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On the morning of February 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:40 AM, the Tzu Chi Richmond Office held the first session of its “Senior Socialness Class.” After nearly half a year of preparation, the program officially began.
Centered around the Jing Si Aphorism “A joyful heart is a form of cultivation,” the event featured a diverse program including healthy movement exercises, heartfelt sharing, tea tasting and conversation, and artistic drumming. The goal was to accompany community seniors in a gathering full of vitality and warmth. The atmosphere was enthusiastic and heartwarming, demonstrating the team’s spirit of harmony and mutual support.
Balancing Movement and Stillness: Seniors Learn with Ease
The event was kicked off by host Guo Liang-Jun, whose lively introduction connected the various segments and created a relaxed, joyful mood. Zhao Xiu-Mei, the head of the Richmond office, delivered a welcome speech, expressing gratitude for the team’s long-term planning and devoted preparation, which made this premiere session a success. The curriculum was compact and well-organized, covering both physical activities and quiet interaction within 100 minutes. The balance of movement and stillness allowed the seniors to naturally immerse themselves and learn with ease.
In the healthy movement session, 85-year-old instructor Lin Qiu-Yue led everyone in stretching their muscles and joints. The teacher choreographed movements herself, blending in elements of Japanese dance, including spinning, S-shaped skipping steps, and exercises set to “Green High Mountains.” The rhythm was brisk and fluid.
Although most attendees were in their seventies or eighties, they were energetic, moving in unison with laughter rising and falling throughout the room. Displaying a mentality of “an average age of eighteen,” they rediscovered their youthful vitality through the rhythm.
Shifting Perspectives: Letting Joy Take Root in the Heart
Guo Liang-Jun shared the concept of “harboring good thoughts and speaking good words,” pointing out that positive language can help stimulate the secretion of “happy hormones”, stabilize blood pressure, and improve overall physical and mental health. She guided participants to transform negative tones into warm expressions. For example, changing “Why don’t you ever help?” to “It’ll be faster if we do it together,” and changing “You never listen” to “I believe you can do better.”
Through warm interactions of saying “It’s so good to have you” and “Blessings to you,” the seniors deeply felt the power of words. Finally, they offered blessings together: “I wish myself health, I wish you happiness, and I wish everyone a life free of worries!”
The tea tasting time was led by volunteer Lan Bi-Er, along with drawing Jing Si Aphorism cards and sharing reflections. Amidst the aroma of tea and snacks, everyone exchanged their thoughts and feelings. Lan Bi-Er introduced the background of Jing Si Aphorisms and presented the core phrase for this session: “A joyful heart is a form of cultivation. Keeping the heart filled with joy and free from afflictions, while treating others and handling matters with an open mind, makes those around us feel as refreshed as a gentle spring breeze.”
Participants enthusiastically shared their life insights. Some spoke of shifting from “worrying about children” to “blessing children.” With a simple change of mindset, worries faded away, filling the room with tender yet profound exchanges.
A Warm Maiden Voyage: Moving Toward a Splendid Senior Life
The finale, an eco-friendly drumming activity, was guided by volunteer Zhang Wei-Shan. The drums were made from recycling bins covered with Hakka floral cloth. Participants practiced sign language and rhythm to the song “Cherish Mother Nature.” From getting familiar with the lyrics and melody to drumming in unison, the silver-haired students displayed excellent sense of rhythm. The drumbeats landed together, creating an impressive sound. The group aims to establish a “Senior Bliss and Wisdom Drum Team” in the future, with plans to formally make its stage debut in November, creating a signature feature for the Richmond Senior Class.
At the end of the event, team members expressed their gratitude: thanking the host for energizing the atmosphere, thanking instructor Lin Qiu-Yue for traveling to support the program, thanking the team for their unity and cooperation, and thanking the students for their enthusiastic participation. Volunteer Zhao Xiu-Mei, who is nearly 80 herself, said that the first class met expectations and received great feedback, giving everyone confidence for the future.
Through moving the body, moving the hands, and moving the heart, the Senior Socialness Class allows seniors to rediscover confidence and vitality amidst blessings and laughter. This was not just a class, but a warm gathering for body, mind, and spirit. We sincerely invite community seniors to continue participating—the next Senior Socialness Class will be held on March 6. Additionally, a “Tea Tasting and Book Chat” will be held on February 8 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Let us walk together with joyful hearts, welcoming a more splendid senior life through happy learning.