I’d thought about joining the chanting on Saturdays for a couple of weeks, but hadn’t quite plucked up the courage. I’m very much a ‘beginner’, at the start of my Tai Chi journey, and lacking confidence, but joining with others, doing something I’d never done before was tempting.

So, this week, I thought I’d give it a go. And I’m so glad I did.

Joining with so many others across the world with one aim, I felt connected. I felt quite overwhelmed at one point, and emotional, but connected. Chanting with one voice and with so many. It was powerful.

And equally as powerful were the words spoken, both before and after the chanting: the explanation of the ceremony; the lighting of the incense; the bowing, I could relate to it all.

And afterwards… the shared stories, the shared emotions and experiences. I was moved, and blinking hard by the close of the meeting. And feeling grateful.