Zoom Gathering to Celebrate 50 Years

I am so grateful to (an anonymous) T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) teacher for planting the seed for this gathering. Thank you, too, to our TCC Guide, Sandy McAlister, for asking me to make it happen, and to Barb Thurber for being our Zoom host. This was only the second conference I have missed in my 27 years of teaching, and since it was the 50th anniversary of TCC, it was a hardship not to share in it live in Albuquerque.

While this online gathering was no substitute for being at the conference (nor was it intended to be), it was wonderful to practice together online and to share our gratitude and diverse experiences with each other. Below are some teacher comments from our gathering on Sunday, July 28:

“I’m so happy that I was able to join the practice and share the Chi with you all. It was also good to see that I’m still holding true to form in each of our movements. I hope that an online opportunity might happen again for teachers who can’t physically attend conference or travel.” — Hope Spangler, AZ

“It was inspiring and rejuvenating to be with fellow teachers to celebrate TCC’s 50th. Deep gratitude to Daniel for making it happen. It’s interesting how one can be connected to others and feel the flow of Chi via the Internet. So glad for this opportunity.” — Julie Anongos

“What a lovely gathering, practice, and conversation beforehand. I invited a number of Twin Cities teachers who also attended. For some, especially one who is a 24/7 caregiver, it was her only opportunity.” — Ev Florin-Hansen

“An encouraging, heart-felt connection with TCC friends, filled with gratitude, good energy and fresh hope for the future.” — Terry Gay Puckett

“The opportunity to gather was a reminder of the generous intentions of this community. As Justin Stone shared his wisdom (and as his masters did before him) our union in this great sea of Chi works through and around us to bring peace and healing wherever needed. What a gift to the world.” — Lorry Marcketta

“Glad we could be there for the practice. Loved doing the “Joy song.” It was part of our training way back when (1991).” — Diana Daffner

“Daniel’s practice was an inspiration. He exhibited the most polished yet relaxed manner. No wonder he is one of our treasured trainers. He showed a measured but flowing pace and was a congenial host at beginning and end of our time together.” — Jim Shorr 

“Perfect in every way. It’s great to spend time with other teachers. As you sit and participate, although hundreds and thousands of miles apart, you can feel the positive energy.” — Eric Schoenfeld

“I loved practicing and hearing the appreciation of how TCC has helped each of us and so many students over the years. Several in my breakout room mentioned how the suggestion of ‘you should teach’ came from outside of us and took each of us by surprise. But that voice was so right. The event also reminded me of when I was asked to introduce Justin for his conference talk in New Jersey, at the 25th anniversary in 1999. I asked him how he would like to be introduced. He said, as a jazz musician. So many ways to help the Chi flow.” — Carolyn Allenby, Arizona

“It was so good to share our experiences of coming to TCC and teaching. As we gathered online, on the last day of the in-person event, I felt such gratitude and connection in my personal practice, in sharing TCC, and in this community.” — Anon