In observance of National Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, EODM invited employees to participate in a workshop led by Master Nick Gracenin of DC Tai Chi. Attendees learned about the philosophy behind the ancient Chinese practices of tai chi and qi gong (pronounced CHEE-gung) which help restore energy, called chi or qi (pronounced “chee”), through focused intention and balancing of the yin and yang forces.
Master Gracenin led workshop participants through a series of breathing exercises and low-impact tai chi qi gong movements that target common workplace complaints such as shoulder tension, wrist and hand stiffness, and poor circulation. The movements of tai chi forms –with gentle rhythms of expanding and shrinking, opening and closing – mirror the yin and yang forces and create a sense of balance in the body and the mind of the practitioner.
EODM works closely with Headquarters’ Employee Resource Groups and organizations to develop enriching programming for national observance months. These employee-led groups serve a broad strategic purpose, advancing the Center’s mission, as well as its diversity initiatives. If you are interested in contributing your time and talents toward promoting diversity and inclusion at NASA Headquarters, joining one or more of these groups is a great way to get involved!
- Hispanic Outreach Leadership Alliance (HOLA)
- Women of NASA (WON)
- Blacks in Government (BIG)
- NASA HQ Pride Alliance
- Asian American & Pacific Islanders ERG *in progress