-.,' :*i Fk;* $ ;f* TheVAfForcctounnf !u[!zoo6 Contents

'].4 Justin Stone SeasideTeacher Gathering Staying Connected 3 Approach to T'ai Chi Chih April 20-23, 2W6 26 Come to Lubbock for 4th 15 TCC TeacherTraining May Annual Workshop Good Karma News 21-26,2A06 6 You Didnt Know to Ask for t7 Observed TCC in the Media It ... 18 Not Too Little, Not Too 27 Tai Chi Chih helps recover- 6 You Asked For It Seiiaku on Much ing teens kick drug and DVD 19 T'ai Chi Chih and Tea alcohol addictions 7 Gateway to Eastem Philoso- 20 Tai Chi Chih at the Sanctu- 28 A Golden Opportunity: phy and Religion ary T'ai Chi Chih@ for Health 21, Renewal in the Desert April and Wellbeing Interview with Liz Humphrey 20-23,20A6 8 Lessonsin What It Means to 22 TCC TeacherRetreat in TCC Observations BeAlive Canada,May L9 to 22,2006 30 Major T'ai Chi Chih Prin- ciples Trainings, Intensives, Work- TCC Community Outreach 3L Taking Apart My T'ai Chi shops, Retreats 24 Results of the 2005 Teachers chih '1.2 Four TCC Events in Three Survey 32 Acceptance- of Ourselves Months! and Others AnActive Year in New Our Students, Our Selves fersey 25 Chaos In The Midst Of 34 Contacts 1.2 The Intensive: March 3-6, Serenity 34 Subscribe to the Vital Force 2006 25 First TCC Classat an 35 Calendar 't4 TeacherRenewal Day Assisted Living Residence Ringwood State Park, N], 26 Making Connections May 20,2006

Cover: First morning of the New fersey Intensive at Villa Maria on March 3,2006. Photo by Dan Pienciak.

Editor Kathy Grassel . Membership and Accounting Victor . Berg 5n6*issions: Send your letters, stories, articles, poetry,'' to T9^P!9t9_" ,Victor Belg at [email protected] via snail mail to The Vital Force,P.iC. Box 23068,Albuquerque, hM 87122-1'068.Membership: 5919 _y_o"l-t"mbership subscription requests and renewalg remittances, and changes'of address to The Vital Force,P.O. Box 23068, Albuquerque, NM 87192-1068,or email [email protected]: g30/ year' $40 for intemational. Members receive four issuesof TheVital Force.The annual teacher directory will be printed and also posted to the website. If you fail to receive your issue, or if your issue is damaged, e-mail Roberi de Montes for a new copy- The Vital Forceis a 50(c)3 not-for-profit organization serving T'ai Chi Chih praititioners worldwide. T,ai Chi Chih @ is a f:9.:.4tY registered trademark owned by Good Karma Publishing lnc. Copyright 2006 The Vital Force,lournal of the T'ai Chi Chih Communify. All rights reserved. By Justin Stone Approach to T'ai Chi Chih

BylustinStone

her performance and to practice faithfully every day. A student doesnot learn to do it correctlyin order to pleasethe teacher. The yinning and yanging is all important for the effect it has. The softnessis absolutely necessary,and correct performance requires the understanding that TCC is not an exercisebut a form that is done primarily below the waist. The "effort of no ef- forfl' must be understood.As a student progressesin the lessons, he or she begins to sink into the essenceof TCC, which is not like any exercise.Leave the musclesout of it. It is not emphasizedto beginning students,but TCC has a very strong spiritual influence.It is not a treatment for a specific illness.The circulation and balancingof the all-important Life Force, the Chi, influences the metabolism and helps the whole system.Overweight people who practiceregularly tend to eas- ily drop pounds. Many lettersI receivespeak of this weight loss. Eat moderately and practiceregularly, a simple formula. When one teacher,who had had brain surgery, began practicing im- mediately after the operation,it resultedin her soon going back to work, a result that her doctors said they had never seenbe- fore. She certainly had the right attitude. TCC is definitely a different way of life. Most of thosewho write me say,"T'ai Chi Chih haschanged my life." When someone asksme if this is good for someailmenf I answer,"Why don't you try it and find out?" 3 'GOOD KARMA PUBLISHING, Inc. www.goodkarmapublishing.com www.gkpub.com PO Box 92426, Albuquerque, NM 87199-2426 Toll-free ordering 888-540-7459 (tel) 505-797-7300 (fax) 505-797-4346 (e) [email protected] Teacher discount on 3 or more items; retail on L or 2 items.

Pleaseindicate quantity in blank preceding title. (price) (weight)

DVDs & VIDEOs BY JUSTIN STONE T'ai Chi Chih@ DVD 2000 FTLMTNG 32.95 (6.0oz.) T'ai Chi Chih@ video 2000 rrr-rvrrNc 32.95 (9.8oz.) T'ai Chi Chih@ video 1994ru-rrarNc 32.95 (9.8oz.) T'ai Chi Chih@ video PAL (nvrrnxenorunr) 49.95" (9.8oz.) Seijaku Video (Justin Stone) 59.95" (9.8oz.) Seijaku DVD (Justin Stone) 59.95* (9.8oz.) 'l..9.95* KNME interview tape (w/ Stone & Brocklehurst) (9.8oz.)

BOOKS BY IUSTIN STONE T'ai Chi Chih@ photo-text 1.5.95 (\5.6 oz.) (Spanish Translation - text insert) 3.95 (3.1.oz.) (French Translation - text insert) 3.95 (3.1oz.) (Italian Translation - text insert) 3.95 (3.1oz.)

Meditation for Healing 15.95 (1.4.2oz.) Spiritual Odyssey 10.95 (1,0.4oz.) Abandon Hope 1.0.95 (9.7oz.) Climb the Joyous Mountain 1.0.95 (8.5oz.) Heightened Awareness 8.95 (7.3oz.) Zen Meditation 10.95 (10.9oz.) 20'r'Century Psalms (out-of-print; please inquire) 7.95 (6.6oz.)

SPOKEN AUDIO & MUSIC BY IUSTIN STONE |ustin Stone Speaks on T'ai Chi Chih@ - CD 1.1,.95 (5.6oz.) |ustin Stone Speaks on T'ai Chi Chih@ - cassette 10.95 (3.6oz.)

The Serene Nature: Music for T'ai Chi Chih@ 10.95 (3.6oz.) Music for T'ai Chi Chih@ Practice 10.95 (3.6oz.) Spiritual Stories Vol L & 2 19.95 (6.6oz.) Spiritual Stories Vol. 1 L0.95 (3.6oz.) Spiritual Stories VoI. 2 10.95 (3.6oz.) Nieht Bloom 10.95 (3.6oz.) Soft Sounds of Jazz 1,0.95 (3.6oz.)

MATERIALS BY OTHERS Let Good Fortune Iump on You (Paul Reps) 7.95 (6.6oz.) 20thAnniversary Interview (Stone & Mcl-ain) 10.95 (3.6oz.) TCC Practice Session (Katus & Mcl-ain) 10.95 (3.6oz.) OTHER PRODUCTS Tentatively Forever Art Book (Stone) 32.00* (21..1oz.) Zen Poster (unsigned) 60.00* (ZIJ, oz.) Zen Poster (signed,limited edition, SOLD OUT) 75.00't (21.1oz.)

*Sorry; discounts do not apply

Name Address Ci tylState/Prcv inceI Zip Phone # Visa/MasterCard # Expiration Signature Regional Weight Total Distributors Price Subtotal Shipping (refer to chart below) Canada ND residents add 57osales tax AB, SherwoodPark, NM residents add 6.75"/"tax Chery Ann Hoffmeyer TOTAL enclosed (780) 467-8701. United States California, Encinitas; SHIPPING: Pam Towne, (8-L0 USPS Media Mail Rate days) (760) 944-9544 1 lb. and under 3.50 California, Hayward; L lb., 1 oz. - 2lb. 4.00 Sandy McAlister, 21b.,1,oz. - 4Lb. 4.80 (51.0) s82-2238 41b.,1,oz. - 6lb. 5.75 Minnesota,Bemidji; 6lb., 1 oz. - 8lb. 6.45 8 lb., L oz. - 1.0lb. 7.05 JeanneEngen-Duranske, overL0lb* (21,8)751,-3173 *$7.05+ 60efor each additional pound beyond 10 lbs Minneapolis/St.Paul, SueBitney, USPS Priority (2-3 days) (612) 866-0040 L lb. and under 5.50 North Dakota,Fargo; tlb.,Loz.-21b. 7.00 Christeen Mclain. 21b.,'l-.oz. - 4lb. 11.00 (701) 232-ss79 4Lb,1,oz. - 6Ib. 13.00 New Mex.,Albuquerque; - 6Ib.,1,oz. 8lb. 14.00 Carmen Brocklehurst, - B lb., 1 oz. 1,0lb. 15.00 (50s) 299-0s62 10Ib,Loz.-121b. 17.50 12Ib,'l-.oz. - 1,4Ib. 20.00 1.4Lb,'1.oz. - 1,6Lb. 22.00 'l.,6lb,'l-. oz. - 18 Ib. 24.00 'L L8 lb, oz. - 20 Lb. 26.50 over 20 lb Inquire

Call GKP for rates outside the US, including Canada Good Karma News

You Asked For It Seijakuon DVD

ood Karma Publishing is pleased to announce the arrival of a Seiiaku DVD onJune 15th. Until re- cently, sales of the Seijaku video have not warranted the high expensesinvolved with transfer- ring this instructional aid to DVD (especially to the excellent standards we have come to expect becauseof the TCC DVD). But becauseof a nice resurgencein interest in Seijaku (thanks to Pam and others), and becauseyou've asked nicely, and becauseDVD players are a fixture in 86 per- cent of American households, we figured it was time. The price will remain the same as the video - $59.95(with no discount to teachers).If you have purchased a Seijaku video within the last year, GKP will gladly offer you the new DVD (made from the samefilming as the video) for "cost." Just give us a iingle. - Kim Grant

You Didn't Know to Ask for It ... GATE\A'1AY TC ut it will be ready and waiting for you at the Conference. What is it? Gateways to Eastern Phi- €o,ste'.n losophy and Religion. Back in February 199O Carmen Phil Brocklehurst had the foresight to convince phv Justin Stone to come to Albuquerque from Califomia to give a seriesof four lectures on on Oriental Philosophy. (Doug Shilson videotaped them.) Thesevideos have long been available for rent for a very nominal fee, from GKP. Over the last year or so, though, Albuquerque teachersAmy Tyksinski and Ann Rutherford have tire- lessly transcribed, annotated, and edited Justin's lectures for print. In doing so, they have worked very closely with Justin. GKP is pleased to announce that the book will be available for the first time at the Conference. -Kim Grant Gatewayto EasternPhilosophy and Religion

Reaiew e d byAnn Rutherfor d

the video lectureseries from Good Part of Justin'shesitancy in having Karma Publishing many years ago, I his lecture seriestranscribed is his immediately becameoverwhelmed by wish not to be rememberedas a the depth of the knowledge densely scholar.Whereas his other books are *# should prac- compacted into the lectures.I knew I almost all experientialin nature, this could not possibly aurally digest the book is an academicendeavor pulling N.^,ffi];?'^'thousandsof yearsof EasternPhiloso- together what he'd mostly studied in don't recom- phy which Justin had so painstak- books and matching the material with *r mend medita- ingly interpretedand summarized.He his own experience.But his sharing of tion for every- seemedto predict this difficulty at the his personal experiencesand insights one." Whereas ev- time when he told his audience,"I on Easternphilosophy and religion is eryone benefits from the circulation hope some day someonetranscribes exactly why this book is so fascinat- and balancing of the Life Force,not ev- this material." We are delighted to an- ing. Taking us on a whirlwind tour eryonecame into this life seeking nounce that finally the lectures have through |apan and India, we get a Truth. been transcribed.They retain the deepersense of his life's passion:the When ]ustin preparedand delivered original flavor of |ustin's informal quest for Truth. Sincemany of the the Oriental PhilosophyLecture Series talks, while providing the reader with words he usesare Sanskrit,the classi- to his audiencein Albuquerquein the advantagesof a text. Not only can cal languageof India, the book also in- 1990,he knew the material would the reader digest the material at her or cludes a substantialglossary. only appealto seriousseekers. Many his own pace,but slhe can alsouse it Justin acknowledgesthe time and ef- peoplewould considerhis insights, as a framework for deeperstudy into fort it took to createhis lectureseries such as, "The world of matter is only any of the particular subjects intro- when he told his audience,"If some- anotherform of consciousness,"as duced:Indian, Chinese,Tibetan, and one stealsmy car or clothes,they.can mere babble,or speculationon things fapaneseBuddhism; The Six be replaced.If someonetook theselec- that can never be proven. But for Darshanasof India; Yogic Teachings; ture papers,and the papersfrom those who are discovering who and Shinto;New japaneseReligions; Poet which the came, there'd be no way for what they are through T'ai Chi Chih Monks; and Kashmir Shaivism.Fur- me to replacethem." The book will be practiceand/or meditatiory his sum- thermore, the book contains an exten- availablefor saleat the 2006T'ai Chi mary of EasternPhilosophy is a reflec- sive bibliography, brought from Chih TeachersConference in Minne- tion of their own quest.When I rented justin's own library. sota. Interviewwith Liz Humphrey Lessonsin What It Means to Be Alive

Liz Humphreyjusthadher 33rd21st birth- Liz: Yes. that doesn't mean we stop asking the day.I hadto pause to do themath. Eoen questions. while Lizhassuraioed the shockof a cancer VFJ: What was it? diagnosisandbeing told shehad only VFJ: I think that's really accurate,that monthsto lioe,she still hasplenty ofgood Liz: The answer is learning to be still. the questions are an end in them- humorandhigh spirits. Liz combinedall the The answer is within us. The strength selves. treatments and tkm surprisedm eryone by is given by a much greater power, goingbacktowork.She'sbeen apart of our whatever you want to call it. There Liz: That even applied at work. After ' T ai Chi Chihand meditation groups for are so many lessons. my surgery and treatment, I went someyears nml, andwe know she has been back to work, only to find that they'd throughsome pretty horrific times nnd b e- VFJ: I'm hoping you will share some given my job away. What happened atific times,too. Doing this interziew isher of these lessonswith us. to my job? How come I'm not in my way to sharesome ofher experiences and in- position?Whafs going on here?I got sightswith therest of theTCC community . Liz: I was telling my sister that I was to the point where I said, I want an- really nervous about doing this, be- swers. I deserveanswers. And then Liz: I'm from Mississippi.I have two causethe more I understand, the less the answer came.I can ask all the sisters and two brothers. They live in there is to say.She said, you'll do fine. questions I want; it doesn't mean the area where the hurricane hit. Here Remember that you have miracles to there's going to be any answers,but it I was having intemal storms going on share. She's the one to say what I'm doesn'tmean don't ask the questions. in August when the external storm supposed to know about myself. was happening. My sister so loyal to VF|: Well, at work, they probably me. In the last year and a half, she VFJ: Ifls a gift to have a sisterlike took your position away becausethey calls me daily. Sheworks hard, she'sa that-A person like that who knows, figured you were coming back. single mother, and she has a child who can say things like that, so that who is a single mother. If she'sguilty you aren't alone feeling this way or Liz: Exactly.Not real complicated. of anything, it's doing too much for that wondering. They thought I was dying. And then too many. She was the one who said I when I didn't die, well then,I must be had the strength to get through this. Liz: I feel so blessed.Everywhere I've coming back disabled.Or I must not turned, ifs been a blessing. My sister, have all my senses.And I was work- VFJ: I think I would have doubted. too, it just broke their hearts that this ing real hard at my senses.I was able is happening to me. I was never sick, to tell them a few things, such as, Liz: You believeyou have the nothing ever wrong with me, I was brain tumors aren't contagious. strength, but then you also have to re- the oldest sister.When it happened,it alize again the control or lack of con- was like, they wondered, why you? I VFf: Were they avoiding you because trol. And so my argument many times was able to understandquickly, that of that? was, if I have this strength within me, for some reasory it was my joumey. and if I'm aware,then why didn't I That is what life is about-our jour- Liz: Yes.I just made too many people know what was happening, and why ney. I didn't die, and the reasonis that nervous. couldn't I do somethingabout it. So I my work is not done. had to work through VFJ: That must have hurt. that. VFJ: Are you supposedto know what that work is? Liz:It hurt, it was shocking.A lot of it VFJ: Was there an had to do with ... there is someoneI answer to that ques- Liz:You know what? I love that one, worked very closewith to this day, tion or not? too, becausethere may not be any an- and would say hello to me with a swers to all of thesequestions, but group of people,and said that she'll comeby to seeme, and shehasn't. I re- and we'll do that. This was after the When he looked at me, clarity was alized that what she did, or what hap- surgery.You'll needchemo, you'll there. That was the first of April and pened, or what went on when I wasn't need radiation, etc.,but chancesare he hasn't brought it up since.He's there, and whatever part she had to this tumor will come back and you talked about asthma ... play in i9 sheknows, and shehas to will not live. He said 18 months was deal with her heart.Now do I know? as much as anybody could live. fustin VF]: Wow, asthma,because that was No. Doesit matter?At this point in my told me that night not to acceptit. He the first thing that was alleviated for Iife, no. But thereare people fighting told me again about how the doctor you becauseof TCC. for my position perhaps,didn't think said that he himself would live no I did a good job, who knows?Prob- more than five years with his heart Liz: Absolutely. And just Saturday ably all of the above.We're all human. condition. night, I guessthey had just taped him Peopleare people.That's what was for the conference.He told me that he great about going back to work also. VFJ: So that worked for you? talked about me, but that he didn't Let it be.Then they had to find out mention my name, and asked me if that I reallyhad all my brain cells... Liz: So much is all in our minds, what that was okay. And he saysto me, are they were like, "Do you remem- we want to accept/what we don't, you going to the conference?I said, no ber....?" I rememberedmore than they and what we can accept.Justin had Justin,I'm not. Then I asked,|ustiry are wishedI'd remembered....because I difficulty with me going back to work. you going to the conference.No, he remembered the truth. said,I'm not going.See, I said,I have VFJ:He said you shouldn't? what I need in Albuquerque-you and VFJ:The truth being ...? TCC. I figured I was in for a lecture, Liz: He said to retire, and to retire but he just took my hand. He's such a Lizz ... that the servicewas going to go now. part of my life. under reorganizationto begin with, and I was told what my job would VFj: Why was he so adamant? VFJ:Justin lovesyou. evolve into. When this persontold me that they had hired somebodyelse, I Liz: Nurses work too hard and I don't Liz:He feels that I show T'ai Chi Chih. reminded her that was what my posi- need to be doing that. I tried to explain He also may be testingme. tion would evolveinto. Shesaid, no I that I wasn't that kind of nurse, that I didn't. do different things. The next day when VF]: He's testingus all the time, but I cameback, he startedagain. I said, you've had already the ultimate test.I VFf: So rather than just saying, Hey Justin, but I'm going to be retiring. Otr, mean you've had to look death in the Liz, welcomeback, we didn't think when? he asked.ByJune. That's not eye and we haven't done that yet. you were eoming baek, but now that good enough. Thiswas sornewhere you're here,here's your job. They around mid-March. Liz: It's just okay, that's the beauty of didn't say that. it. VFJ: That's very curious. Liz: They couldn't do that and I don't VF|: I guessI'm projectingnow. I'd know why.I kept saying,I am an Liz:l'll tell you what, it was so beauti- say if thosepeople are not treating adult, things happery and life goes ory ful, April 1't,and we were having din- you as ... even as they treatedyou be- whether I'm in it or not. You had to do ner. I had just gotten the last MRI re- fore..they've written you off. Do you what you neededto do. But no one sults, and there was nothing there. really want to spend time with people could tell me that, becausethey went Things looked very positive.I went who misrepresented a little bit too far in assumingthat I down to end of the table where Justin your existencewhen was going to die. The way I look at it, was sitting and I told him. Justin,the you were there, be- they acceptedwhat fustin guided me MRI was clear.I'm doing really good. fore and after. in not accepting.Were you there at the He looked at me, and it was amazing hospital the day Justin was there?Jus- what he said. He said, we'll talk about Liz: Well, when tin was there when the doctor walked this again... three years from now. I'm you've been to the in, and the doctor said,we'll do this sure I didn't misunderstandhim. mountaintop- what's that saying?-where do you go VFJ: Yes,his book Still Here,after his and that I needed some antibiotics. A from there?You come back down. stroke, and then there was the movie week goes by, the antibiotics aren't [whispering] You come back down. If called "Fierce Grace." Did vou identifv working and it's time for me to take you're not dead, it meansyour life on with that? my trip, and I'm having pain like earth is not done. I tell you what, that crazy. They decided they'd better do was a hard part about going to work, Liz: Otu yes, left and right. He said an MRI. That was on a Wednesday too, is for L0 solid months, everything even though the words wouldn't and I was supposed to fly out Thurs- in my life changed,and yet I was so come, the conceptswere there. I could day morning. And thafs when they protected. I had family love at home, identify with that. It was another's wouldn't let me leavethe hospital. family love away from home, family soul's story. He said too that his job You know, Justin talks about the play love from TCC people, and family love was not done, and thafs why he is within the play, but I knew they'd from some people from work. There still here. And then you have to be gotten the wrong person for this play. was so much love. I rememberone girl careful defining "jobs." As my sister This wasn't my play. Wait a minute, came up to me one day and she said, "I says, just being and sharing with you've got the wrong person here, I'm am so glad to meet you. I prayed, and people, may be the job. I go to the can- on my way to Mississippi.My best de- here you are." And I'm thinking o[ I cer support group at the hospital, fense mechanism is denial, and I do it don't remember her name. She said both as a nurse and as a participant. I well. you don't know me. I've never met talk with them. you. I wasn't here when you first VFJ: Denial is useful. Lord knows came. But you left love for so many VFJ: They must be very inspired then, where we'd be... people that I prayed that one day I'd that you are a nurse and part of the get to meet you. I thought oh my God! grouP. Liz: . . .if we had to acceptit all at one time. Everybody said I was calm and VFJ:Hello! Liz: I talk to some of the patients, who making decisions.I don't remember.I might say how discouraged they are, cameout of surgeryand couldn't see.I Liz:I'm proof to peoplethat you don't how sick they feel. Maybe that's why had to wear a patch for so long. It was have to buy the packagedeal if we my hair hasn't grown in on that side, hard, not being able to read.I felt don't want to. I got a card from Becky becauseI show it to everybody.I re- what was important to me had been Busching that said, Never let the odds ally have been there, and ifs okay, taken from me. But I was doing T'ai keep you from doing what you know whatever they feel they need to do. Chi Chih. The surgery was Monday in your heart you were meant to do. and I went to rehab on Friday and That hasbeen so strong to me. I didn't VFJ: I remember way back, you were that's when I first did TCC. They buy those statistics.I was able to say, saying at dinner that you were having didn't know what to do with me. My no thank you, I don't acceptthose. these memory lapsesand you couldn't vital signswere fine, I wanted to boss And as Justin would say, only One figure it out, and I said, well, that's them around in the ICU, and so they knows our numbers anyway. So, I've just menopatJse,Liz,it's happeningto got me out of there real fast.[laugh- been on lots of journeys in the last me, too. But that wasn't it, it was ing]. Then the insurancewouldn't year. something else. even let me stay in rehab.But it was hard to have an eye patch and be be- VFJ: It was one day to the next that Liz: And I went to the doctor, who hind of walker and have your family everything changed. agreed and wanted to give me hor- come in and seeyou all beatup like mone replacementtherapy. But I also that. Liz:Yes, everything. had headaches,and I never had head- Just when you think acheg and I had earaches.I was sup- VFJ: But you didn't hide yourself at all you have control of posed to catch a plane and I knew that as I recall everything. Do you my earswould kill me if I didn't . remember Ram That's the problem with us nurses- Liz: But at first I wanted to. Rick, my Dass,how he had a we self-diagnoseall the time. I went in husband,said, "Look at the people out stroke? and told them I was having earaches there who live daily this way. You just have to have the patience.This is today. So we're not really a person/ choices.All of that thinking, we don't going to pass." but a projection of a person in a future have to think. It's all within us. So that never comes. But you having to much acknowledgment. VFf: All this happeningto you really face it from one minute to the next brought out the love in people.You've might have just jolted you into that VFJ: Well, you've certainly been an in- beendoing T'ai Chi Chih, and also Reality that the rest of us find elusive. spiration for'us all. That's part of your meditating for some yearsnow, but journey, too, to teachus. also agreedto the mainstreamtreat- Liz:Yes, but it's more about accepting, ments. wherever in life. I believethere were Liz: We all have our roles (laughing). times in my life when there were Liz: Absolutely.It is the whole circle. openings,but for whatever reasons- Liz and I were belting out the old Some said don t do this, don't take out of fear,maybe-like they say,\I McCartney tune after meditation that... but it was all of it-the chemo- you're not ready. I remembera nurse one night. We decided that "Let It therapy,the radiation, to the timing of one night after the surgery-I was in Be" is a pretty good mantra for liv- it, to the surgeon,the surgeon'shands, pairy and shedecided that someof my ing life. plus the love, the t'ai chi chih, the pain might be anxiety,so insteadof meditation,the compassion-it's all of giving me more narcotics, they gave lMen I find myselfin timesof trouble it. It taught anyonewho wanted to be me somethingfor anxiety.I remember MotherMarycomestome Speaking w ords of wis dom a part of my life that our lives are con- the nurse coming and sitting and tell- Letitbe. nected.What impactsone also im- ing me the story of when shewas ski- pactsothers. To me that was one of ing, and basicallyhow she cameclose An d in my hour ofdarkn es s the things to realize, again this one- to deattUand how that changed her Sheis standingright infront of me ness,you really can't separateany- life. She'd made an assumptionthat I Spe akin g wor ds of w isdom thing out. If you're ableto let go of that was fearing deattuand I realized,no, I Letitbe. ego,we're just all in this together.I wasn't fearing death,because there And whenthe b r oken-hear t ed peopl e personallybelieve in a soul. I used to was no death there.I didn't believeI Lit:ingin theworld agree believethat we were all thesebodies was going to die. I neverdid believeI Therewillbean answer and we were at different levelswith was going to die. But everything was Letitbe. our souls.But we're all spirits and we so open.There was no life and death;it have these bodies that carry these was just open. The hardestpart for me For though theymay b e p arted thereis still a chancethat theywill see spirits while we're here on earth. was not that there was death, but Therewillbean answer there was lack of control. This is sup- Letitbe. VFJ: Were you surprisedby your posed to be my play, and this was not openingsof understanding?Was that the part I wanted to do. But, this is my And whenthe night is cloudy a gradual thing?.There's a certain part, whether I like it or not, and how Thereis still a light thatshines on me knowledgeabout you. It's not about I acceptit. The sensitivity,the open- Shineuntiltomorrow Letitbe. any book learning. ness,I don't know why, but it was just there. I wakeup to thesound of music Liz: Absolutely,it's a feeling.The MotherMarycomestome words arehard. There'sa differencein VFJ: I remember when the tsunami Spe akin g wor ds of w isdom knowing and experiencing.How it's hit, before your diagnosis, you Letitbe. opened,I don't know. I believethat couldn't stop crying. It was like you Therewillbean goes back to my inner strength, the had a tsunami of empathy. answer feeling of vulnerability becameless. Liz: Miracles are everywherg like VFI: We also imagine that we have stars everywhere. Being able to be time, that we are going to live forever, with Justin, his meditation, listening always looking out to the future for to him, understanding oneness.It's all things to happen,not really living for the same. We don't have to make Trainings,Intensives, Workshops, Retreats

Four TCC Events in ThreeMonths! AnActive Yearin New |ersey yDanielPienciak

/ it\\ tthetimeofthiszariting,theyearisnotyethalf oaer.Althoughthereismoretocomeinthesecondhalfof2006,zae /l*t$ haoealreadyheldfourmajor eaentsandzaehaael-SnewTCCteachers.We alsohaae ourmonthly Saturdaygath- J/- -\U erings,plusmanylocalteacherchaaebeenbusywith200T conferenceplanningamidaltthese other actioities.

The IntensiVe:March 3-6,2006

- a convent and former nursing facility run by the Franciscan Congregation in which Sr. Antonia is a needed to get an Inten- vital member. Our sive organized- and monthly Saturday TCC soon.Between Sr. gatherings have taken Antonia's and Pam place there for years. Towne's busy schedules, Sadly, the facility had to it becameevident that close down, was being there was only ONE 4- sold, and would be re- day period availableif placed by luxury condo- an Intensive was to pre- miniums, so we felt extra cedea spring teacher grateful, and many of us a training. I knew that I bit sentimental. about our would have to cancelan- final gathering there. other planned program in order to us, a big miracle happened and we Arrival on Thursday evening hap- host this event at that time. I was re- had a great place at which to hold the pened in an ice storm. On arrival, I luctant. But prajna told me to move Intensive. could barely manageto keep my bal- forward and TRUST!So I said This place would be the Villa Maria ance the short distance from the car to goodbye to the oceanfrontloca- the entrance of the Villa. "Stay tion booking for this other grounded and trust your feet!" event, which was not suitable my inner voice kept repeating. for a full TCC Intensive.and Does this sound familiar? cancelledit. I was relieved that Pam was Thanks to the creative plan- already safely there. Somehow ning and resourcefulness of by about 9pm, everyone was Alba Cordasco, and the willing- present and accounted for-an- ness of Sr. other miracle considering that Antonia and several folks were arriving by her congrega- air. But what a pretty sight lay tion to bend before us outside our windows over back- the next morning - a fairyland of wards to ac- glittering ice and sugary snow commodate coating everything! 2006 fhe Vfafforcegournaf

Just as all who had arrived in those very slippery conditions had to let go and trust. so that same theme emerged in our work during the Inten- sive. We had a big turnout -23 stu- dents and teachers in attendance (in addition to ourselves), so we were grateful to have both of Pam's great leadership and teaching as well as the wisdom and assistanceof Sr. Antonia. Everyone worked to learn to give the feet the weight, trust the feet to hold us, let go, and FLOW from the center, carrying nothing in the upper body. It was a great gathering of wonder- ful folks - many of whom came from states all over the US. In the circle of our final TCC practice, everyone shared their own personal journeys of Who say s there ar eno rnenin TC C ? H ost D an P i enciak, Tom Vin er letting go and trusting.It is often in (ME),Stan Corwin (FL), Bill Walton, anil I ohnVnlentine (NE). discovering our weaknesses that we find our strengths. In the circle of this really camethrough and supported but the big thing was to go to an In- Intensive, we were able to hold one them in their efforts and their success tensive.So early March found the another in strength, and trust our- in accreditation. three of us in New Jerseyat the Inten- selves through our vulnerabilities. 'From one IntensiveParticipant: sive. And we all thank Antonia for her A TCC Intensive is a beneficial event "When Tom Viner, Anita Vestal, and I guidance.The Intensivewas just the for everyone - students and teachers were in Lubbock, TX in September right preparation for the teacher alike. Nine of the 13 students who at- 2005,we askedSr. Antonia what were training in May. We three are now ac- tended this event would go on to the the stepsto accreditation.She told us credited teachers.- StanCorwin, FL May Teacher Training Course. It was what books,videos, and audios to get, there that the benefits of the Intensive

i, 'i ThcVfafforugournaf TeacherRenewal Day SeasideTeacher Ringwood StatePark, Gathering Nf, May 20,2006 April 20-23,2006 t ] he pastoralhills and lakes of tll northern Nf at Ringwood State ifl J_ Park were once again the set- ting of both the teacher re- some partner practice, Sr. Antonia and I invited the group to ad- newal and the teacher training week dress some very good topics of discussion.Among thesewere in May. Mt St Francis Retreat Center seatedTCC teaching "intermediate" level TCC classes,and how to was resplendent in the awakening of teach Working the Pulley. spring and the warmth and light of I especially enjoyed the discussion around the suggestedtopic, the sun. "Does TCC develop compassion?"Sr. Antonia brought to our at- In our circle of 11 teachers,Pam tention some thoughts from Justin Stone's "Spiritual Odyssey" Towne began the day with some [p.31.The Essence of T'ai Chi ChU, reminding us that T'ai Chi Chih is beautiful invitations: an inner discipline, and that the fruit of regular practice is Love Let the greater circulation and Energy. Teachersshared the thoughts that TCC helps us with self- balancing of the chi heal you and acceptance,which in furn can't help but spill over to others in make you whole - You can leam to compassionas our interior self becomeslove-filled. Doesn'tthis soften more, but without losing the sound like "what the world needs now" most of all? shape and form of the movements - On Saturday, the exterior day and night were filled with wind- Explore and self-discover in your TCC driven rain and a raging sea,while our interiors were quiet and practice, and uncover the places peaceful(and sometimesfull of fun). Doing T'ai Chi Chih, our bod- where "you don't know that you don't ies gradually let go of tension and chaos,and becamequiet and know" - and reminding us of fustin's flowing. encouraging words: "You do more We were very grateful this year to have an extra day (having ar- good than you know by practicing rived on Thursday evening instead of Friday), affording us more and teaching TCC." time to enjoy the good company, and to let what we were being It was a day of focusing on the filled with sink in. Let the body surrender to the softness,without principles of how to move, and help- the mind having always to understand. Surrender the need to ing teachersto renew and refresh control. Surrender to give ourselves the time to practice. Surren- their movements - some of whom are der to feeling the movements, and to awarenessof the flow of chi. not often able to attend such events or Surrender to "entering the cosmic rhythm." yearly conferences. In addition, we were privileged to listen to a taped talk that Justin had given on "Evolu- tion through Chi." We were reminded of |ustin's of- ten quoted story: "Teachme,Master!" "Are you READY to let meteach you how to learn?" All went away READYtobecome even better and more devoted teach- ersof TCC. TCC TeacherTraining May 27-26,2006

rarely, if ever, been able to be really ration. It was a privilege to witness PRESENTto the group, the event, and and be a part of their learning process. the lessons. And I was filled with gratitude for the Having realized this, I vowed that great teachingskills and leadershipof to allow myself, "in all my host du- this week would be different for me. Pam Towne, the great wisdom and ties" of the week, to enter and RE- And so it was. It becamea processof compassion of Sr. Antonia, and the MAIN in the realm of BEING, not of being attentiveto and engagedin great willingness of all of the auditing doing. what I neededto do as a host, but not teachersto GIVE. Holly Sanderscame On the first morning of the training, attachedto thesetasks. The struggle is from Florida and stayed the entire as Pam asked all of us present to take part of the evolution - for me, the week. some time to focus on our intention for struggleto let go of everythinghaving But this is truly a Candidate'sWeek, the week (and for the 15 candidates, to be perfect - and entering into the now new teachers.So it is best to pro- not merely the intention of going scarinessof letting go of the fear that I videTHEIRcom- home at the end of the week with a might not be "good enough." ments for all to read. teaching certificate), this is what stood The result was such freedom,such out as thought about the week ahead. serenity, and such enjoyment! (And All of the events and trainings that I so,no needfor E-G-O! ). have hosted had consumed me with The candidates were truly an - "doing" tasks so much so, that I had {, TieVfnfForcegournaf lu{uzoo6-J

"We examined ourselves closely this holding good thought for all of you in week to discoverour individual and my practice. -Stephen Thompsory MS collective essence.We found inner- oriented awarenessof our strengths As the saying goes, "All hindrances and personalresources. We became are self-liberatingin the greatspace of softnessand continuity in our T'ai Chi awareness." The TCC teachertraining Chih practiceand with our commu- coursecertainly provides the crucible nity of teachercandidates as we nur- of spaceand compassionateinstruc- tured and encouragedeach other to tion for those who want to shareTCC move from the center. Truly the fruit with the world by becomingteachers. of this week of May 2006Teacher The experiencewas wonder-full. - Training is LOVE ENERGY.- Anita JohnValentine,NE Vestal, Texas The TCC Teacher'sTraining in Ringwood turned out to be the rounded by loving helpersto guide me along the path to accreditation.I am so grateful for the help, the guidance, and the love." - StanCorwin, Florida

"Teacher training was life transform- ing for me. I will neverbe the same!I cameout of TeacherTraining a differ- ent person than I was going in. What a privilege teachertraining has been for me." - Vicki Schroeder,MN / SC

"I broke my cup, and my family helped me put it back togetherwith LOVElThankyou." - BarbHines, PA "'To flow from the center, grow from the center,realizing it may require "Thank you for the Chi.... rather the most profound personaljourney. I painful pruning to let in the light...' "I knowledge of the Chi. I'll use it asa have experiencedthe Yin and Yang of couldn't move from the center.I tool to transform myself and thoseI myself: from being Big to being Small looked inside to seewhat lessonI love-- in other words, the world. I'll be to being Big again,joined by my new would learn - fear of failure? No, there was somethingelse. Fearof suc- cess?To receivean accreditationthat I was not worthy of, to be helped over a hurdle to find that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time? I faced my deeperfear and moved gently forward from the center - T'ai Chi Chih!" - Darla Granberry, Texas

" All the pressureI rt felt was self-gener- II ated. I was sur- t6 T6eYik[Forcegouma{

responsibility to teach and strengthen Obserued that web, makes my heart smile. Like ine of thesenew teachers Pooh Bear says, "Thanks from the bot- had attended the Intensive tom of my socks,cuz the bottom of my in March.I know that all of heart isn't deepenough!"-Kim them would agreethat not Follmer,PA only would there have been no better preparation for them, but I When all had departed in the joy, sat- believe that they would go as far isfaction(and exhaustion?)of the as to say that they would not week, and when I had cleaned and have wanted to be in the accredi- packed up all my things, I went tation processWITHOUT the ex- through the dormitory one last time perienceof the Intensive. to checkwindows and lights and ther- For thosewho did NOT have mostatsbefore locking up to leave.I the advantage of either never found this note on an index card left in having attended an Intensive, or one of the rooms: "This vastnessis not of not having attendedone at empty or a void or impersonalbut leastmore recently,the struggle circle of connections:my classmates, filled with the incandescentnectar of was more difficult and accredita- Pam, Dary Sr. Antonia, the auditing selflesslove, tenderjoy, and gratitude. tion was unsure until very late in teachers,and the community. What a true JOY it was to host this the week. Accreditation Course.I am filled with In the end, EVERYONErose to -Dan My deepestappreciation to Carolyn gratitude! Pienciak the occasionand did the work Perkinsand Diana Bahn who got that they needed to do to be ac- PhotosbyAnitaVestal, new teacher, and me started on this journey, and the credited - for some, sweat and DanPienciak.host generosity and wisdom of ALL who tears(if not blood) would not be helped me through my progress. an exaggeration.All deservedac- Thank you Justin for the gift of Tai Chi creditatiory and all are congratu- Chih and I am grateful to ALL for a lated warmly. -Sokie New Beginning. Lee,NYC We need you, and welcomeyou to the TCC teaching community! "To know that there is a web of T'ai However, in this host'Sopiniory Chi Chih in the world, and to know I believe that it is our responsibil- that I have been given the honor and ity as a community of teachersto provide IntensiveCourses, and to greatly encourage,and, if needed, help students who want to be- come teachersto go to an Inten- sive Coursebefore going to teacher training. Thorough preparation and regular practice are not an option, obviously, but sweat and tearswould hopefully not be necessaryif every candidate would have the opportunity to discoverin an In- tensive their true readiness. Not Too Little, Not Too Much

By GlennaDockery and Suzanne Roady -Ross

critiques,allow- ing break- throughs and in- sights into the quality of their practice. Eve- nings allowed time for reflec- tion, listening to thelustinStone SpeaksCDand watching the In- teroiewswithlustin Stonevideo. littlg not too much." estled quietly in scenic The cohesivenessof the group grew Soonshe re- Burlingame, Califomia, amidst sponded to similar questionsby say- eucalyptus and ancient oaks, ing, "How much do you think you Nf should do?" We would answerin uni- the stately Mercy Center was the site of the 2006 Northern Califor- son: "Not too little, not too much." nia T'ai Chi Chih Intensive, May 5-8. This delightful refrain becameour Led by TeacherTrainer Pam Towne theme and a gentle reminder of the and hosted by Athene Mantle, nine- easeand simplicity of the T'ai Chi teen serious students and teachers Chih way. spent three-and-a-half days refining On the last day, we reflected on our their movements and preparing for experiences.This is someof what we the fall TeacherTraining. had to say: Contrary to its name, the Intensive was not mercilessly intense; rather, it I wassmug in thebeginning, but smugness was delightfully sprinkled with good gaoezt)ay to " aha!" and tearsof joy. humor and camaraderie.The group daily, and we rejoicedin eachother's I it in my bones. hailed from areasas diverse as Ari- growth. The group often wanted to feel I camefor rejuaenation andlfoundit. zona, Arkansas, northern and south- "pull the wings off the butterfly" to ern California. foining the group the better understand chi ot the reasons Aftermy injury, second day, Sandy McAlister im- for various aspectsof I stoppedpracticing.And parted her valuable insights along the movements. But with Pam, providing an unusual in keeping with treat-both Teacher Trainers in the Justin's commitment same workshop. to doingT'aiChi Chih After a thorough review of basics, rather than analyzing on the third day we it, Pam kept us from divided into three "staying in our groups led by Pam, heads," When asked Sandy, and Athene. "How far?" or "How The 16 women and much?" about a IIrs three men gracefully movement, Pam {6 received personal would reply, "Not too 2006 TrtcVk{forcegourna[ nou I'aebegunaneuJ. Beingamemberof agroup isnot usually T'ai Chi Chih and Tea comfortable for me,but thisw as wonderful. ByAnitaVestal, student of H ope Sp angler from York,P ennsyla ania Pam'seagle eyes are so amazing; you'd lieves catchmeat theright moment and tell me by Linda Braga)to eachpartici- pant whatlneeded to correct. with encouragement to continue the practice.The affirmation reads: Withasincereheart, I found thatdelicious little point at theend of Front Porch Tea Room and Gar- theweight shift. I didn't knowit wasthere Imakeacommitrnmt den in eastern York County, Pennsyl- anddidn' t knowthat I didn't know. Tomyselftopractice vania for an eveningof gratitude and T'ai Chi Chihregularly feasting.Led by teachersHope I ruasso happy to cometo theIntensioe, be- Sothat thebenefits Spanglerand Markey, we did causeI gotall the2006 TCC upgrades. fean T'ai I seekwill manifest Chi Chih outside facing gardens Inmylife blooming with colorful pansies,petu- I cameherethinking "It's easy.I already nias, iris, and impatiensin splashesof We took the opportunity to leave the knowit." I found that I hadto relearnall purples, blues,pinks and yellows. thebasics. It humbledand energized me. world behind and to participate in At the conclusion of practice, we rituals of sharing with one another. formed a friendship circle to share There'salway s more; that's what keep s it in- We donned hats for the tea party and how T'ai Chi Chih has touched our enjoyed the teresting. Workingwith people and coor di- lovely china and d6cor lives. Many gave thanks for the peace- natingtheeuent atthesame time taughtme reminiscent of unhurried times to en- ful centerednessthey've noticed joy alot aboutmyself. since conversationand laughter.We learning T'ai Chi Chih. Somenoted feastedon tea biscuits and scones health changes.Helena Thomas with I camein thinkingI neededto work on the clotted cream and lemon curd, shared, "I am grateful for the health top,and I wentout lotowingI neededto chilled strawberry soup and finger benefits;my blood pressureis down." sandwiches usorkon thebottom. I hadto get my stance on various breads.What "T'ai Chi Chih is growing in Europe a lovely gift to ourselves and one an- in j ust theright place.The I ustin right place! now," offered Norma Cedronerefer- other in celebrationof our association ring to Dutch guides who are avid There'sa timeto thinkand a timenot to with T'ai Chi Chih. practitioners. Another student told think:justfocus on theT'anTien. about how she practicesoutdoors, Attendees:facqui LeBeau,Paul Knaub, weather permitting; it brings an ap- Betsy Knaub, Norma Cedrone, Ann I'ue left theplace of p asslfail foreaer. Some preciation of nature, time to smell the Cedrong Cathy Henry, usedto sny , Looselips sink ships. But we Bonni Kuner- flowers and listen to the birds sing. cansay, Loosehips, andthe chi grips! Rottr,Susan Clark Halina Re,Julia Hope Spanglerpassed out lovely Helf, Annie Wilson, FayeNace, Lilian cards (originally given to her she be- Barsovitz, Helena Thomag Carol I felt sodisj ointed during thelntensia e - it seemedlcouldn't do anythingright. Pam Stamer,Joyce Kno>; JanetMcFadden, EuniceWatson, Barb toldmethat lmightbeready for abreak- f,{f through.I wasso happy on thethird day Hines, Anita Ves- whenlfelt "T'ai Chi Chihdoing T'ai Chi tal, fean Markey andHope Chih"for thefirsttime! Spangler. With a fond farewell, we parted the last day - pleasedand happy that we had known one another and learned so much. One teacherthought of a fu- ture when we might meet again - and with that hope in mind she wrote: "I'll seeyou all in my dreams,swimming through heavy air." {9 Tai Chi Chih at the Sanctuary

By Gail Syverson,student of Sr. Viola Bens

he FranciscanFor- day existence.We all est Sanctuary on thoroughly enjoyed the edgeof the bo- the bountiful lunch real forest in topped off with a Saskatchewan, Canada scrumptious bumble was the setting for a very berry crisp, createdby satisfying one-day work- SisterViola herself. shop led by SisterViola The opportunity to Benson April1,2006.The bask in the sunshine stillnessof this retreat of- on the deck and ob- fered the perfect ambiance serve the return of the for a full day of Tai Chi first juncoeswere un- Chih practice,meditative expectedbonuses. readings and time to enjoy Eternity is in the mo- the warmth of the spring ment and we live it sun. now. There was a very pleas- As the day pro- ing range of experience among the 12 the relaxing mood that Viola always gressed, we definitely came together manages to achieve. Participants as a group and sensed the energy agreed with Rita and Ann who en- flowing around us. In Viola's words, joyed the "fact that we were all at dif- "To see a group of students and teach- ferent levels" and it was "a nice mix." ers move into softness and deep focus Carole felt "inspired and committed in a one-day retreat is such a joy. I to keep on going with (her)practice." continue to marvel at the power of the "Enlightening," "inform ative," Chi in creating peace and joy." Having "grounding," " confirming," and felt the power of moving together, we "flowing" described some of our reac- came away from the Sanctuary feeling tions to the learning that happened. as Bob did, that "it's always a privi- As Loretta said, "Having the time to lege to learn from others." fine-tune our movements was gteat." Viola took great careto encourage even the most hesitantof the group as she gently correctedtechnique assur- participants. At the outset Viola re- ing everyonethat she herselfwas minded us that we were all teachers open to be critiqued.We were re- and all learners, although officially we minded to focuson continuousflow- had two teachers with a mix of begin- ing movements,smooth weight shifts ning students and and relaxed circularity. thosemore experi- Pausesto hear readingsfrom Justin encedin the art. Stone'swritings provided welcome Whether this was a food for the soul. The serenityand first retreat or, as for calmnessof the tall room with its some, the third, ev- huge field stonefireplace made it easy eryone appreciated for us to forget the caresof our every- Renewal in the Desert April 20-23,2006

By loanWearser

\ o the desert we came - from all tumbled river rocks of all colors and After breakfast and photos on Sun- over the country, and with a sizes, in the eleven-circuit Chartres day moming and before our last wide range of T'ai Chi Chih ex- pattern - where one moming a wild practice together, we spoke of the re- perience- for three day+ April boar (javelina) wandered by. treat and its effects on us since Thurs- 20-23,with Teacher Trainer Pam Friday and Saturday, morning and day evening. "Feelings of apprehen- Towne and Host Robin Spencer. afternoon, we worked our way sion" from beginners gave way to Traveling by air, automobile, and through the movements. As we "pleasrJre,satisfaction, a senseof ac- with a trailer in tow . . . on our owrl or sought to emulate Pam's example and complishment" and " greater respect with family members (three couples, a follow the principles she emphasized, for TCC practice." Sfudents "learned mother and daughter, sisters-in-law) . we were able to advance,whatever more precise movements" and identi- . . and with other companions, includ- our starting point. We sometimes fied specific improvements - "I feel as ing four dogs and a ferret . . . we practiced in pairs, as mirrors to each if I've started to break through the ranged from a few who were com- other, or in groups of four. Through- Taffies," "Perpetual Motion is my new pletely new to TCC, through interme- out, Pam and the six other teachersof- favorite becauseit flows." Especially diate and serious students, to teachers fered individual guidance. Ever more appreciated were "the feeling of im- (five in addition to Pam and Robin). relaxed - elbowq wrists, hands - mersion" in TCC and the "accep- Many were attending a retreat for the smoothing out our movements, focus- tarrcer""friendliness," " w atmth," and first time; others were renewing ac- ing in the solesof the feet,we flowed "openness"of this "great group of quaintancesfrom TCC classes,re- from the center - effortlessly - people." And we were motivated - " I treats, or accreditation.We came from through very heavy air. will practice more regularly," "I defi- Arizona (Glendale,Gold Canyory Reviewing what we had learned in nitely am going to go on," "I want to Mesa, Phoenix, Prescottand Prescott each previous session,adding new offer this to others." The retreat was Valley, Tucson) and farther away movements, practicing up to the point " rew arding and peaceful," "nourish- (Alaska,California Illinois, Indiana, we had covered - and skipping move- irtg," "an awakening of the spirit." Maine, Maryland, New Jersey,New ments not yet taught, so as not to rein- Acknowledgments and thanks were York, North Carolina, South Dakota). force bad habits - we would finish offered to Pam and Robin ("every- The Spirit of the Desert Retreat Cen- with Cosmic ConsciousnessPose and thing went so smoothly"), to teachers ter, in the community of Carefree then sit quietly, savoring our open "who encOuragedme to come," and to north of Phoenix, offered spacious and and aware state.Pam read to us from the three men "for their yang contri- comfortableaccommodations; desert- Justin's collectedwritings, SpiritualOd- butions." Pam and Robin both noted landiCaped giounds with panoramic y is ey. W e listened to I rstin Spialcs, fu om the improvements made since Ttrurs- mountain views (paloverde,ocotillo, his CD. We sangand danced"Joy,Joy, day "as we moved more and more to- and cactiin bloom); a welcomingstaff; Ioy,Ioy''before headingoff for a meal. gether." I believe Pam used the term and healthful,delicious meals. Friday night after dinner we "light-years." Thursday afternoon we began with watched severalsegments of the lnter- We came to understand that this re- an open practice(giving Pam an idea oiewswith lustin Stonevideo from the treat is but one element of so much of "where we were"), and after dinner New Mexico Public television series, more that T'ai Chi Chih offersus. A we gathered to becomeacquainted which reinforced the principles we student who had "overcome resis- and to share our intentions and hopes were learning and showed Justin's tance" to attend said she would tell for the retreat. We also learned the gentle manner. anyone considering huppy news of Pam and Ted's engage- Our Saturday evening was devoted a T'ai Chi Chih re- ment. to sacred circle dancing. An intrepid treat: "Go! You will Early risers met for before-breakfast majority of us learned from Pam and learn so much! A re- practicesat the Center'soutdoor laby- Ted three lovely Dancesof Universal treat is an ideal way rinth - beautifully laid out with Peace. to learn." 2t fheYikfforcegournaf 9ui4zoo6 TCC TeacherRetreat in Canada Muy 19to 22,2006

By CheryAnnHoffmeyer

-t r ltl he Provi- ill my personal prac- denceRe- itl tice, the sharing of newal Centre K teaching tips and inEdmonton, tidbits, and sim- Alberta, Canada ply the luxury of provided a tran- being with Sandy for the quil setting and more of our May L9 to22,2006 Canadian teach- T'ai Chi Chih ers, I can think of Teachers' retreat no other place I facilitated by would rather Sandy McAlister. have spent the this re- The focus of Victoria Day teach- treat was on Weekend. Chih, ing T'ai Chi My personal and in additiory practice is already time the group had richer, as is my to focus on deepen- teaching even this ing one's practice. rou: L to R - Louise Bureau,G nil Terriff, TamoraZuj ezusky j, Sandy first week home as This is the first McAlist er (facilit at or), Sheil a Leon ar d I write this. My time that a retreat Back r out: L t o R - M aure ut Punt es, Rit a Beth, Garr et H enley, Chery Ann students, too, are focused on teach- H olfrneyer (sponsor), Le slie Keith already richer for 'ing TCC hasbeen my having gone, offered in Canada as is our world- was and the group teachingTCC and supporting stu- wide T'ai Chi Chih community and in- in for a wonderful treat. The group of dents in their movementsand prac- deed our world as the effects ripple 10 was small and intimate, providing tice. Picking up tips from Sandyabout ever outward in blessing...my joy and an incredible opportunity to practice, 'over getting students started and the gratitude profound!" -Sheila Leonard refine, dialogue, and explore how to do hump' in learning a more challenging "Through the process of the retreat I TCC and how to effectively teach TCC. movement, as well as getting a variety had intense learning experiences that Teachers from Alberta, of ideasfrom other teachers,makes me fundamentally altered my form and Saskatchewan, and as far as away excited about teachingmy next class practice. I felt embarrassed at the rec- eastern Newfoundland came together in a new way. At the same time, I ognition of some needed changes and to share the chi and their enthusiasm gained significant insights into the clumsy in my first attempts to bring for practicing and teaching TCC. The movementsfor my own practice." - the adjustments into my body. But following experiences and words re- Louise Bureau hey, these were small moments with flect the quality and depth of the "It's truly a LONG trip from New- no lasting concern. The chi pool is participant's experi- foundland to Edmonton,especially deep and swimming lessons help. ences: just for a four-day weekend,but I was Thanks to all present." -Garret B. "I found it very irresistibly drawry and it sure proved Henley valuable to focus in- worth every kilometer, even holding "Sandy was a wonderful facilitator tensively on the art II the jet lag atbay. Given the blend of who made it fun and interesting. I've and mechanics of 22 personal refinements,a deepening of done TCC since 1986 and you taught 9u[u2oo6 TheVtafforcegournaf me so many important things that I'd missedbefore." -Maureen Purves "Sandy, I loved your input as to how to move and how to teach our students in better ways. We all appre- ciated your calmnessand clarity, and your opennessto hear our thoughts." -Gail Terriff Thanks to Sandy "who sets the bar high and models clarity, economy of language, insight, humility, tact, confi- dence, respect,sensitivity, levity and above all, joy in her practice and - teaching of T'ai Chi Chih." -unknown L to R Louise Burea,Maarcen Purces,Sheila L eonar d, Tonar a Zuj ewsky j, Gan et H enley. We all experiencedinsights and Group is using a'string' to iilentifu the eoennessof awarenessesthat continue to shift and theirstance. change our practice and teaching of TCC. Rita Beth's comments sum up this weekend experience"insightful, helpful and practical." In addition to the teachersworking with Sandy, the afternoon practice on Sunday was open to all TCC students. It was enjoyable to have them practice with our group and then to share their perceptionsof the experience with our group. Their thoughts and ideas added another dimension to a well-rounded experience.The stu- dents appreciated the opportunity to be invited and included in a part of our weekend retreat. As we held gur closing circle just prior to noon on Monday eachperson .Siiay Wtcetistetmj oying the b nitiful outiloors. Rabbitsand revisited the goals that were ex- mall ard iluckssh ar e il thegr e at outd o or s utith us. pressedat the beginning of the week- end. Each of us had our expectations addressedand much more beyond these expectations.The entire week- all for showing up, for being presen! end had a beautiful flow, like a TCC and being involved with all of your practice sessioryhow wonderful to ex- being; your commitment and dedica- periencethe flow of chi on so many tion to your practice and to your levels of one's being. As closure was teaching shines brightly over our TCC nearing, I looked at the beaming faces, community. Thanks to Justin Stone and could seeand feel the chi flowing and to Sandy McAlister for support- all around and through us. ing us in keeping this wonderful prac- What a fantastic weekend. As my tice pure and true. What a gift we all some of my First Nations friends say, have to share with the world! "It makes my heart huppy." Thanks to TheVfa{forcegournaf guiqzoob TCC GommunityOutreach

Resultsof the 2005Teachers Survev

ByDoreneKrause

copy for you. The first categoryto be will be realized through practice,even viewed on the web is "Teaching a short time every day. Peoplewith PhysicalChallenges." If r Let the chi do the work. Help stu- you are going to be teaching.TCCto dents feel comfortable in the class,re- people with arthritis, cancer, cerebral lax and enjoy the TCC movements. palsy, chronic fatigue, COPD, diabe- o It is important for students to move tes, fibromyalgia, heart conditions out of their heads and into experienc- and stroke, hip or knee replacemenf ing the chi. lupus, MS or Parkinson s, you can Teaching Seniors: contact other teacherswho have r Many seniorscannot physically do taught thesespecialized populations. some of the moves nor remember The original creation of the TCC them, but it is important to always Community Outreach Coordinator teach and demonstratecorrect form. was motivated by the need to answer o It is more important to emphasize questionsrelated to specificpopula- smoothness, circularity and tions of TCC students. The vision is to groundedness- the spirit of TCC being provide the TCC Community with more important than the form. team leaderswho would assumethe Teaching Teensand Children: following roles: o The experienceof teachingin atypi- pecial thanks to Lorraine o To develop guidelines for working cal schoolscan have great rewards. Lepine, TCC Community with specificpopulations o Rather than tell the students the Outreach Coordinator, for . To provide resourcematerials benefits of TCC practice, allow them to accepting the task of compil- If you would like to participatein this feel the chi and be guided as to how it ing the data and organizing development, contact Antonia, Pam or can be used. the results of the 2005 Sandy. Teacher Survey. Our heartfelt grati- T'ai Chi Chih classesare being tude goes to Lorraine for the hundreds taught in a wide range of settings of hours she has contributed to the with Holistic Centers,Health Clubs community. Thank you also to the 90 and Senior settings at the top of the teachers who participated. list. Classesare also being taught in Survey results are progressively be- Educationaland Spiritual settingsas ing posted to a hidden page on the well as in homes,hospital/rehabilita- TCC Community web site. Teachers tion centers,general and judicial set- will be e-mailedthe exactweb page tings. addressto accessthis information. If Respondentsshared some of their you don't have e- Teaching Tips for different student mail or accessto the populations. Someof thesetips are internet please con- outlined below: tact a teacher who General Population: does and ask them to o Encouragestudents and help them print out a hard understandthat the benefitsof TCC Our Students,Our Selves

Chaos In The Midst Of Serenity First TCC Classat an AssistedLiving Residence

ByLindaBraga

left the house for my new T'ai while seated.None of them wanted to past..."youknow...the one createdby Chi Chih class 30 minutes early, stand and try it at first... but I was fustin Stone."I was pleasantlysur- to set up the room and be ready not deterred. prised and asked who his teacher had to greet my new students. Then things got a little chaotic. A been. The name he gave was someone When I arrived, there wasn't a resident came in and ran right over who was not ever accredited.I smiled soul around in the activity my foot with her walker while I was and said how pleased I was that he room. So I went ahead and pushed demonstrating.She made a beelineto knew TCC. He informed me that the tables out of the way, set up chairs in the scalesto weigh herself,not to join reasonhe was late was that he plays a circle,got the display table and fold- the class.Several other residents came pinochle with his friends...and that he ers of TCC materialsready, and put on and went, talking in loud voices. Then would be late for classin the future as somesoothing music. Then I decided I noticed a largepuddle on the floor well. to do someT'ai Chi Chih. nearby,and stoppedto seeif we could We ended with a few more seated A few minutesbefore L0 a.m.,a get some towels so that no one would TCC moves,then closedwith a bow of woman rushed in and was surprised I slip and fall. gratitude for our life. Within the hour, had alreadyarranged the room for It turned out to be a significant leak ten people had cometo classand class.She informed me shewould go from the upper floors... and the next stayed. They were drawn in by the "rustle up somestudents" in the liv- thing I knew, the HAZ-MAT team in soft flowing movementsof T'ai Chi ing room of the AssistedLiving Resi- protective suits and boots came in, Chih ... and captivatedby the knowl- dence.In she came minutes later with bringing the large noisy machine used edge that justin is about the same age a troop of peoplein walkers and wheel to suck up fluids. It was turned ory as they are, and lre is still doing this chairs. making so much of a racket that I form of movement every day. One It was an unlikely crew of begin- could no longer talk to my students. In never knows when chaoswill erupt in ners.Some of them informed me that fact we couldn't even hear the music! a serenesetting and bring joy through they could only stay for L5 minutes. So I did what was my only movement! One fell asleepin her chair almost im- option. . ..moreTCC movementsfor mediately.Others sat down and them to view, as the team mopped up PS.The following week, the man who waited quietly. After introducing my- the whole area. plays pinochle was on time! Another self, I explained what T'ai Chi Chih After the team left, I continued to participant told the Director after was all about and did some soft move- move, encouraging the residents' par- classthat he adoresthis classin T'ai ments for them. They watched in- ticipation while seated.Then a man Chi Chih! The Director said: "Who tently. I talked about the benefits of came in with his wife in a wheel chair. would ever believe that W would regular practiceand encouragedthem He announced that he and his wife be attracted to T'ai Chi Chih! one to try out some of the movements had done someTai Chi in the never knows."

2' Making Connections

By CarmenL. Brocklehurst,Albuquerque, N M

in terms of time but rather according Recently I taught a week-long morn- to what we get from practice, every ing sessionfor the Scienceand Con- day. If I received nothing more than sciousnessInternational Conference, the ever present peacewashing over with about 700 scientists,engineers, my body, mind and emotions, that and medical professionalsfrom been I who gave the demonstration. helps me experiencemy breath, it around the world. One heart attack However, T'ai Chi Chih definitely would certainly be worth the 40 min- sufferer, who needed to slow dowry touched them during some short utes. However, so much more is re- came to the T'ai Chi Chih presenta- demonstration.They felt peaceor love vealed daily. T'ai Chi Chih givesus the tion. After one session,he asked, or the disappearanceof pain when strengthand opening to sink deeply "Would it be okay if I did my practice they started moving. And they longed into the well of Life. The questionis fasterin this class?"I smiled and said. to rememberthat experience how do we approachour practice? "No; it sounds as if you need to con- again. The wonderful thing about I rememberpractice beginning as a nect with your body. It seemsto be teaching is that the experience can be race. It wasn't until the eighteenth telling you to slow down. You really repeated.We don't have to crossour Rocking Motion that I becameaware needT'aiChi Chih." He stopped fingers and hope that it will happen of moving too fast.And then it would frowning for the first time and said again. It isn't magic,but it is take until the twenty-seventh move- gently, "I think you're right." We then magical.Justin Stone,the originator of ment to slow to a gentle flow, which had a lovely chat and he purchaseda T'ai Chi Chih, saysit so simply: "If connectedme to myself. I endedup video so he could continueconnecting you want to know what T'ai Chi Chih sinking deeply for only the last nine with and listening to his body. He also can do for you, do it." movements.It finally dawned on me attendedthe daily morning T'ai Chi One of my studentswas surprised that I was a slow learner.I then de- Chih session. to hear that I had beendoing T'ai Chi cided to have a full, mindful, practice How wonderful to sharea discipline Chih for about 30 years.They seemed - not somethinghit or miss.From that helps people connectwith them- impressedand commented,"That is a that time on/ my T'ai Chi Chih prac- selves so that they can love (them- long time." I smiled, knowing that our tice becamevery different. selves)and sharethe chi. T'ai Chi Chih practiceis not evaluated

StayingConnected

Come to Lubbock for 4thAnnual Workshop By Nancy Beck

Brockelhurst from Albuquerque to be from acrossthe country. Four of the the facilitator since she brings much participants recently were accredited experience, is an outstanding resource as teachers. Lubbock, TX on September23 and24, and brings the tradition of TCC to Cost of the Workshop will be $40for 2006,announced West Texas. "Return to Basics" and Saturday or Sundayor $65 for both Larry Sava, "Introduction to Advanced TCC," and days. WellnessDirector. "Meditation" will be topics for the Contact Nancy Beckat There is a great two days. [email protected] 806- rs excitement and an- Sava says that the previous work- 799-6603or Larry Sava at 806-722- II ticipation having shops have been well attended and 3L62,during the day. 26 Carmen last year's workshop drew people tu61zoo6 f6e Mfa(Forcegourna( TCC in the Media

Kathy,IhaaebeenteachingTCC at anadolescentrecooeryprogramfor about ayearnout andthispicis fromanarticleintheirneutsletter.l'lltrytoattachthetextofthearticleandthepicture.Theiliscussion youledat conferurcelastyear was oery l)nluableformein starting this classatlourneys (therecoaay center).Thank you for your sharing.

RitaOtis

Tai Chi Chih helps recoveringteens kick drug and alcoholaddictions

eensintheJOURNEYS program take a mental break from recovery through moving medita- tion called Tai Chi Chih, which helps teens reduce stress,heal and focus on getting sober.

"Tai Chi Chih taught me how to relax," said an L8-year-old client recovering from drug ad- diction. "I use the skills I've leamed in the classa lot when I get upset. I try to go to a peace- ful place and rernernber to csn- trol my emotions, breattr, and think positively."

Offered every Thursday for an hour, Tai Chi Chih is a set of movements that focus on the development of energy. It's a non-violent form of meditation and physical motion. "Tai Chi Chih is away for thesekids to connect with their divine enerry," said instructor Rita Otis. "The movements first allow the kids to re- lax. Once they're relaxed, it begins to heal their mind, body and spirit."

IOURNEYS combines drug and alcohol educatiory residential treatment and outpatient ser- vices to help adolescentsbeat their addictions. "When kids first get to JOURNEYS,they are tenseand have difficulty concentrating," said Otis. "The classhelps them focus mentally and slows down the mind. I definitely seea lot of changesin their day-to-day behavior after a few weeks."

27 his article on TCC was recentlypublished in the internationaljournal The Bulletin, a publica- tion of Delta KappaGamma Society lnternational.... a societyof key womeneducators. I am thrilled the article got acceptedbecause it has beenpublished internationally, giaing TCC more exposureworldutide. In addition,I just got a letter of acceptancefor me to presentTCC nt the DKG lnternationalCon- aention2006 in SanDiego in mid-luly. lt is a hugeconaention with 5,000expected to attend.An- othergolden opportunity... for sure! In theflow, Linda Braga

A GoldenOpportunity: T'aichi Chih@for Health and Wellbeirg

byRosalindBraga

n lll \ he curiosityto learna new skill working world today are stressedout. ergy of the body. This gentleform of and connectwith the larger They keep on living at a frantic pace, meditation brings the body-mind- iltlll jL world is a lifetime journey. Se- juggling careerand family life, often at spirit into a stateof harmony and bal- niors are no exception. They the costof their own health.Most feel ance. For me, it was the perfect an- have the time and inquisitiveness to they have no choice. swer. pursue new interests.This article is Ofteru people don't a make a change After becoming accredited to teach about some older adults who are en- in their life until a crisishits. In China, T'ai Chi Chih (TCC), I beganoffering joying a new path to wellness through the word crisishas two different mean- workshops and evening classesfor a form of meditationcalled T'ai Chi ings: danger and opportunity! Most various groups. This provided a nour- Chih. It is a practicefor all ages.Its crisescome at the most inconvenient ishing balance of."doing" and "being" simplicity and beauty attract begin- times. But they do get our attention in my life. It alsoencouraged meto em- n'ers,offerin g a way to experiencere- and help us to set new priorities. Sur- body all that I knew about relaxation laxation and rejuvenation. prisingly, a personalcrisis can be a and wellness. goldenopportunity for positive change.It A Desire for "the Good Life" certainly was for me. Moving Meditation for Older Adults Everyone wants the good life, one Two yearsago, I retired as Resource filled with health and vitality. The ad- A Crisis Brings Change Specialistto pursue my new career: vertising world knows this, and capi- In the 1980's,a demandingjob as offering daytime T'ai Chi Chih classes talizeson our desireto stay young for- ResourceSpecialist, parental health for seniors. Today, there are many ever. Productsfor good nutrition, re- problems,and rough times in my own classesoffered at local Community laxation and rejuvenation entice us to family brought me to a point of crisis. Centers that provide enrichment and stay youthful. Magazinesare loaded One day, a flyer landed on my door- new skills to a growing population of with beauty products and methods to step, advertising a classfor stressre- older adults. help us learn how to relax. With the duction. Despitemy busy schedule,I What I discovereddid not surprise current demandsof our modern times, decided to take the class.It changed me. Though older adults havemore the challengeis hozu my life. time and no careerdemands to worry tomaintainalifestyle The classwas T'ai Chi Chih@Joy about, life is still stressful.With per- that promotes Through Movement.With 20 easycir- sonal health issues,family changes, wellnesson a physi- cular patterns and alternating rest and lossof spouse,they too needto rs cal, emotional and poses,it is the perfectanecdote for learn how to decreasethe stressin II spiritual level. stress.The soft, flowing movements their life and relax. 26 Most people in the circulate and balancethe intrinsic en- Many seniors(ages 60 - 90) cometo 9u[azoo6 Tie Mfafforcegouma(

TCC class,curious about whether Her family tells her she is much more A Golden Opportunity for You they can actually do the movements. patient now. Shefeels good, enjoys For those of you still in the world of By the end of the first lessorythey new friends, and has a positive out- work, and those of you now retired, have smiles and positive comments look on life. consider what you can do to nourish that this form of movement is relaxing Another student, a womernin her yourself daily through relaxation and and very easy to do. The simple circu- late70's with diabetes and other renewal. T'ai Chi Chih classesare of- lar patterns, usually performed stand- health problems, left T'ai Chi Chih fered in many cities throughout the ing, can be modified to a seatedpose. class and walked halfway home be- USA and other countries. If your Students develop a new senseof soft- fore she realized that she had left her schedule prohibits you from taking a ness and relaxation in their move- cane in class! scheduled clast consider private les- ments that carry over to their A TCC student with breast cancer sons.Experience a new senseof peace- thoughts and actions after class.Soon and respiratory problems began a fulness and vitality. Through the quiet they are hooked onfeelinggood, feeling regular practice of T'ai Chi Chih. Her meditative practice of T'ai Chi Chih, relaxed. health improved so much that last you will find that you are calm, cen- year that she passed the training to tered and joyful. You become "strong Health and Wellness Benefits for become accredited to teach TCC her- like a mountain, flowing like a river." Everyone self. T'ai Chi Chih offers many health A student with physical limits has For more information on the practice benefits to those who practice regu- been a long-time student who does of T'ai Chi Chih and teachersin your larly. In a five-year study done at much of her practice seatedin a chair. area, visit the web site at: UCLA' it was shown that T'ai Chi She is an inspiration to others who wwwtaichichih.com. The UCLA study Chih boosts the immune responseof can see that she is a calm, centered can also be accessedat this web site. the body by 50"/".This is significant. person. They all want to be like her! Other studies and reports by students She says that T'ai Chi Chih has been a Rosalind Braga cun m t Co- P r es id rnt of confirm other health benefits, includ- life-saver for her. ZetaPhi Chapterin Califurnia,is a retired ing lowering of blood pressure,im- Many of these seniors remark that Special Eilucation teacher. She currmtly of- proved balance and strength, mental this class is a refuge from their busy fers T'ai Chi Chih classesthrough the San clarity and calmness,improved diges- schedule that includes caring for LeandroAilult School,andhasbeen apre- tion and eliminatiory and better sleep. grandchildren and family members as senterof T' ai Chi Chihat manyD elta One student, an 85-year-old well as themselves.They enjoy the Knppa Gamma Chi St ate Conu ut t i ons. womary came to class and partici- class and make it a priority in their pated the full hour without sitting schedule.Those who attend two days Submitteil by RosalindBr aga, 221.20 E arl down. When the classwas over, she a week and practice at home are mak- D ria e, CastroV alley, CA 945 46 said that she felt so calm she thought ing very good progress, and are expe- Phone: (5 1 0 I 85-3 859e-mail : she was dreaming...andhad to pinch riencing even greater benefits. [email protected] herselfto seeif shewas really awake!

29 TheMkfforcegournaf

Major T'anChi Chih Principles

To move the Vital Forcewhat are some maior keys? SevenS's, three C's, and two P's!

Soft (effort of no effort) - don't strain body or brain

Straight (vertical alignment) - don't stoop or tilt

Sink (into the essence)- don't drop too low or stay too high

ghift (yin-yang balance)- don't move legs out too short or too long

Slow (swim through thick air) - don't go too fast

Stillness(quietude in rest position) - don't fidget or stir

Smile (joy thru movement) - don't try too hard

Continuity (smoothness)- don't bump or stop

Center (flow from the Tan T'ien) - don't lead from the hands

Circularity (energy,wholeness, unity) - don't circle too wide or too small

Polarity (betweenthe hands) - don't have hands too closeor too far away Practice(regularly) - don't make excuses

Michael S. Isaacs 8 LocksleyAve, Apt. 4,{ San Francisco, CA 94122 41.5-566-1.884 [email protected] www. MICHAELISAACS.com www. misaacs.starfishpartners. com

I 30 Taking Apart My T'ai Chi Chih

ByJanieDick, Sedona, AZ

I must start with SOFTNESS It permeates everything T"ai Chi Chih is sofg soft, soft MyBREATHING issoft always I concentrate on the Bubbling Spring - when I think I am soft Just in the solesof my feet - or - softer softnesscomes the Tantien - Thereis no end... two inches below my navel - ever where the Chi is stored.

My FORM is my shel- The movements were studied and the vehicle that carries me learned My back is straight longago, so softly straight much of the time My round and soft shoulders there is no MIND My kneesslightly flexed yet - I am uniting the inner Divine Energy not overextended - with the Universal Energy and all to encourageand allow I am one with all that is the Vital Force My mindlessmind is free... Intrinsic Energy Free... chi (one and the same) I am FEELING adrift to pass through floating on a cloud My feet are planted firmly moving through heavy air - on the ground both of these - and yet rooted like a tree I am strong - and yet An imaginary string comes from the heavens nothing and attaches to my crown My fingers flutter slightly I know that I am They tingle rooted like a tree and The palms of my hands tingle flowing like a river The rest of my body follows The feeling of total well-being The MOVEMENT is now automatic comes once again I know that the way I move and this time... is more important stays longer... than the way I execute the moves There is circularity and continuity circularity and continuity on and on and on

3{ TheVfafforcegournaI 1w{a2006

Acceptance- of Ourselvesand Others Submitted b y Sandi C annello s

A Water Bearerin India had two large path, and this cheeredit some.But at the path and every day while we walk pots: eachhung on eachend of a pole, the end of the trail, it still felt bad be- back from the stream,you've watered which he carried acrosshis neck. One causeit leakedout half its load, and so them. For two yearsI have beenable of the pots had a crack in it, and the again it apologizedto the bearerfor its to pick thesebeautiful flowers to deco- other pot was perfect and always de- failure. rate my master'stable. Without you livered a full portion of water at the The Water Bearersaid to the pot, being just the way you are,he would end of the long walk from the stream "Did you notice that there were flow- not have this beauty to gracehis to the master'shouse; the crackedpot ers only on your side of your path, but house." arrived only half full. For a full two not on the other pot's side?That's be- Eachof us hasour own unique years this went on daily, with the causeI have always known about flaws. We're all crackedpots. In God's bearer delivering only one and a half your flaw and I took advantageof it. I great economy,nothing goesto waste. pots full of water to his master's planted flower seedson your side of house.Of course,the perfectpot was proud of its accomplishments,perfect to the for which it was made. But end You may the poor crackedpot was ashamedof not see it its own imperfectioryand miserable that it was able to accomplishonly now, but whatever half of what it had beenmade to do. you do affects every- After two yearsof what it perceived thing and everyone else, to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the if even in the tiniest way. Water Bearerone day by the stream. Why, when a housefly flaps its "I am ashamedof myself and I want to apologizeto you." "Why?" askedthe wings, abreeze goes round the world; bearer. "What are you ashamed of?" "I when a speck of dust falls to the ground, have been able,for thesepast two the entire planet weighs a little bit more; and years/to deliver only half my load be- when you stamp your foot the earth moves slightly causethis crack in my side causeswa- off its course. Whenever you laugh, gladness ter to leak out all the way back to your spreadslike the ripples in a pond; and master'shouse. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work and whenever you're sad, no one anywhere you don't get full value from your ef- canbe really huppy.And it's forts," the pot said. The Water Bearer much the same thing with felt sorry for the old crackedpot, and knowledge, for whenever in his compassionhe said, "As we re- you learn something turn to the master'shouse, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along new, the whole the path." Indeed, as world becomes they went up the that much hill, the old cracked richer. pot took notice of the sun warming the Norton beautiful wild flow- Juster ers on the side of the The Phantom Tollbooth 9u61zoob TheVk[forcegourna[ The Lighter Side

arm greetings from my home in snowy Newfoundland to yours! \ q' ;* t' i\U Just wanted \i \t7 i. "*. ,-. you to know that I , S ,+*., scribed the hand position by say- '.|ffiffi,j;;. t T'ai Chi Chih moves #wsE ' ing: "Your hands will be in the posi- thesedays! Even tion at the hip so that the lower hand have photos to prove "holds the cat" and the upper hand it. As Justinsays, "I "pets the cat," letting the hands sepa- need to practice rate as the weight is shifted.Someone when I feel like it and in class who had struggled with the practicewhen I don't hand position for weeksblurted out, feellike it..." or else, "Well why didn't you say so before!" for me, I can't get out So, last week I brought a soft, of my stuffed cat to class and that got driveway!!!!!! everyone's attention. Again I intro- Passing Snowflakes duced the taffies...andafter demon- ['ve named the new strating it several times, I picked up MOVES: the cat and showed them how to "hold the cat,pet the cat." They liked * PassingSnowflakes it and got the image of which direc- * Carry the Shovelto | . tion the palms face. the Side ./,il. This week Betty came to classand * Push Pull said sheneeded to speakto me about the taffies.She said, "I went home Not sure my yinning and tried to do the taffiesand....well. and yanging, r I got confused....Idon't know how to weight shifts a get the cat to jump into the other ways right ory hand!" We all had a good laugh over they DO get m, that one. --Linda Braga ing... with SOI NESS,Ihope,and Carry the Shovel to the Side definitely with CON- TINUITY...Mother Nature has seen to the Juvenile Detention Center to put the latter the past their problems and troubles in that few weeks. ball and then releasethem. One boy's ball immediately took the shapeof a Nleanr,vhile.Iam ea- ru giant beachball f #'"ffi geriytoortngfor- ,,M and he kept it up "-r. .ffiA, .,i." ward to the SUM- tti" t'1:'''t)'')'iti ,. through the entire MERandMER and Conference set.I didn't correct 2006!Seeyouthere!'-.-:*ffi@''::,j'#,,.'-:.-rr-'i|.. him. Afterward he seemedquite joyful. -Sheila Leonard So was I. -Kathy Grassel 33 TheVfaf'ForceJournaI tuiyzoo6 Contacts Subscribeto the Vital Force

Thank you for your interest in the Vital Forcelournal. By subscribing,you will receivefour issuesof the Vital Forceevery year. Guide Sr. Antonia Cooper, OSF If you are a teacher,you will be included in the TeachersDirectory. Pleaselet 641 SomersetStreet in Directory. North Plainfield, NI 07060-4909 us know if you do NOT want to be the (908) 370-361.6 E-mail: [email protected] If you have questions,please email Victor Berg at vfjmembership@)zahoo.com

Originator Contact Information fustin Stone P.O.Box23212 Albuquerque, NM 87192-1212 Address: Outreach Coordinator Lorraine Lepine State, Zip Tel: 913-239-9636 Email: thevitalforce2@]rahoo.com Phone: Email: Subscription Coordinator oPen TeacherAccreditation Information

Teacher Trainers Date you were accredited as a T'ai Chi Chih Teacher: Pam Towne Date you were accredited as a Seijaku Teacher: 355 Orwell Ln. Name of the teacherwho taught you T'ai Chi Chih: Encinitas, CA92024 (760) 944-9s44 Vital ForceSubscription Information E-mail: [email protected] ( ) I DO NOT want to be listed in the TeachersDirectory or the Website. Sandy McAlister 24835Second St. Delivery in the U.S. years@ $30/year $ Hayward, CA94547 Delivery outsideof the U.S. years@ (51.0) 582-2238 $4O/vear$ E-mail: [email protected] Donation for VFJOutreach or to help others subscribeto the VFJ q VFf Editor Teacher Directory $5 ContactSr. Antonia Cooper,OSF Total amount enclosed [email protected]

Web Mistress Make a checkor money order payableto: Lisa Thorburn The Vital ForceJournal. www.taichichih.org Send to: PO Box 23068 Albuquerque, NM 87192-7068

34 tufuZoo6 fAeYia{faragouma(

Calendar

Ilates Activity Location Contact

luly 27-3A,2006 21st Annual Intemational Teachers Bloomingtorg Ron Barker Conference MN [email protected] Seeannouncement in this issue. 763-572-115

July31-Aug 2,2006 Seijaku Training w/Pam Towne St.PaulMN JoanneEllison $300 ($40 for auditors) limit 30 Carondolet Cen- [email protected] ter, $30 / $35 952-473-627't

luly 31.,2006 Workshop w/Sandy McAlister Minneapolis, JoanneEllison $35 MN [email protected] 952-473-627r

August2'1,- 26,2006 First ever Europe TeacherTraining Mantov4 Italy Cristina Minelli w/ Sandy McAlister

September14-17, TCC Teacher/StudentRetreat Watrous, Lidia Paice 2006 Saskatchewan [email protected]

September15-17, TCC Teacher/StudentRetreat Seattle area Linda Robinson 2006 robinson. [email protected] 206-634-0474

October5,2006 Teacher Renewal Lincolnshire,IL DonnaMcElhose $s0 Hampton Inn 847-223-6065 [email protected]

TCCIntensive Lincolnshire- II DonnaMcElhose $200 Hampton Inn 847-223-6065 [email protected]

October 2006 TCC TeacherTraining Bay Area Athene Mantle Sandv McAlister chigodd [email protected] 408-295-2994

Nov. 17-19,2006 Seijaku Review w/ Pam Towne Albuquerque Ann Rutherford and celebration of Justin's 90th [email protected] birthdav.

Feb.2O-27,2007 TCC Teacher/StudentRetreat Mt. Calvary, Pam Towne Santa Barbara (760) 944-95M

Feb.27-Mar.2, TCC Teacher/Student Retreat Mt. Calvary, Pam Towne - 2007 Santa Barbara (760) 944-e544 3t To all T'ai Chi Chih Te ach erc ! Peaceand allgooil!

As y ou kn oza,Kathy Gras s el ha s be en E ilit or of the Vit al For c e f or ne arly thr ee Ae&rs,and, wishes to pass the torch to the next editor, whoeaet that may be. I sincercly zaishto +hankKathy for all the time and effofi shehas gio enas a ser- aiceto theTCCcommunity asitsEditor. TheWhastaken on nuniquelook dur- ing this time anil zuehao e enjoy eil renilingnumerous intentiews to helpget to knozaa arious indiaiduals in the TCCw oilil.

It is my pilailege nozato offer the TCC teachercan opportu- nity to considersenting the lnternational Community as the n ew Edit or of the Vit al For c e. We are I oo king f or the right personlswith the skills, time,energy anilinterestfor thejob.If youfeelilraunto responil to this opening,y ou u ouldbe welcometo apply by submitting a rcsume. It m ay be sent by either e-mail or I etter t o tne, Sr.Ant oni a Co op eL O SF.C ont act inf ormation i s li ste il inside.

Until theEditoris announceil,VicBergzoillbetakingsubmissions, and allfature articl es may be e -m ail ed t o him.

Thnnkingyouin adaanceforconsideringthis andlookingfonaardtozaorkingzuithyouinthe future.

B Ie s sing s in nbun d an c e, Sr.AntoniaCooper,OSF Guideof the TCCcommunity.

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