Qigong update, end of February
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Tom Leichardt, DMQ
Feb 26, 2008, 2:09:19 AM2/26/08
to Google Group Qigong Alchemy
Greetings everyone,
I just had an absolutely wonderful experience teaching the first Qigong class at Five Branches University, and am excited that it got off to such a good start. Also, in the middle part of January I had a beautiful experience teaching a day-long Qigong and meditation program in the Boulder area of Colorado, and plan to return to that area again in the later part of May. I returned from Europe about a week ago, and am now excited to bring more Qigong to the bay area. Currently, I have a day-long workshop coming up this Saturday, and the weekly Qigong class at Five Branches University in San Jose, as well as other events on the calendar below.
This email covers...
*** Calendar of Events
*** Why should I practice Qigong?
*** The Chinese New Year and the Microcosmic Orbit Meditation
*** What is Qigong?
*** What are the benefits of Qigong?
*** Can I attend a workshop or day-long retreat more than once?
*** Calendar of Events
Please click on the link below each event for more information, registration info, etc.
* Qigong & Meditation, San Jose, Divine Science Community Center
Spend an entire day immersed in sitting and movement practices for health, rejuvenation, deep relaxation, and restoration. Also, learn a Qigong set you can take home and practice.
Time: Saturday March 1, 2008 9AM-4PM
Location: Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Ave., San Jose, CA 95125
* Medical Qigong Class, San Jose, Five Branches Institute
This weekly class promises to be a wonderful journey into the healing and transformative practices of ancient China. The weekly format enables us to explore the movements and theories of cultivation much deeper, while providing group momentum and ongoing weekly support. There is still time to join this class!
Times: Every Monday from Feb. 25th through May 26th, 6:30 - 8 PM
Location: Five Branches Institute, 3031 Tisch Way, San Jose, CA 95128
* Qigong & Meditation, San Ramon, MA Center
Dedicate a day to your health and restoration through sitting and movement practices, enjoying the quiet and tranquil energy of MA Center, which is located in beautiful natural surroundings and is permeated by Amma's special energy.
Times: Sundays April 6, May 4, 9AM-3 or 4PM
Location: MA Center, 10200 Crow Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552
* Qigong & Meditation, San Jose, Five Branches Institute
Add health and restoration to your calendar by spending a day cultivating peace, well being, and deep relaxation.
Times: March 15th & April 27th, 2008 9AM-4PM
Location: Five Branches Institute, 3031 Tisch Way, San Jose, CA 95128
* Qigong & Insight Meditation, San Jose, Insight Meditation South Bay
Receive instruction from Dr. Tom in Qigong, and Shaila Catherine in Vipassana (Insight Meditation) for a complete day of peace, restoration, well being and self awareness.
Times: Sunday April 13, 2007 9:30AM-4PM
Location: 3803 S. Bascom, Suite 200, Campbell, CA 95008 (Near HW 85 & 17)
* Medical Qigong Clinical Theatre, San Jose, Nature's Path Center
For students of Dr. Seth and the IIMQ, to refine skills in treating patients utilizing External Qigong Therapy.
Time: Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:30 pm.
Location: Nature's Path Center, 351 S. Baywood Ave., San Jose, CA 95
Prerequisites: For MMQ students of Dr. Seth Lefkowitz
*** Why should I practice Qigong?
Practicing Qigong can increase energy, vitality, health, restoration, rejuvenation, and deep peace and relaxation, all of which counteract the daily stress we experience as a result of our modern fast paced lifestyles. In addition to health and well being maintenance, Qigong can help correct unhealthy physical, mental, and emotional patterns which have already taken root in our bodies.
*** The Chinese New Year and the Microcosmic Orbit Mediation
As you know, the Chinese New Year started on Feb 7th when we entered the Year of the Rat. Has anyone felt the shift in energy yet? I know I have. Things are moving a lot faster now, the to-do lists are getting longer, and things are gaining momentum. For me, the trick has been to stay focused each day and on each step, taking care not to fall behind, because each new day presents a new set of tasks and responsibilities. The motto has been "do not put off for tomorrow what I can do today," and in that way, I'm doing my best to stay ahead of the acceleration in pace.
The Rat is the first of 12 zodiac signs in the Chinese calendar, and represents the beginning of a 12 year cycle. As you may remember, the Microcosmic Orbit meditation connects 12 energy gates called the 12 Terrestrial Branches (which coincide with the 12 gates of the chakras) as the energy rises up the back of the spine and descends down the front of the body. It is no coincidence that there are 12 zodiac signs in the Chinese calendar, as they directly correlate to the 12 branches. The 12 terrestrial branches (Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai) represent the 12 periods of one complete cycle of energy, which is a complete motion from absolute Yin to full Yang and back to absolute Yin. Whether applied to a day, a year, a 12 year cycle, the ancient Chinese broke a complete cycle down into 12 parts. In other words, a day breaks down into 12 distinct periods, as does the year, and so on. The animal associations with the 12 branches (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar) came into use at a much later time, and made it much easier to associate the qualities of each period by remembering the qualities of each animal.
When we practice the Microcosmic Orbit Meditation (MCO), we are activating these very special points along its pathway. The benefits can be absolutely profound. When we balance ourselves (our microcosm) with the whole of creation (the macrocosm) in this way, our experiences give way to peace, tranquility, trust, healing and health, well being, compassion, and greater understanding. When out of balance, we find ourselves fighting against the currents of life, trying to advance when we should be retreating, or trying to retreat when we should be advancing. This, of course, is a recipe for stress and ill health. As we begin to distrust what life will bring, understanding narrows and we find ourselves continually off target. In other words, synchronized with life we beautifully ride the inevitable waves of change and growth, dis-synchronized, we get dragged along the ocean floor by the very same waves. Because the Microcosmic Orbit is a microcosm reflection of the macrocosm, practicing this simple meditation is a powerful way to harmonize one self with the whole of creation, bringing greater health, peace, balance, and awareness.
*** What is Qigong?
You may remember that Qigong, meaning "energy skill," is the ancient art and science of working with the subtle energies of heaven, earth, and yourself. We are not isolated individuals, but rather parts of a vast network of intelligence ranging from the tiniest subatomic particles to the spiraling galaxies, all flowing together in the most magnificent harmony that has quantum physicists and mystics alike in awe. Qigong is a process of creating and maintaining harmony with our internal universe (physical sensations, physical or mental energy, thoughts, emotions, intentions, actions, etc.) as well as the external universe (the thoughts, emotions, actions of others, the surrounding environment, the seasons, etc.) There is a constant play, interaction, and exchange between the inner universe (microcosm) and the outer universe (macrocosm). Qigong is the art and science of bringing these into balance and harmony.
*** What are the benefits of Qigong?
A person may experience increased energy, sensation, range of motion, awareness, relaxation, peace and clarity of mind, and reduced pain. Specific Qigong practice may also be prescribed for special health issues, such as headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, etc. External Qigong treatments also can play a role in creating balance, regaining and maintaining health. On a fundamental level, poor health, mental agitation, and the like are all the result of something being out of balance, while Qigong seeks to create balance and restore harmony. The vast science of Traditional Chinese Medicine arose from thousands of years of practice and experimentation with Qi, giving it an incredible foundation of tested knowledge and wisdom.
*** Can I attend a Workshop or Day-long retreat more than once?
Absolutely. The benefits of Qigong are vast, but they can be realized only through sincere, consistent, and correct practice. Because Qigong is best learned through repetition and consistent contact with the teacher, it is important to remain exposed to instruction, attend regular practice sessions, as well as maintain a daily practice at home. Attending a workshop more than once provides the opportunity to refine the movements, ask questions, and practice in the collective field of the teacher and other participants, which amplifies the benefits.
Tom Leichardt, DMQ (China)
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You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are.
Eckhart Tolle - The Power of Now
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