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1. CHI GUNG FACILITATOR COURSE 9th-14th April: the Northern Star Chi Gung set

Continiuing the programme for those who currently teach or who aspire to teach or those who simply wish to deepen their practice. This training, suitable for practitioners of all internal movement arts, will focus on the Northern Star chi gung in depth. It will cover the set on several levels and will provide considerable material for study and practice after the course. Begins 6.30 pm Thursday 9th april and finishes Tuesday 14th 12.00.

Open to all subject to sufficient previous foundation in chi gung, yoga or other movement and meditation arts.

This is an intense programme and particpants will be expected to work long hours and assimilate large amounts of information in a short space of time.

The Northern Star chi gung forms provide a mulitlayered practice programme capable of producing strong mindfulness in the body, smoothing and balancing the flow of energy, strengthening the base of the mind, harmonising movement and breath. At a subtle level, the forms work towards the central channel through the microsmic orbit and through standard and reverse circular breathing. Special emphasis is placed on certain points in the macrocsomic orbit. Externally the form is graceful and varied. Each individual form directs energy according to the movement with a single harmonisng movement seperating each form with circular breathing and directing the practitioner increasingly deeper until eventually the central channel-the northern star according to certain taosit traditions-is reached.

Participants can expect to learn all the 12 forms and the harmonising movement in detail at least on several levels dependant on progress and take away a lifetime of exploration through this beautiful Taoist chi gung form introduced by master Kwan Siahung. A demanding, energising yet deeply rewarding practice to embrace and to teach others if circumstances permit.

Outline programme:

Primary level:

The harmonising movement

The twelve forms

Incorporating circular breathing

Second level: [dependant on time and progress]

Principal energetic pathways in the harmonising movement

Principal energteic cavities in the harmonising movement

Secondary elements of the forms

Third level:

Energetic pathways in the forms

Reverse breathing

Clearing the meridiens

Fourth Level:

Accessing the central channel

Northern star chi gung as a gateway to all forms

Daily programme:

Individual morning practice based on previous day’s instructions.

Two daily sessions of detailed investigation of the forms.

Evening session of Taoist breathing and meditation

Opportunity for prospective teachers to lead a session.

Facilitator trainings provide an opportunity to step into the responsibility of leading practitioners or novices to a proper and appropriate foundation for personal practice. the multi level approach gives particpants the opportunity to carry out their own investigations and personal understanding-based on right view and proper application-of the method of bringing mindfulness and harmony to the body.

The Northern Star develops strong attention and concentration. The complete set, performed as a moving meditation, has a calming and strenghtening effect on the body and the base of the mind.