A Typical Group Class

Group classes based on Tai Chi Easy™ and Qigong are currently at the core of what we offer at Mind-Body Practice Vermont LLC. Tai Chi Easy™ is a  method and approach to Tai Chi and Qi (energy) cultivation developed by Dr. Roger Jahnke, O.M.D. See here for more information on Tai Chi Easy™. Qigong is not something with which a lot of people are familiar, so here is a little more information.

Qigong can be defined as “energy work” or “energy cultivation” (qi = energy, gong = work/cultivation). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, disease is generally attributed to either qi deficiency (an  energy deficiency) or qi stagnation (an energy blockage). During class, we work to both increase energy and remove energy blockages. If this all sounds too “new age” or “out there” for you, consider these examples:

• Qi Deficiency: When you are tired and have a lack of energy, you can sleep to gain more energy. You improved an instance of qi deficiency and felt better.
• Qi Stagnation: When your foot falls asleep and has a lack of energy flow, you can move your foot to resolve the blockage.  You improved an instance of qi stagnation and felt better.

It’s simple yet profound. Increasing energy and resolving energy blockages in the body can help the body to heal.

So what does a typical  group class look like?

Group classes may vary, but this is a typical flow (especially for one hour classes):

• Brief initial meditation / centering: sitting or standing, we arrive mentally at the class
• Gentle movement: sitting or standing, we move at our own comfort and fitness level, movements might involve reaching out arms, bending, leaning, gentle shaking and bouncing
• Self-Applied Massage: sitting or standing, we perform self-applied massage to things like ears, neck, hands, and feet
• Breathing: sitting or standing, we perform breathing exercises (these might be separate or incorporated into other sections)
• Final Meditation: sitting or standing, we follow a guided meditation, this might include listening to chimes or sound bowls

The goal is to relax the mind so that the body can heal.  We try to move just enough to get everything moving and to generate a “healing elixir” in the body, and then we try to get out of our body’s and mind’s ways. We are not trying to over exert our bodies. Classes can be modified to fit any fitness level. You are welcome to come and just breathe and observe.

 If you still have questions, feel free to contact us (https://mindbodypracticevt.com/contact/) or email us at mindbodypracticevt@gmail.com.  Hope to see you at a class!