Down By The Riverside

The wheel of seasons is turning and Minnesotans are looking ahead to snowy days and frosty nights. But warm memories of summer mornings practicing T’ai Chi Chih outside by the Mississippi River stay alive even as temperatures drop.

Since 2005, Minnesota teachers Vanjie Bratt and Carol Mockovak have led a free practice of TCC during the summer months on the banks of the Mississippi in St. Paul’s Hidden Falls Regional Park. 

The beauty of the location – with birds flying overhead, the river flowing past, herons keeping watch, fish jumping, and dogs patrolling the shores of the opposite bank – creates a feast of the senses.

Joy DeHarpporte, one of many who came to the practice throughout the summer, was inspired to write a beautiful, descriptive poem of her experience. Don Darnutzer, another faithful participant, took the photo by the flowing waters.