Diving Into The Tao

Saturdays 25th May & 22nd June

7.30am-8.30am and 10am – 4pm
On Zoom or at Mill House Farm

Two days of Qigong & Meditation

For more years than I can remember I have been interested in the internal resonances of any posture and movement. I have memories from my dancing days of expanding my awareness to tune into the hidden language of, say, a simple port de bras, (flowing arm gesture,) and much more. How was the texture, shape and quality of the movement speaking to me? 

‘Thank you again for an amazing day of teaching yesterday. ‘Diving into the Tao’ was an extraordinary experience. Guided by your wisdom, the enigmatic words of LaoTzu were embodied through a marriage with fluid simple Qi Gong movements. It was deeply poetic. I am really looking forward to building on the experience in the days that follow in May and June.’
Aideen Naughton, participant in Diving Into The Tao, Saturday 27 April

I knew that the technique of the dance was never the end in itself but a bridge to refine its significance to resonate through non-verbal communication within me and all who witness it.

Qigong, like dance, has the same resonances of meaning ingrained within it. As do all our postural expressions, conscious and unconscious. This is often called ‘body language’

One aid to unravelling that meaning held in Qigong postures is by reflecting on Lao Tsu’s Tao Te Ching. Using this as a guide to our practice enables our intellectual and embodied minds to come together, enriching our experience immeasurably.

Those of you come to the regular Qigong classes will have heard me from time to time reading a chapter from the Tao Te Ching at the end of a class. This timeless 2,500 year old classic contains insights that offer an understanding of the philosophies, subtle elements and enigmatic qualities of the art of Qigong.

I am delightedly looking forward to be holding the next 2 Saturdays of Diving Into The Tao on 25th May and 22nd June. Each day will reflect on several chapters that support a deeper understanding of our practice and the philosophies behind the movements. You are welcome to come to both days or those days that suit your diary.

The Tao Te Ching is one way to access the subtle variations of Qi, our life force energy. Another way is visual. The photo, above, of a recent sunrise here at Mill House Farm and the early morning mist rising off the pond illustrates beautifully the differing aspects of Qi, or life force energy.

In Chinese script the pictogram for Qi is 走, representing steam rising from rice. Steam is a form of water. Water is also solid in the form of ice, as well as a liquid. Qi is similar in having different forms: ‘Jing’ – essence or solid, ‘Qi’ – breath or life force and fluid,  and ‘Shen’ – spirit or invisible, all are Qi. In our practice we experience all three forms: substantial, fluid and invisible. 

This flowing, watery quality helps us to cultivate our Qi and tap into the well of limitless energy. This quote from Chapter 36 of the Tao Te Ching illuminates the power of fluidity:

The soft overcomes the hard.
The slow overcomes the fast.

Each day we will be practising Qigong and Meditation to deepen our understanding and insight into the qualities, energies and implications of this ancient form of healing.

Please do join me for the two days of this special course to open windows of insight into the philosophical root of our Qigong practice. 

Contact for securing your place for both or the days of your choice

Course fee: 2 days, £90, or £45 for an individual day
Zoom link sent to participants pre-course.
For those who do wish to participate but cannot attend, I shall be recording each day so can send those who have paid their course fee a copy of each day of the course.

Cancellations:
Full refund if made at least one week prior to the day.
Otherwise 50% of course fee will be refunded.
No refund if cancelled on the day of the course

‘Thank you for the Lao Tzu workshop yesterday. …it was both calming and invigorating. It was a treat to have you reading the translated text as we did the movements. I look forward to the next one. And to re-visiting the text/movement sections on the recording.’
Linda Tillman, participant in Diving Into The Tao