Members of the Egham Tai chi class gathered on a rainy morning and walked deep into the woods to the Whittle & Spark base camp. The kettle was boiling on the fire to greet everyone. I’d gone on early to light the fire and the cows had come crowding up to say hello and receive gifts of long lush grass.

Chi Kung settled us in, helping us ground and become strongly present, opening each of our senses to the fresh vibrant nature around us and the time to enjoy being here together.  Meditative walking through birdsong and breezily swaying willows was magical as we separated along forest paths. Practicing gentle partner work exercises allowed us to relax into connection, to listen deeply.

The Tai chi and forest bathing morning was followed by an afternoon of sustainable ecological foraging culminating in a table of edible flowers, a homemade chocolate made from 9 trees, and a sampling of hot teas from the plants gathered.

Connecting to the land and each other through Tai chi links powerfully to a symbiosis in communication with all living things.