Three Pillars of Self-Care Series

What does it mean to live a healthy and peaceful life? It means having a relaxed body and a peaceful mind.

Qigong Levels 1-2 are being offered in the concentrated weekend format   , where all required content is presented in the standard short format, and also in this extended five-day retreat format, where the content will be refined, enhanced with additional content on taoist meditation and balancing lifestyle, and deepened through practice. The Importance of Self-Care [Image: re-link pending] To live a healthy and peaceful life is to have a relaxed body and a peaceful mind. When the body is relaxed, energy flows naturally. When the mind is calm, it strengthens the body. In the Taoist arts of health and longevity, qigong simultaneously cultivates both a peaceful body and a peaceful mind. How do we achieve this? By understanding and practicing self-care with awareness and gentleness. In the modern world, where demands are ever-increasing, self-care is more important than ever. Self-care allows us to meet the challenges of life with ease, to appreciate the simplicity of good living, and to experience the gifts of health and well-being. The Three Pillars of Self-Care Qigong, meditation, and lifestyle—these are the Three Pillars of Self-Care. When the body is relaxed and at ease, qi – internal energy – will flow naturally. When the mind is quiet, it will embrace qi and strengthen the body. When we live simply and in harmony with nature, both physical health and mental clarity arise. Learning Self-Care Whether you wish to begin your journey toward better physical health and mental well-being, revisit the teachings of Qigong Levels 1-2, or dive deeper into an enriched environment where qigong, meditation, and lifestyle teachings intertwine, this program is for you. There are no prerequisites for this retreat. Join us to get started on improving your physical health and mental well-being. Techniques for Health, Well-being & Longevity In this program, we will explore: Qigong: Cultivating the Body with Qigong for Health and Longevity:Qigong is a form of gentle, relaxing exercise that integrates movement, breath, and qi—internal energy—to enhance flexibility, stimulate circulation, and clarify the mind. The practice of qigong helps us understand that physical health and mental well-being are closely aligned. As the body becomes more relaxed, qi flows more freely. As the mind becomes quiet, it nourishes the body and strengthens qi. We will learn the 6 Basics of Primordial Limitless Gate Taoism to relax the body, along with two standing postures that gather internal energy. We’ll learn and practice the Nine Self-Massage techniques to guide qi through the body, and the Twelve Devas Tendon Changing System—methods for enhancing flexibility, strengthening bones, tendons, and muscles, and repairing physical injuries. Meditation: We’ll learn and practice Taoist meditation to cultivate a peaceful and intelligent mind, using internal observation to understand and transform your consciousness. Lifestyle: We’ll delve into Taoist guidelines for balancing the various aspects of life—public, domestic, private, and spiritual—and the energetic impact each has on our well-being. We’ll also spend time in the natural world to nourish our body and mind. This is a rare opportunity to receive instruction in two unique qigong lineages, the Primordial Limitless Gate School (Xiantianwujimen) and the Yiquan School. Xiantianwujimen was founded in the Song dynasty (circa 10th to 12th centuries) by Daoist sage Chen Xiyi, who is recognized as “the father of qigong.” These uninterrupted lineages have been handed down to  Dr. Eva Wong , a 19th generation lineage carrier. Heidi and Donna have received these practices directly from Dr. Wong and have been authorized by the lineage to offer this program. For more information on the teachings and the programs offered by Xiantianwujimen Taoism please go to limitlessgate.com. Who Should Attend This retreat is open to everyone who is interested in experiencing the benefits of Qigong practice. Graduates of this program may continue their journey with Qigong Levels 3-5 which are offered regularly at various practice centres. However, there is no need to continue beyond the levels: Qigong 1/2 and the teachings of this enhanced retreat program provide significant health benefits if practiced on a regular basis. Arrival & Departure The program begins at 7:30pm on Friday. Please plan to arrive between 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Dinner is served at 6:30pm. The program ends at 6pm Wednesday. If you would like to stay an additional night and depart the next day, please contact the KCL Front Desk . Getting Here Visit our Directions and Transportation page to see different options for traveling to Karmê Chöling.