Join us for this new series in uplifting movement and quiet focus. Over the course of 3 months, we will explore qigong fundamentals and develop deep practice. We will learn three distinct qigong sets including the elegant Balancing the Heart series. All experience levels are welcome.
What is Qigong?
The word "qigong" can be translated as the cultivation of one's energy and awareness. It has its roots in ancient China and India where healers, scholars, martial artists, and monks sought effective ways to improve the quality of their health, consciousness, and self expression.
Some of What We Will Cover:
* Seven Core Principles of Effective Qigong
* Zhan Zhuang (Standing Tree) Qigong
* The Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade) Moving Qigong Set
* Shuxin Pingxue Gong (Balancing the Heart)
* Subtle energetics, practice tips, and more...
Course Details: When: Wednesday mornings beginning October 4th Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Place: The Metta Center (1602 Carolina St, Bellingham) Tuition: 55 /month.
To reserve your place, call Art Baner at (360) 318-4433
or email at artbaner@gmail.com
tai chi foundation series - november 8
In traditional Tai Chi Chuan, there are 37 essential forms or postures. In this series, we will explore each of these with an eye toward clear body mechanics and moving practices for each.
This approach offers beginners a solid foundation prior to learning the traditional short or long forms. It also offers more seasoned practitioners a way to deepen their understanding of familiar movements on both right and left sides.
If you are interested in attending this series, please get in touch with me. It is set to begin in November and will be Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 7:45 at the Majestic in Bellingham. More details coming soon...
small group and private lessons
If you would like to learn Tai Chi and/or qigong but have schedule conflicts with group classes, I offer private and small group study options. I've done much of my own study this way and find it a very effective and enjoyable way to learn. Location is usually at my office, but other arrangements can be made. Call for more information or to schedule...
blogville: there are a thousand ways...
Many years ago, I met a Tai Chi teacher who was quite the mystery to me. Without meaning to, he presented me with a puzzle, the depth of which I would not really work out until some years later. His lesson has shown up again and again as I've worked with many awesome teachers and students and continued to evolve my understanding of the art.
In short, the lesson for me is this: There is no one true and correct way to interpret, define, or practice Tai Chi (or qigong for that matter). I'll explain what I mean: This particular teacher had come to Tai Chi following a serious injury which left him with intense pain and mobility issues. His work and social life were challenging at best. Upon encountering Tai Chi, he had an inspiration. After a few lessons, he decided to study on his own in such a way as to rehabilitate himself, one slow step at a time.
