A Room is Just a Room

Memories last forever in our hearts, consciousness, and the tan t’ien. Recently, I substituted for Sr. Christa’s seated T’ai Chi Chih Zoom class at the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Aston, Pennsylvania (although that is an oxymoron since no one can substitute for her).

Over 20 years I attended many of Sr. Christa’s TCC classes with Sr. Mary Griffin, Eileen Butler, April Leffler, and others. There was a Prajna class with Sandy, and there were intensives and accreditations with Daniel, Pam, and Sandy. We gathered in the main room for classes, practices, drum circles, and evening reflections. It was safe and serene, with a welcoming sense of beauty and joy for all fortunate enough to attend. The weekend mini- retreats with Sr. Antonia were the best; lasting friendships were formed.

Offering class via Zoom — within that same, now-empty room — seemed devoid of spirit. Of course, it was the TCC community made that physical room so special.

Luis Barragan and Ellsworth Kelly have both designed unique chapels and convents with beautiful stained-glass windows. They are breathtaking to behold. But the Franciscan Spiritual Center’s main conference room, although also architecturally unique, was without joy (for me) without the TCC Community. 

The Franciscan Spiritual Center in Aston closed on June 2021, but great memories of TCC people and their unique Chi will live in my heart and undoubtedly the hearts of others who partook of the sacred space.