“The brain can grow and adapt, this is neuroplasticity” John J. Ratey. M.D. Brain plasticity is the unique quality of every brain to adapt as long as you live, good news for aging gracefully. Being an “ageless” warrior or beauty happens when you find BALANCE. We stay fit and agile by paying daily […]
Author Archives: Cynthia Niermann
I’m in a Qigong State of Mind
Every Qigong session begins with the intention of moving into a Qigong State of Mind. This intention begins as muscles are engaged but my breathing allows the Qi energy to effortlessly move my body. An archer, athlete or dancer may feel something similar as their mind relaxes and their body effortlessly performs what its been trained […]
Qigong, Cultivating a Healthy Habit
Did you know that according to The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi millions worldwide have and are experiencing the healing benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi? Qigong, (grandparent of Tai Chi, pronounced chee gung) means “breathing exercise” or “life energy exercise”. Modern medical research indicates Qigong and Tai Chi can reduce anxiety and depression, […]
If you can breathe and do gentle movements, you can get fit and stay flexible at any age!
“Feel the Rapture of Being Alive.” Joseph Campbell It’s not too simple to be true. You do not have to sweat, wear tight clothes and work really, really hard to get fit. You can feel better, breathe deeper, have clarity of mind and be more balanced in every aspect of your life. Do you want […]
MINDFULNESS: engage mind, move body
“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.” Ashley Montagu Have you ever been in the Flow Zone? Many dancers, surfers, sailors, musicians and pro athletes know the feeling. When I asked an actor what makes a good performance, the reply was: “ […]
On the Moves: Qigong and Neuroscience
“We all age, it is how we age, however, that determines the quality of our lives.” Anthony Ong, Cornell University Oliver Sachs, M.D. , a noted neurologist and author of many books, including Awakenings, Musicophilia, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat , once asked, “To what extent are we shaped by, and […]
In the Company of Trees
Just outside of Tofino, Vancouver Island, B.C. is Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, famous for its rainforest trails and long sandy beaches. This remote location ranks as one of most serene and beautiful hikes ever and was a highlight of our June 2015 Road Trip. The wild rocky coastline on the farthest edge of western Canada […]
Qi Discovery: Captured Light in Glass
Qi / Chi and glass have much in common, both are amorphous. Glass is a cross between a solid and a liquid, while Qi is an invisible energy, often described as mist rising. Glass is one of humankind’s oldest and most useful materials which can be transformed and reshaped. Qigong has been practiced for over […]
How Smiling Changes Your Brain
A post by Vivian Giang Few people would argue that smiling is bad for you, but new research is showing just how many ways smiling is beneficial to your career and well-being. We know smiling can greatly improve your mood and reduce stress. Even better, your smile doesn’t have to be real, so you can […]
Qi Discovery at the Pinnacles
Ah Wilderness. . peace, quiet and good hiking. Pinnacles National Park promises these and more. Besides visual interest and beauty, the place exudes all the elements of Qi. Born of volcanic fire over 23 million years ago, these rocks are testament to Earth’s changing nature. Water’s signature is evident on cliff tops, gorges and streams; […]