I am pleased to announce my new offerings:
Seasonal Alchemy Classes and 1 Day studio based Retreats
What is Seasonal Alchemy
Living in simplistic, natural flow and harmony with the seasons, through connection, awareness and understanding of the rhythms, cycles and energies of your self and nature.
Seasonal living encourages us to develop a relationship with the seasons, which in turn strengthens our connection to this earth and is a vital component of sustaining a relationship to our interconnectedness with others. It all starts with awareness, which is the first step towards change and growth. Awareness of self and the natural world, which can then become the compass by which you navigate your life.
Instead of looking at nature as something outside of ourselves, seasonal living encourages us to live our lives as one of the integral threads of this every evolving seasonal tapestry in which we live. It allows us to feel part of the ever unfolding rhythm, cycles and vibration of nature – the earth turning, the bees buzzing, the flowers blooming, the crops growing, the ebb and flow of the tides and the moon, sun and planets performing their comic dance.
Seasonal Alchemy Classes and 1 Day studio based Retreats
My intentions are to encourage and inspire people to tap into their sacred intuition, wisdom and natural energy flow and together with natures natural energy, wisdom and flow, to create
For those curious or feeling ready to embrace living by the season, and how this can infuse and influence your energy and state of wellbeing and lead to transformation – Alchemy for the mind, body, heart and soul.
I have designed my classes to be about exploring and experiencing how living in a way that is consciously connected to the seasons can be an intentional lifestyle choice through mindful daily practice.
The classes consist of two practices – movement (doing) and teachings (being):
Seasonal Qi Gong Practices
What is Qi Gong
Qi (vital energy) gong (to cultivate) is a form of energy cultivation, a deeply powerful, ancient, foundational component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has helped transform peoples health and wellbeing for over 2000 years. Its power lies in its subtle potency. Fundamentally it is nourishing and brings balance to our vital energy, supports the body’s organs, meridian system and natural flow. As well alignment to the energy of the natural world.
Seasonal Qi Gong
The energy of an element is particularly strong when practiced in its corresponding season, cyclical Qi Gong gives us the opportunity to synchronise and align ourselves with the season so we can experience more natural flow, ease and grace in our daily lives. Through mindful movement, the practices seek to show us the interconnectedness of all parts of our being as well as to our external environment.
Although we can harness the energy of the natural seasonal rhythms of nature, its important to note that the timing of this cycle may not correspond within us and what we’re currently experiencing in our lives. Qi Gong practices can be done at any time an element needs balancing or nourished. There are also cyclical times of a day, as well as of a life time and there are practices that are supportive for these as well.
In class we will:
Experience movement (forms/practices), visualisation and breathing techniques
Use forms to release stagnant energy and cultivate and integrate new energy flow within the organs and meridian networks
Tune into internal and external flow of energy and create deeper self-awareness
Work with the associated element and organ and meridian network for the season
Experience the specific benefits certain forms and sequences provide for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health
Enter the pathway to internal discovery
Preparing to attend a Qi Gong class:
The forms are mostly done standing, however they can also all be done sitting or in the minds eye, whilst building up stamina.
Comfortable, loose clothing is good, it is advisable never to have cold feet, therefore socks should be worn to keep the feet warm if necessary.
It is advisable not to eat a heavy meal before practicing, however it is always good to have a bit of food especially in the morning. The reason for this is that food starts chi production in your body and digestive system.
Qi Gong is appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness and stamina.If you are injured, it is advisable to work to one-third of your effort level.
If not injured, work to two-thirds of your effort level. One should always reserve the last third of your energy and effort as a reservoir and resource. Also if you are menstruating, you can practice theses forms but reduce your effort level to half or one-third.
Seasonal Living Practices:
Seasonal living practices are ways in which we can tend to ourselves – heart, mind, body and soul, as well as our environment. They support you in adopting or establishing habits and routines that align with the natural rhythms and cycles of the season.
During classes together we will:
Look at ways of managing emotions and developing ones virtues
Discuss aromatherapy and medicinal plants to support seasonal wellbeing
Experience potions and tonics to enhance daily wellness during each season
Learn about nutrition and eating foods more aligned with seasonal pattern
Explore decorating your home to reflect the season
Discover seasonal self-care practices
Take some time for self-reflection and self awareness
Open up to being in circle with others on their seasonal wellness journey
Seek a deeper connection to yourself and to nature
Set seasonal intentions
Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in a welcoming, safe environment
Share a seasonal tonic drink
As your teacher I will
Be your guide, hold space for you and create an environment in which you can feel safe and trusting under my guidance.
Share the knowledge that I have gained from the many amazing and inspirational teachers that I have had the privileged to learn from, along with the experiences of my own life which have been great teachers too.
Treat you with respect and will honour and show deep reverence to the cultures and lineages that these teachings and knowledge come from, as well as to the medicinal plants that will be used in classes.
Welcome you where you are at, at any moment in time and encourage and support you in your wellness journey, to realise fuller potential within yourself.
Offer encouragement for daily integration of the practices learnt in class and be available for support after the class.
Continue to work on and maintain my own Chi and physical, emotional, mental an spiritual wellbeing.
Commit to ongoing personal and professional development to ensure that my teachings and knowledge is up to date and relevant.
I look forward to guiding you with, kindness and compassion, grace and flow, and gentle hands and a warm heart.
Please note
Today many Westerners are just becoming familiar with qigong and its benefits. My teachings come from the perspective of the seasonal theme and characteristics of the five elements. I do not come from or adhere to any specific qi gong lineage or tradition. As a teacher I share the teachings and knowledge that I have received to encourage others to learn these fundamental practices so they may have the tools to gain insight and wisdom into their natural capacity for deep nourishment of their body, mind heart and soul. Leading to more flow and balance in their lives.
Class and Retreat details will be available by the end of July 2023 on my website, Facebook and Instagram Pages
Aromatic Blessings
Sharyn