T’ai Chi Chih and Tea

It was a lazy, hazy summer evening in June when nearly two dozen T’ai Chi Chih practitioners and friends met at the Front Porch Tea Room and Garden in eastern York County, Pennsylvania for an evening of gratitude and feasting. Led by teachers Hope Spangler and Jean Markey, we did T’ai Chi Chih outside facing gardens blooming with colorful pansies, petunias, iris, and impatiens in splashes of purples, blues, pinks and yellows.

At the conclusion of practice, we formed a friendship circle to share how T’ai Chi Chih has touched our lives. Many gave thanks for the peaceful centeredness they’ve noticed since learning T’ai Chi Chih. Some noted health changes. Helena Thomas shared, “I am grateful for the health benefits; my blood pressure is down.” “T’ai Chi Chih is growing in Europe now,” offered Norma Cedrone referring to Dutch guides who are avid practitioners. Another student told about how she practices outdoors, weather permitting; it brings an appreciation of nature, time to smell the flowers and listen to the birds sing.

Hope Spangler passed out lovely cards (originally given to her she believes by Linda Braga) to each participant with encouragement to continue the practice. The affirmation reads:

With a sincere heart,
I make a commitment
To myself to practice
T’ai Chi Chih regularly
So that the benefits
I seek will manifest
In my life

We took the opportunity to leave the world behind and to participate in rituals of sharing with one another. We donned hats for the tea party and enjoyed the lovely china and décor reminiscent of unhurried times to enjoy conversation and laughter. We feasted on tea biscuits and scones with clotted cream and lemon curd, chilled strawberry soup and finger sandwiches on various breads. What a lovely gift to ourselves and one another in celebration of our association with T’ai Chi Chih.

Attendees: Jacqui LeBeau, Paul Knaub, Betsy Knaub, Norma Cedrone, Ann Cedrone, Cathy Henry, Bonni Kuner-Roth, Susan Clark, Halina Re, Julia Helf, Annie Wilson, Faye Nace, Lilian Barsovitz, Helena Thomas, Carol Stamer, Joyce Knox, Janet McFadden, Eunice Watson, Barb Hines, Anita Vestal, Jean Markey and Hope Spangler.