Movement   

This course explores the structure and primary movements of the 24 ribs and how they are connected to the entire skeletal system. Each class features a lesson involving gentle movements, done slowly with minimal effort, while paying attention to one’s own personal experience. Students will be guided through easy, novel movement sequences, exploring and discovering ways of moving that activate the neuroplasticity of the brain. The lessons are safe, fun puzzles for the nervous system and brain designed to create new patterns of behavior. Benefits may include improved breathing, less neck and shoulder pain, fewer backaches, improved ability to manage anxiety and stress, better circulation and a sense of comfort and ease throughout the whole self. It is beneficial to repeat this course.

NOTE: There is no class on Monday, Jan. 19. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Experience gentle yoga poses with moving meditation practices to release tension and improve overall strength. Yoga can improve well-being and relieve stress. Learn how yoga makes your body feel better and brings peace and clarity to your mind. Simple breathing exercises and gentle yoga poses help you relieve stress and discomfort. Each session will be different, targeting alternating areas of the body. The entire course is filled with love, inspiration and creativity through soothing music, flowing movement and thoughtful readings shared in class. Yoga tune-up balls or two tennis balls will be used for the last 10 minutes in restorative postures finishing with the head, neck, shoulders and lower back. An ability to sit comfortably on a cushion or the floor is necessary.

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Learn a complete tai chi form for health and longevity that can be done anywhere and is adaptable for all ages, body types and abilities. No previous experience is necessary. Reduce pain and stress, improve balance, increase focus and find comfortable ways to move while gaining benefits from a 3,000-year-old Chinese movement form, tai chi. When students finish the course, they will have three tools for dealing with change, transition and life in general. These tools include the tai chi 17-form, movements from a Yang short form, and a martial arts sequence called Finished the Form as well as a basic knowledge of tai chi and the martial arts. Each time students take this previously offered course a deeper understanding of this lifelong practice is gained. 

NOTE: There is no class on Monday, Jan. 19. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This course is an introduction to qigong and simple stretching patterns. Movements will be taught both as physical and energetic exercises and as methods for improving present moment awareness and mindfulness of subtle perceptions. No special clothing or experience is required. Participants should come as they are, ready to have fun with others! Although qigong can be studied for a lifetime, this brief series will give you a taste of the practices. Students will learn a set of simple movements to integrate into their daily routine. The exercises will challenge and enhance students’ flexibility, balance and coordination. The classes will include social time with other students using breakout rooms. 

NOTE: Students will have access to the instructor’s videos on his YouTube channel. A DVD and digital material are available for purchase. Since this course is online and consists mostly of active movement, students must be prepared to take complete responsibility for their own physical well-being.  A signed liability waiver required to participate. Classes will not be recorded.