Carol Kirkwood
On Jan. 28 the PebbleCreek Stillness in Motion and Tai Chi friends welcomed in the Year of the Snake and Chinese New Year by sharing a lovely lunch at Eest Asian Bistro. Present were: Lynne Hjelmberg, Felicia Kesting, Carol Kirkwood, Irene Lukes and husband Bob, Linda Publicover, Rose Stordahl, Les Stubbs, Helen Thompson, CJ Upchurch, and Pauline Wimberly. The Chinese New Year or Spring Festival celebrates the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar, falling between Jan. 28 and Feb. 4, marking the end of winter and beginning of spring. This festival holds deep importance in Chinese culture and is observed with various traditions and festivities. A Chinese myth says that the snake was the sixth animal out of 12 to finish a special race held by the Jade Emperor, ruler of heaven, and now signifies the sixth year of the Chinese zodiac. The Tai Chi friends enjoyed each other’s company while honoring this ancient festival.
Stillness in Motion with Charlie, incorporating the movements of Chinese Qigong, meets Wednesdays at 8 a.m. at the Fitness Center, and Tai Chi, also led by Charlie, meets Mondays at 8 a.m. Both offer a gentle form of exercise that can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. They have been called “meditation in motion,” or even “medication in motion” as there is growing evidence that these mind-body practices have value in treating or preventing many health problems. Come join the group and, like the snake in this Year of the Snake, shed your old aches and pains and learn how to move to feel better.