PHOTO PROVIDED Barbara Hendricks, Margie Sechrist, Sylvia Phillips, Myra Hull, Bruce Wooley all take part in World Tai Chi and Qui Gong Day here in Lock Haven.

LOCK HAVEN — On the last Saturday of April, members of the local Tai Chi Club participated in the annual World Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

The club has presented demonstrations for several years on this dedicated day to share the benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

“It was wet and cold but we thoroughly enjoyed sharing Tai Chi with others,” a release from the club said.

This year, the event has grown to include 85 countries and thousands of practitioners around the globe. The motto is “One World…One Breath.”

The event began at 10 a.m. in Samoa and traveled across Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, all beginning at 10 a.m. local time. Thus, a wave of personal energy, CHI, and positive thoughts for health, healing and peace were shared by all who participated and also broadcast to all people of the world.

Bill Douglas, a well-recognized Master teacher, initiated this event in 1999 and it has been shared globally every year since then.

The intention is to educate the public about the benefits of this form of martial arts and also to demonstrate that cooperation and positivity is possible among all people, across racial, economic, religious and geo-political boundaries. Sifu Douglass has authored a number of books relating to Tai Chi and Qi Gong and his website offers a wealth of factual, medical research concerning the benefits of this practice.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong are well researched by prestigious health institutions such as Harvard Medical and the Mayo Clinic among many others.

Harvard Health Publications refers to Tai Chi as “medication in motion.” Others refer to Tai Chi as “moving meditation.” While the moniker is correct, it takes some experience to achieve this.

A quick and partial list of benefits includes an increase in strength, balance, coordination and a general reduction of stress.

If you are interested, Tai Chi is offered at Seniors Centers and often at private Martial Arts Dojos. For further information about World Tai Chi Day, go to WWW.WorldTaiChiDay.org.