Shall We Gather At The River

Minnesota and its neighboring states are rich with T’ai Chi Chih teachers. But because of great physical distances, regular events are rare.But we took a first step in the first chapter toward building a broader community on July 25. Teachers in Rochester, Minneapolis and St. Paul pulled it all together.

Anna Vaith looked for parks midway between the Twin Cities and Rochester area. Hannah’s Bend Park in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, fit the bill; and Anna created a flyer with directions. Cannon River runs through the park.

Deb Bertelsen emailed the flyer to our extensive list of regional teachers. We planned a practice, potluck and time for conversation, connection and community building. Students and families were invited.

Saturday dawned with beautiful rain-free skies, and 28 people drove from around the state. By 3:30 p.m. we had formed a circle in a flat shady area to begin the practice. Deb welcomed everyone. Judy George shared some of Justin’s words from Spiritual Odyssey, highlighting the reasons why TCC practice is so life-affirming and ending with a favored quotation, “Awareness is the key … Love energy is the fruit.”

New teacher Susan Sobelson talked about polarity and led the group in some movements to more strongly feel both the pulling away and the coming back together of the hands in Bird Flaps its Wings and Daughter in the Valley.

Ev Hanson-Floren led the complete practice with grace and softness. Moving in silence, everyone in the circle could hear Cannon River rushing and birds calling, and could feel support from the earth and blessings from the blue skies. Following practice, we moved to the picnic pavilion to enjoy a feast of delicious food, great conversation, connection and community building.

The day was so successful that plans are afoot to meet again and again.