-person conference since my accreditation. The 2023 online conference was beneficial. (KSLee)

I was a regular participant until COVID and I really missed being with you all. (LT)

Chance to be in person with all the teachers/trainers I had only seen on Zoom. The chance to learn and practice together/community. (PH)

I am a TCC conference “junkie” and have attended most of the annual conferences. (HH)

Reconnect with the practice of TCC. (DA)

Combination of 50th anniversary and it had been a long time since being at an in-person conference. (PEC)

Connect with other teachers. Improve teaching ideas and movements. (JL)

Deepen connections with the community, refine my practice, deepen with the spiritual aspects. (LCS)

50th anniversary of TCC; my first in-person conference; to meet my mentor teachers, fellow teachers, and community. (SG)

To honor the first 50 years. (RTP)

Connect with other instructors. Learn and grasp and practice movement. (NH)

#2: Did you get what you expected?

All respondents answered “yes.”

#3: What surprised you? What did you get that you didn’t expect?

So many new connections and so much help from unexpected people on the raffle, etc. (JT)

Mixing small groups to build connections among teachers. Future: would be great to expand that (maybe at meals). If possible, include photos with registrants in packets. (SSW)

How deep the love was felt at the core of my very existence. (JZM)

I am always in awe of the amount of work and dedication with a TCC conference. This did not disappoint. It’s always so impactful to have a large group of TCC teachers practicing TCC in unison. (AMN)

I felt a oneness with Justin (Carmen) and the entire TCC community. At the same time, I felt I deepened my understanding of TCC. (DB)

The number of times I lost something — not in my feet! The lessons of patience, not responding with short responses. (GK)

How wonderful the small groups were. The lack of movement refinement with Sandy. (SKY-W)

Learned more about outreach and opportunities working with veterans. The “book” and “blanket” story was amazing. (MD)

Learning so much more about TCC on a deeper level. Meeting so many wonderful people. (EM)

Lots of time to connect with new people in our community. (ST)

The outpouring of loving kindness from all in the community. How the practice originated. (APR)

The power of the small group really surprised me. The spheres and elbow talk was so great; didn’t expect to find more for my practice. (JKV)

Accelerated pace. (MEQ)

Dancing with Michelle and Fusun at 0630 near the pavilion. “Forever young!” (HH)

Instant acceptance, connection, kindness, and gratitude. (KCC)

Down-to-earth, heart-to-heart conversations between teachers without reservations. (KSLee)

Laurie Jacobi’s presentation. I really enjoyed all of the small breakout sessions. Lots of bonding took place. (LT)

The exceptional quality of food. The many smiles and laughter are experiences at in-person events. (SES)

Small group discussions — good idea. (SR)

The instant connection with everyone. (DA)

This was the best conference ever. Delighted with the way it flowed and the incredible leadership of the planning committee to take care of every detail. (JB)

I was surprised to see the flyer “Looking for New Teacher Trainers.” (BZ)

Permission to relax about the exact movement/position for the hands/arms. (LV)

How well-received the small groups were received. (SL)

Found many new friends with common interests and experiences outside of TCC. I always learn new things and ways to be a better teacher. (GN)

How many people “pay it forward” from various TCC groups around the U.S. The international connection of and interest in TCC. (MC)

The topic of worthiness wasn’t expected but became a theme for me personally. Wonderful new friendships. (PH)

The magic of meeting “Zoom People” in-person. The gently infused intention of a smooth, mindful stream of energy that kept me buoyed rather than burned out as an introvert. (AL)

I learned more than I expected. (DS)

How many people expressed gratitude for my presence and for speaking out about community issues and how Chi expressed through everyone. (HH)

How much the booklet helped to listen to the presenters. Clear messages were given by each presenter. (NJB)

The acoustics in Cancun Room were amazing. The practice of 6 Healing Sounds was so emotional and powerful. (DA)

I didn’t come with any conscious expectations. The surprises were connecting with people and discovering the web of inter-relationships in the TCC community. (PEC)

Thank you for Albuquerque teachers for this conference. (JL)

Courage to be myself; a growth of certainty and trust in the Chi. Someone else’s quote struck me, “the courage to be non-judgmental.” This was clear throughout the conference. (Also, loved the personal stories.) (LCS)

More grounding in the now. I experienced the best practice of my TCC journey on Sunday morning. It was magical and spiritual. (SG)

The break-out group questions and responses were particularly deep and thought-provoking for me this conference. (NF)

I did not expect to find the small group discussions so nourishing. Two of the three I attended became the core of the A-Ha’s the Chi had for me this weekend. (RTP)

#4: What did you come away with that you will carry over into your TCC practicing, teaching and life?

I am working on opening my heart. My takeaway token revealed this to me. (DB)

A renewed dedication to my personal practice and motivation to offer more ongoing TCC classes to my community. A deeper dive into the spirituality of TCC. (AMN)

The love. The grounding. The interesting and fun dynamics of all the people in our TCC family. (JJJ)

I always hear a new phrasing for how to describe a movement for myself and my students. (JT)

I am very comfortable in my practice. Each new class/drop-in presents challenges/growth experiences or potential. Opportunities to experience the Real. (SES)

Lots of ways to approach a new group. (SR)

Refined movements, rededication to help the world become whole. (DA)

The feeling and sharing of community Chi and how important it is to be open and willing to learn from everyone who participates in the practice of TCC. (JB)

Better grounding and circularity. (CAK)

“People are following you, dear.” (BZ)

Teach more about the principles, not just movements. (LV)

How important it is to practice, practice, practice and strive to do it correctly — be aware and ground.  (TJ)

I really want to improve my practice and start teaching. (SL)

“Roundness” equals sphere (words to use with students). “Let it be” (let students do their own thing as long as they are enjoying it). (GN)

Other participants’ vision. How to incorporate a sense of belonging in classes with disparate participants. (MC)

Joy. (SKY-W)

Keep reaching out to my local community — everyone needs TCC. (MD)

Becoming more aware of the finer points of the movements and realizing I can spend more time feeling and thinking about each movement. (EM)

Strong sense of community. Oneness. (ST)

The tweaking of Working the Pulley and dropping the elbow which helps release the shoulders. (JMC)

All of the knowledge and tips on each movement and the practice itself. Life stories. (APR)

The elbow going behind, how to move the wrists more, the freeing of the movement. (JKV)

Commitment, sincerity, heart-people. (MEQ)

Softness, strength. (HH)

The things that I absorbed were things about teaching ideas and techniques that I got while talking with other teachers in the food line or in the hall. (DML)

A greater awareness of my own practice growing, deepening, grounding; a deeper awareness and appreciation of Chi. (KCC)

Refinement of TCC practice movement tips. Energy of teachers who promised the future of TCC positive vibrations. Unity of the TCC community’s spirit. (KSLee)

I am worthy to have the gift of daily personal practice happen more consistently in my life. I also learned about other folks’ integration of spiritual practices which is something I was looking for. (PH)

Spheres. Letting go in the elbows. The subtle non-physical nuances in the practice that were discussed and explored. (AL)

Many subtle perspectives on various movements. (DL)

A renewed commitment for using my skills to contribute to the “evolution [of the TCC community] through Chi.” (HH)

Practice, practice, practice (DA)

Roundness/circularity in the practice. Variety in pacing. Grounding decreases excessive hand fluttering. The gem of “You are not doing it wrong. You can just do it better.” (PEC)

The refinements in my TCC practice as I reflect on all the movement presentations and discussions will make me a better teacher and deepen my spiritual journey. (SG)

#5: What will you tell people about the 2024 Conference if/when asked?

The small talks [groups] really were so deep and important. Albuquerque and its amazing people in TCC really have their act together. (DB)

That I was proud of the hard work and attention to detail. The use of media was great, woven well between live presentations. The message that Justin is always with us when we practice TCC. (AMN)

It was an experience that is hard to adequately describe verbally other than, perhaps, it was an all-encompassing feeling of loving inclusiveness. (JJJ)

It was invigorating and deeply satisfying to the spirit. (SSW)

It was great. We missed you. (JT)

It was a team effort that served our community. (GK)

Wonderful experience, nice location, heartfelt fellowship, more Chi felt in a group. (SES)

It was an experience of a lifetime. I plan to contact other four teachers in Saskatchewan and find some way to connect regularly. (DA)

Wonderful experience, an interesting place to visit, fantastic people from Albuquerque. (CM)

That it was magnificent and glorious in every way and in every day of the conference. (JB)

TCC is alive and well. And it is here to stay. (BZ)

You should have been here. Enjoyed small group conversations. (LV)

A lot of people worked hard to make an impressive, positive, welcoming environment. So happy to visit the TCC Center, too. (TJ)

How wonderful the community works when it comes together. Many hands make light work. (SL)

Powerful, a bit rushed. I needed more time between presentations and events. Very well organized. (GN)

Hearing people’s stories enhanced my continued interest in what brought people to TCC. Reinforced/expanded TCC concepts; principles brought movement, modality, moving meditation interpretation. Purely a joyful “chi-ful” sight and sound and movement experience.  (MC)

It was the most wonderful TCC reunion imaginable. (SKY-W)

Awesome experience — put it on your calendar and make it happen. You will fill your cup and share with wonderful people. (MD)

How it helped me to slow down my movements. How great it was to meet so many others from TCC community. (EM)

You missed a great one. (ST)

It was a wonderful conference which helped me tweak my practice and deepen it mindfully and spiritually. (JMC)

The love and understanding of the practice and history deepened as we communicated with each other and with those that had known Justin. (APR)

So much sharing, unity in community, concentrating on movement. (JKV)

Beautifully well organized, great program, no “stars.” Just perfect. (KCC)

Very informative and enthusiastic about the practice of TCC. The format of the conference was comprehensive and informative. (KSLee)

The wonderful sense of community — a grace-filled, safe group to be yourself and deepen your practice and gain inspiration. (PH)

Grand time connecting. Learned so much from each presenter. (NJB)

It was sensational. The instant feeling of connection with new people — the feeling of friendships — simply amazing. (DA)

The 2024 conference was an incredible celebration and coming together of community, with many insights, friendships, and new hints deepening. And the food, program and venue were excellent. (LCS)

There is only one thing going on. Awesome. (SG)

I’ll tell them about the love, connection, and strong sense of community. (NF)

It is worth every penny and every bit of energy expended. The food and dining arrangements were extraordinary. The organization and flow of small groups was brilliant. (RTP)

How so many can come together as one. (NH)