Qigong (Chi-kung) ~ Meditative Movement Classes

*August 9th class is cancelled*

Come experience the happy-making and healing movements of Sheng Zhen Qigong (Chi Kung), the Qigong of Unconditional Love! Qigong is the root of Tai Chi, easy to learn, and has many benefits for body, mind, and spirit. Below the following class details, I explain more about qigong in general and about Sheng Zhen specifically.

In this class, we will start with stretching and warming up, settling into our bodies with proper posture and breath and then practice the 8 simple and easy-to-learn heart-opening movements of Awakening the Soul, accompanied by the reading of healing, poetic contemplations. And then we will loosen up and strengthen the spine with the fluid movements of Kuan Yin Standing. We will focus in on two or three of the ten Kuan Yin Standing movements per class; this method allows you to really slow down and learn the proper form. And of course we always focus on opening the heart and having fun! As Master Li says, “Open the heart and enjoy life!”
For more information on qigong, visit my meetup group and/or website (or scroll down to read more below the event description):
http://elementalharmony.info/Sheng_Zhen_Qigong.html

When: Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15 p.m. July 12th-August 23rd (no class August 16th) Drop in any time. Newcomers are always welcome!

Where: Luther Burbank Park, 2040 84th Avenue Southeast, Mercer Island - Rain or shine! To find us, park in the main/north lot. Look at the map if unfamiliar with the park. We'll be to the left of the main entrance, at the AMPHITHEATER. If it's raining, we have permission to have class undercover near the park's main entrance. And if it's not raining, but the amphitheater is occupied, we'll be in the grass between the amphitheater and undercovered walk-way.
It's also a good idea to have my phone number with you in case you have any trouble finding us: 206-599-9270

Cost: Your first class is a sliding scale of $0-$10, so you're welcome to check it out for FREE!  Subsequent classes are $10, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please note: Please bring a chair or stool for the first 20-30 minutes of class. If you are unable to, please let me know, and I can probably bring one for you. Also, although it is best to practice Awakening the Soul while seated, it certainly can be practiced while standing! Plus, if we're in the amphitheater, there's some built-in seating. So one way or another, it will all work out.  And bring some water for yourself to stay hydrated!

More about Qigong:

Before explaining more about qigong and this particular system of qigong specifically, I must tell you that this qigong changed my life.

I know that is a strong statement to make, but it's true. Before attending my first workshop with Master Li Jun Feng in 2006, I had sort of a dark cloud hanging over me. I was self-conscious. Shy. Not one of those bubbly, glowing, happy people. And I didn't know much about qigong at the time. In fact, I thought I probably wouldn't like it, that it would be too serious and uncomfortable. But at that first workshop, I was pleasantly surprised.

The movements were graceful and fluid, and accompanied by inspirational, poetic contemplations. And I loved that we were not only being encouraged to smile and even laugh, but also encouraged to play and have fun with the movements! I felt something shift in me, a letting go, and an opening. A heart-opening.

I knew from that day on that I wanted to continue this practice and also share it with others. I started practicing regularly along with a DVD, and within just a few weeks, I was one of those happy, glowing, bubbly people. I couldn't believe it! But it was true. I also noticed that I wanted to dance, be more social, really  LIVE and share with others more. I worried less, and I enjoyed life more. I had more confidence and  felt better in my body than I had in years.

So I got on the fast track to becoming an instructor, and I hope that you will check out this qigong if any of my story and/or the description below resonates with you.

As for what qigong is, and what Sheng Zhen Qigong is:

• Qigong (chi-kung) is an ancient form of healing movement and meditation, practiced for thousands of years to improve health and increase longevity.  

• Reported benefits of Qigong include: Overall well-being and improved health, Peaceful and clear mind, Enhanced immunity, Improved quality of sleep, Increased energy, Improved circulation and blood pressure, Clearer skin and brighter eyes, More positive attitude and improved ability to handle life’s ups and downs, Improved digestion and metabolism, Better balance and coordination

• Qi (chi) is life force energy. It’s in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and we’re born with it. Qigong is the cultivation of qi, the generation of energy, the exchange of qi with the universe. Gong translates as work, and implies work over time, with regular practice. This is meaningful because the energy exchange with the universe must be practiced regularly. It’s as important and essential to health as eating, drinking, going to the bathroom, and sleeping.

• Sheng Zhen Qigong (shung jen chi-kung) is a particularly joyful form of qigong that makes this “work” feel less like work and more like play. It enhances physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through gentle movements and meditations practiced while standing or seated in a chair. The movements are accompanied by meditations or contemplations that express the meaning, or the “flavor” of the movements. Sheng Zhen translates as “the highest truth,” which is unconditional love. Sheng Zhen Gong focuses on opening the heart and simply enjoying the movements and enjoying one’s life. It’s fun, easy, and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.