Creative Movement with Te and Ch’i – Global Virtual and Embodied Connection During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Creative Movement with Te and Ch’i – Global Virtual and Embodied Connection During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tony Yu Zhou, Marcia Plevin

The COVID-19 epidemic, which emerged in China at the end of 2019, has quickly become a worldwide pandemic threatening the whole of humanity. The Chinese philosophy of Tao and Te, combined with the creative arts and specifically creative movement, highlight how embodied connection can be made through digital media to create a strong sense of belonging and emotional support. Ch’i, the vital energy cultivated by virtue and good intention (Te), can lead to a positive and creative energy which creates synergy among people. This article describes, using concrete examples how a creative movement (CM) session offered as part of an online webinar in March and April 2020 altered states of both mind and health. The webinars were initiated to encourage a global connection and to engender support within the professional community and were attended by both Chinese and overseas colleagues. Social responsibility, compassion, harmony with nature via Te and art-based practice are necessary to transform the current COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity and eventually a sustainable development for the world.

2020

covid-19, Online teaching, Te, somatic education, Chinese philosophy, ch’i, arts therapy, creative movement

10.15212/CAET/2020/6/17

Creative Arts in Education and Therapy

Inspirees International B.V.

Special aspects of education, Visual arts