According to a press release, on April 28, 2018, in every time zone across the globe (over 70 nations), people will practice Tai Chi and Qigong at 10 a.m. World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is slated to happen at St. Louis’s own Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit.
Tai Chi and Qigong are traditional Chinese health and well-being practices, studied worldwide — most often for their health benefits.
Shawn Tucker, president of the Brentwood Center for Health, has partnered with practitioners from across the region to host this event. Tucker shares, “Tai Chi and Qigong are safe for anyone willing to try. I’m really excited to be celebrating this awesome event with the Zheneng Qigong community.”
Qigong is translated as Ancient Wisdom. But the type of Qigong practiced by the Zheneng Qigong community is anything but ancient. It is a modern, scientific system practiced by over 25 million people worldwide. Tucker is compelled by the health benefits of both Tai Chi and Quigong: “Modern medical and public health research allows us to recommend these self care practices. These mind/body approaches are a great gift to persons young and old.”
Beyond health, Tai Chi and Qigong are known to foster human connections and create communities, both in person and online. One of the stated purposes of World Tai Chi and Qigong day is “To bring together people across racial, economic, religious, and geo-political boundaries, to join together for the purpose of health and well being, providing an example to the world.”
Tucker will be demonstrating Tai Chi at Shaw Nature Reserve. He shared, “World Tai Chi and Qigong day is a way for me — and the Greater St. Louis Tai Chi and Qigong community — to celebrate what we’ve learned from our teachers. And, share those insights with others.”