THEME: ONE WORLD . . . ONE BREATH

World T'ai Chi & Qigong Day will be held Saturday, April 27th from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Walker Art Museum Quad at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, 245 Main Street, Brunswick, (rain venue is Morrell Gymnasium, Bowdoin College). The annual event is free and open to the general public. Local sponsors include Maine Coast Taijiquan of Brunswick and Freeport and Maine Center for Taijiquan & Qigong of Portland and Yarmouth.

The celebration begins in the earliest time zones of New Zealand at 10 a.m. At that time, participants across Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America take part, with celebrations in over 70 nations and hundreds of cities, ending with the final events in the last time zones of Hawaii almost an entire day later. Activities include an open “class” (free) that attendees can observe or join, Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong demonstrations by local schools, and free information.

The event lasts one hour, but generally extends to 11:30 for those who want to linger. There's something for everyone, from complete beginners and curious onlookers to experienced practitioners. This special event provides a unique opportunity for people of all ages to learn, practice and celebrate the unifying power of Tai Chi and Qigong for achieving better health and a better world in a fun, relaxed environment. This year’s theme is “One World…One Breath.” Since the event has been held in Brunswick in 2003, it has grown to nearly one hundred people in attendance last year. The global event began in 1999.

The event is intended to raise awareness of the many health benefits of these ancient arts and designed to bring communities together, to foster connection (internally and person-to-person).  More information and details are available at World Tai Chi Day’s website: www.worldtaichiday.org or email mainetaichi.com.