Voices From the Serenity Conference

CONFERENCE

A Different Perspective on Working Hard

By Diana Bahn, New York, NY

Because I was on the planning committee with Alba and Janet and all the other dedicated teachers who volunteered this past year, my perception of the conference may differ from conference attendees.

From the moment I arrived in Woodcliff Lake until I drove away with my fellow New Yorkers back to the Big Apple, I felt swept up in a big friendly ocean of excitement, movement, and responsibility. Alba and Janet set the form and many of us on the committee worked with it as best we could – albeit moving within our own idiosyncratic rhythm. I have never been at a conference where I had so little time to myself, and yet that made this conference especially dear to me. Ultimately, I really didn’t need that “special” time because every moment I was at the conference was vital and jam-packed.

I especially enjoyed the group practices and feel that the movement tips from Pam, Sandy, and Antonia were so clear and correct that I have material to work with over the next year. The flow and tone of the conference – starting with the harpist and progressing to Rafael’s heavenly inspirations, a “folksy” community practice on Saturday afternoon, and the final outdoor practice accompanied by a fire alarm (and my ultimate ability to incorporate them in the moving meditation) – was quite a sequence the universe presented to really get the message across of “serenity in the midst of activity.”

Maybe my perception has been colored by my conditioning. I was brought up to believe that if you work hard at something you get something back. This often backfires when I do my T’ai Chi Chih practice, as I rely too much on the work part and forget to reap the reward.

I recall walking the halls of the Hilton on the conference’s last day. I ran into some younger hotel guests, one of whom jeered about my name tag, ”Oh, sure, serenity!” – like he couldn’t believe there could be such a thing. I didn’t get angry (which would have been my usual reaction to something like this), but did feel somewhat removed, distanced, and almost “nun-like” – as though I understood where he was coming from but couldn’t be pulled down by his ignorance. It was worth the effort to assist Janet and Alba in their pure intention.

The Definition of Serenity

By Alice Holden, CCVI, San Antonio, TX

What a delightful gift my T’ai Chi Chih practice has been to my spirit over the past seventeen years. In many ways, it has contributed to transforming a Type A personality into a woman aware of the need for contemplative prayer and mindful action. That is a great contribution to my sanity and sanctity, one I do not take lightly. I thank Justin Stone and all the teachers and friends of the practice whom I have known along the way for improving my practice by their gentle observations and excellent modeling.

Each year I think, “This is as good as it gets,” and I can’t imagine that the next conference could possibly be any better. Then, each year I am pleasantly surprised. What was special about this year’s conference?

Its focus was serenity. Webster defines it as “marked by or suggestive of calm, clear and free of storms, unruffled repose or quietude.” All aspects of the conference emanated serenity – from the violin accompaniment at the first practice and the beach-inspired centerpieces in the dining room, and on through the DVD of Justin Stone and the final blessing of Antonia Cooper.

At one point, as in real life, the serenity was challenged. Someone penned a question that could have been offensive. The response was humor wrapped in loving kindness. Now that is serenity in action – the fruit of faithful practice of T’ai Chi Chih and a credit to its originator and leadership. Congratulations to all involved and a special “Thank You” to the hard workers of the New Jersey area.

A True Confession

Kristin Orwick, East Berlin, PA

I am ashamed to say that this year was my first time to attend a T’ai Chi Chih Teacher Conference – even though I’ve been an instructor for almost four years (and practicing for six years). I always had a wonderful time with my friends and those I meet at events and retreats, but somehow I was “conveniently” busy when teacher conference came around. Why do I say conveniently busy? Funny you should ask.

If you have ever taken personality tests, such as Myers Briggs Type Indicator Test ®, I can explain to you what type of person I am in 4 letters: ENFP. What does that mean? I am an Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving type of person. At least that’s what the test said I was. ENFPs have what some call a “silly switch.” They can be intellectual, serene, serious, and hard-nose business types for a while, but whenever they get a chance, they flip the switch and become “captain wild child.” Sometimes they may even appear inebriated while and when the change is flipped.

So back to why I was conveniently busy to attend any previous teacher conferences: I was afraid that the conference was going to be too serene and focused on T’ai Chi Chih, not allowing my neotonous self to come out on occasions (loud dance or rock music, constant giggling, and joking around with friends, etc). My fear was that either I would be bored at the conference or I might embarrass myself by not acting like stereotypical T’ai Chi Chih instructor – calm and collected.

When I arrived, the image that lived in my head for so long quickly dissipated! I had a blast! I was greeted by so many new and familiar, friendly faces. Yes, there were times of being serene and “in-the-moment,” which I thoroughly enjoyed and needed. But, I was given many opportunities to change gears and let my hair down. Meals and down times were excellent places to surround myself with like-spirited people. Seeing my good ‘ol teacher training buddies was heart-warming. It was better than any high school reunion I’d ever attended. I thank those who made the event possible. I had an awesome time!

After attending, I think that the teacher conference is a great place to reconnect with your practice, teaching skills, old friends, and your self – all in one weekend.

With You in Spirit

By Linda Riska Williams, Camarillo, CA

I didn’t make it to the conference this year; it was my first absence since becoming a teacher in 1997. Why am I writing then?

Every summer as the conference nears, excitement bubbles within me. I wonder what my lessons will be for the coming year. I think about what I need to learn, but the lessons I receive during the conference are never what I expected; some times they aren’t initially pleasing – like when I realized how judgmental I could be. Other times the lessons are more gentle though no less challenging – like when, because of my hip and lower back problems, I had to be more aware of my weight shifting.

In 2006 my lesson arrived during the last hours of the conference. My attention had been drawn to my 59-year-old sister, who was in the hospital and dying. Carmen Brocklehurst, who had noticed that I wasn’t “letting go of the Chi but holding on to it,” delivered my lesson. When I questioned letting it go, Carmen reassured me that it would come back many times over. She confidently stated two other things before offering a warm hug and walking off. For the past year I have reflected on these words often but was not sure, as this year’s conference approached, if I had truly practiced the lessons and opened myself fully to its truth. The sentences were “You are more powerful than you know” and “No more: I can’ts.”

En route to the conference, my connecting flight to Newark, NJ, was cancelled. Listening to many frustrated stories while waiting in line to rebook a flight, I reflected on the conference theme of “serenity.” As I inched my way to the counter, cancelled flights were blinking red, and the haggard airline employee said flights out were not assured. He was surprised when I asked to book a flight back home. He chuckled and agreed when I said, “Sometimes it is easier to go against traffic.” Later, I realized I had made a more cosmic shift.

Last year’s lesson resonated as I began my practice at the airport. I was aware of the Chi existing in all places and in all time. I slipped into its rhythm and joined my fellow teachers for the opening practice at 5pm on Thursday. Throughout the weekend I stepped again and again into the cosmic rhythm with you to find added serenity in the shared space. I have a new awareness of what ‘I’ll be there in spirit” means.

My lesson this year, I believe, is to sink more deeply into the gifted lesson of last year and now more aware, be more mindful of its truth on a daily basis.

Opening Hearts & Minds

By Carmen L. Brocklehurst, Albuquerque, NM

It was a beautiful summer night when we finally arrived at the TCC Conference in New Jersey. We were very grateful to be there since there had been a storm in New York that had caused our plane to be several hours late.

We were warmly greeted by Alba, who was looking forward to the TCC community’s arrival and working late at night on one more detail. So much planning; so many people helping; so many teachers and students bringing planning to life. There was a wonderful feeling of anticipation in the air. The next three days would unfold as a well-executed program full of T’ai Chi Chih, lovely accommodations, yummy food, and much more. The Annual Conference was under way.

All the planning, meetings, and arrangements were for us, T’ai Chi Chih teachers who came from North, South, East, and West ready to share. There were many old friends and many new ones, including 17 first-timers. Our community is always growing.

The theme of the conference was “Serenity” and everything had been prepared so that we could try serenity on for size and take it home as a memory (when things might not be so serene in our lives).

It’s always good to attend a conference – not just because the advance team plans such good ones – but because we teachers are the ones who benefit so much from the heightened awareness of Chi. It is this creation of Chi that goes out into the world and helps many – regardless of whether they have ever heard of T’ai Chi Chih or not. The Chi will be there for them.

It’s also good to attend because attendance opens our hearts and minds, and it strengthens our bodies in ways we don’t even know now. But the most important reason is that it helps us to love and share the Chi. Thank you to the New Jersey Teachers for this gift.

Soft Hands. Powerful Hands.

By Caroline Guilott, Lake Charles, LA

How do we get across the idea of softness in the hands without the fingers collapsing on themselves or the hand closing in on itself? In preparing to demonstrate and explain this at the conference, I took time to feel it and to find examples of how we approach life with a soft hand. I realized that we have such a hand when we care about someone. Here are a few examples that might help:

• When a friend is in need and we put a gentle hand on her shoulder, we have a soft hand. It is empty enough not to hurt and strong enough to give support.

• When a small child is about to take her first step, instinctively we open our arms and hands to receive her. Or we watch from behind, staying close with our hand open in case she falls back. Again, the hand is empty enough not to interfere but powerful enough to help.

• This last example is probably something we do not do very often, but we would be more inclined to do to someone we love. Cup your face (your cheeks and chin) softly between your two hands and feel your hands open. Leave them that way as you bring them out in front of you. See how soft and open they are? Open to receive. And open to give. Soft hands. Powerful hands. It might feel strange to bring back your hands to such openness at first, but try it for a week and see what happens.

Can’t Miss It

By Nancy Werner-Azarski, Minneapolis, MN

Wow! What a great conference: I learned so much and really enjoyed the movement feedback and refinement sessions. This conference has given me at least five things that I need to incorporate into my TCC practice and teaching. I went to the conference this year thinking that I couldn’t make it next year because of my work schedule. But people, as the conference continued, I realized that I simply couldn’t miss the conference in 2008. How else could I get this kind of feedback? How else could I interact with teachers from all over? How else could I see Sandy, Pam, and Antonia all at one time? How else could I learn so much about my TCC practice? The New Jersey folks did a great job with the conference and they made me realize again the importance of the annual conference. So I’m going again next year. I just can’t afford to miss it. And you?

Tie, Dry & Pie T’ai Chi Chih

By Becky Watkins, Alexandria, LA

On the flight from Dallas to New Jersey, a beautiful and wise woman next to me took one look at my T’ai Chi Chih shirt and said with an Italian accent, “Oh, you are going to my conference!” We were excited to find one another. The flight flew by as Renza and Sister Alice traveling from San Antonio) and I shared our life stories. Renza knew Maria Montessori, one of my heroes, and Sister Alice sang to us and taught us how to sign and sing while moving forward and backward.

Upon arrival, Janet, Alba, and Dorene met us at the door; guest rooms were beautiful; the food was plentiful. But community is always the best part of a conference. I have never met more loving, supportive, and compassionate people than T’ai Chi Chih teachers.

I really enjoyed the bells used to call us into awareness and herd us into the right room. Our Friday entertainment was a spiritual experience and a feast for the senses. Rafael Dejarano made an altar on the ballroom floor and played instruments from indigenous peoples around the world including the Australian Didgeridoo. He was mesmerizing, playing the Didgeridoo into our heart space from inches away from each of us. It felt sacramental and transformative as he embodied unconditional love. Many thanks to April Leffler and the New Jersey community for bringing him.

On Saturday night, after a royal banquet, the talent show included a couple from Manhattan who did a skit about Tie T’ai Chi Chih, Dry T’ai Chi Chih, and Pie T’ai Chi Chih. I laughed until I cried and then I laughed some more. Toward the end, a willowy woman with a lovely Irish brogue sang haunting songs that gave me chills. It was late but you could have heard a pin drop during her acapella performance. It was another blessing at the end of a blessed day.

On Sunday we walked a labyrinth during morning group practice. The contemplative experience included Antonia offering each person a special gift she had made. Since Antonia is a gift, I was moved by her generosity.

Thank you, New Jersey, for a conference etched in our collective psyche and for helping us with true serenity. We are forever grateful.

What a Difference a Few Days Make

By Stephen Thompson, Tupelo, MS

Teachers often keep thoughts about one another’s form to ourselves. And as a new teacher, I should have known better than to voice my opinion. Even with two conferences under my belt, I’m not sure I’m entitled to even have an opinion. But for better or worse, my reaction to my very first practice at the 2006 conference was blunt: “Oh my God! These people are teachers?”

Before you come down too hard on me, please realize that in 2006 I’d only been teaching for a few weeks. Still, some of the individual forms I’d seen during were discouraging to my new teacher eyes. But by the last practice of the 2006 conference, I was singing quite a different tune. The words were the same, but this time they had a nice ring to them: “Oh my God!” I thought proudly, “These people are teachers!”

So the moral of this little story, if there is one, is that our individual forms are refined and renewed by attending teacher’s conference. We owe it to our students to attend but mostly, we owe it to ourselves.

The time we spend reviewing movements at each conference – with Pam, Sandy, or Antonia – is always time well spent. Over a year’s time it is easy to let our individual forms slip a bit. It often happens without us even realizing it. I know. It’s happened to me. And I bet it’s happened to you, too.

By the way, everyone at the 2007 conference was saying that the individual forms shown this year were much smoother than in 2006. See you in 2008?

More Conference Comments

I really appreciated Justin’s comments in his video presentation regarding “T’ai Chi Chih is a service to humanity.” I have been looking for ways to give back to the world and I realized, after hearing Justin’s comments, that I am giving back through the teaching of TCC. I feel blessed to be able to help TCC spread… This was my first TCC conference and I plan on attending every year. I cannot believe how close I became with people I will only see once a year. I cannot imagine life without these TCC friends. It is the best money I have ever spent. The return on the cost of the conference is so worth it!

– Vicki Schroeder, Travelers Rest, SC

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I had no idea how much I needed this renewal until I got here.

– Beverly McFarland, Cedar Crest, NM

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My vital force is always strengthened at these conferences. The focus of each one seems to be just what I need. This time it was serenity and I sure breathed, ate, and absorbed to saturation into a more peaceful place. The laughter and joy were dessert for my soul.

– Blair Laden, Evanston, IL

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

I never expected to make fundamental changes in my TCC form – connections where I would actually feel the Chi increase. I came away more thankful, more humble, and more serene. While I expected the conference to provide a means to gather with, connect with, and compare notes with teachers, its greatest gift is the opportunity to tune-up my practice. I have all sorts of new ideas to better teach my students. Thank you Alba, Janet, and the entire conference committee.

– Stan Corwin, Alva, FL