(Minghui.org) On the morning of May 9, 2026, under clear blue skies and a gentle breeze, the Falun Dafa exercise music echoed along the shore of Lake Michigan, whose waters shimmered like sapphire. Practitioners from the greater Chicago area gathered at the Signal of Peace Monument by Lake Michigan to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day (May 13).
The practitioners’ peaceful and graceful group exercises, along with informational display boards, attracted the attention of many local residents and tourists. “This is amazing!” said Dawn Bartholomew from Chicago, as she watched practitioners doing the exercises.
After the exercises, practitioners shared proclamations and congratulatory letters issued by the Illinois State Senate and several cities. Some practitioners also spoke about how they had benefited by practicing Falun Dafa.
Practitioners doing the exercises on the shore of Lak Michigan on May 9 to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day (Minghui.org)
Local residents and tourists read the information about Falun Dafa.(Minghui.org)
Falun Dafa’s Principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance Are “Fundamental”
Dawn Bartholomew said she interested in seeing practitioners doing the exercises and exclaimed, “This is amazing!” She said she meditates so she wanted to learn about Falun Dafa.
Dawn said, “These principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are fundamental for human beings.”
Shocked to hear how the Chinese Communist Party persecutes Falun Dafa, she said, “We need to draw people’s attention to this, especially the organ harvesting atrocities. That must be stopped!”
Jane Farrell said, “The exercises are so beautiful. I really like this. I’m impressed by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. This makes a lot of sense and can help people to be good.”
After she signed the petition calling for an end to the persecution, she said, “It’s very important that we raise awareness and let more people know about this so that they can help. Everyone should be free to do this meditation practice.”
Jane Farrell said people should follow Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance to be good people. (Minghui.org)
Thomas Benning from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said, “It’s very cool to see you guys gathering here and showing us how beautiful this practice is. This is a great way to improve ourselves by following Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
“The persecution is crazy! Just because people do meditation! I can’t imagine the down side of this good practice and that it’s persecuted.” He signed the petition to show his support.
Thomas Benning thanked practitioners for demonstrating the Falun Dafa exercises. (Minghui.org)
Kell Suckell said, “What Falun Dafa teaches is awesome!”
She was sad to hear about the persecution, and immediately signed the petition. She said. “It’s really nice to see this group practicing here and letting us know about this. Thank you!”
Kell Suckell said, “The principles advocated by Falun Dafa are truly admirable!” (Minghui.org)
“A Deep Sense of Calm and Compassion”
Dr. Yang, an optometrist, has practiced Falun Dafa for 15 years. She said, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Master Li for allowing me to practice Dafa and improve my character over the years.
“Before, whenever conflicts arose, I felt unsettled, my anxiety got worse, and I had negative thoughts about the other person. I could not handle conflicts peacefully.
“Dafa has taught me to look beyond myself. I found that when I search within for my own shortcomings, my anger toward the other party quickly subsides, and the conflict resolves peacefully.”
In her daily life, she follows Falun Dafa’s principle of putting others first. “In moments when I can truly let go of self. I feel a deep sense of calm and compassion, as though my heart has expanded into a higher realm.
“Thank you, Master,” said Dr. Yang, “for bringing this profound cultivation practice to the world, so that we can be guided by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance in our daily lives and become a better version of ourselves in the process.”
A Turning Point
Mr. He, an engineer who has worked for a Fortune Global 500 company for more than 20 years, said finding Falun Dafa 26 years ago was “a turning point in my life.”
He said, “Master used the simplest and most straightforward language to explain the profound and vast truths of the universe, guiding us on the path of returning to our true selves. Had I not encountered Dafa, I might still be lost in the tide of ordinary society, competing with others for personal gain, unknowingly harming lives, and creating heavy karma.”
Speaking about how he changed after he began practicing, he said, “Dafa taught me to look inward whenever problems arise and to hold myself to the standards of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance at all times. For 26 years, every step I have taken has been inseparable from Master’s compassionate protection. Dafa not only gave me a healthy body, but also a clear mind and hope.”
Ms. Liu, who began practicing Falun Dafa in 1998, also expressed her gratitude to Falun Dafa and Master Li at the World Falun Dafa Day celebration: “I’ve practiced Dafa for 28 years and grew up immersed in Dafa. Practicing Falun Dafa brought me both physical and mental well-being and helped me understand the purpose and meaning of life.”
As a finance professional, she said practicing Dafa gave her wisdom and greatly benefited her work. “Practicing Falun Dafa helped expand my wisdom. My concentration has improved significantly, and my efficiency increased, allowing me to achieve better results with less effort.”
Ms. Liu said Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance serve as her guiding principles, bringing her inner peace and serenity.
“Whenever I encounter unfair treatment or conflicts, I look inward for my own shortcomings—I understand the importance of taking a step back and finding broader horizons. At work, I willingly take on tedious tasks that others do not want to do, and I always try to think from other people’s perspectives.”
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