We organized a free community Baduanjin session at Aberdeen Neighbourhood Park in Richmond, with the goal of bringing neighbours together through a gentle, accessible form of traditional Chinese movement and wellness practice.
In the weeks leading up to the event, we focused on finding a suitable outdoor location, preparing simple equipment and refreshments, promoting the event, and managing registrations. One challenge was that, because the activity was outdoors, we had to keep an eye on the weather and think about backup options in case the park became crowded or the covered areas were unavailable. Fortunately, the day turned out to be beautifully sunny, which created a wonderful setting for the event.
A total of 22 people attended. The session was led by an instructor with several years of experience studying traditional Chinese wellness practices and culture. She introduced participants to Baduanjin, or Eight-Section Brocade, as well as several gentle qigong exercises that could be practiced while sitting or lying down.
For many participants, this was their first experience with Baduanjin. The slow, coordinated movements reminded some people of Tai Chi or yoga, while the focus on breathing and attention also gave the practice a meditative quality. The exercises were easy to follow and suitable for people with different levels of fitness and prior experience.
One of the most memorable parts of the event was seeing how naturally it drew people in. While our registered participants practiced together, several people walking through the park stopped to watch. Some stayed for a while, and a few even began following the movements from the side. This spontaneous participation made the activity feel especially open and connected to the wider community.
The response was very enthusiastic. At the end of the session, several participants asked whether this was really the only session and when another one might be offered. Many said they would be interested in attending again.
Through this project, we learned that simple, low-barrier activities can create meaningful community connections. We also saw that traditional cultural practices can be shared in a very approachable way—not only through performances or lectures, but through direct participation. Most importantly, the event showed us that there is genuine community interest in gentle movement, relaxation, and opportunities to connect with neighbours in an informal outdoor setting.
We are very grateful to Neighbourhood Small Grants for making this project possible.
