This course integrates the profound wisdom of the body into the art of meditation.
Combining mindful movement and meditation helps us to establish a regular practice of both.
The gentle, healing movements of Qigong harmonize the nervous system, and together with sitting meditation they open our body, heart, mind to a deeper sense of mindfulness, compassion and serenity in our everyday lives. Walking meditation can be a bridge connecting inner and outer awareness.
The sitting and walking Meditations we'll explore include Mindfulness of Breathing, Metta Bhavana (Cultivation of Loving Kindness), and Embodied Awareness. These practices bring many benefits, including a calm and open heart and mind and a deep, embodied sense of interconnectedness. These are also covered in our Buddhist Meditation Courses 1 and 2 but you do not need to have taken these to attend.
Qigong (chee-gong) is a healing practice dating back to ancient China. Qi is usually translated as vital life force or energy or vibration, and gong is cultivation or exchange. We'll practice simple movements that keep our energy flowing, prevent stagnation, and awaken inner healing, while softening the boundaries between inner and outer worlds.
These two forms support each other beautifully, and with regular practice they can have a profoundly healing effect on our lives, allowing our natural confidence to flow freely.
Everything we will learn and practice can be adapted to most physical limitations - for example they can be done standing, sitting or even to some extent lying down. No need to bring anything with you, but you may want to wear loose fitting clothes so you'll be comfortable sitting and moving.
You are welcome to join the class whatever your experience level - it's suitable for complete beginners and anyone wanting to learn or deepen understanding of these life-changing practices.
Since this class is in person we have safety requirements - please check them here.
Registration will open in February 2025
To register: enter the amount you wish to donate in the Event Donation box and click add to cart. The range is $150 to $110, and paying the higher amount helps us to offer our events to those who are not in a position to pay. No-one is turned away for lack of funds, so please let us know if you require a lower rate. If you prefer to pay when you come in person you can enter 0 and click 'pay later' on the payment page. (If you don't click "pay later" the registration may not go through.)
All our teachers are volunteers and our class fees and donations all go towards keeping our center running so that we can continue to provide a space to practice.
This course is one of 4 that we offer twice a year - the "motion" element of the course will vary depending on the teacher - this one is Qigong, but sometimes there will be Yoga or other kinds of movement.
Buddhist Meditation 1: Mindfulness of Breathing