Qigong for Mindful Movement - Online 1:00pm

This is an online only class.

Animal Frolics 8-Week Series - Wednedsays March 4 through April 22.

Taoists have observed various creatures for thousands of years in order to mimic their movements and channel their
qualities - vitality, flexibility, power, and strength - in their own lives. Two of their main interests were attaining health
and longevity. The Five Animal Frolics is said to stimulate and awaken Qi. The five “animals” are: tiger, deer, bear, crane
and monkey.
The exercises mimic the characteristics, spirit and physical movements of each animal. They focus on meridian lines
which are important for balance and connection. The benefits derived from practicing The Five Animal Frolics are both
mental and physical. The Five Animal Frolics bring harmony, balance, and equilibrium within your body. Specifically, they
enhance respiration, the lungs, heart, circulation, liver, connective tissue, digestion, kidneys, joints, spine, and muscle
strength. The exercises also result in improved emotional health, clarity, energy, and a decrease in nervousness and
anxiety.
Each creature relates to one of the five elements and five Yin and Yang internal organs. There are two exercises per
animal, which help clear any blockages or stagnation in meridian channels. They also help remove any contractions or
tension.

About this Class:

Qigong (pronounced “Chi Gung” and sometimes referred to as “Chinese Yoga”) is both a set of practices and a way of being, dedicated to cultivation of life force and enhancement of health and vitality on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. The movements are gentle and suitable for all ages and health profiles, adaptable to personal needs and preferences. 

Our classes and programs are funded by grants, sponsors, donors and clients who are paying it forward. Cancer can be expensive; we do not want finances to be a barrier to accessing our valuable programming. Pay-as-you-can with a suggested donation amount per class of $10-$25.

About the Instructor:

John has been studying and practicing qigong for ten years and teaching for the past five. He is a lifelong educator, versed in making learning effective and fun. He creates a safe, engaging environment through his practice of compassionate communication and empathy. John emphasizes safety and accessibility, teaching modifications based on what is workable for class participants. Almost everything he teaches can be done sitting as well as standing. John is a lover of music and poetry. He enjoys spreading the Qi (“Chi”) through verse and he begins each class with a positive-themed song, which is used to begin movement and sharing. 

John has been trained in, and will draw from, two systems: Wisdom Healing Qigong with Master Mingtong Gu, and Integral Qigong with Roger Jahnke. Should you wish to explore these two very compatible paths you are invited to examine the following websites:  www.chicenter.com or www.instituteofintegralqigongandtaichi.org  He is honored to offer qigong instruction at Wellness Within and looks forward to serving those who are interested in giving qigong a try.