Tai Chi Choice and Qigong workshop with Martin Wessels (Belgium)
Sat 27th April
10am – 1pm, Theme : the 5 elements
2pm – 5pm, Theme : Chi Empowerment
An Ionad, Ré na nDoirí
Tai Chi Choice is a slow, calm, friendly and soft way of moving with exercises of great simplicity. This softness is however, misleading…It contains an enormous force which – if used correctly – will be of use in many areas of daily life. The practitioner learns to tune into feeling his lifeforce energy, to waste it less and to recharge fast. We will learn to use the available energy in a different way. Not only will we become physically more flexible but we will also become more flexible in the way we handle mental stress.
We will also learn to work with the expression ‘steel in cotton’.
This means that despite that something can look soft on the outside it can contain enormous strength and power. This will also get clear in a obvious and non-aggressive way which doesn’t require strength. So besides the earlier mentioned energy management Tai Chi Choice also has aspects that can be used in self-defence.
The 5 elements are representing the 5 phases of life. In the workshop it will become clear how we all go through the 5 elements or phases, how this is represented in nature and everywhere in and around us. You will be able to integrate the exercises but most importantly become more aware in your daily life.
This workshop will be accompanied with a DVD
Workshop Chi Empowerment – Sat 27th April 2pm – 5pm
This workshop teaches us to strenghten our Qi (energy) or more particularly our “Wei Qi” by learning very simple practical exercises that might help to protect us against threatening forces coming from outside influences. These might be virusses, bacteria, climatic conditions, harmful emotional or spiritual influences and all other possible (micro)organisms that might attack us and want to enter our body. In Chinese Medicine the Wei Qi is also known as Defensive or Protective Qi
In some ways it’s comparable to what we know as “aura”.
If it’s raining we probably protect ourselves against it by putting on a raincoat, If we take a sunbath we might protect against getting burned. We adjust in many ways to protect ourselves in ways that makes sense.
The very effective, easy to learn Qigong exercises will help to strenghten our Wei Qi and will build a strong but transparant “energycoat” that will protect us if neccesary but will not separate us in a unnatural way from anything or anybody.
Cost : Each workshop is €25 or €45 for both. To book a place text or call Frida on 083 153 3256
Martin Wessels (1957) Born and residing in the Netherlands he is the founder of Tai Chi Choice and is teaching for over 30 years. He practised Qigong (Chi Kung, working with energy) and Tai Chi Chuan (taijiquan) at various Masters. His compassion lies mostly to make the principles accessible for everyone, no matter what body shape or fitness level or age. Tai Chi Choice is absolutely unique in this field and is slowly finding its way around the world. Besides The Netherlands and Ireland he gave and gives lessons in Germany, Spain, Belgium, France and Switzerland.
To Julien, an important aspect of Zen Shiatsu is about making contact with another,
a way to communicate non-verbally and through a touch that says I see you with my
heart and with my hara (intuition centre) with empathy and without judgment.
I aim to offer presence to my clients, a space of acceptance and ease so that they feel free to trust, deepen and release and emerge free to express their individual and authentic selves!
Sounds like a silly question on the surface, but over the past few years this has been a phrase that automatically pops into my head, be it while I’m working with a client, walking the dog, or just washing the dishes.
‘Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unties your body to your thoughts’. – Thich Nhat Hanh
I distinctly remember the first time I was asked this question. I was in my first year at Shiatsu college, working with a fellow student in class. I became aware of our tutor beside me as I worked. ‘Are you breathing Siobhan?’ he gently asked. At first I thought, what a bizarre question, of course I’m breathing! But I suddenly realised, I had been holding my breath. That moment of realisation has always resonated with me, because I wasn’t even aware of it; I had been holding my breath, a lot in life come to think of it, well through anything challenging shall we say. I began to take notice of this most essential of bodily functions, one most of us take for granted to be fair.
I wanted to share with you that memory because it was a sort of a turning point for me in my life. I realised that I had lost my sense of self awareness. I think in this age of technology and busy school runs and after school swimming or music lessons, a lot of us are not really that aware of what’s going on inside us or around us for that matter. But of course, we can also subconsciously put up a block at times, so as not to acknowledge what’s happening in the here and now, especially if that’s something which causes us pain or upset.
‘I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.’ – Carl Jung
I believe that becoming conscious, truly making that shift and beginning that journey within ourselves, is transformational. It’s not easy; we’ve all experienced difficulties throughout life, even traumas. It can be more than a little intimidating and even scary to touch on those thoughts or memories that might bring up any hurt or pain. However, If we truly want to move forward, we must bring all our ‘stuff’ to the surface or air the laundry.
Dissociation is common for anyone who has suffered trauma. It can become the ‘go to’ when faced with an uncomfortable situation or for anyone who has experienced chronic trauma, it might be a part of everyday life.
Dissociationis being disconnected from the here and now. … When people are dissociating, theydisconnect from their surroundings, which can stop the trauma memories and lower fear, anxiety and shame. Dissociation can happenduring the trauma or later when thinking about or being reminded of the trauma.
‘Integrating and reclaiming dissociated and disowned aspects of the personality is largely dependent on constructing a cohesive narrative, which allows for the assimilation of emotional, cognitive, and physiological realities.’ – Rev. Sheri Heller LCSW
We’re a culture that likes fast service, we want it now, like pulling up to the drive through and ordering our fast food (Its faster to go in I think!). But taking time, doing what works for you, constructing that cohesive narrative can happen gently, and over time, through awareness. I don’t think it’s a one size fits all, you can work on bringing back that awareness whatever way suits the person. Some people might like to sit and meditate for an hour, some might like to walk in nature every day, some might like to receive body work, or some might like to pray.
‘Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.’ – Carl Jung
I do believe that you can transform your thoughts and actions with time. Transition can happen gently, subconsciously and have the most profound effect on your life. You can spend a fortune on gym memberships, makeup and clothes, but its all wasted if you don’t address what’s going on inside too. Repressed thoughts and emotions will show themselves in some way eventually, they’ll find a way to get your attention by showing up in a physical form.
For me, Shiatsu has been my life line. I can’t say enough good things about it. Shiatsu cannot really be explained, not really. It is to be experienced. Explanations range from ‘It’s similar to acupressure, acupuncture, finger pressure.’ But the real explanation comes when the practitioner put their hands on you, and you receive Shiatsu for the first time. For me, it has begun the journey to conscious awareness and self-acceptance.
‘Remember, as long as you are breathing, its never too late to start a new beginning.’ – Dalai Lama
Siobhan Kirk worked in medical administration in New York and Dublin for over fifteen years before becoming a stay at home parent in Dundalk Co. Louth.
After a time, Siobhan completed her three-year training to become a Shiatsu Practitioner and graduated from Shiatsu College Dublin in 2016. She is now a Registered Practitioner with the Shiatsu Society of Ireland.
She has also recently completed her training to become a meditation and mindfulness teacher for children, teens, and children with special needs through the Connected Kids® training programme.
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“Shiatsu cannot really be explained, not really. It is to be experienced. Explanations range from ‘It’s similar to acupressure, acupuncture, finger pressure.’ But the real explanation comes when the practitioner put their hands on you, and you receive Shiatsu for the first time. ”
“How to describe Shiatsu? It is love and self-acceptance. It is empathy and space to be yourself. It is possible for anyone to find true healing within themselves with Shiatsu. That is my belief.”
“My passion for Shiatsu is as strong as ever and I’m excited to continue to explore, learn and develop my skills for as long as the universe allows!”
This means that despite that something can look soft on the outside it can contain enormous strength and power. This will also get clear in a obvious and non-aggressive way which doesn’t require strength. So besides the earlier mentioned energy management Tai Chi Choice also has aspects that can be used in self-defence.
Dissociationis being disconnected from the here and now. … When people are dissociating, theydisconnect from their surroundings, which can stop the trauma memories and lower fear, anxiety and shame. Dissociation can happenduring the trauma or later when thinking about or being reminded of the trauma.
