On Sunday, February 27th, 2022, Homegrown International took a giant leap from Karen’s desktop into the real world. After years of developing the concept and practicing it among friends, we finally hosted a real gathering at Karen’s home in Sierra Madre. Amidst spring-like weather, 8 of us enjoyed a peaceful and rejuvenating Tai Chi – Qigong class around Karen’s pool, in the company of her 2 apricot standard poodles. As so aptly pointed out by Karen’s daughter, Olivia, “Now there’s not only Goat Yoga, but also Poodle Tai Chi!”
Led by Dahari from our local Body & Brain Tai Chi & Yoga Studio, we couldn’t have found a better instructor for our first gathering. I always tell my friends that Dahari is such a powerful healer that all you have to do is stand next to her to feel her amazing healing energy.
“Now there’s not only Goat Yoga, but also Poodle Tai Chi!”
~ Olivia B.
Listening to Dahari’s soothing cheerful voice while performing gentle movements among blossoming Carolina cherry trees and a stately Chinese elm, under a clear blue sky with white puffy clouds, in the warm sunshine accented by a cool refreshing breeze, I was amazed that our busy neighborhood was so quiet that all we could hear was birdsong. There was one particular moment when the birds were singing so stereophonically that it felt surreal.
That was when Dahari instructed, “Appreciate how lucky we are to be here, out in nature, connecting with the earth and each other.” By the sound of it, you would have never known that we were in a densely populated neighborhood often lit up by a cacophony of chainsaws, mowers, blowers, kids playing, and dogs barking. But this morning was different. It was as if the waters had parted to make way for this very special first gathering for Homegrown International. So, if that’s not a good omen, I don’t know what is!
Our Tai Chi class finished with a 10-minute meditation followed by the sharing of our experiences. Everyone was moved. And then it was on to brunch…
“Appreciate how lucky we are to be here, out in nature, connecting with the earth and each other.”
~ Dahari
With some pleasant instrumental jazz playing in the background, our co-hosts, Karen, Tina, and Jennifer served 3 courses for brunch: an appetizer of Tina’s onion-walnut pâté on almond crackers accompanied by Karen’s bright seasonal salad tossed in a coconut-lime balsamic vinaigrette, followed by the main course of Jennifer’s sautéed mushroom medley à la crème fraîche on artisanal toast alongside Karen’s homemade pastured chicken tortilla soup, and completed by a dessert of Tina’s rich creamy chocolate avocado mousse with a raspberry garnish. Beverages included sparkling Gerolsteiner mineral water with Meyer lemon wedges, and Karen’s organic apple-pomegranate-beet kvass spritzer.
By the time our gathering came to its scheduled end, everyone was so happy and relaxed, guests and hosts alike, that we all stayed late to prolong the beautiful morning and continue enjoying each other’s company. We had so much fun moving, dining, and connecting with each other, that we’re already looking forward to our next gathering.
So, it looks like Homegrown International is off to a good start. This was the first of many gatherings to come, not only at Karen’s house but also at the homes of any future members who would like to host gatherings. The more the merrier! So please come join us and help us create a wonderful new homegrown world, one gathering at a time!
