"Holi-daze"
Now is the time to reclaim your mental space for the holidays! With Christmas time right around the corner, we tend to feel a bit of tension and expectation (and especially money minded). Direct or indirect, these expectations from others or ourselves tend to manifest as stress, anxiety, pressure, or guilt, if they are not aligned within our own self-professed truths. And as a result the mind will create mental loops from what we should or shouldn't have done, whether we've made the right choices, and/or playing out scenarios of what could have been. It becomes a daze. We lose focus. It becomes mentally and physically draining, and so our nights turn sleepless. There is too much mental energy for our bodies to be relaxed and well rested. We may not be able to find the "reset" button and sometimes there is a moment's pause, but we suddenly find ourselves in this vicious circle all over again.

Integrate Body and Mind
In order to feel fully functional and whole, there must be a strong connection between the body and mind.  The body/mind communication channels need to be open and healthy so that we may experience harmony and balance in our daily lives.  The choices we make will not only effect ourselves in the immediate future, but of those around us and for generations to come.  But how can we be sure we are making the right decisions and eliminate self-doubt?

Stay Grounded: Qi-Gong 
Qi (chee) means energy, or life force that flows through all things in the universe. Gong (gung) means work, or skill aqcuired through time and practice. It is the cultivation of energy, to be able to control and distribute its flow throughout the body.  

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese art form and science that has existed for over 4,000 years.  It is self-healing through breath, slow movements and intention through visualization.   Medical Qi Gong uses specific breathing techniques to help increase adequate blood flow to particular areas of the body, thus enhancing the immune system and overall vitality.  There are also improvements in respiration, cardiovascular and digestive functions, posture, concentration, and self-awareness.  

When you feel out of sorts mentally or physically,  Qi Gong is a wonderful self-healing tool that allows you to take control of your senses, be in tune, and feel whole again.

Medical Qi Gong Events and Classes in Chicago

I am happy to announce that I will be hosting three workshops at Sage Community Health Collective through this month, and teach every Sunday starting January 6th 2013. 

Dates to remember:
December 10th 3:30-4:30pm
December 18th 5:30-6:30pm
December 22nd 1:00pm-2:00pm
$10 

2514 W Armitage Suite 205
RSVP to sagecommunityhealth@gmail.com

Also I teach at Garrett Hypnosis & Wellness Center in Avondale.

Classes Every Wednesday
6:00-7:00pm
3020 N. Kimball/Allen
Enter on Allen St. 3039 (last door)

*Free parking 1.5 blocks South of the building on the East side of Kimball.

RSVP/questions to qibird00@gmail.com

I hope to see you!

What to expect as a Beginner?

Think slow moving, breathing focused and gentle movements.  Don't expect a high intensity workout.  The class is about re-introducing yourself to your body through what seems to be a more subtle, yet profound stance; to understand what energy is and how to harness it.  
With Qi Gong you learn to relax the mind, so that your body can relax (mind body relationship), and eventually store and direct your Qi, wherever you need it, whenever you need it.  So it is not unusual to recognize patterns of behavior during practice.  It is important to note that everyone's experience will vary according to the individual's mental, emotional, and physical state or history.   However, the benefits are all the same.