Holistic
Yoga & Qigong

Yoga and Qigong?

Yoga and Qigong are both powerful systems in and of themselves. Both systems, in their own unique ways, can help us achieve and maintain balance & harmony, presence and improved physical and mental health. Both disciplines work with the physical as well as the mental, energetic and spiritual bodies. So both traditions can be regarded as "complete", holistic systems in their own right. Nevertheless, when we combine both traditions, we get even more tools to work with and can access a sheer endless well of practices, knowledge and wisdom. 

Even though we typically like to distinguish between Yoga, Qigong, breathwork, meditation etc. because they come from different geographical regions and traditions, I prefer and encourage my students not to see them as separate, isolated practices.

Yoga just means union or connection.

Qi Gong means energy work or energy cultivation.

Meditation essentially is awareness.

With the right attitude and intention,
every moment of movement or stillness can
become Yoga, Qi Gong and meditation simultaneously.

My classes aim to break free from rigid ideas about what yoga is and isn’t. By incorporating elements from different traditions, we create a wholesome practice that nourishes and honors the entire body, mind and spirit equally. When we let go of strict labels and preconceived notions, we are able to move through our practice freely and with ease. We respectfully draw ideas and techniques from different traditions without being too attached to one system. 

What is yoga?

Yoga is a holistic, comprehensive approach to life. It is also an ancient science of the mind, body and spirit that provides specific instructions on how to live and practice in order to free oneself from suffering, to be healthy and happy.

In essence, yoga, which can be translated as union or connection, aims at calming the mind (In the words of Patanjali: yoga citta vritti nirodha, "yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind"). When the mind rests in stillness, we can see reality clearly and experience bliss in the present moment and oneness with existence. In order to reach that deep state of meditation, some disciplines and daily practices including asanas (postures), breathwork and a number of observances and restraints are recommended. Some of the most important ones of these guidelines are non-violence, truthfulness and moderation in everything we do, speak and consume. In the end, it all comes down to seeing the inter-connectedness of everything and acting with awareness.

In my experience, these qualities grow naturally when one starts to dis-identify from one's thoughts and practices observing whatever arises - thoughts, feelings, desires, aversions - and allows it to come and go without judgment.

I believe that anything that takes us beyond mind and into a state of harmonious connectedness can be yoga. This could be playing music, chanting, dancing, making love or even cleaning. If we perform these activities from a place of awareness, presence and non-attachment instead of ego, we transform and elevate their quality and turn them into a beautiful meditation. I would love my yoga classes to reflect this free, open approach.

Personally, yoga was my gateway into meditation and spirituality, adding a whole new dimension of depth to my life, and enriching it in unforeseen ways. After all, this was the main element that was lacking in my life, and seems to be lacking in so many people's lives today.

I hope to be able to share and facilitate this experience for others.

May all beings be happy and free, and may my actions contribute to that! 

What kind of yoga do I teach?

I like to describe the yoga I practice and teach as holistic yoga, because it is not strictly following one particular lineage but rather draws from different traditions and schools, including Chinese Qigong. It is generally more on the Hatha side and quite meditative but can have stronger, physically challenging Vinyasa flow segments. I was formally trained in Hatha and Vinyasa at Krishna Village in NSW, Australia, with a strong focus on yoga philosophy and Bhakti yoga (the path of devotion) besides the thorough foundation in asana practice. Kirtan and chanting mantras therefore have a special place in my heart and I sometimes incorporate these elements into my classes. I am furthermore a certified associate instructor of YOQI Qigong Flow trained under Marisa Cranfill. 

What is Qigong?

Ever seen videos of elderly Chinese people doing slow, mindful movements in the park? Chances are they were practicing Qigong! Qigong or Qi Gong basically means energy work or energy cultivation. It is an ancient system that originated thousands of years ago in China, alongside Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and was also heavily influenced by both Taoism and Buddhism. Just like TCM, Qigong works with the five Chinese element phases and the meridians (energy pathways) in the body. There are many different styles, lineages and forms of Qigong which generally can be categorized into medical, spiritual and martial Qigong. 

Qigong can be seen as a form of moving meditation that aims at bringing balance and harmony to the body, mind and spirit. In contrast to many forms of yoga and asana practice, it is characterized by it's gentleness and "yin"-like character. This makes it suitable for all body types and ages. Qigong exercises can take many different forms, like movements, breathwork, body tapping and self-massage, visualizations, holding postures and other forms of meditation. Through Qigong, we can actively participate in the state of our energy and use it for healing, vitality and longevity.  If you would like to read more about Qigong and the style I teach (Qigong Flow), feel free to refer to my teacher Marisa Cranfill's website here.