Why 'Qi Garden'?
The process of cultivating and maintaining the health and harmony of body, mind, and spirit in many ways mirrors the process of caring for a garden, giving careful consideration to the quality of the soil, the amount of water, sunlight, and so on, ensuring that each element of the ecosystem receives what it needs to thrive. Whether it’s within the human body, or in a garden, both require patience, attentiveness, and an understanding of the natural rhythms to foster growth and vitality.
In nature and the cosmos, forms and expressions of energy such as waves, circles, and spirals are found throughout, from the microcosmic arrangement of atoms to the macrocosmic spirals of galaxies. Similarly, the movements in Taiji and Qigong are often characterized by their circular and spiraling trajectories, not only aligning with the body's natural biomechanical functions, but also resonating with the fundamental shapes and rhythms observed in nature. In Taiji and Qigong one aspires to balance the energies of yin and yang, soft and hard, yielding and exerting, whether for martial application, and/or to create a harmonious flow of qi throughout the body. In nature, one can observe the dynamic flow and balance of these simultaneously polarizing and complimentary energies... whether it be protons and electrons, the ebb and flow of tides, or the cyclic patterns of day and night.
The practice of Hatha Yoga also aims to balance and harmonize these polarities, with Ha representing the sun (active, masculine / yang energy) and Tha representing the moon (passive, feminine / yin energy). Through asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), and meditation, practitioners harmonize their internal energies, helping to foster physical, mental, and spiritual equilibrium. So to in gardening, one can find that the design of agricultural systems are modeled on these natural patterns, aiming to work with natural processes rather than against them, thereby promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Just as gardening involves observing and responding to the needs of the land, maintaining one’s health and well-being involves tuning into the signals of body, mind, and energy, and adjusting one’s lifestyle and fitness / wellness routines, to support optimal health and well-being. Both gardening and fitness / wellness training aim to support a healthy and resilient 'ecosystem', through skillfully attending to all of the various elements within their respective systems, and valuing the interconnectedness between the different parts.
Hello there! If we have yet to meet, please let me take a moment to introduce myself... My name is Ben, and I am a longtime instructor and practitioner of Yoga, Taiji / Qigong, fitness / mobility training, breathwork, and meditation. I have been teaching in the fitness / wellness industry for over 2o years now, and am grateful that since beginning my teaching career in 2002, I've been able to connect with, and meet many lovely people, from a variety of different walks of life, and in a variety of different settings.
I do my best to stay active, engaged, and current in all of the respective disciplines that I instruct. I have multiple certifications in Yoga, and Taiji / Qigong instruction, as well as studying a variety of different fitness, martial, and movement systems over the years. These days I enjoy utilizing a variety of different fitness / wellness tools in my own life and practice... namely calisthenics, kettle bell training, mobility exercises, Yoga, Taiji / Qigong, breathwork, and meditation. I also enjoy getting in some hiking, and / or biking when I can. Outside of this, I enjoy gardening, creating art of different varieties, and spending time with friends and family.
Even though I find myself in the role of a fitness / wellness instructor by profession, I also consider myself a life-long student, and always do my best to continue to learn, and stay open to the journey of life, with fresh eyes. It is my hope that each person leaves my classes, sessions, and / or courses, feeling a greater sense of peace, inspiration, and well-being. :)