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NQA Day 2012 continues with an introduction to Qigong event
Most of the events for the National Qigong Associations “NQA Day 2012” were held last Sat. October 6, however, there is one more event scheduled for this Sat. October 13. The event is an “Introduction to Qigong” and would be a good opportunity to introduce people to this ancient and powerful healing system that is deeply rooted in Taoism.
“Introduction to Qigong Open House”
Saturday October 13, 2012
13959 West Illinois Highway Suite #2
New Lenox, IL 60451
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“Come out to White Cloud Inner Arts and join us for an introduction to Traditional Chinese Qigong. Qigong literally means cultivating the body’s life energy. This modality integrates the mind-body healing method using the coordination of breath and gentle movements of the body. Focusing intention and cultivating energy, aka “Qi” (pronounced “chee”); while practicing allows for the body to increase energy to rebalance itself and function on an optimal level. Learn to cultivate one’s own healing energy, feel a palpable energy field with Qigong practice and quiet the mind. Qigong is gentle, burns calories fast, increases metabolism, circulates blood flow, strengthens the body, mind and spirit, creates confidence, empowers & transforms you, while reducing stress. Feel free to dress in relaxed comfortable clothing. (www.nqa.org)”
For more information contact: Tony D’Angelo, 815.463.0122 or www.whitecloudinnerarts.com
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NQA Day 2012: Cultivate, energy, wisdom, health and peace
“The NQA’s Regional Committee is excited to announce the First Annual NQA DAY, being held Saturday October 6, 2012 at locations around the country. Events are already scheduled in Florida, New York, Illinois, Colorado, and California… The National Qigong Association is the premier membership organization for qigong. Be a part of the Qi Flow and the Qi Excitement that is moving through our country. The mission of the NQA is “Enhancing and nourishing the quality of life through Qigong for all… (www.nqa.org)”
Carefully review the list of events, organized by regions, and feel free to contact each person in charge for more information. Not only will you be able to practice with like minded individuals and learn new skills, you will also be able to encourage the development and growth of the Qigong community. This is a great opportunity to share the many benefits of Qigong with those whom are unfamiliar with this ancient science, which is rooted in Taoism and is one branch of the Tao of Revitalization.
Northeast Region
Qigong in the Park
“Mineral Springs”
Saturday October 6, 2012
Central Park West, W. 69th Street
New York City, NY 10019
10:30a-1.30p
“Qigong in the Park on October 6th 2012 celebrates the cultivation of energ-qi through movements, massage, laughter, dance, animal frolics, and stillness. No experience required. Teachers from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania will present a varied program. This NQA DAY event is sponsored by the Eastern Regional Committee of the National Qigong Association (NQA). All ages are welcome. (www.nqa.org)”
CONTACT/HOST: Lamont Thomas, ldtlamont@sbcglobal.net, (203)843-1595
Southeast Region
“Qigong Equinox by NQA”
Saturday October 6, 2012
Brook Run Park
4770 North Peachtree Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338
12:00 – 4:00 PM
“Qigong Day” – Saturday October 6, 2012 – celebrate the energy of Qigong. Enjoy various forms of Qigong for healing or for martial arts, try out some Taichi and learn a few martial arts moves! No experience required. Several teachers will present so that you can “sample” many types of qigong. This NQA DAY event is sponsored by the Regional Committee of the National Qigong Association. All ages are welcome. (www.nqa.org)”
CONTACT/HOST: Christina or Peyton, The Rising Lotus Qigong, Christina@therisinglotus.com, www.TheRisingLotus.com, (404)721-2326
East Central Region
“National Qigong Day Celebration”
Saturday October 6, 2012
Kankakee Farmer’s Market
South Schuyler Ave. at Station Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
9:00 – 11:00 AM
Five Treasures Qigong to begin at 10:00
“Come join us to learn about the health benefits of practicing the “Energy Arts” of Qigong and Tai Chi. We will practice the “5 Treasures Qigong” routine, and have information and classes (including weekly sessions) in the area. FREE DVDs will be given away throughout the event. (www.nqa.org)”
CONTACT/HOST: Gary Paruszkiewicz, gfprelax1@gmail.com, (815)342-4803, www.relax1.net
West Central Region:
“2012 NQA DAY”Saturday October 6, 2012
Washington Park Recreation Center
701 South Franklin Street
Denver, CO 80209
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
“Denver, Colorado, by far last year’s largest National Qigong Association Day Celebration! A fun and refreshing day of qigong for all ages! Bring family and friends and enjoy a wide spectrum of qigong experiences:
- Meditative rejuvenation
- Power up intentions and focus
- Qigong Movement and Healing to enhance vitality and relaxation
- Heartfelt connections with new and experienced qigong practitioners
Valuable qigong information and drawings for gifts throughout the festivities. Free admission. Donations are graciously accepted. (www.nqa.org)”
CONTACTS/HOSTS: Eric Imbody, eimbody@earthlink.net, (720)917-9999,
Debra Lin Allen, DebraLin.ChiWellness@gmail.com, (720)427-0406
Sarah Horn, Sarah.WholeHealth@gmail.com, (720)530-8948
“NATIONAL QIGONG DAY CELEBRATION”
Saturday October 6, 2012
12409 W. Indian School Rd.
Avondale, AZ 85392
8:30 – 12:00 noon
“ Wellness Avondale would like to say thank you to the community by celebrating the 1st Annual NQA DAY Saturday October 6th. We will be offering free classes to the community for NQA DAY. Come celebrate with us!
- 8:30 AM — Sitting 3 Hearts, 9 Gates Qigong
- 9:00 AM — Standing 3 Hearts, 9 Gates Qigong
- 9:30 AM — 6 Healing Sounds Qigong
- 10:00 AM — Golden Chi Ball Qigong
- 10:30 AM — Tai Chi Foundations
- 11:00 AM — 24 Yang Style Tai Chi
- 11:30 AM — Wudang Tai Chi Sword/Fan (www.nqa.org)”
CONTACT/HOST: Kristen Burkhart, Kristen@zenwellness.com, (623)229-9139
West Coast Region:
2012 NQA DAY
Saturday October 6, 2012
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center’s
Garzot Building, Libby Park
7985 Valentine Ave and Pleasant Hill Ave
Sebastopol, CA 95472
10:00 – 11:30 AM
“Come join Shifu Michael Rinaldini and his students to celebrate the First Annual NQA DAY. This will be a special event for both new and old NQA members to practice qigong together, and support a Regional National Qigong Association Community. NQA members and non-members from throughout the Greater San Francisco Bay area are invited to attend. Puerh tea and snacks will be provided and a raffle of NQA Logo Bags made from recycled material will be offered. Information on the National Qigong Association will be available. (www.nqa.org)”
CONTACT/HOST: (707)829-1855, Lichangdao@gmail.com
“NQA DAY”
Saturday October 6, 2012
Cloverdale City Park
Cloverdale, CA
9:30 – 11:30 AM
Potluck Picnic to Follow
“Everyone is invited to join us to celebrate this healing exercise that has been practiced for thousands of years. The simple range of motion movements of qigong will be done from a standing position. These are massaging exercises that massage every joint and every organ of the body. The movements will also increase flexibility and help with maintaining bone strength and improve balance. Qigong is a mind body exercise. The mind is brought into the loving service of the body and this intention gives qigong its unique and powerful healing ability. Many studies are currently available on the amazing healing qualities of qigong. Just Google it! (www.nqa.org)”
CONTACT/HOST: Janet Seaforth, seaforthjohnson@att.net, www.PYNKQigong.com
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Autumn: the season of maturity, harvest and conservation
In the prior article, we explored how the seasons are not fixed points that occur at the whims of man; rather they are natural events that occur according to God’s/universal laws. The seasons occur at different times from one year to the next, depending on the energy of each season. For instance, a season that is too strong (excessive energy) will weaken the following season causing such phenomenon as the late summer or Indian summer; which is the result of strong/excessive yang fire energy (summer) intruding into the fall season.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 mentions this change:
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. (King James Version, Regency Bible)”
Further elaboration on the nature of this change will have to wait for a future article so that we can focus on the season of autumn or fall.
What is important about autumn and how does it impact us?
Since man has a physical body and occupies a place in time and space, we are affected by elemental forces of both earthly and celestial influences. There is no denying this Universal Law; all one needs to do is observe how the lunar cycle influences a woman’s menstrual cycle, or how high tides are influenced by a full moon etc… No matter how much mankind may want to separate himself/herself from Nature, or deny the existence of Universal Laws and God, it will never change the fact that these laws do exist, and will impact humanity whether mankind likes it or not.
According to Huang Di (a great Taoist Sage and Emperor aka the Yellow Emperor):
“In the three months of autumn all things in nature reach their full maturity. The grains ripen and harvesting occurs. The heavenly energy cools, as does the weather. The wind begins to stir. This is the changing or pivoting point when the yang, or active, phase turns into its opposite, the yin, or passive, phase. One should retire with the sunset and arise with the dawn. Just as the weather in autumn turns harsh, so does the emotional climate. It is therefore important to remain calm and peaceful, refraining from depression so that one can make the transition to winter smoothly. This is the time to gather one’s spirit and energy, be more focused, and not allow desires to run wild. One must keep the lung energy full, clean, and quiet. This means practicing breathing exercises to enhance lung qi [energy]. Also, one should refrain from both smoking and grief, the emotion of the lung. This will prevent kidney or digestive problems in the winter. If this natural order is violated, damage will occur to the lungs, resulting in diarrhea with undigested food in winter. This compromises the body’s ability to store in winter. (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine by Maoshing Ni, PhD, p.6)”
One of the major areas of study in Taoism and among Taoists is observing the forces and nature of change and the impacts of that change on mankind, so that humanity can prepare for the change prior to its occurrence and adapt to it when it arrives. This is one of the secrets to health, longevity and illness prevention, as well as creating a peaceful life and world for all. Take Huang Di’s advice and observe the autumnal change, modify your lifestyle according to this season and you will have good health through winter.
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Farmer cycles from China to London to spread the Olympic spirit
Every so often, a truly great story appears of an epic adventure or a heroic person, accomplishing a grand, mythical feat that challenges humanity’s thoughts of what mankind is truly capable of.
In ancient times, these stories were more frequent, in modern times these tales usually only exist on a Hollywood set. Chen Guanming of China proved that for some, the spirit of adventure and the ability to accomplish the impossible is alive and well.
Four years ago, Chen Guanming, was overwhelmed with emotion when the Mayor of London accepted the Olympic flag as the host nation of the summer games. According to Chen, it was at that moment that he wanted to spread the same Olympic spirit by riding his “rickshaw” from China to London in order to watch the opening ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics.
The 57 year old stated, “I came to support and cheer all the people from all over the world who are participating in the sports, I’m volunteering, I’m not looking for a reward. (Associated Press, ESPN.go.com)”
As expected, many doubted Chen’s claims that he actually traveled for 2 years, through 16 countries on his three wheel rickshaw. In a modest manner and with a warm grin, Chen gladly shared stories of his trip along with hundreds of photos as well as the visa stamps in his passport.
Chen said “his worst experiences … were traveling during Thailand’s floods and being trapped in freezing temperatures in the snow in Turkey. He arrived in Britain by ferry from France on July 6… (Associated Press, ESPN.com)”
Let us not forget that for several thousand years, man was traveling from Europe and the Middle East to China via the Silk Road, for the mutual benefit of trade (whether the commodity was knowledge or physical). How truly remarkable it is that as the world gathers together to cheer for elite athletes, it is a “common farmer” that reminds us, of the incredible potential humans are capable of, when not suppressed by political games and artificial barriers.
As we watch the accomplishments of the world’s elite athletes and ponder the enormity of Chen Guanmings journey, we are reminded of Lao Tzu’s famous section from the Tao Teh Ching.
“Peace is easily maintained:
Trouble is easily overcome before it starts.
The brittle is easily shattered;
The small is easily scattered.
Deal with it before it happens.
Set things in order before there is confusion.
A tree as great as a man’s embrace springs from a small shoot;
A terrace nine stories high begins with a pile of earth;
A journey of a thousand miles starts under one’s feet.
He who acts defeats his own purpose;
He who grasps loses.
The sage does not act, and so is not defeated.
He does not grasp and therefore does not lose.
People usually fail when they are on the verge of success.
So give as much care to the end as to the beginning;
Then there will be no failure.… (Section 64, Tao Teh Ching, Gia-Fu Feng)”
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Do you have a story, photo or video from your area that would be of interest to Taoists? Feel free to email (TJ@theQiInstitute.com) and they may be included or featured in a National Taoism Examiner article.
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We are pleased to announce and welcome you to the Official Blog of The Taiji Quan & Qigong Institute, LLC. Let this forum be the space where you can freely discuss All Things Tao….
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