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Looking forward to seeing you in the next Qigong & Meditation class.
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Welcome to Qigong & Meditation
The aim of this class is to relax the body and calm the mind.
In a world where both our physical and mental health seems to be constantly challenged, you are invited to join our weekly Meditation & Movement class to restore some balance between your mind, your body, and your breath.
Mind
The benefits of meditation are tremendous. Increased concentration and focus, reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep and cognition, better memory and pain control. The list goes on…
So these weekly classes are a great way to learn and practice a wide variety of meditation techniques.
Where many people struggle with meditation is the amount of time spent sitting still. If this rings a bell, then our class will be perfect as there is an equal amount of time spent on mindful movement.
Body
It goes without saying that we as creatures are designed to move! We are not made for our modern lifestyles of offices, sitting (hunching) in front of devices, slouched on sofas watching TV for hours, driving/commuting for hours each day, etc.
Whilst at WCA we love a Netflix binge as much as anyone, it needs to be balanced with way more healthy, natural movement.
The movement part of each class will focus on qigong (a Chinese practice similar to tai chi, but simpler) where each movement and gentle stretch is made very mindfully, usually slowly and in a controlled manner.
Integral to Chinese medicine, qigong routines are designed to gently stretch the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The movements will keep your joints healthy, help with bone density, balance, and flexibility.
In Chinese medicine terms, they will also help to ensure a healthy flow of blood and chi throughout the body, essential for good health and longevity.
What is also so beneficial about these movements is that they are all coordinated with the breathing.
Breath
It seems strange to say but in many ways we have forgotten how to breathe.
Most people breathe way too shallow all of the time, or breathe only through their mouths, or when doing exercise have no control over their breath at all.
In these classes we aim to change this, and in time gain the fantastic benefits of deep and correct breathing.
All of our mindful qigong practices integrate the breath with the movements of the body, increasing lung capacity, reducing stress and anxiety, helping sleep quality, etc… very similar benefits to meditation.
Class Bookings
The weekly class takes place at St Richard’s Church Hall on Sydney Road in Haywards Heath on Fridays at 11:00am.
For more details please contact Mark on 07834 375776 or mark.stevenson@whitecraneacademy.com
Fabulous Classes!
Meditation and Movement. I love, love, love this class! I have been attending WCA for 7 years now, and could actually have written in glowing terms about any of the various classes I attend during the week! – but as Meditation and Movement is the latest class I have joined I just wanted to let everyone know how fabulous it is! I can hardly wait for each Friday to come round! I have found that there is something about the way Mark leads this which enables us to access the restoration that our bodies and minds are crying out for in this frantic, fast-paced world – and not only access it, but carry it with us as we leave the class and go about our day. I have had some astonishing results in Mark’s meditation sessions which have had a lasting impact on getting rid of some old health issues. To say I am delighted is an understatement!! Huge thanks Mark!
Movement and Meditation
I was nervous when I went to class for the first time as I had never been to any class before, I needn’t have worried as everyone made me feel welcome and I enjoyed the class. My fitness, breathing and balance have all improved and the meditation is really relaxing. Mark is a very good teacher and doesn’t expect us to know all the moves.