World T'ai Chi Day at Barber Park, Orlando

 By Sherri D. Finnegan

 Photo by TGary Lau

April 25, 2009

A master of T’ai Chi had been practicing this ancient art for the past
sixty years and was asked by one of his students, “When will you know
all there is to know about T’ai Chi?”

The master replied, “ I will let you know IF that happens”.

That said, I have only had two classes of T’ai Chi! But, I am already enchanted with the practice of gentle, deliberate physical movements, combined with breathing techniques
to calm our very busy minds and bodies.

My instructors, Patti and Sam Winters, were the local Orlando event contacts for this year’s observance of World T’ai Chi Day. ( for more information on World T’ai Chi Day and the practice of T’ai Chi, check this site out. http://worldtaichiday.org)

I was intrigued with the statement of what this World T’ai Chi Day was all about -

“An unprecedented global health and healing event which will unfold across the planet on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at 10 a.m. worldwide.

Beginning in New Zealand, this event will spread time zone by time zone across the globe through 60 countries across 6 continents…This healing wave will be a spectacular visual site, but also promote calm and wellness worldwide.”

About 50 people, young and not-so-young, were poised, ready to begin their T’ai Chi movements, at 10 a.m. The music was cued, a gong was struck, and they began.
My daughter and I watched as all ceremoniously performed their slow, silent T’ai Chi dance.

Their choreography ended about an hour later. As the participants started to mingle and talk to each other, a cool but forceful gust of wind blew through the pavilion area. I wondered aloud if they all caused that with their T’ai Chi - if that was the healing wave
that was to be spread worldwide. I sure hope so.

Sherri D. Finnegan is a free lance copywriter, currently working on two non-fiction books
to be published early 2010. She is also a full time cast member at one of the entertainment
parks here in Orlando. Sherri is one of the not-so-young T’ai Chi students mentioned in the
article on World T’ai Chi Day. She is a mom and grand-mom and loves the idea that the
world could unite in one positive action. Email: sherri.writes@yahoo.com

Anyone interested in contacting any of these
teachers or participating in next year’s event,
please contact Sam Winters at (407) 238-7450.

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