Even though my Leo star sign connects me to the element of fire, I have always felt very connected and drawn to the element of water. Observing the endless, ever changing flow of running river waters in different landscapes or the unbroken song of ocean waves has always fascinated me. The passionate flow of water blends the music of movement with an accompanying depth of stillness, a magical natural balance whose wisdom has much to teach us.
The martial artist, philosopher and filmmaker Bruce Lee had an amazing understanding of Taoist principles and was one who embodied the wisdom of water in a fascinating way. One of my favorite Bruce Lee quotes is: "Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend."
A river represents the miracle of presence, with an ever changing yet stable nature. Ever changing yet always one, connected to source and striving forward into the endless flow of emerging possibilities. Passing over, under and around every obstacle, which may appear along the path, realigning, adjusting, finding it´s path along the way.
“Running water never grows stale. So you’ve just got to ‘keep on flowing" – Bruce Lee
Coming into a "flowing state" does't only connect you to a harmonious flow of life were you can live more intensely in the present moment as well as gather experiences that will help you to grow into a wiser human being, but also is fundamentally necessary for developing abundant, vital and energetic health on all levels.
I invite you this summer to a beautiful retreat week in August at Suncokret, to take the opportunity to learn fundamental Zhineng qigong and Taijiball spine exercises which can lead you to experience this flowing state and improve your qi (energy) flow, posture and balance, and loosen tension in your muscles, joints, ligaments and internal organs. It will be a week full of mobilizing Yin and Yang energy, and resting in the stillness in movement, were Yin and Yang blend into the universal rhythm of one.
Together we will explore aware breathing and inner space deepening during the relaxing Yin yoga postures. Experience the benefits of slowing down and working on your hips and spine in a more passive Yin Yoga way and turning your attention inward.
Do you want to improve your core strength and relieve back pain, improve your posture, increase your range of motion and release tension, improve balance and concentration and your energy level? By learning and practicing Zhineng Qigong, Taijiball and Yin Yoga you'll take the most important first step toward genuine and lifelong health and vibrancy.
Did you know that the spine is the central axis of our body through which the entire nervous system flows? And that 80% of chronic diseases are due to a disturbed energy flow in the spine?
The whole nervous system is like a trunk that branches out with roots connecting deep into Mingmen, your main energy gate in the lower Dantian. Strong root energy connects with the trunk, the branches and the leaves. So like a tree whose roots are strong, the energy flows freely and the tree flourishes and becomes very strong and very healthy. Building a strong and healthy body on all levels starts with focus on cultivating this root energy.
I’d like to empower you during this week to strengthen your spine and core and to learn Qigong relaxation and expantion from your inner space. Explore performing the movements slowly and gently, merging into the universe, pushing, stretching, and opening inner space.
Zhineng Qigong and Taijiball incorporate (mainly standing) slow, easy to learn, flowing movements and "silent" postures, all of which are performed repetitively and in a meditative state of deep relaxation. They help to loosen up your waist, lumbar area, sacroiliac joints, shoulders and spine. Experience water like fluidity and movements that create energy, not consume energy like common sports movements.
As you practice body awareness through Yoga you become mindful that there isn't just physical tightness in the hips but also emotional; it's where we store our emotional vulnerabilities and trauma leading to blocked energy.
Explore releasing tension in your hips and spine with Yin Yoga postures. Listen and let go of the need to control, surrender, and remain in the moment. Appreciate everything. Every experience has meaning and matters.
"Empty your cup, so that it may be filled: become devoid to gain totality" – Bruce Lee
We will open the inner body space and structure, using consciousness and movement in an harmonious way to keep our energy flowing like pure water. The practices will also maximize the circulation of all bodily fluids, including blood and lymph, and the smooth flow of qi throughout your body also strengthens your immune system.
Lets explore together the deep wisdom of free flowing water!
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