A Five-Star Birthday Party in Illinois

November 19th was a day of celebration for the northern Illinois T’ai Chi Chih community. Twenty-five teachers and students gathered to form a “Circle of Gratitude,” our theme, and to celebrate with the world community Justin Stone’s 89th birthday. Teachers Peter Gregory and Fr. Robert Buss and student Kathy Hubble came from long distances to join us for the day’s events. “What a great way to celebrate Justin’s birthday,” said student Ramona Zalapi. “A wonderful feeling of unity and peace – a family gathering.” added Carolyn Kleckner.

Hosted by the Lake County Illinois teachers, activities included readings of gratitude from five Native American tribes, work on some basic T’ai Chi Chih principles, a full practice, the serving of tea, and a scrumptious pot luck lunch provided by the attendees.

As we began, we formed our circle. Hosting teachers Lisa Jacobs, Nancy Lecraw, Jeanne Lofink, Donna McElhose, Andie Skillman, and Bobbie Weichman each explored a TCC principle and led a movement to practice this exploration. Kathy Hubble found this practice especially meaningful. “The ceremony of the principles of T’ai Chi Chih was moving. The practice was incredible.” Then followed the Native American readings. With Jeanne Lofink’s beautiful flute music gracing our space, we each wrote down our own thoughts of gratitude and placed them in a bowl in the center of our circle. Helen Foght recalled her thoughts, “In the ‘Gratitude Circle,’ Native American Indian quotes were most pertinent to today. We were reminded of our first Thanksgiving.” A full practice, led by Donna McElhose, was done in two circles around the bowl.

After the practice, we sat in silence as the hosting teachers prepared and served tea to all. Final reminders of gratitude and the much appreciated pot luck concluded our gathering.

This was indeed a special day. For Jan Kirch, “This experience brought a sense of unity, balance, and wholeness – both within and outwardly. We are all one.” Ramona Zalapi simply said, “Today, we did a good thing.”