Greetings, everyone,

It’s that special time of year again—when we savor the last warm days of summer and welcome October’s crisp air and autumn beauty. As we enter the fourth quarter, we begin our annual fundraiser, start new classes, reflect on our summer season in the sun, and shift gently into fall. I look forward to seeing you all back at the studio.

—Paul

Announcing Our Fall Fundraiser

Dear members and friends of the studio,

October marks the start of our annual fall fundraiser! Thanks to the generosity of one of our members, we are thrilled to announce a $5,000 matching grant. That means every dollar you give will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, doubling the impact of your support.

Last year, you helped us not only meet but exceed our match, allowing us to install new sound panels that greatly improved the sound in the studio and the classroom experience. We were able to have the studio painted, sponsor continuing education for Sifu Paul, offer scholarships for members in need of assistance, and more. We’re excited to reach for that goal together again this year.

Funds from this year’s fundraiser will help us with some important upgrades that will benefit everyone in our community:

• A new sound system so instruction is clearer and music can be enjoyed with rich quality (yes, the return of practicing the Solo Form to music is in the wind)

• A modern computer setup (laptop, monitor, and speakers) to keep our teaching materials and communications running smoothly

• A reliable new printer to better handle class handouts, flyers, and newsletters

These improvements will strengthen the experience of every class and gathering while also supporting the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our studio thriving.

If you feel inspired to donate—in any amount—your tax-deductible contribution will be immediately doubled; $10 becomes $20, $100 becomes $200, etc. Simply go to the website and click the Home link and select Donations from the drop-down menu. Or drop a check in the paybox while at the studio.

We celebrate having served our members and community for the past 32 years in this location. We look forward to many more years to come.

Excellence in Our Community

Senior Instructor Kim Husband has represented the Studio over the years by teaching T’ai Chi seminars and workshops in a variety of settings, from corporate stress-management sessions to sci-fi conventions. In September, she led a two-day seminar at the Department of Employment and Economic Development. Project manager Carol Hathaway said of her presentation,

The Event Team would like to thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights about ancient martial arts and the opportunity to practice them in your session “T’ai Chi Movements with Mindfulness!”

We received excellent reviews and the information you shared along with the opportunity to practice the elements creates opportunity for positive change for everyone that attended. The information was invaluable, clear, and perfect for our staff. 

Thank you for being an important part of making our event a huge success!

Also, studio member Julius Davis participated in the Minnesota Senior Games in Mankato this summer. He took home first-place honors in the long jump, hammer throw, and basketball free throw events and second place in the triple jump, discus, and high jump. Congratulations, Julius!

Graduation News

The following members have completed learning the T’ai Chi Fan Form:

• Barry Brahier

• Andy Hammerlinck

• Randi Hellman

• Debra Kasarov

• Suzanne Leung

• Barbara Sobocinski

Congratulations!

Current Class Schedule

Monday
T’ai Chi Solo Form, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm (also Zoom)
Qigong and Meditation, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Tuesday
T’ai Chi Symmetries, Levels 2 thru 6, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Advanced Symmetries, 7:15 pm – 8:30 pm

Wednesday 
Beginning Solo Form Fundamentals, 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm
Beginning Solo Form, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
T’ai Chi Weapons: T’ai Chi Cane, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Thursday
Solo Form, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Weapons Review, 7:15 pm – 7:30 pm
Beginning Push-Hands, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Saturday
Beginning Solo Form Sections 2 and 3, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Common Warm-Up & Qigong, 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Beginning Solo Form Section 1, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Solo Form, 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm (also Zoom)

The T’ai Chi Cane Class
Enrollment will stay open through Thursday, Oct. 9. Come and join the class if you have finished learning the T’ai Chi Solo Form and are interested in learning this dynamic form.

Under the Linden Tree

Each summer, the linden tree becomes our studio, its shade our roof, its roots our ground. Here’s a reflection inspired by our time together this season.

Embraced by sunlight and the presence of trees, with wind on the skin and the rustling of leaves all around, the open air nourishes Jing, Qi, and Shen.

Empty stepping on uneven ground awakens sensory awareness; the shifting earth reveals where true balance and center are found, anchoring the present moment in the living field of Qi.

As Heaven descends and Earth rises to meet it, the Dao moves through the dance of the Form—a lived expression of the opening heart.

Natural beauty softens inner unrest. Inspiration and renewal connect us to one another. In this effortless harmony and flow, T’ai Chi becomes gratitude itself—a quiet bow to the beauty of the art and the world that sustains it.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in the park this summer—your presence, energy, and quiet joy made each class special.

May the spirit of those late afternoons under the linden tree stay with us through the seasons ahead.

Contact Us

For timely updates, follow Twin Cities T’ai Chi Ch’uan on Facebook. Email: mail@tctaichi.org Website: tctaichi.org Phone: 651.767.0267.
All articles and other content created by Paul Abdella unless otherwise noted.