Tai Ji educator teaches children her 30-year love on weekly basis
A parade of dragons celebrated the new year Sunday afternoon at Crystal Mountain Lotus Moon.
Pat McGann-Zionts stood by, encouraging those in attendance at her Chinese-inspired movement class to breathe fire, celebrating the Chinese New Year, which will begin Monday.
Each week McGann-Zionts shares her 30-year love of Tai Ji, a soft form of kung fu, with the community in an activity room at Crystal Mountain Lotus Moon, 206 S. Main St.
“Tai Ji is based on Daoism — the whole premise is if you keep to the way, the right way, then life will be good,” McGann-Zionts said.
Niki Henry, mother of Isa, 3, and Reau, seven months, said she saw the announcement through Crystal Mountain Lotus Moon.
“Sometimes not enough kids show up, so we have to cancel it,” Henry said.
She said Isa most enjoyed the dragon costume she wore while in the parade.
Justin Henry led the dragon parade, followed by his wife, children and friends Andrea and Evan Devenney.
It was similar to what we’d be doing at home, Niki said. McGann-Zionts tailored the class to the Henry children.
McGann-Zionts read from a children’s book explaining the Chinese New Year and spoke of how it brought good luck.
“No more frozen car doors, we’ll have the heat of the fire dragon,” McGann-Zionts said, while the children listened.
McGann-Zionts, who wore a shawl with a Chinese dragon pattern, has studied Tai Ji for 30 years and now teaches it to seniors.
“I believe in the ying and the yang, within you, you have the power in your breath to tune into your body and thus you have anger management,” McGann-Zionts said.
The Tai Ji class is held on Sunday afternoons, including dancing Tai Ji movements, an opportunity to create artistic dragons through utilizing colored pencils, markets, paints, paper and cardboard.
McGann-Zionts said she is hopeful that teachers will take notice of her class to help as her aides.
“I have a chronic spine disease, but Tai Ji is part of my theraphy,” McGann-Zionts said.
In her class, she focuses on active listening and teaching moving meditation also known as Chinese yoga.
McGann-Zionts worked as a peace educator and prevention educator.
The children role-played the Chinese zodiac through the parade.
“Props and role-playing help the teachings sink in,” McGann-Zionts said.
The Chinese dragon is assertive, proud and protective and non-violent, she said.
Donations were accepted for the class, benefitting Crystal Mountain Lotus Moon.
McGann-Zionts' love of Tai Ji started at Central Michigan University when a psychology professor wanted to learn its disciplines.
“It’s a fun thing to do on a Sunday afternoon,” Niki said.
