Chi Kung means “energy work” or what I prefer, “energy skill”. Systems that promote an awareness of and/or an ability to consciously participate in the functions of vital energy have been practiced in China for more than 4,000 years. Chi Kung is a fairly recent and generic term for the more than 1000 different systems and styles existing today.
There are Chi Kung systems to improve mental function, expand spiritual awareness, increase martial skill, promote personal health and to help others with their health needs. Modern clinical research has confirmed many of the benefits of Chi Kung practice. Among the long list, it has been shown to stimulate the immune system, reduce stress and anxiety, improve balance and muscle tone in seniors, stabilize blood pressure, build bone density, relieve the pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia, and promote an overall sense of well being.
At the Energetic Arts Center, training focuses on personal health, stress reduction and spiritual awareness. It is traditional Chi Kung is taught with a modern lifestyle in mind. A class begins with a series of exercises done comfortably seated in a chair, intended to develop an awareness of Chi without the distraction of physical movement. Following the seated Chi Kung, standing Chi Kung involving mindful breath and gentle motion encourages the flow of Chi throughout the body and energy system. Soon there is an integration of the awareness learned while doing the seated skills with the movement, and the practitioner begins to sense the flowing Chi as it cultivated by the motion.
This integration of awareness with movement is what takes the benefits of Chi Kung beyond those achieved by seated meditation alone. We spend most of our day in motion of one sort or another; even if that motion is limited to freeway navigation, racing thoughts, phone conversations and fingers flying over a keyboard. Chi Kung provides skills that can be used throughout the day- regardless of where you are or what you are doing– to maintain a peaceful, centered, grounded awareness of self and surroundings.
When one is peacefully aware, it becomes easier to notice the two ways we resist change: we keep something in, or we keep something out. This resistance to the flow of life requires significant effort, and is the single most common cause of Chi imbalance. The essence of Chi Kung is the release of effort- the joy of letting go.
Schedule: Monday and Wednesday 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Cost: $50 per month
Contact: Energetic Arts Center