Free Qigong lessons begin
Maine Highlands Senior Center, partnering with the Thriving in Place Coalition and Center Theatre, will over an 8-week free workshop introducing people to the practice of Qigong (pronounced chee-gung) every Wednesday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. starting September 30th, held in the lobby of Center Theatre. The workshop will be led by Scott Mayer, a teacher of various Eastern healing practices for over 40 years, and is a kickoff event for the Maine Highlands Senior Center /TiP Fall Reduction Team.
Qi is loosely translated as “life energy” and Qigong is a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China practiced daily by millions around the world. It is the art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy. In Western terms this would equate to physical training using methods from the field of psychoneuroimmunology. There are no age or condition requirements to participate in this extremely safe form of exercise.
In this workshop participants will learn very special movement and breathing exercises, by practicing fluid postures inspired by Nature to promote increased energy, strength, flexibility, and balance. This highly effective system strengthens and conditions the soft tissues of the body (the muscles, ligaments and tendons), improves flexibility and increases the mobility of the joints, and can have a beneficial influence on many physical, mental and emotional issues. These practices can be done throughout the year to strengthen and protect the entire body.
“Our goal,” says Dr. Lesley Fernow, leader of the project, “is to find fun, community-building ways to help improve strength, balance and general health and reduce falls in our community.” In China millions of people practice this in the public parks and squares every morning. An investment of just minutes a day, will provide participants with untold health benefits.
It has been said by Chinese teachers of the art that “Whoever practices Qi twice a day will gain the pliability of a child, the strength of a lumberjack and the mind of a sage.” The art of movement and the role that it plays in our well being cannot be underestimated. Come meet people, explore movement with joy and peace of mind, and then enjoy a cup of coffee at the Center Café when you are done!
No sign up is required for this session. Just come dressed in casual comfortable clothing and prepare for some fun.