Summer Tai Chi Retreat in Lakeville, Connecticut, 2024

by

Margaret Olmsted

The first summer 2024 Tai Chi Retreat was held in Lakeville, Connecticut, at the Hotchkiss School from June 17 to 24. The beautifully landscaped campus of green lawns and enormous trees was the perfect setting for our internal work. However, the weather was very hot and humid, so little time was spent outdoors, which was too bad as the campus is beautiful.

Sixty-three of us gathered to do tai chi and qigong in the gym, squash courts, dining room, and hallways. We all started together in the morning with a session of qigong led by rotating teachers: Greg Woodson, Margaret Olmsted, Edna Brandt, Kate Mansfield, George Kormendi, Jonathan Stow, and Bob Etherington.

Then, everyone went to their respective Form classes, followed by a break or Push Hands classes. Afternoons included more Form work, Push Hands, the Eight Ways, and Sword Form. Many thanks to all who taught this summer: Jonathan Stow, Greg Woodson, Margaret Matsumoto, Margaret Olmsted, Bob Etherington, George Kormendi, Kate Mansfield, Edna Brandt, Anne Smyers, Vicki Shackford, Lee Felton, Susan Dunlap, Doug Hewell, John Doody, and Michael Tillman.

We welcomed and trained five students who became new beginning-level apprentices: Ben Wegner of Los Angeles, California, Mathew Choppe of Gainesville, Florida, Richard and Kimiko Tucker of Nashville, Tennessee, and Almaz Matta of Arlington, Virginia.

Additionally, we were delighted to offer Hawaiian Swimming this summer, which was expertly taught by Vicki Shackford and Michael Tillman, who helped people relax in the water and swim more efficiently. The class was much appreciated.

Everyone was thankful to all the teachers who contributed with their vast skill and knowledge banks. Many of us have been together for over 45 years, so there is a wealth of experience and wisdom that was happily shared. We recognized how fortunate our school is to be together 32 years and counting, since the death of Patrick Watson, founder of the Tai Chi Foundation.

The evening programs included a wonderful talk by Edna Brandt about Professor Cheng Man-ching and his paintings, an informative anatomy session by Bob Etherington, an insightful presentation on the Five Elements by Kate Mansfield, a taste of Push Hands by Margaret Matsumoto and Greg Woodson, and the film The Professor’s Journey West about Professor Cheng Man-ching.

Every meal offered an abundance of proteins, vegetables, salads, and vegan offerings with produce from the local farm. At first, there were no desserts, but we soon straightened that out and enjoyed chocolate pudding pie, flourless chocolate cake, carrot cake, and more. The dining room was filled with laughter and conversation as people renewed old friendships, made new friends, and shared their class experiences of the day with peers and teachers.

For the final day, we followed tradition by gathering for Treasure Chest to share our gratitude for the experience and all the teaching, organizing, and inspiration that went into the retreat. Our strong feelings of connection and joy put a sparkle in everyone’s eyes. For the last night, we all enjoyed entertainment from a few participants and a brilliantly funny skit from the new apprentices based on the Hokey Pokey. The party afterward, with snacks, sweets, and dancing, was a perfect release from all our hard work.

Many thanks to all who came and to the teachers who continue to teach both live and online. Please check the Tai Chi Foundation (TCF) website regularly for new opportunities for classes and study.

We hope to see you next year when we celebrate the big 5-0 anniversary of our school, the Tai Chi Foundation:  50 Years of Tai Chi Excellence!

Photos by Anna Teeples