Enriched Life and Life is Rich Stephen Li - Baduanjin & Calligraphy classes
I still remember last year when I stepped down from the plane, put away my luggage and went straight to North York (Chinese) Baptist Church to register for its Community Service program. With excitement I participated in that day’s activities. One week later I was really thrilled to hear that I was admitted into the Calligraphy Class. I thought I have put away calligraphy for the last fifty years since coming to Canada, I wondered whether I would have the courage to face this challenge. I went to pick up the supplies that I needed for class. On the first class, I spread out my stationeries and started to write. A lady classmate next to me told me that the instructor had suggested that beginners should start with a calligraphy style called “ti” (official script), which I did not know as a new kid on the block. The class representative immediately gave me some samples of that calligraphy style. When the other classmates heard me say that I would try my best, they smiled. So, I kept practicing that style for four weeks, after which the instructor told me that I had captured the skill already and could then start to try the “kai” (regular script) style. I was so happy that I could revisit the calligraphy style that I did in high school.
My instructor gave me positive feedback and encouraged me to continue working hard, and I really feel good about my progress. Originally it was my plan to participate in the Community Service Christmas celebration, but unfortunately, I was unable to join because of travel. My instructor told me that I could still participate in the calligraphy exhibition in that event. I could submit my work beforehand and he would critique it, which I did in November. That way I was still able to contribute towards the exhibit. However, since the start of COVID-19 in mid-March, all the activities of Community Services have had to stop. All we can do now is to stay home and enjoy whatever we do.