Why I Attended Conference

I teach maybe four times a year. One class per time for a dozen Survivors of the Fallen at Holbrook Farms Retreat House in lake country Minnesota. Each time the group of 12 women come from anywhere in the country. They could be the widows, the siblings, or the children of the fallen soldiers. This is the only time they will be brought together, and I just give them a one-hour T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) experience. Five days later they will fly back to their homes and although they may stay connected, I will not see them again unless they return another year as a volunteer to Holbrook.

As an infrequent teacher, why would I go to conference? Am I even qualified to attend? While packing and on my way to the airport I wondered, “What was I thinking? They are going to have more presentations on how to run your classes, how to market yourself, and can you make a living as a teacher? This is not my situation.” Except for these Survivors of the Fallen classes, and some Second Saturday Zoom practices with Sandy, TCC is done alone and for my benefit.

But I attended because it was “Live in Albuquerque” and the 50th anniversary. Because it is the home of Justin F. Stone and the wonderful Albuquerque community of teachers I love and have missed seeing in person. And I went because I knew other dear friends from across the states would be attending. As Justin often said, “With T’ai Chi Chih you meet the nicest people.”

I enjoyed hearing Sandy’s, Pam’s, and Carmen’s stories of how they came to TCC. Their personal sharing’s drew me closer to each of them. And even though Daniel was not at the conference his video message on courage touched me. The working practices were especially helpful. The tips put into practice will help me in my personal practice and my teaching. I think I am finally ready to accept Justin’s gift of Seijaku and will revisit that old friend. And like one of those survivors, the pre-assigned small groups gave me the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with many new friends. We were more connected than I knew.

The mistaken three red chilies placed on my name tag allowed me some “Priority Boarding” for the wonderful meals that were served each day. The United Airlines flight change from Sunday afternoon to Sunday morning made me leave Albuquerque wanting more time with the wonderful teachers.