Erica, who grew up in Tai Ji Men, has traveled with Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, the zhang-men-ren (leader) of Tai Ji Men, to spread the message of love and peace around the world. She recalled an experience in New York, where she and other Tai Ji Men members arrived late on the night before holding two events the very next day. Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, who is her Shifu (grandmaster), guided them to accomplish what seemed like a “mission impossible.” “That experience taught me the value of daily practice—even just five minutes of meditation each day gives me the inner peace I need to stay grounded in any situation,” she said.
In early July 2025, Erica joined Tai Ji Men members in the East York Canada Day Parade in Toronto. She recalled their walking along the parade route, sharing joyful energy and kind wishes: “When we offered our blessings, we could truly feel the crowd’s warm and enthusiastic response.” In that moment, she deeply felt that her sincerity was seen, accepted, and returned.
Erica’s journey of personal growth also includes earning a scholarship to her dream school—New York University Abu Dhabi—where she hoped to develop a global perspective and learn to view the world through multiple lenses. Before arriving in Canada, Erica traveled with Dr. Hong and her fellow Tai Ji Men members to the Caribbean to share messages of love and peace. One of the stops was Bloody Point, a historic site where indigenous people were massacred and the rivers ran red with blood. After the tour guide told the story, Erica and her companions began singing The Power of Peace and Love, but she found herself unable to continue. “Standing there, I could feel the pain of the past—it broke my heart,” she said. Yet, what moved her even more was the realization that Tai Ji Men’s peace missions are not just symbolic gestures, but profound acts of compassion that transcend time and space. When the tour guide spoke about how his people endured colonial violence, slavery, and survival, Erica described it as “a story of courage.” “He wanted to share that strength with us—and we responded with our song of love and peace,” she said.
She also shared a small but deeply meaningful personal story about a plant she once cared for while living in New York. “The plant got sick, and a man suggested that I cut off both the roots and the leaves. At first, I couldn’t accept the idea—but eventually, I did. And to my surprise, the plant grew back.” That experience left a lasting impression on her. “It taught me that it’s not about whether you already have roots, but whether you remember how to grow your own.” This insight resonated deeply with her experience performing the Fire Phoenix, a symbolic dance of rebirth. “To be reborn, you have to be willing to let go—to release, even parts of your own roots.”
Erica believes that “the world is one big family, and the willingness to change is the greatest strength.” Her openness to try new things and embrace change stems from this very belief—a conviction deeply rooted in an inner sense of freedom. Since the age of 13, she has maintained a daily meditation practice, which helps her stay centered and clear-minded amid the noise and distractions of the modern world. Through consistent self-reflection, she has come to know herself more deeply and navigate life with greater awareness. She emphasizes that wishing others well should not be confined to a specific moment or ritual—it should be a guiding principle in everyday life. “That sincere heart to genuinely wish others well—that’s the true essence of our daily practice.”