Chinese culture has been influenced by Daoist philosophy which emphasizes living in alignment with nature. To that end, Daoist practice encourages us to live simply, remain positive, nourish our body and mind, and not waste our energy. During this weekend retreat at Prairiewoods (120 East Boyson Road in Hiawatha), we will be introduced to basic Neidan, Qigong and Tai Chi practices. Neidan are Daoist meditation practices, which begin with wuwei (translated as non-action). The purpose is to allow the mind and the body to relax, which over time will bring us into a state of balance where rest, healing and optimal health are possible. Qi is the Chinese word for air or breath, and it is often used to refer to the energy or force that sustains life. Gong might best be described as a sustained effort. Thus, Qigong can simply be breath work or energy work. However, it can also involve coordinating the mind and the body while practicing movement and/or visualization. Qigong has medical, spiritual and martial applications. For our purposes, we are looking to reduce stress, develop our ability to focus, enhance our wellness, and improve our ability to handle both internal and external stressors. In addition, there is evidence that Qigong can assist in managing a variety of physical ailments. Tai Chi is a martial art that emphasizes maintaining balance while neutralizing a threat. Tai Chi practitioners learn to listen to others without trying to impose their will on them. At the same time, Tai Chi practitioners learn methods for keeping others from imposing their will on them. Thus, Tai Chi facilitates the peaceful resolution of confrontation. Like Qigong, Tai Chi practice may also improve our health and wellbeing. In addition, the style of Tai Chi offered comes from the Wu Family, one of the founding families of Tai Chi. Wu Family Tai Chi, while not well known, is often called the Scholars Tai Chi, because the written Tai Chi Classics originated with them. Following an introduction to these methods, we will have the opportunity to practice them through various exercises and situations with the goal of developing a sustainable practice for handling life’s difficulties through a balanced, aware, compassionate, strong state of being. We also will be introduced to and gifted with various types of tea that promote health and wellbeing. Facilitator Gerry Hopkins has been practicing martial arts for almost 40 years. He is a certified level III instructor with the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association. He has studied Taiji and Qigong for 27 years, and he has taught them for 21. He has had the good fortune to learn from a number of highly accomplished teachers of Tai Chi and Qigong, and since 2013, he has studied Qigong and Tui Na with Dr. Aihan Kuhn, a physician trained in both Western and Chinese Medicine, who has selected and combined certain Qigong movements into several sets she believes benefit people with cancer, heart problems, diabetes, and weight and digestive issues. The cost of this weekend retreat is $255 and includes sessions, lodging, and Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch. The commuter fee is $180 and includes sessions, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday lunch. For more information or to register, contact Prairiewoods at www.Prairiewoods.org or 319-395-6700.
