Qigong | Mindfulness | Nature-based practice
an ancient tool for living well
with peace and harmony
in modern times
OPEN GROUND
for human and planetary wellbeing
"Stand still. The forest knows where you are. You must let it find you"
David Wagoner
At Open Ground, through Qigong and Mindfulness, we learn how to live well, unlearn the habit patterns, return to balance, restore connectedness with oneself and all beings, and remember we are (part of) nature.
Qigong 氣功
Qigong (氣功), literally meaning the cultivation of Qi (vital energy), is an ancient internal art originating from China and based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is inherently a mindfulness practice integrating the body, mind and spirit, which cannot be separated. It can be understood as moving meditation.
It has been practised for thousands of years for general wellbeing and healing, and as a spiritual practice. In modern days it has been used as a prevention and rehabilitation approach for various conditions, such as fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression. It can also:
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reduce stress and anxiety
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lower inflammation
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strengthen the immune system
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improve heart, brain, digestive health
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increase telomerase activity, i.e., slow cellular ageing (Tiwari et al., 2017)
Multiple DatesMon, 20 MayLondon20 May 2024, 09:30 – 10:30London, 2a Doyle Gardens, London NW10 3DA, UKBe grounded and open to start a new week through moving meditation.
Multiple DatesTue, 21 MayMarwood Room St Luke's Church21 May 2024, 17:15 – 18:15Marwood Room St Luke's Church, The Avenue, Richmond TW9 2AJ, UKRelax and recharge with mindful Qigong towards the end of the day
Multiple DatesThu, 23 MayLondon23 May 2024, 10:30 – 11:30London, 10 Tannington Terrace, Gillespie Rd, London N5 1LE, UKTake a mid-day pause to move mindfully in Qigong in the beautiful Gillespie nature reserve.
Fri, 24 MayLondon24 May 2024, 18:00 – 20:00London, Story Garden, Ossulston St, London NW1 1DF, UKheart circle - exploring our inner landscape and common ground through embodied presence and relational practice- Fri, 21 JunLondon21 Jun 2024, 18:00 – 20:00London, Story Garden, Ossulston St, London NW1 1DF, UKheart circle - exploring our inner landscape and common ground through embodied presence and relational practice
For vitality, emotional and spiritual wellbeing
The practice involves:
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gentle and accessible Qigong movements and postures in stillness, which energise and ground the body and mind, unblocking stagnation and releasing tension as the Qi flows naturally
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a playful way to explore the body and mind with deep listening and feeling
Through this embodied practice, we come out of 'what we are not' and attune to 'That'.
The workshops are:
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a rejuventating time where participants find themselves both relaxed and energised
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a practice of integration (mind, body and heart; human and nature; functional and structural integration within the brain)
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training for focused attention, kind intention and open awareness
What people say
Sarah Griffin:
Ariyananda is a truly gifted teacher of Qi Gong. Within the very first minute or two, I feel tension and anxiety drop away. Part way through the practice I experience peaceful bliss, and by the end, I feel at one with nature and the universe. I have complete faith in this ancient art and have watched many YouTube videos, but Ariyananda's presence and the qualities she emanates such as stability, groundedness, generosity of heart and compassion for all beings, take this practice to a whole different level. Ariyananda's classes are nurturing and easeful; I would recommend to anyone and everyone to just give it go and see how this beautiful practice can help to soothe and energise the whole system: body, heart and mind.
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