Camp — a time to reconnect.

That is how I think of it, and that is the experience I have there. My week at TCF’s recently concluded summer training at Bennington in July was another wonderful experience of connecting, in so many ways.

I connect with myself. I remember my wholeness, my completeness.
I feel my root, that I am connected to the earth, the ultimate nourishment.
I feel my connection to heaven, that penultimate source of inspiration and joy.
I revitalize my capacity to grow, to open to the future and to the wisdom that others offer. I connect with t’ai chi in deeper and more profound ways, revealing facets and sources of experience ever new and fresh.

And complementing these inner experiences of connection are the connections to the community: to my tai chi friends and colleagues of many years as well as to newcomers on the tai chi journey. The fun, the laughter, the cooperation, support and love are ever renewing, ever deepening, always nourishing. “I don’t want it to end” said one newcomer to camp on our last day there. That’s the power of doing good, true internal work with others who share a dedication to growth and to service, and who recognize our unity on this journey we’re on, and who remember not to take things too seriously. To spend a week in that hothouse of development and love and fun is precious. I came away uplifted, my body calm, my mind clear, my heart singing.