To All TCC Friends & with Gratitude for the Vital Force

For the last eleven years in Zimbabwe, The Vital Force has been a happy and informative companion. I’ve relied heavily on this link with you. I’ve also used Justin’s books, and this has been a source of growth and certainty. Rereading his messages and stories is always stimulating; they contain wisdom born from the depths of his meditation. And yes, we pass them to our students.

While teaching T’ai Chi Chih to so many cultures, I often wonder how our togetherness has changed their perspective on life. It’s really a wonder: the energies of God that pervade the movements, the moments of quiet after each set, the security in the evident Chi resonating through the body. So many of our students have been transient because of the chaotic situation in Zimbabwe. I taught TCC at our Harare Hospice Bereavement Center, where I volunteer to massage the bereaved. It’s been a source of energy, relaxation, and quiet in the midst of upheaval. Because of AIDS, murder, the violence of forced evacuation from farms, and disease, the HHBC is a beehive of activity. TCC was always on the menu of helping programs.

The Shona have not been as attracted to TCC as to their traditional movement forms. But I’m sure if some younger members of our TCC family became certified, it would spread. Unless one has lived in a chaotic situation where city hospitals are closed, medications are very limited, electricity is sporadic and little water available (thus a cholera epidemic), you cannot know the streeses. Oh, disaster. Justin had so often spoken of our energy for peace. Blessings on the great effects of TCC in our lives.

P.S. Because of my heart disease and without adequate treatment facilities in Harare, I have returned to the US for treatment and surgery. TCC has been a tremendous source of energy in my healing.