qigong
what is qigong?
Qigong is a traditional Chinese method of cultivating the body’s energy and looking deeply into our nature through practicing symbolic movements. The original medical Qigong dates back a few thousand years. Qi most commonly means energy and is considered to be the original energy of the universe. The character for gong (made up of two radicals) has a variety of meanings, the most common being work, skill, achievement, power, and effort. So we are practicing to connect with the original energy of the universe, an energy that connects all things. We often think of work as physically active or strenuous, however the work here is about deep observation. Qigong traditionally involves regulating posture, breath, heart, mind, food, and sleep. Qigong is wonderful when practiced simply as easeful physical exercise. It is also a way of connecting light movement with the breath and using that connection to regulate the nervous system, calming anxious energy or enlivening depressed energy. Qigong can help us develop subtlety of the senses as we feel and move energy. Finally, Qigong offers a profound opportunity to connect soul and spirit, entering into the Shen, or infinite state, where pure magic happens.
my approach
Qigong at Rayo Ranch is deeply inspired by Nature. We explore ancient postures, such as the Ba Duan Jin or 8 Brocades, and modern postures, including a few homemade postures inspired by the animals around us. Sound is a key healing element in Qigong, so our practice often involves vocal toning or chanting - but not to worry, no one is judging vocals, no prior experience is necessary, and simply listening to the sounds around you and feeling them in your body can be extremely powerful.
I supportively guide you in allowing yourself to feel. This class is a safe space to compassionately and gently invite any physical feelings and emotions that would like to rise to the surface, gently inviting them to be felt and move through you. Nature grounds and holds you through this tender process, and miraculously makes it feel very lighthearted, grace-full, and playful. When we are supported in this organic way, feeling loses its scary intensity and societal stigma. We can surrender the need to orchestrate or control the process, we don’t even need to know or understand what is moving through us. And once we allow feeling to happen so naturally, a space opens up in the wake of the physical feeling or emotion, a space of softness, ease, and stillness, like calm waters. A returning home to yourself, your authentic self.
I combine Qigong postures with sensory awareness, brief guided meditations, and breathwork to offer a unique and expansive experience. The birds, breeze, deeply rooted trees, and myriad other natural elements around us support and enhance the experience. Nature revels in our energy and presence, and adds to the session in beautifully synchronistic ways.
ANIMALS LOVE QIGONG!!! They love when we come into Heart Coherence and ground ourselves. If you have horses, donkeys, alpacas, goats, cattle, sheep, dogs, or others, I can bring a special Qigong & Animals experience to you and your animal friends. Use my Contact Page to inquire and schedule.
Want to schedule a private Qigong session for yourself? Or a session for your social group, athletic team, corporate team, family, recreational club, or school class? Please use my Contact Page to inquire.
Or join us on SUNDAYS 10AM - 11AM for our regular group class! Use my Contact Page to ask questions and sign up.
