Mindfulness is the act of paying attention, on purpose, with an open mind, to the unfolding of the present moment. Relaxation is the act of integrating & harmonizing the energies of body, mind, & heart to facilitate the “Relaxation Response” (Rest-Digest-and-Repair), which is the opposite of our usual mode, the “Stress Response” (Fight-Flight-or-Freeze).
Mindfulness & relaxation are skills that can be developed through practices such as Qigong, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Reiki, Meditation, or your own favorite method. Daily practice can help to regulate & balance your heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, nervous system, immune system, digestion, & mental clarity. Newer research is proving that regular practice actually alters genetic activity. Humans have approximately 25,000 genes, & each gene provides the instructions to produce proteins (gene expression). Multiple studies have shown that the relaxation response promotes healing at the deepest physical level, changing the expression of genes associated with immune response, inflammation, & premature aging.
And it’s no secret that these wellness practices can facilitate healing at the mental-emotional level, whether we’re dealing with illness, chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or just the regular stress of daily living. Harvard Medical School professor Herbert Benson, M.D., states, “…because all health conditions have some stress component, it is no overstatement to say that virtually every single health problem and disease can be improved with a mind body approach.” In fact, being present in your body & learning to maintain a centered energetic presence is, to me, a crucial life skill. The only challenge is making the time to regularly do the “work” of practicing mindful relaxation, strengthening our skills for navigating life.
Mindfulness & relaxation are skills that can be developed through practices such as Qigong, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Reiki, Meditation, or your own favorite method. Daily practice can help to regulate & balance your heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, nervous system, immune system, digestion, & mental clarity. Newer research is proving that regular practice actually alters genetic activity. Humans have approximately 25,000 genes, & each gene provides the instructions to produce proteins (gene expression). Multiple studies have shown that the relaxation response promotes healing at the deepest physical level, changing the expression of genes associated with immune response, inflammation, & premature aging.
And it’s no secret that these wellness practices can facilitate healing at the mental-emotional level, whether we’re dealing with illness, chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or just the regular stress of daily living. Harvard Medical School professor Herbert Benson, M.D., states, “…because all health conditions have some stress component, it is no overstatement to say that virtually every single health problem and disease can be improved with a mind body approach.” In fact, being present in your body & learning to maintain a centered energetic presence is, to me, a crucial life skill. The only challenge is making the time to regularly do the “work” of practicing mindful relaxation, strengthening our skills for navigating life.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) is an 8-week course where participants learn to skillfully navigate stress, emotion, uncertainty, discomfort, & the changing nature of life, using tools such as meditation, body scans, easy yoga stretches, & mindful movement. The MBSR approach cultivates your ability to observe each moment as it unfolds and engage with whatever arises, & has proven to be helpful for stress, chronic pain, illness, anxiety, depression, & more. This course is highly experiential, where your learning comes directly from your personal practice, along with group discussion.
MBSR Classes Relaxation & Mindfulness CDs |
Seasonal Wellness WorkshopsIn these 3-hour workshops, we explore skills to help us facilitate & align with the essential energies of the season (winter, spring, summer, & autumn) through guided individual reflection, group discussion, qigong, & relaxation. An integration of Chinese Medicine principles & western models of mind-body-spirit wellness, these workshops offer a safe space to check in with yourself, share with others, & welcome the season through ritual & introspection.
Seasonal Wellness Workshops |
Qigong & Tai ChiQigong (pronounced CHEE-GOONG) is a gentle yet powerful Chinese self-healing practice that includes meditative movement, breathing, focus, & healing imagery. Practicing Qigong (and its martial arts offspring Tai Chi) can increase vitality, strengthen your resistance to cancer & illness, enhance the immune system, energize the lymphatic system, strengthen digestion, relieve stress & pain, prevent injury, strengthen balance to prevent falls, improve cardiovascular & respiratory function, & leave you feeling harmonized & rebalanced.
Tai Chi Qigong Classes Tai Chi Private Sessions Tai Chi Qigong DVDs Love Qigong? Join the NQA! |
ReikiReiki (pronounced RAY-KEY) is a Japanese natural healing art. By placing hands on or near the recipient's body, the Reiki therapist becomes a vessel through which the healing energy flows, cleansing & strengthening the client's energy system to promote natural healing. Reiki aids in relieving stress, emotional trauma, physical pain, & illness, & promotes a sense of soothing balance, revitalization, & harmony. It is like pressing a re-set button, allowing your energy to find a more clear & spacious vibration.
Reiki Private Sessions Reiki Certification Training |
Managing Your StressEmotions, thoughts, & behaviors can affect your health. In this 6-week series, you’ll learn to recognize the sources of stress in your life & how to manage stress-related symptoms & illnesses. You’ll also learn ways to relax & develop healthy lifestyle habits to take better care of yourself & enjoy life more. Includes discussion & learning, plus movement & meditation practices.
Managing Your Stress Classes |
Mindfulness Meditation Drop-InThere is something deep & powerful about sitting in a circle together in silence. Lori will lead you through a 45-minute seated guided & silent meditation. Learn to rest into yourself, allowing the moment to unfold. Chairs & bolsters available or bring your own favorite zafu or cushion.
Mindfulness Meditation Classes |
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Heart-Style Tai ChiIn private sessions, Lori teaches the Heart-Style Tai Chi form, as taught by Mark Johnson from the lineage of Master Ni Hua-Ching. This powerful form incorporates Qigong cosmology into classic Taijiquan movements to revitalize your body & heartmind.
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Wudang Tai Chi 18In private sessions, Lori teaches the Wudang Tai Chi 18 Form as learned from Master Zhou Jinbo in the Daoist Wudang Mountains of Hubei, China.
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