Communichi

Farmers and gardeners know the satisfaction of moving their fingers through rich fertile soil in preparation for planting seeds and transplants. A faded news clipping on our bulletin board at the clinic confirms that dirt contains bacteria which function as powerful antidepressants. But the magic cannot be reduced to mere chemistry or science. Gardening is about creating a future of abundance, bright flowers and nourishing vegetables (and not a bad hedge against the rising price of groceries or potential disruptions in the food supply either). But wait there’s more: Gardening is about connecting with people – your family, your neighbors, your community, the Earth itself, and the mystery of life. Back when you could drink straight from a stream, before water treatment plants, it was said that “the dreams of animals made the water taste sweeter.” Gardening is about hope, love, rainbows and dew drops twinkling in the rain after a spring shower.

Recently, at our open house – World Health Day event, we played host to 15 volunteers and 59 patients. In the process we raised $277.50 for Acupuncturists Without Borders. At one point in the morning, we had 3 acupuncturists tending to about 15 people. Every chair in the treatment room was taken, the couch and most of the chairs in the waiting room were taken, and one person was relaxing in a recliner in our office closet near the computer and phone. When I reflect on this powerful beehive of activity, I am reminded of the unlimited promise of a community garden. I am reminded of practicing QiGong, gathering energy with directed intention and storing it in the dantien (lower energy center of the body). I am reminded of Margaret Mead’s famous words “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that every has.”

CommuniChi holds that promise: The promise of a healthy community. What’s next is up to us. That powerful ball of Chi can be nurtured, cultivated, and the garden can continue to expand outwards, transforming the empty lots and wastelands of modern life into the stuff of dreams. Thanks for joining our collection vision – affordable health care for people is just the seed potential of something much more vast.

Tags: acupuncture, affordable acupuncture, beacon hill, communichi, community, Community Acupuncture, El Centro de la Raza, healthcare, seattle

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 3:52 am and is filed under Community Acupuncture. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.