Qigong
Qigong can be called exercise.
It can be called meditation.
It can be called moving mediation.
Qigong is also known as Chi Gung. Qi means energy; gong means work or skillful practice.
Qigong is a path that often starts with a person interested in improving their physical body. They want to have less pain, be more flexible, have better circulation, better posture, etc. As they learn qigong, their physical body starts to open, and they are better able to hold their alignments.
Energy runs through their torso as well as their arms and legs. Their organs, residing in their torso, are then affected. Many kinds of health improvements may develop. They may notice their stamina and mental focus increasing, their indigestion may be alleviated, and sleep may improve.
Then they might experience some inner work is beginning to occur. They may start to notice that their nervous system is not so reactive. This then affects their mood and general sense of inner peace. They may start to become aware of their place in the universe.
The path of qigong is unlimited.
Weekly Taoist Meditation/Qigong Classes
All classes will begin with landing in your body and becoming aware here and now. We then focus on body alignments. This brings awareness deeper into your being, leaving behind the distractions of the day. Good alignment helps us find our way to deeper rooting. It increases stability and balance, and allows energy to more easily flow throughout all parts of your body.
Taoist longevity breathing increases the oxygen carried through our blood. This not only improves awareness and mental focus, but also promotes deeper sleep and reduces pain. Warm-ups bring the awareness to different joints of the body as well as increasing flexibility and tone.
The movements in class are simple to learn. You do not need to be at any level of skill or flexibility to attend. Everyone gets to participate from exactly where they are in the moment.
Classes generally end with meditation to deepen the sense of calm, clarity, and presence.
Class may be done standing or seated in a chair.
I strongly encourage going to only 70% of your capacity to prevent you from entering into the realm of stress. This is true both in class and in your day-to-day life.
Four bonus classes will be offered during the first two weeks in December:
Tuesday, December 3rd and 10th
Thursday December 5 and 12
Please go to the individual class pages for Tuesday and Thursday for the new links.
This year Ellyn provided continuity during the end-of-summer break, by keeping the classes going while I was out of town. Many, many thanks to her for this generous offering. Continuity is very important in going deeper in whatever practice we choose. I am glad some of you were able to continue throughout my absence. I hope you will continue in the autumn and invite your friends to join in. The more people, the bigger the field.
Tuesday 1-2 pm, September 17 - November 12
This class will be held in-person at Senior Coastsiders, 925 Main Street, Half Moon Bay; and via Zoom
For more information and for Zoom link, click here
Thursday 7:30-8:30 pm, September 19 - November 14
This class will only be held via Zoom
For more information and for Zoom link, click here
Donations
All offerings are on a donation basis.
You may bring your donation to your next appointment.
You may mail a check: 799 Main Street, Ste O, HMB 94019
You may donate on-line:
Retreat
Tuesday class
Thursday class
A donation is not required.
If you are inclined to contribute financially, I might suggest you consider a monthly or quarterly donation to make it simpler.
Zoom
You will need to install the Zoom application before joining a class. It is free to install Zoom on your computer, tablet, or smart phone. Go to Zoom.us to download the application.
Just before class, we will be open for a few minutes for any questions or comments you might have regarding qigong and/or life in general. I will then mute you for the actual class. If you enter class late, please do so muted. It is your choice whether to have your camera on or off during class.
During the class part, it is best to go to “Speaker view” in the upper right hand margin of the Zoom screen. That will bring my picture into full screen. It is also best for you to “pin” my video at the start of class. That makes my image stay regardless of whether another person’s video inadvertently becomes dominant. You do that by hovering over the upper right corner of my rectangular image, where the three dots are. A drop-down menu will appear and the option to “pin video” is possible. Clicking on this will allow my image to remain constant. At the end of class you may want to return to Gallery view, instead of Speaker view, to see the faces of everyone in the group.
My wish for the end of class is for you is to leave with any benefits that have arose, and to not dissipate the energy with much talking.
The style being taught in the current series was brought to the West by Bruce K Frantzis, a Chi Gung master of over forty years, including 15 years of study in China, India, and Japan. Taught by Judy Pruzinsky, licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s in Medical Qi Gong. Since 1990 Judy has studied with BK Frantzis (her main teacher), Jerry Johnson, Ken Cohen, Grandmaster Wei Zhong Foo, Mantak Chia, and Gilles Marin.
Please see Chi Gung Testimonials for information on how others have experienced Chi Gung.