Welcome 2013! The western calendar will be ringing in the new year in just a few days. The Chinese New Year won't appear until February 10, 2013. Whichever you observe (or even if you celebrate both!) a new year offers us a clean slate, a way to start fresh with new intentions and resolutions. As you might guess, my intention is to bring qigong and healing to more people in the coming year. I also hold forth the hope that this will be the year I can return to study with Master Liu He at the Ling Gui International Healing Qigong School. More important to me than the certificate I will receive as a "senior" healing qigong instructor is knowing that it will deepen my practice and be wonderful just for the experience of sitting with other teachers and learning more from our wonderful Master Liu. I also begin another "Kickstart" in nutrition on January 1. I have been participating in the PCRM(Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine) Kickstart for a couple of years now, three to four times a year. As my health continues to improve, I also notice how much I enjoy conscious eating. The Kickstart is designed to help people try plant-strong eating for 21 days and see if it makes a difference in how they feel. This year I am giving myself a new challenge: I will do 21 days gluten (wheat) free! Several of my closest friends eat this way, so I am halfway there because I only bake with spelt flour in order to share the goodies with them. As I see more and more research on how many people are truly sensitive to the hybridized wheat we know today, the more obvious this choice becomes for me.
What about you? Have you given much thought to how you will make your life even better in 2013? I would recommend to you that you sit with that question and meditate upon it. Think about what would make you feel better and enjoy life more. Then create a Vision Board for yourself. Just a simple poster board (from the Dollar Store) and some pictures cut from magazines, maybe a few photgraphs and key words that symbolize what you truly desire for your life. You will be surprised at just how powerful this can be. I usually perform this fun little ritual on New Year's Day, but this year I got an early start and did it in December with a group I am working with. I put the finished project up next to my bed so that I look at it when I first wake up and the last thing before I go to sleep.
If one of your intentions is more qigong, then I have good news for you. The new qigong class will begin on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. It will be two of the Liu Family forms: 1000 Hands Buddha and 8 Treasures. We will follow a similar format to our other class, Renewal Qigong, which will continue on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
I am still hoping to offer a women's retreat during February, but have not found the perfect place. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
Our very first Free Qigong Demo Day will be on Saturday, January 5 at 10:30. This is an open invitation to the community at large to come and find out what qigong is by experiencing it. All students are invited to come and help me demonstrate qigong on the first Saturday of every month.
Carroll Klinger, the owner of our beautiful practice space, has decided to join in by offering free classes on the first Saturday, also. So you can try Cycling at 7:00, TRX at 8:00 and Yoga at 9:00. What a gift!
I have our new qigong punch cards ready to go, too.They give you 12 classes for $60 which is a fantastic deal. If you prefer to pay for individual classes, the cost will be $7 each. We have a new sign-in system so I will be helping you remember to use the sheet on the clipboard when you arrive. If you need to make some special payment arrangements, please speak to me. I never want anyone to miss qigong due to a financial concern.When we add more classes (exciting thought!) I will give you an option for "unlimited monthly classes" but with only the two, it does not seem indicated.
So bring your friends to First Saturday Free Qigong Demo Day (and all of Carroll's as well) and invite them to our classes. The first class is still always free.
Hope to see you all becoming healthier and stronger in the coming year!
Namaste,
Sherril
Friday, December 28, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Travel always challenges my practice, even when I think I am mentally prepared and absolutely confident that I will practice everyday, no matter what. This trip has been no different. I did have some time while waiting at the Salt Lake airport to do a little qigong. I found it really easy to do some foot and knee qi and self massage before I headed to the boarding gates. The terminal is spacious it felt really great to do qigong after the shuttle bus ride from Pocatello. We were packed in there like sardines!
Since then, I have done a little qigong here and there but certainly not what I envisioned. I really thought I would do some full forms every day. But I know it is important to be easy on myself and just keep moving forward. That is part of practicing, too. Just keep setting your intention and acting "as if". Qigong is always with me and I can take it wherever I go. It is not just something I do, but something I am.
I am really looking forward to being back with all of you next week. Class will resume on Wednesday, December 12 at 10:00AM.
Below is a link about meditation that you might enjoy. Qigong is a meditation, whether you are doing a seated form or a standing form. It changes our consciousness both while we are performing it and after. It makes us more compassionate, calmer and more peaceful. It raises our awareness and creates better health and longevity in our bodies. So even if you only have 5 minutes and do the Three Intentful Corrections, a little knee qi or self massage, you are ensuring that you will have a better day.
See you soon!
Scientists Prove Meditation Benefits Practitioners Even When They Aren’t Meditating www.thealternativedaily.comThe Alternative Daily | Featured, Health and Wellness, Natural Health
Since then, I have done a little qigong here and there but certainly not what I envisioned. I really thought I would do some full forms every day. But I know it is important to be easy on myself and just keep moving forward. That is part of practicing, too. Just keep setting your intention and acting "as if". Qigong is always with me and I can take it wherever I go. It is not just something I do, but something I am.
I am really looking forward to being back with all of you next week. Class will resume on Wednesday, December 12 at 10:00AM.
Below is a link about meditation that you might enjoy. Qigong is a meditation, whether you are doing a seated form or a standing form. It changes our consciousness both while we are performing it and after. It makes us more compassionate, calmer and more peaceful. It raises our awareness and creates better health and longevity in our bodies. So even if you only have 5 minutes and do the Three Intentful Corrections, a little knee qi or self massage, you are ensuring that you will have a better day.
See you soon!
Scientists Prove Meditation Benefits Practitioners Even When They Aren’t Meditating www.thealternativedaily.comThe Alternative Daily | Featured, Health and Wellness, Natural Health
Monday, November 19, 2012
Wishing everyone a very happy Thanksgiving! Keep practicing a little every day and notice how it makes you feel. We can all use a little extra qi during the holiday season.
I am off tomorrow, heading for LA and then Sacramento. I can't wait to see my children and grandchildren and enjoy time together. I am taking my doTERRA essential oils and my qigong form books. It is always nice to be able to practice outdoors in the fresh air when in a nice, warm climate.
Below is a little advice from Master Liu He about turkey and other Thanksgiving foods. Just follow your own good judgment and be well.
"Balancing your Huo Ji "Fire Chicken" (Turkey)
Now, tips for your holiday meal. The word for Turkey in Chinese is Huo Ji or "Fire Chicken". From this word we get a sense, from an energetic perspective, that a Turkey is Fire Yang in nature. This means the best way to balance it's nature is to prepare with a Yin method - boil in water versus a Yang method of roasting or deep frying. When you roast or deep fry this Yang Turkey, you create a "double fire" which is too much for your body. However, I know most people like roasted turkey. If you do eat in this way, please make sure you do not drink alcohol or eat additional spicy foods together. To balance out this "double fire", add some daikon radish, pear, and other cooling vegetables to your meal. Enjoy a balanced and digestible meal!
Happy Thanksgiving with Qigong! "
I am off tomorrow, heading for LA and then Sacramento. I can't wait to see my children and grandchildren and enjoy time together. I am taking my doTERRA essential oils and my qigong form books. It is always nice to be able to practice outdoors in the fresh air when in a nice, warm climate.
Below is a little advice from Master Liu He about turkey and other Thanksgiving foods. Just follow your own good judgment and be well.
"Balancing your Huo Ji "Fire Chicken" (Turkey)
Now, tips for your holiday meal. The word for Turkey in Chinese is Huo Ji or "Fire Chicken". From this word we get a sense, from an energetic perspective, that a Turkey is Fire Yang in nature. This means the best way to balance it's nature is to prepare with a Yin method - boil in water versus a Yang method of roasting or deep frying. When you roast or deep fry this Yang Turkey, you create a "double fire" which is too much for your body. However, I know most people like roasted turkey. If you do eat in this way, please make sure you do not drink alcohol or eat additional spicy foods together. To balance out this "double fire", add some daikon radish, pear, and other cooling vegetables to your meal. Enjoy a balanced and digestible meal!
Happy Thanksgiving with Qigong! "
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
As we approach the winter holiday season, my posts may become shorter and less frequent. Everyone gets so busy in a happy way. I will just be reminding you to keep up with your practice so that you can truly enjoy time with family and friends. Master Liu says "push down the seven emotions before they push you down". Remember, even a few minutes a day of qigong will help!
Our schedule will be as follows: no class November 21, 28 and December 5. We will be back in class on December 12 and 19. We can decide if anyone is interested in December 26 and let everyone know.
The plans for a new class starting in January are coming together, as well as for a retreat in February. We will continue to have our Wednesday class for Renewal Qigong at 10:00AM. I have decided to combine the two new forms into one day, as they are somewhat similar to what we are already doing, just a bit more advanced. The new class will be Eight Treasures and One Thousand Hands Buddha and will meet on Mondays at 10:00AM, beginning January 7, 2013.
The other new event will be a monthly Qigong Demo Day (free) for anyone interested. I encourage you to invite your friends and also attend yourself - it will be an extra practice for you, at no cost. It really helps people if they see other folks practicing. The first Qigong Demo Day will be Saturday, January 5, 2013 at our regular classroom.
Hope to see you all as often as you can make it during the holidays. Peace to all.
"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life."
~Thic Nhat Hanh
Our schedule will be as follows: no class November 21, 28 and December 5. We will be back in class on December 12 and 19. We can decide if anyone is interested in December 26 and let everyone know.
The plans for a new class starting in January are coming together, as well as for a retreat in February. We will continue to have our Wednesday class for Renewal Qigong at 10:00AM. I have decided to combine the two new forms into one day, as they are somewhat similar to what we are already doing, just a bit more advanced. The new class will be Eight Treasures and One Thousand Hands Buddha and will meet on Mondays at 10:00AM, beginning January 7, 2013.
The other new event will be a monthly Qigong Demo Day (free) for anyone interested. I encourage you to invite your friends and also attend yourself - it will be an extra practice for you, at no cost. It really helps people if they see other folks practicing. The first Qigong Demo Day will be Saturday, January 5, 2013 at our regular classroom.
Hope to see you all as often as you can make it during the holidays. Peace to all.
"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life."
~Thic Nhat Hanh
Monday, November 5, 2012
Qigong News and Links
This week we want to answer some questions and give information. Many are requesting more classes and retreats, as well as some resources to view qigong forms that we practice.
Renewal Qigong will continue on Wednesdays at 10:00AM. That time seems to work for most of us.
By popular vote, we will add more qigong classes on Mondays and Fridays at 10:00AM, beginning in January. These classes will teach two forms from the Liu family: One Thousand Hands Buddha and Eight Treasures. Students will have the option to purchase books for these two forms at $15.00 each.
No dates yet on our first retreat as we are still gathering information and making decisions that will make it possible for the most people to attend. We are hoping to offer a Women's Retreat during January or February. The form will be Jade Woman and it is truly a treasure given to us by Master Liu He. See the links below to learn more about this form.
We don't have the website up and running yet, but it is in the works. And, by request from many of you, there will soon be a Renewal Qigong DVD to assist you in your daily practice. We will tell you more on that as it progresses.
Another addition will be a monthly Qigong Demo Day to offer the general public a chance to experience qigong. This will be held on Saturday at no cost . We are still looking at the calendar to determine which Saturday, but it will likely be the first Saturday of each month (for simplicity). We will publicize this in the Idaho State Journal community calendar. It would be so great if many of you could attend each time, as it would add so much for the newcomers to see you practice.
Along with more classes, we are looking into the possibility of adding an option to pay a flat monthly rate and attend as many classes as you like. This will help keep the cost affordable for you, especially as more classes are offered.
The links below are explained and will assist you in refining your form during your daily practice and introduce you to other forms and learning opportunities. Check them out and give us your feedback. As always, your participation in Qigong classes is appreciated so much! Each of you contributes a valuable part to the whole experience.
LINKS:
www.vmeo.com/69w48511 this is our standing form in Renewal Qigong, Shibashi 18 Taiji Qigong, as demonstrated by Mark Peters of England. He has a wonderful energy and is very calm and reassuring as he leads a group of students that are recovering cardiac patients.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGS7x862Mn4 is the seated form, Fragrant Buddha, that we practice in Renewal Qigong. This person gives a beautiful rendition of this form, with written prompts on the screen for you to follow.
www.linggui.org is the website for the school I attended (Portland and Seattle). You can learn more about my teachers and their wonderful school and you might even want to take a workshop from them They offer public workshops as well as certification programs.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_cpYTtMSe8 is a 7 minute introduction to Jade Woman by Master Liu He. It does not show the entire form, but is so beautiful you will watch it over and over. And, once you are on YouTube at this video, you can click on "linguiqigong" and view all the videos from Ling Gui. Worth it!
Save these links to your Favorites and review them whenever you feel you need a little boost between classes. See you Wednesday at Renewal Qigong!
"I have just three things to teach:
Simplicity
Patience
Compassion
These are your greatest treasures."
~Lao Tzu
Renewal Qigong will continue on Wednesdays at 10:00AM. That time seems to work for most of us.
By popular vote, we will add more qigong classes on Mondays and Fridays at 10:00AM, beginning in January. These classes will teach two forms from the Liu family: One Thousand Hands Buddha and Eight Treasures. Students will have the option to purchase books for these two forms at $15.00 each.
No dates yet on our first retreat as we are still gathering information and making decisions that will make it possible for the most people to attend. We are hoping to offer a Women's Retreat during January or February. The form will be Jade Woman and it is truly a treasure given to us by Master Liu He. See the links below to learn more about this form.
We don't have the website up and running yet, but it is in the works. And, by request from many of you, there will soon be a Renewal Qigong DVD to assist you in your daily practice. We will tell you more on that as it progresses.
Another addition will be a monthly Qigong Demo Day to offer the general public a chance to experience qigong. This will be held on Saturday at no cost . We are still looking at the calendar to determine which Saturday, but it will likely be the first Saturday of each month (for simplicity). We will publicize this in the Idaho State Journal community calendar. It would be so great if many of you could attend each time, as it would add so much for the newcomers to see you practice.
Along with more classes, we are looking into the possibility of adding an option to pay a flat monthly rate and attend as many classes as you like. This will help keep the cost affordable for you, especially as more classes are offered.
The links below are explained and will assist you in refining your form during your daily practice and introduce you to other forms and learning opportunities. Check them out and give us your feedback. As always, your participation in Qigong classes is appreciated so much! Each of you contributes a valuable part to the whole experience.
LINKS:
www.vmeo.com/69w48511 this is our standing form in Renewal Qigong, Shibashi 18 Taiji Qigong, as demonstrated by Mark Peters of England. He has a wonderful energy and is very calm and reassuring as he leads a group of students that are recovering cardiac patients.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGS7x862Mn4 is the seated form, Fragrant Buddha, that we practice in Renewal Qigong. This person gives a beautiful rendition of this form, with written prompts on the screen for you to follow.
www.linggui.org is the website for the school I attended (Portland and Seattle). You can learn more about my teachers and their wonderful school and you might even want to take a workshop from them They offer public workshops as well as certification programs.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_cpYTtMSe8 is a 7 minute introduction to Jade Woman by Master Liu He. It does not show the entire form, but is so beautiful you will watch it over and over. And, once you are on YouTube at this video, you can click on "linguiqigong" and view all the videos from Ling Gui. Worth it!
Save these links to your Favorites and review them whenever you feel you need a little boost between classes. See you Wednesday at Renewal Qigong!
"I have just three things to teach:
Simplicity
Patience
Compassion
These are your greatest treasures."
~Lao Tzu
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Yang Qi Welcomes Yin Qi
As autumn turns to winter here in southeast Idaho, we want to make sure that we are in harmony with the seasons and protecting our qi. Master Liu He shares her wisdom on Taoist nutrition and health to keep our immune systems and protective wei qi at their best during the colder seasons:
3. Reduce the amount of your sexual activity. Excessive sexual activity drains your Kidney Yin Qi.
Autumn: Yang Qi
Welcomes Yin Qi
Autumn is the time when Yin Qi begins to control the Yang Qi. This is the best time to turn your focus inward and nourish your Yin Qi.
The weather becomes drier, effecting our lungs moisture and drains out our Yin Qi. If you currently experience dry mouth, dry skin, itching skin, bloody nose, constipation, and start to catch cold easily, this means your in debt of Yin Qi.
How do you preserve and nourish your Yin Qi, in order to support your Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) at this time?
The weather becomes drier, effecting our lungs moisture and drains out our Yin Qi. If you currently experience dry mouth, dry skin, itching skin, bloody nose, constipation, and start to catch cold easily, this means your in debt of Yin Qi.
How do you preserve and nourish your Yin Qi, in order to support your Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) at this time?
1. Go to bed earlier, no later than 9:30pm.
2. Do not excessively sweat. Excessive sweating (via overexertion, sports, sauna, or hot tub) can drain your Yin Qi.
3. Reduce the amount of your sexual activity. Excessive sexual activity drains your Kidney Yin Qi.
4. Drink one cup of warm water when you first wake up on an empty stomach. This will help humidify your Lungs and move the Large Intestines Qi.
5. Before bed, eat 2-3 slices of cooked or uncooked daikon radish and/or pear. These two foods nourish the Yin Qi of the body and the Lungs.
6. Calm the mind and spirit. Avoid starting big projects, overworking can drain your Qi. This is great time to add Qigong into your daily life.
with healing Qi,
with healing Qi,
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Welcome to our blog. This is the home of Five Elements Wellness, where we help you learn how to
Relax - Restore - Renew
Our goal is to assist you in learning some proven techniques to relax through our Renewal Qigong classes and develop a daily practice to suit your needs. Qigong is simple, yet profound. It is ancient and yet very timely in our busy world. Practicing the art of qigong will help you relax, it will restore your health and well-being, and it will renew your enjoyment of life. What could be better?
Well, perhaps the occasional session of reflexology or full body massage to complement your new-found awareness of your own power to heal your body. We like to help you to remember what it feels like to be well, to be relaxed, and that YOU can create this for yourself.
Our qigong classes are held at James Barrett Pilates on the lower level of Kinport Junction, 815 So 1st Ave, Pocatello, Idaho. The qigong that we love to teach is perfect for beginners or those who have previously practiced. It is easy to adapt to any special needs that you require for your body's comfort. We teach a little theory to help you understand why we do things a certain way. It makes sense that if you understand it, your learning will be more complete. Instead of learning rigid forms, you will learn to feel it and love it.
We offer weekly classes at a very affordable tuition, and the first class is always free so that you can experience qigong and decide if it is for you. We also offer workshops and retreats as well as nutritional coaching in plant-based eating, cooking and shopping.
Reflexology and massage is also available at this location. We can come to your home for private sessions if you prefer and also for private qigong instruction and nutritional coaching.
Please call for the answers to any questions you may have and to learn the times and days of our current offerings.
Sherril Twitchell, LMT
Healing Qigong Teacher
sdtwitchell@gmail.com
541.292.9063
Relax - Restore - Renew
Our goal is to assist you in learning some proven techniques to relax through our Renewal Qigong classes and develop a daily practice to suit your needs. Qigong is simple, yet profound. It is ancient and yet very timely in our busy world. Practicing the art of qigong will help you relax, it will restore your health and well-being, and it will renew your enjoyment of life. What could be better?
Well, perhaps the occasional session of reflexology or full body massage to complement your new-found awareness of your own power to heal your body. We like to help you to remember what it feels like to be well, to be relaxed, and that YOU can create this for yourself.
Our qigong classes are held at James Barrett Pilates on the lower level of Kinport Junction, 815 So 1st Ave, Pocatello, Idaho. The qigong that we love to teach is perfect for beginners or those who have previously practiced. It is easy to adapt to any special needs that you require for your body's comfort. We teach a little theory to help you understand why we do things a certain way. It makes sense that if you understand it, your learning will be more complete. Instead of learning rigid forms, you will learn to feel it and love it.
We offer weekly classes at a very affordable tuition, and the first class is always free so that you can experience qigong and decide if it is for you. We also offer workshops and retreats as well as nutritional coaching in plant-based eating, cooking and shopping.
Reflexology and massage is also available at this location. We can come to your home for private sessions if you prefer and also for private qigong instruction and nutritional coaching.
Please call for the answers to any questions you may have and to learn the times and days of our current offerings.
Sherril Twitchell, LMT
Healing Qigong Teacher
sdtwitchell@gmail.com
541.292.9063
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)