 The minute we arrived in Den Bosch (the home of artist Jheronimus Bosch), we dove right into work with the teachers and students of the Zonnelicht School. This Neo-Humanist based institute provides exceptional early education and after school programs for 400 students from infancy through 12 years of age. Zonnelicht's students are nurtured by highly trained and deeply caring teachers. Inside the building were warm, sunlit, plant-filled spaces containing thoughtful hand-crafted wood toys and natural fibre napping nests, without a lick of petroleum-based mass-produced plastics. Mother Nature enveloped everyone inside and out. Many parents brought their precious bundles to school by bike, even in the light rain.
 We played the Peace Games with the teachers first. They were a hoot - open-hearted, spontaneous and clearly having as much fun with each other as the kids do everyday on the playground. Playing the Peace Games with the kids was endearing and delightful. They were very curious as to what these new games were about. Kids of differing ages and personalities engaged with each other. Even the youngest of players felt empowered through stretching and filling the space with their arms and legs. The two to three year olds needed an adapted program. They copied simplified kung fu and yogic exercises on their own mats. They were still at the stage of learning just how to copy and follow directions.  How to block when getting pushed on the playground. The 4-8 year olds were able to flow from guided meditation to exuberant, yet mindful group games, displaying creative moves that surprised and delighted us. Their big smiles and bright eyes proved that while having lots of fun, the Peace Games taught them patience, awareness, sensitivity, focus, and cooperation, even though most of these kids spoke only Dutch. These somatic lessons transcend age, gender, language, and culture, and speak to our common humanity. 
Bonus: Watch GM Marilyn share profound wisdom with teachers!
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 We had an amazing turn out for a special workshop with Grand Master Marilyn. The Guang Ping Yang Club and other Tai Chi clubs of Paris came together to learn the intricacies of the art and to enrich their practices with Push Hands. Push hands is sparring with Tai chi that uses skill and pushes that do not cause injury to the practitioners. It deepens the form practice by including a partner, and it's fun! Big thanks to tai chi teacher and acupuncturist Sophie Nichanian for hosting and organizing this wonderful group of practitioners. We look forward to coming back and seeing them and their friends and families for the Peace Games in Paris November 15th. "Reflections" - Music by Carol Alban accompanied by Mads Tolling
 Marilyn & Michelle on the way to Paris via Iceland. Excited to bring the Peace Games to Paris and Den Bosch.  Marilyn staying grounded by teaching Air Qi Gong! |
AuthorMichelle Wong LAc is a tai chi fanatic and acupuncturist. Inspired by the capacity of ancient Chinese philosophy for healing and renewal in this modern world. ArchivesCategories |
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