Qigong for Mindful Movement - Online 1:00 PM

This is an online only class.

The Eight Brocades

A piece of Chinese silk brocade was a much-treasured possession, treated with reverence and often passed down through generations. 

The eight movements which comprise the 'Eight Brocades' are equally precious in their capacity for preserving the body's own rich tapestry in the best condition possible. 

Practiced mindfully, these simple Qigong exercises help to regulate blood pressure, stimulate the organs of the body, stretch muscles and ligaments, improve digestion and balance and help lift the spirits.

They are invaluable in helping us maintain the 'Three Treasures':

Jing - The essence, or, in modern terms, our DNA.
Shen - Spirit - the energy of the creative mind.
Chi - The life-force, emanating from the interaction between Yin and Yang.

This delightful set of exercises has been around for over 2,500 years and, because of its simplicity, it is eminently adaptable to our modern, busy lifestyles. Given just ten minutes a day and a minimal amount of space, it is possible to fit the Eight Pieces of Brocade into the busiest of schedules.

As a lifetime practice, the exercises promote good health, vitality and a sense of wellbeing.  Each individual exercise targets a specific area, and is repeated a number of times, to suit tradition, or the preference of the practitioner. The exercises are gentle and suitable for all ages and health profiles. They can be practiced in a standing or sitting position and can be adapted to suit personal needs.

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.