Short Personal Offerings

Years ago, teacher Hannah Hendricks said, “Oh Mary, you could change someone’s

thinking or their world with a short personal conversation — in an airport, a grocery store line, or hospital waiting room.” Today I experienced that again.

Twelve women, “widows of the fallen,” strangers from all over the U.S., are spending a week at Holbrook Farms Retreat just 15 miles from my home. Twice each summer I offer a group of women one hour of joy. With limited instruction, an introduction to Justin Stone, yin/yang, and demonstrating half of the movements once, we push aside furniture on a large deck and form a circle.

“Feel your way” … “just watch me and follow as your body moves you” … “there’s no right or wrong, just be and enjoy what comes up” … “move slowly through the heavy, humid Minnesota air” … “breath” … “there’s no rush” … “smile” … “enjoy this special time.”

They don’t want to become teachers, they don’t even know if they’ll ever experience T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) again. But this morning, these women from Nevada, Texas, West Virginia, Illinois, and California just want an hour of peace, support, and joy.

Yesterday they went paddle boarding on the lake. Tomorrow they’ll have a fishing trip and a donated meal at a marvelous restaurant. But from the hugs I received from the group as I left, this morning may have been a highlight for them as well.