“He who knows when to stop does not find himself in trouble, he will stay forever safe.” (Translation by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English).

The basis of a of a safe practice is staying connected to your centre and remaining active at end range. With reference to the Tao Te Ching, Chap 44.

Discover the serene wonders of the forest as you embark on a restorative journey filled with relaxed and friendly vibes. Step into a weekend escape dedicated to nurturing your mind and body through slow, mindful movement that focuses on organizing and activating your whole body from the ground up and connecting your facial lines to your core.  

(Yogis have been asking about the cost of this weekend retreat. 

Single and shared accommodation is available. There is an accommodation deposit of $60 on booking. Facilitator cost is by dana, or fair exchange, think $150 +/- $50, ask if you are unsure. More booking info at the end of this post.)

Led by the experienced and like-minded duo, Bevie Barker and Chris Newell, this unique workshop invites you to explore the profound connection between your feet and your core. Practice priming your fascial lines and connecting to your core, the powerhouse of the body. Throughout the weekend, we'll employ a range of movement modalities, including Slow Yoga, Feldenkrais, and Qi Gong, to gently unite the foot-to-core connection, extending it and ultimately experiencing a sense of whole-body harmony.

Central to our approach is the concept of interoception - the profound awareness of our internal bodily state. By engaging in slow, mindful movement practices, we cultivate a deep sense of interoceptive awareness. This heightened awareness allows for both bottom-up and top-down self-regulation, empowering the nervous system to naturally find balance and return to a state of calm. As you learn to identify and understand how you feel, you'll discover the ability to make more informed and positive choices in life.

Throughout the workshop, we'll delve into the exploration of fascial and core activation from a proprioceptive and interoceptive perspective. Our aim is to establish a profound integration of the whole-body biotensegrity model. Slow Yoga, inspired by Subtle Yoga, Feldenkrais, I Liq Chuan Qi Gong and Activated Asana form the foundation of our bodywork modalities. Emphasizing slowness and mindfulness, these practices are ideal for cultivating interoception and fostering a deep sense of self-awareness.

In addition to our enriching bodywork sessions, the weekend will also feature short meditation sits to promote relaxation and inner peace. So, take this opportunity to unwind, recharge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest environment while cultivating proprioception and interoception for a more connected and revitalized you. Join us on this transformative journey towards whole-body activation and greater self-awareness.

Experience the transformative power of slow, mindful, and breath-centric practice as it builds and fortifies your resilience. Resilience, the remarkable ability to respond adeptly to both internal and external physical and psychological stressors, enables us to swiftly return to a state of equilibrium known as homeostasis – a state of balance and clarity.

Delving into the Window of Tolerance (WOT), a profound model developed by Dr. Dan Siegel, we gain insights into the adaptability of our nervous systems. This concept defines our optimal arousal zone, where emotions naturally ebb and flow. Stepping beyond this window, either into hyper-arousal or hypo-arousal, can lead to stress and affect our overall well-being.

The WOT model illustrates how our nervous system performs a dynamic dance seeking homeostasis between energetic states: the sympathetic arousal state and the parasympathetic rest-and-digest state. A gradient exists within the window, ranging from hyper to hypo activation. The ideal ratio between these states, often suggested to be around 7:1, contributes to a harmonious and balanced nervous system.

In a state of homeostasis, our nervous system reaches an optimal, centered position – one of rest, relaxation, and calm. Ideally, this serene state is our natural default setting. However, various factors can induce stress, making it challenging to achieve relaxation. Yet, through slow, mindful movement and bodywork, we find a pathway to cultivate resilience and enhance our nervous system's ability to return to a balanced state.

In the gentle embrace of these practices, we learn to harness the power of resilience, enabling us to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and composure. By nurturing our nervous system resilience, we discover the profound impact these practices have on our overall well-being. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and inner strength as you uncover the wonders of homeostasis through slow, mindful movement and bodywork.

This weekend retreat is held at Origins Retreat Centre in Balingup, a hidden gem in the South West, surrounded by natural forest, streams, gardens and starlit nights. You can arrive at Origins between 3pm and 6.30pm  on Friday Nov 15 to settle in. 

Origins has a fully equipped kitchen for you to use, but you’re encouraged to bring pre prepared meals so you have more time to enjoy the space. Balingup is only a few minutes’ drive away, if you want to get lunch at a local cafe.

 Accommodation is limited and a non-refundable deposit of $60 for Friday and Saturday payable to Origins Centre is required payable to Commonwealth Bank BSB: 06 6504 ACC: 1001 7993. Please include in the bank transfer details: “OC_NOV_your name”. This deposit is required to confirm your place at the time of booking, this dana goes toward your dana (fair, considered exchange) for the accommodation. You will need to bring your own bedding. Please email a confirmation to Chris Newell chris@circlework.training  when this is done.

Activate and integrate your whole body from the ground up

ORGANISE AND ACTIVATE YOUR FOOT TO CORE CONNECTION - 2

Join us for a relaxing 8 week short course at the Theosophical Society just across from the beautiful Hyde Park Perth on Glendower Street.  Classes start on Thursday Aug 15 at 10am and will include some days off so we end around Aug 3 or so. Classes last 1 hour, these are accessible and safe, every body welcome.

We will focusing on embodying some of the principles and practices around High Performance Ageing (HPA) Movement Template in the context of interpreting the Shibashi Qigong from from the perspective of I Liq Chuan. 

HPA is a mindful practical and functional approach to movement that can be practiced as a moving meditation that has a beneficial effect of cultivating physical and mental resilience. HPA aims to maximize our health and vitality and minimize unnecessary wear and tear on the body and mind over the course of your life.

Fundamentally HPA is a mindfulness practice the cultivates proprioception and interoception calming the body and the mind. Everyone can practice, the approach is inclusive and safe. 

High Performance Ageing is based on the principles of Zhong Xin Dao, Subtle Yoga and Activated Asana.

Circlewalking at Restful Waters Sept 1, 9am-12am.

Every circle has a centre - “Stay in the centre, and you will be ready to move in any direction.” Alan Watts

This workshop will focus on forming energetic circles and practicing circumambulation. Walking in circles is a widespread meditative practice. Typically groups walk ceremoniously in harmony….for example Buddhists circumambulate to show devotion, pay tribute, cultivate their minds, and accumulate merit. From a simple pragmatic somatic perspective, Circlewalking has huge proprioceptive benefits around balance and special awareness.

This type of Circlewalking uses a conventional heal toe ambulation gait. Walking in circles around a sacred object or space can help practitioners enter a meditative state. The repetitive movement allows individuals to focus their minds, quiet distractions, and deepen their spiritual connection.

Circumambulation is the act of walking around a sacred object, place, or space, is deeply connected with spiritual practice across various cultures and religions. Circumambulation often symbolises the cyclic nature of life, death, and rebirth. It represents the journey of the soul towards enlightenment or union with the divine.

In some traditions, circumambulation is a communal activity, bringing together individuals in shared worship or celebration. Walking together fosters a sense of unity and collective spirituality. Overall, circumambulation serves as a powerful spiritual practice that combines physical movement, symbolism, devotion, and community, facilitating a deeper connection with the divine and ones inner self.

Understanding how to manifest yin and yang energy in the body during standing Qi Gong. Understanding the difference and manifest the feeling of absorb and project and condense and expand. Understanding and apply these energies in conjunction with circular movement around the centre of a circle. Understanding how we move from our centres and experience how Circlewalking can have a positive benefit on proprioception and balance. 

We look forward to seeing you at Restful Waters. https://momence.com/s/103699836

Here is a good description and explanation for standing meditation. Just keep in mind that there are lots of different shapes but they all generate the same or similar feeling.

Standing Meditation Follow Along: Elevate your Tai Chi and Qigong Practice

Join us for a relaxing weekend at the Theosophical Society Retreat Centre in Mount Helena focusing on embodying some of the principles and practices around High Performance Ageing (HPA) Movement Template. 

Cost for 2 days: $110 members - $145 non-members

Cost for 1 day: members free (cost for lunch $20), $60 non-members

Fees include accommodation and vegetarian food is available.

Register in the Theosophical Library or email the Organizer mthelena@tsperth.com.au

The notional agenda for the week end will look like this.....

9am Saturday - High Performance Ageing, Resilience and the basic concepts associated with the I Liq Chuan Movement Template, it's about feeling. Organizing and activating the Facial lines. Filling the body, proprioception and interoception. 

2pm Saturday - Applied Qi Gong energetics including absorb and project and condense and expand.

7pm Saturday - Some short You Tube clips and discussion. The fallacy of stretching, why connecting to your centre and strengthening your range of control is a better for longevity.

7am Sunday - Shibashi warm up for the day.

9am Sunday - Applied Slow Yoga energetics, it's how you feel, not how you look.

The Ba Duan Jin Qi Gong is one of the most common forms of Chinese Qi Gong and is used as a form of general daily exercise. Variously translated as Eight Pieces of Brocade, or silk reeling, the form refers to how the eight individual movements of the form characterize and impart a silken, gentle, and elastic quality to the body and its energy. The Ba Duan Jin is primarily designated as a form of medical qigong, meant to improve health.

Visit https://momence.com/s/107415069 for booking details.

This event will focus on practicing the eight forms of Ba Duan Jin interspersed with practicing circumambulation, a form of walking meditation

cumambulation is the act of walking around a sacred object, place, or space, and is deeply connected with mindfulness practice.

·         The basic eight forms and their associated meridians and organ activations.

·         An understanding of how to manifest yin and yang energy in the body during standing and walking Qi Gong.

·         The difference between the internal feeling of absorb and project and condense and expand and how to apply these energies in conjunction with stationary and circular movement.

·         An understanding how we move from our centres and experience how Circlewalking can have a positive benefit on proprioception and balance.

As of May 29 all of the accommodation at Origins Centre for this event has been booked. You are still welcome to attend this workshop, we’ve just run out of on-site accommodation. If you’d like to go onto a waiting list please let me know <chris@circlework.training> .

Discover the serene wonders of the forest as you embark on a restorative journey filled with relaxed and friendly vibes. Step into a weekend escape dedicated to nurturing your mind and body through slow, mindful movement that focuses on organizing and activating your whole body from the ground up.

Yogis have been asking about the cost of this weekend retreat. 

Single and shared accommodation is available. There is an accommodation deposit of $60 on booking. Facilitator cost is by dana, or fair exchange, think $150 +/- $50, ask if you are unsure. More booking info at the end of this post.

Led by the experienced and like-minded duo, Bevie Barker and Chris Newell, this unique workshop invites you to explore the profound connection between your feet, your core and your centre. Throughout the weekend, we'll employ a range of movement modalities, including Slow Yoga, Feldenkrais, and Qi Gong, to gently unite the foot-to-core connection, extending it further to ultimately experiencing a sense of whole-body harmony.

Throughout the workshop, we'll delve into the exploration from a proprioceptive and interoceptive perspective. Our aim is to establish a profound integration of the whole-body biotensegrity model. Slow Yoga, inspired by Activated Asana, Subtle Yoga, Feldenkrais, and I Liq Chuan Qi Gong, inspired by Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan, form the foundation of our bodywork modalities. Emphasizing slowness and mindfulness, these practices are ideal for cultivating interoception and fostering a deep sense of self-awareness.

This weekend retreat is held at Origins Retreat Centre in Balingup, a hidden gem in the South West, surrounded by natural forest, streams, gardens and starlit nights. You can arrive at Origins between 3pm and 6.30pm  on Friday March 1 to settle in. 

 Accommodation is limited and a non-refundable deposit of $60 for Friday and Saturday payable to Origins Centre is required payable to Commonwealth Bank BSB: 06 6504 ACC: 1001 7993. Please include in the bank transfer details: “OH_JUNE_your name”. This deposit is required to confirm your place at the time of booking, this dana goes toward your dana (fair, considered exchange) for the accommodation. You will need to bring your own bedding. Please email a confirmation to Chris Newell chris@circlework.training  when this is done.

Morley Noranda Recreation Club.  85 McGilvray Ave, Noranda WA 6062

New term starts Tuesday Jan 31. BYO props. 

Tuesday afternoon 4:30 and 5:45 in the Snug, and Friday 9am and Saturday 8:45am  outside the front of the Club.

Working up a short 10 minute morning practice. 

Make a commitment to practice and try for an easy routine. Keep it short but full.

Start with a full body axial extension followed by back and side extensions and forward folds.

Repeat, go slow and connect to your breath.

Start in open Tadasana and connect to your alignment, your center of gravity and the feeling on the sole of your foot. Push up the back line and lift the head, drop down the front and settle on an easy breath. Relax and alert, drop the red meat and let your fascial system fill.

Activate your legs and establish a foot to core connection and then practice quad dominate squats. Sink and lift your arms over your head, interlace your fingers and point at the cardinal vertical point, relax the neck and shoulders, release the fingers, press and pull, drop the elbows.

Forward fold and activate your legs, halfway lift, forward fold, grab a ball and straighten up using your legs to lift and then press down to push your torso vertical. Repeat and add arm activations.

Step into squat, three points of alignment, knees over toes!  Arms horizontal and breath easy. Skin and gather and lift.

Rotate to long side stance, organise your foot to core concretion for W2, extend and project your arms in the horizontal. 

Sink back to neutral, go to squat, and repeat other side. 

Step back to tadasana and repeat vinyasa.

Morley Noranda Recreation Club Term 1 - 2023

Morley/Noranda Recreation Club.  85 McGilvray Avenue Noranda, Perth, WA, Australia, Western Australia

Sorry Circlework friends but I have to take some time off to recover from some hernia repair. The prognosis is good, I just need some time off to heal.

Next Term 3 starts July 17. I look forward to picking up where we left off at the Morley/Noranda Recreation Club....in the meantime if you would like to connect use the Circlework.training FB site, I'm happy to chat etc.

Next term I will be focusing on using chairs as props in the Slow Yoga classes. We already work off of benches so same but different.  We do the Sun Salutation variations off of outside tables when the weather supports being outside. These props are excellent to help with activating at end range and for locking in single leg balances. You can keep posted by staying connected to Circlework.training. 

The Qi Gong and Ti Chi classes are always focused on whole body bio-tensegrity and relaxation. Plus organizing and activating the myo-fascial lines.

Why is practicing Tai Chi good for your health?

Improves balance and flexibility: Tai Chi involves slow, gentle movements that help improve balance and flexibility. Regular practice can      reduce the risk of falls in older adults and can also help people with Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.

Reduces stress and anxiety: Tai Chi incorporates deep breathing and meditation techniques that can help reduce stress and anxiety. It has been shown to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.

Enhances cardiovascular health: Tai Chi is a low-impact aerobic exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart      rate, blood circulation, and oxygen intake. Studies have shown that regular practice can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Helps manage chronic conditions: Tai Chi has been found to be beneficial in managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia,      and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can help improve pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with these conditions.

 Why is practicing Slow Yoga good for your health as an older adult?

·         Improved flexibility and mobility: Yoga poses and stretches can help older adults improve their flexibility, balance, and range of motion, making it easier to perform everyday activities and reducing the risk of falls.

·         Reduced stress and anxiety: Practicing yoga can help older adults reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on their mental health and overall well-being.

·         Increased strength and muscle tone: Many yoga poses require the use of body weight and resistance, which can help older adults build strength and muscle tone, particularly in areas such as the arms, legs, and core.

·         Improved cardiovascular health: Some styles of yoga, such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga, can be quite physically demanding and provide a good cardiovascular workout, helping to improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Slow Yoga is different because the pace is reduced so that the mind can pay closer attention to how we move and how we feel.

What are some of the benefits of Qi Gong?

In general you can expect to experience these kinds of benefits from practicing Qi Gong

Integrate your physical body, Open the joints and improve organ function

Feel younger, feel stronger and more stable

July 17 - Sept 22.  MORLEY/NORANDA RECREATION CLUB

Discover the serene wonders of the forest as you embark on a restorative journey filled with relaxed and friendly vibes. Step into a weekend escape dedicated to nurturing your mind and body through slow, mindful movement that focuses on organizing and activating your arm and facial lines.

Led by the experienced and like-minded duo, Bevie Barker and Chris Newell, this unique workshop invites you to explore the profound connection between your hands and your core. Throughout the weekend, we'll employ a range of movement modalities, including Slow Yoga, Feldenkrais, and Qi Gong, to gently unite the hand-to-core connection, extending it further to a foot-to-core connection, and ultimately experiencing a sense of whole-body harmony.

Throughout the workshop, we'll delve into the exploration of arm lines from a proprioceptive and interoceptive perspective. Our aim is to establish a profound integration of the whole-body biotensegrity model. Slow Yoga, inspired by Subtle Yoga, Feldenkrais, and I Liq Chuan Qi Gong, inspired by Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan, form the foundation of our bodywork modalities. Emphasizing slowness and mindfulness, these practices are ideal for cultivating interoception and fostering a deep sense of self-awareness.

Offering hands focusing on the horizontal

Offering Hands

Here is an example of offering hands inspired by the Qi Gong practice called offering tea, The idea is to activate the palms and basically keep them horizontal throughout the movement. Think tea in a cup and avoiding spilling.

This weekend retreat is held at Origins Retreat Centre in Balingup, a hidden gem in the South West, surrounded by natural forest, streams, gardens and starlit nights. You can arrive at Origins between 3pm and 6.30pm  on Friday October 20 to settle in. 

Origins has a fully equipped kitchen for you to use, but you’re encouraged to bring pre prepared meals so you have more time to enjoy the space. Balingup or Mullalyup are only a few minutes’ drive away, if you want to get lunch at a local cafe.

Accommodation is limited and a non-refundable deposit of $60 for Friday and Saturday payable to Origins Centre is required payable to Commonwealth Bank BSB: 06 6504 ACC: 1001 7993. Please include in the bank transfer details: “OH_OCT_your name”. This deposit is required to confirm your place at the time of booking, this dana goes toward your dana (fair, considered exchange) for the accommodation. You will need to bring your own bedding. Please email a confirmation to Chris Newell chris@circlework.training  when this is done.

Activate your arm lines and establish a hand to core connection

Morley Noranda Recreation Club. 85 McGilvray Avenue Noranda, Perth, WA, Australia, Western Australia

Why is practicing SLOW YOGA good for your health as an older adult?

Improved flexibility and mobility: Yoga poses and stretches can help older adults improve their flexibility, balance, and range of motion, making it easier to perform everyday activities and reducing the risk of falls.

Reduced stress and anxiety: Practicing yoga can help older adults reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on their mental health and overall well-being.

Increased strength and muscle tone: Many yoga poses require the use of body weight and resistance, which can help older adults build strength and muscle tone, particularly in areas such as the arms, legs, and core.

Improved cardiovascular health: Some styles of yoga, such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga, can be quite physically demanding and provide a good cardiovascular workout, helping to improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Slow Yoga is different because the pace is reduced so that the mind can pay closer attention to how we move and how we feel. Slow Yoga is inclusive for all ages and levels.

Morley Noranda Recreation Club.  85 McGilvray Avenue Noranda, Perth, WA, Australia, Western Australia

Join us for a new walking group starting in Noranda in January 2024! Get your New Year off to a great start by joining a unique walking group that includes intermittent walking and standing full body organization and activation exercises including foot strengthening exercises like toe stands and simple bopping and balancing drills.

Walking is one of the simplest and most beneficial forms of exercise suitable for everyone. Elevating your step count can have remarkable effects on your mental and physical well-being. Adding some organization and activation exercises adds a bit of zing to the experience leaving you feeling stronger and vitalized. 

Here's the plan: We'll gather at 7:30am at the Morley Noranda Recreation Club, kick off with a brief check-in and warm-up and then head to the athletics oval for our circular walk. Along the way, we'll take pauses to practice some organization and activation drills including yoga and qi gong, infusing vitality and balance into our stroll. The added perk? We'll be soaking up the natural energy of the great outdoors.

If you're interested, feel free to register with me via Messenger, or stay tuned for upcoming dates and times. I'm a morning person, and with summer approaching, it's an ideal opportunity for early birds.

Circle walk 1

Circle walk 2

Circle Walk 3

Here are some more Circlewalking examples.

Relax your Waist for Better Walking & Running

This is a simple set of activation and pandiculation drills that you can use to release your torso and help improve your walking gait.

Free and Easy Walking

A walking exercise group meets Friday 7:30am at Morley Noranda Recreation Club January 2024

CIRCLE WALKING - WALKING AND ACTIVATION DRILLS AND SKILLS

THE PAUSE IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE POSE –

USING INTEROCEPTION TO CULTIVATE RESILIENCE

Join Bevie Barker and Chris Newell and like minded friends for a deep dive into the process of cultivating interoception.

What is interoception? Interoception is the felt sense of the internal state of the body. Slow mindful movement practice is an excellent vehicle for cultivating interoceptive awareness. Slow mindful movement is the key to bottom up and top-down self-regulation, slowness of movement is the key to awareness. Pausing to check in on ‘how we feel’ allows the nervous system to naturally down or up regulate and return to homeostasis.  When you know how you feel, you know what to do and will make better choices generally. 

This week end workshop will explore interoception and building resilience using three types of bodywork modalities, Slow Yoga (inspired by Subtle Yoga), Feldenkrais and I Liq Chuan (inspired by Zhong Xin Dao I liq Chuan).  All of these bodywork modalities will be practiced slowly and mindfully, the key to cultivating interoception. Bodywork sessions will be interspersed with short meditation sits.

Resilience is the capacity to quickly and effectively respond to internal and external physical and psychological stressors as they arise and then return to a state of homeostasis. Homeostasis is characterized by balance and clarity.

The Window of Tolerance (WOT) is a model to describe how adaptive our nervous systems are.  The window of tolerance is a concept created by Dr Dan Siegel to describe the 'optimal arousal zone' of human beings. The WOT model suggests that we have an optimal arousal level. When we are within the window of tolerance there is a natural ebb and flow of emotions experienced by human beings. Extended periods outside of the WOT, either a 'hyper-arousal' or a 'hypo-arousal', can become stressful and impact on our health and well being.  

The model proposes that the nervous system is in a dynamic homeostatic dance between a range of energetic states, primarily a sympathetic state of arousal or a parasympathetic state of rest and digest. A gradient exists within the WOT between hyper and hypo activation. The ideal ratio between the parasympathetic and sympathetic states has been suggested, in general, to be around 7:1. 

Homeostasis is when the nervous system is optimal, i.e.in the middle and balanced and is characterized as being at rest, relaxed and calm.  This homeostatic arousal state is normally a natural default state. There are any number of reasons why we become stressed and find it difficult to relax. Slow mindful movement and bodywork is just one way to cultivate resilience and nervous system resilience. 

This weekend retreat is held at Origins Retreat Centre in Balingup, a hidden gem in the South West, surrounded by natural forest, streams, gardens and starlit nights. You can arrive at Origins between 3pm and 6.30pm  on Friday October 21 to settle in.

Accommodation is limited and a non-refundable deposit of $60 payable to Origins Centre is required payable to Commonwealth Bank BSB: 06 6504 ACC: 1001 7993. Please include in the bank transfer details: “Nourish, Oct_Dana_your name”. This deposit of $60 is required to confirm your place at the time of booking, this dana goes toward your dana (fair, considered exchange) for the accommodation. You will need to bring your own bedding. Please email a confirmation to Chris Newell chris@circlework.training  when this is done.

Build Resilience Using Slow Mindful Movement

I would like to form a social walking group at the Morley Noranda Recreation Club that includes elements of Qi Gong practice. 

DO YOU ENJOY WALKING? DO YOU ENJOY QI GONG?

85 McGilvray Avenue Noranda, Perth, WA, Australia, Western Australia

This summer I will be offering a range of physical and mental activities in conjunction with the Morley Noranda Recreation Club.

Everyone is welcome, all of the training is accessible and safe.

I will be offering a mix of Slow Yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi movement template. The yoga will be held in the club rooms (ask at the bar) and the Tai Chi will be outside at the Noranda Nook, just behind the Noranda Shopping Center (look for the yellow agility pole)>

 Please see the posters below for details, hope to see you soon.

This Summer at Morley Noranda Recreation Club

CLASSES HELD AT THE MORLEY NORANDA RECREATION CLUB BY CIRCLEWORK.TRAINING.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SUNDAY CLASSES ARE CANCELLED UNTIL APRIL 7

These classes will study and practice and short 44 form Tai Chi yang style. We will use the movement template of I Liq Chuan to provide the internal concepts for practice. In particular we will investigate how the paired energies of absorb/project and condense/expand can be used to internalize the calming feeling of slow mindful movement.

Some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi are:

Tai Chi Better Than Aerobics to Lower Blood Pressure

Read this paper to see how Tai Chi can have a positive effect on controlling blood pressure

The 44 forms or positions in the sequence are divided into 4 sections.

3 Grasp sparrows tail R ward off, roll back, push, press 

Section 1 Tai Chi

This is a short clip of the first 13 moves with mild commentary. I include all 4 directions. Remember it's about how you feel...check out my blog post What is I liq Chuan? 

14 Embrace tiger, return to mountain Diagonal 

Section 2 Tai Chi

Restful Waters Wellness Centre, 64 Canns Rd, Bedfordale WA 6112

Join me at Restful Waters Wellness and Consciousness Centre starting May 12, 2024. Learn how to cultivate a Yin body state using contemporary Qi Gong practices. Modelling a safe practice over a 8 week course. Book your place at: Balancing the Body - 8 Week Course

The benefit of practicing over an 8 week period includes the opportunity to embody the feelings associated with a qi gong practice. Normally the practice is slow and intentional and involves a form of mindfullness based on paying attention to how you feel. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to 'get it'. 

These classes are slow and have lots of repetition and novelty, key features of learning. There is no force involved other than a natural relaxed body state. all you need to bring is your passion! 

The somatic balancing of yin and yang energies.

The internal energetics associated with the choreography of Qi Gong

Unifying oneself and unifying oneself with the other.

For example we will be building nervous resilience and other mental and physical health benefits from practicing the 18 Forms Shibashi Qi Gong set. "Shibashi" means eighteen and Shibashi Qi gong is a wonderful set of 18 Qi gong exercises practiced as a whole for maintaining all round good health and well being. The movements are simple, gentle and flowing, and a joy to practice.   

Check out this demonstration of the Shibashi Forms.

Shibashi 18 Forms

HERE ARE SOME MORE EXAMPLES OF THE SHIBASHI 18 FORM TO STUDY

The somatic principles involved in feeling the difference between paired energies absorb and project and condense and expand form the basis of the practice. We will be using the Shibashi 18 form as our principle learning scaffold. It's worth noting that these basics are widely applicable and the ability to generate a yin body state can be used in yoga asana and vinyasa, stillness and movement. In fact there are several styles of Taoist Yoga being practiced.

Everyone can use more nervous system resilience in these demanding times. Learn how to naturally default to a relaxed calm Yin body state.

This practice is about feeling and sensing and the cultivation of whole body health and vitality using fundamental Qi Gong exercises.

Slow movement coupled with the breath is an excellent way to practice mindfully, pausing during movement is an excellent way to develop interoception. Interoception is a key to building resilience, mental or physical resilience. Resilience is the ability to return to balance, either mental or physical. 

Qi gong practitioners have a unique opportunity to develop stronger, more stable nervous systems via the mindfulness practices associated with slow intentional movement coupled with the breath and imagination.    

In the same way you do exercise for the corporal body, we can practice innercise (interoception) to cultivate mental physical resilience of the nervous system. 

This course starts Sunday February 11 and runs for 6 weeks.

My focus is safe and inclusive practice, please take time to read my Safety Blog.

QI GONG NOTES AND KEY CONCEPTS FOR THE COURSE

WHAT IS YOUR REFERENCE POINT FOR MOVING? What is your reference point for being still?

“Stay in the centre, and you will be ready to move in any direction.” Alan Watts

Overview – Foundation teaching Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan

Preparation for practice, finding your centre

This series is based on interpreting and applying somatics to Qi Gong practice. Week One we ask “What is your reference point for moving?” then we find our centres as a starting point. This is a fundamental body state characterised by calm alert awareness and ease of movement.

Health is the greatest possession. –  Dhammapada

If you are still, how do you initiate movement? If you are moving, how do you come to stillness?

Physical vitality and mental acuity, resilience and the window of tolerance

Secular access – total health, resilience and deep connection, natural biological response, for everyone, an act of service

Cultivate Proprioception and interoception = a natural process

Stability, joint mobility, muscle tone, improved balance and range of control

Cultivate a whole body biotensegrity by activating the fascia, reduce tension at the joints

Cross lateral and contra-lateral movements improve brain hemispheric connections across the corpus callosum.

Joint opening and spinal rotation lubricate and nourishes the connective tissues in our joints.

Mental, innercise, feeling, interoception  

Qi gong for building nervous resilience, a calm mind and body, health and vitality, High Performance Aging

Unification of ourselves (mental/physical) and with others, we keep ourselves mentally and physically healthy and support others to do the same. 

Homeostasis, Window of Tolerance, practice leads to self-understanding

This art is about feeling - Underneath the choreography of Tai Chi Qi Gong movement are a set of internal feelings.

Use your imagination to feel, this is a practice about how you feel.

Mind and nervous system (sensations and feelings) and corporal body

Axial extension and forward fold, proprioceptive wakeup call, whole body as one piece

Arm activation, proprioceptive wakeup call

Upcoming Events

Shibashi #1 - #10

A movement template

Slow Yoga, Feldenkrais and Qi Gong

Qi Gong and Feldenkrais

Past Events

Activate and integrate your whole body from the ground up

Theosophical Society Short Course

Standing Qi Gong and Walking Meditation

A MOVEMENT TEMPLATE FOR LONGEVITY

BA DUAN JIN - Silk Reeling

Activate and integrate your whole body from the ground up

Morley Noranda Recreation Club Term 1 - 2023

July 17 - Sept 22. MORLEY/NORANDA RECREATION CLUB

Activate your arm lines and establish a hand to core connection

Morley Noranda Recreation Club

A walking exercise group meets Friday 7:30am at Morley Noranda Recreation Club January 2024

Build Resilience Using Slow Mindful Movement

Short form Yang style

Qi Gong - Balancing the Mind and Body - Restful Waters

Classes and schedule June to July

Balancing the Body and Mind

Balancing the Body and Mind

Upward Salute

Activating the arm lines

Mood Lifter

Future-proof your practice

Balancing the Body at Restful Waters

Cultivating a Yin body state

Build Resilience