Maqic winter 2016

issue 01

december 2016

maqic living qigong:become what you practice

inside: living qigong life hack / becoming a practitioner to yourself/ what's happening in 2017 / game of noticing / free gifts this christmas and much more...

issue 01

contents december 2016

03 THE ETERNAL INTERNAL STRUGGLE

04 LIVING QIGONG LIFEHACK

06 BECOMING A PRACTITIONER TO YOURSELF 11 GAME OF NOTICING

13 WEIRD WEATHER TO BRING CHALLENGES

16 30 MOST AMAZING FREE GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS

maqic 02

the eternal internal struggle

WRITTEN BY PETER DAVIES STUDENT/FRIEND/ALL ROUND LOVELY GUY

Chimp mind, chimp mind, Got to

More than I have, Rhythmically,

leave you far behind, “Let’s start

deeply, just like Gav, What T shirt

hook attached, now some deep

with a shake!” My poor old knee

has Eric on today? Minions, Star

breathing, From the stomach....a

begins to ache, I look across, half –

Wars, what does it say? Chimp mind,

dizzy feeling! I’m trying too hard, I

hearted, Matthew hasn’t even

chimp mind, Got to leave you far

must relax, Get my thoughts back on

started! “Control that chimp mind!”

behind,

track, “Feel each breath through

Has the monkey been left behind?

Got to leave you far behind, Sky

every pore!” My feet can’t take much

“Relax the scalp, feel it move,” I go

“Now , deep into the Kwa!” I need

more! The class has a feel of relaxed

with the flow, I’ve nothing to lose, I

to buy some petits pois, “Forget the

intensity, We stand

try to relax, forget the pain, Summer

shopping list, let it go!” Deniz is

still.....relentlessly, “Move your

sounds like a runaway train! “Shake

amazing, how does he know! “Now

fingers.....come back into the room,”

from the knees!”

shake harder, into 5th gear!” I’m

That order cannot come too soon!

going as fast I can. I fear!

“Stop!”.......At last! Feeling the

A break for water, feeling relaxed

tingles, after shaking so fast,

from within, Now the Chi Gung can

Gradually settling into a standing

really begin!

position, Trying to relax, there is no remission, Chimp mind, chimp mind,

03

maqic

feature

living qigong lifehack Create more space in your life and edit your commitments Take an inventory of the

Home – aside from regular

Cut it out, at least for a couple

commitments in your life. Here

family stuff, there’s the stuff you

weeks, and see if you can get

are some common ones:

have to do at home.

along without it. Revisit this list at that time and see if you can

Work – we have multiple

Online – regular Facebook user,

cut something else out. Edit

commitments at our jobs. Work

blog reader, these are online

mercilessly, keeping only those

away, work from home, on a

communities and time sapping

that really mean something to

rota. List them all.

activities that come with

you.

commitments too (usually more Side work – some of us

than you realise).

freelance, or do odd jobs to bring in money.

Each time you cut a commitment, it may give you a

You might have other

feeling of guilt, because others

categories. List everything.

want you to keep that

Family – we may play a role as

commitment. But it’s also a huge

husband, wife, father, mother,

Now take a close look at each

relief, not having to do that

son, daughter. These roles come

thing on the list, and consider:

commitment each day or week

with many commitments.

How does this give my life

or month. It frees up a lot of

value? How important is it to

your time for perhaps the things

Kids – karate, dance, rugby,

me? Is it in line with my life

you’d like to do for yourself, and

parties, football, taxi service.

priorities and values? How

while others may be

Each of their commitments is

would it affect my life if I

disappointed, you have to keep

ours too.

dropped out? Does this further

what’s important to you in mind,

my life goals? Can I at least

not everyone else. If we

reduce the time I spend on it?

committed to what everyone

Volunteering – we may volunteer for different organisations, or help out as a ‘friend at school’.

else wanted all the time, we These are tough questions, but I

would never have any time left

suggest seeing if you can

for ourselves.

Hobbies – perhaps you are a

eliminate just one thing — the

runner or a cyclist, or you build

thing that gives you the least

Take the time to edit your

models, or a secret ballroom

return for your invested time

commitments, and your life will

dancer. These come with –

and effort. The thing that’s least

be greatly simplified. You will

surprise – commitments.

in line with your life values and

thank yourself for it.

priorities and goals.

maqic 04

RECIPE FROM EATTITUDE.CO.UK

healing golden milk For 1 cup, simply soak 10 peeled almonds (overnight is best) then blend on high speed with the seeds of 1 cardamom pod (discard skin), 4 - 6 black peppercorns, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp chopped fresh ginger, 1 tsp chopped fresh turmeric, 1/2 tsp of ghee and 1 cup of boiled water. Strain into your cup, add 1/2 tsp raw honey, mix and enjoy.

Feel free to substitute coconut oil for the ghee, to make this a heavenly vegan drink.

The warmth of the ginger and black peppercorns combined with the creaminess of the almonds and the soft spicy fragrance of the cardamom make for a delicious, immune busting, heavenly cuppa. After drinking this you feel comforted, nourished and very contented!

05

maqic

feature

becoming a practitioner to yourself Living qigong is all about our quest for good physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, we all need the help and guidance of specialists. When we have a physical illness, we seek a practitioner such as a doctor, an acupuncturist, a naturopath or a chiropractor.

When we feel our mental and

This is the practitioner who is

What we offer is a model for

emotional state is interfering

closest to us, most attuned to us

self-understanding and self-

with our functioning in the

and most interested in our

empowerment, which has its

world, we seek psychological

health and development. It is

origins in China several

help from a counsellor, therapist

our inner doctor, our quiet

thousand years ago and has

or psychologist. And when our

voice, our kind guide, our silent

stood the test of time.

spirit is suffering, we seek

best friend.

guidance from spiritual

As we practice our Qigong we

individuals or groups who can

How do we find this amazing

begin to understand how our

support the unfolding of that

person? Well, she is right there

inner self operates, we get to

part of us which is eternal.

all the time. The way we find her

see to what extent they are

is to discover what gets in the

expressed in healthy and

All of these sources of

way of hearing her voice. What

balanced ways, and also to

assistance are invaluable to us

lies in the way are things like

discover what is out of balance,

as we move through the many

fears, judgments, beliefs, self-

stuck and not working well.

changes and phases of our

criticism, procrastination and

lives. But we may overlook the

negative patterns that run our

Our classes, workshops and

inherent wisdom within

thinking.

specifically the self-cultivation

ourselves. Some have called this

program will guide and train you

practice our inner doctor, the

There are many ways to explore

to become a practitioner to

part of us that truly knows what

these obstacles to finding our

yourself. While you won't

is best for us. Others have

inner practitioner.

abandon all those other

referred to it as our inner

Psychotherapy offers tools to

practitioners who have helped

guidance or inner self. But it is

understand the way our mind

you and will continue to help in

often not an easy thing to

functions, and through that

your journey to health and

contact that place within us,

understanding, brings more of

happiness, you will learn to find

that part of us that knows the

ourselves into

the most important practitioner

best way we can heal ourselves

conscious awareness so that our

in your life:you.

and support ourselves to grow

behaviour changes. There are

into our greatest potential.

spiritual practices like Buddhism, mindfulness practices

Just as we seek out practitioners

and energetic practices like

to help and guide us to greater

Qigong. All of these practices

health, we can look for and

offer methods of uncovering the

discover the practitioner inside

stillness within.

us.

maqic 06

selfcultivation program 2017 Qigong is a philosophy of life that fosters wisdom, well-being and harmonious living.

Qigong lives in everything we do. It lives in what we eat, how we sleep, put on our clothes, talk to each other, breathe and stand in a queue. It lives in how we see the world we live in. It lives in how we treat others and ourselves. It's a whole lot more than just learning to move your body with beautiful movement, but a Way to live your life in balance.

Everything is Qigong.

"Deniz is one of the best teachers I've ever had"

We live in a diverse world with different ethnicities, different nations, different languages and different cultures. But we are all part of the same human family, and we have the same desire for health and happiness.

In today’s always-on, hyper-connected, technologically advanced world, we seem to find ourselves increasingly short on time and high on stress.

Ever seeking speed and expediency, we ignore the rising pressure on our bodies and minds, and unconsciously drift more and more out of balance.

"Deniz is and exceptional teacher.....Qigong has helped me to balance my entire life. I've no idea where I would be now without it....."

Ancient Chinese culture offers a different perspective based on the philosophy of Qigong (also spelled Chi Gong). Simply put, everything has two sides – yin and yang, which form part of an all-encompassing whole.

Fast and slow, hard and soft, dark and light, motion and stillness‌all must exist in balance.

"I arrived with high expectations - I have certainly not been disappointed and would recommend this rewarding experience to everyone..."

Rooted in this traditional wisdom, QTS seeks to inspire and enable a modern, balanced lifestyle through a nurturing twelve month training programme. Our core curriculum includes passing on the authentic Hun Yuan Qigong as well as more modern approaches to body mind awareness experiences.

"I would recommend the course whole heartedly to anyone..."

"He teaches with an abundance of good will and humour which makes the experience both enjoyable and fruitful..."

We hope we can help you to bring greater balance, health and happiness in your life.

Become a practitioner to yourself.

07

maqic

More information is available at www.aplacetobe.me

WRITTEN BY PETER DAVIES STUDENT/FRIEND/ALL ROUND LOVELY GUY

anyone for deniz?

He would be the first to pooh-pooh,

"Shaking", I used to endure,

From the pre-class banter,

The idea of him being a guru,

But thanks to his guidance, no more,

And friendly hug to those that enter,

He is a very fine teacher,

I really enjoy the action,

Qi Gong is a delight,

Not afraid to feature,

And gain great satisfaction,

Though we must not lose sight,

Humour in his classes,

From reaping the rewards,

That it's a lot to do with Deniz,

This is not disastrous,

By feeling great afterwards,

Whose aim for the session is,

Because in every aspect,

To make it inclusive,

He has total respect ,

Relaxed not abusive,

It is a rare gift to possess,

To celebrate the art,

The ability to digress,

With spirit and heart.

And yet still remain focussed, On the essence of the process,

09

IMAGE 'SHAKING TENT' NORVAL MORISSEAU

maqic

samye ling retreat may 2017 This retreat gives you a chance to put aside the concerns and demands of your everyday routine. By getting away from the noise and clutter of the city or where ever you come from, you can begin to relax and open up.

Many people come on retreat to feel more grounded, calmer and in touch with themselves and take in the enchanting Samye Ling Monastery and to explore the early summer countryside of Eskdalemuir, Scotland.

Those who go on retreat regularly find these qualities pervading the rest of their lives, and can live more and more from their human potential.

Going on retreat gives you the opportunity to share time, and inspiration with like-minded people from all walks of life. Many people find that a sense of community develops as a retreat progresses, and lasting friendships are born from their experience.

Retreats are an opportunity to deepen your awareness of yourself, other people, and the world around you.

They give you space to clarify what is essential in your life. And as such, a retreat can be a challenging, life changing experience.

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maqic Visit www.aplacetobe.me for more information

game of noticing Lately I’ve been using the image of an empty cup to find a more peaceful state of mind. One of the most peaceful, meditative states is when you’re just open to noticing what’s around you and happening in the present moment. You’re just receiving the world around you (yourself included), soaking in the light, colours, shapes, sounds, sensations, tensions, discomforts, aches, pains, moans and groans - just noticing.

When you’re completely open to noticing this moment, it can be amazing — you notice things you wouldn’t have if you were in your normal dream state, you start to appreciate little details of everything around you. Most of us miss this almost all of the time. We all walk around in a trance, thinking about what we need to do, spinning stories about what’s happening.

Here’s the thing: if our minds are full of thoughts and stories already, we actually can’t notice the present moment. We can’t see what’s all around us, when we’re caught up in our normal dreamlike state.

You can’t fill a cup up with the present moment, when it’s already full.

So I have been practicing emptying out my cup.

I notice that I have an emotional state or story that has filled my mind and is blocking me from noticing what’s in front of me.

I let all of that flow out of the cup of my mind.

And then I soak in the present moment, noticing the physical sensations of everything around me. Noticing my body and how it feels.

Noticing what’s flowing through my mind.

Then, of course, I get caught up in my thoughts again. When I notice this, I empty my cup. I soak in the moment. Then once again, I get caught up, I empty my cup, I soak in the moment.

Over and over, I empty my cup. And that leaves me open to whatever is happening right now, the wonder-filled beauty and joy of the emerging moment.

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maqic

Coming Soon HANGONG In various cultures around the world, ancient and modern, music is known as a universal langauge that connects humans through time and space. Music has the ability to communicate sacred information in the form of frequencies to our heart, mind, body and soul, which can have a profound impact on our entire wellbeing.

When we combine spontaneous qigong with the soothing, stimulating and entrancing sounds of the Hang with loving intention, great healing is possible.

It is my absolute pleasure to share with you a candlelight evening of healing sounds, movement and a ceremonial tea ceremony to inspire and uplift your spirit. It is our intention that when you attend our HANGong the sounds and movement will relax the body, touch the heart and free your soul.

Come and HANGong and let the music, movement and tea be the medicine that heals our hearts and souls.

weird weather to bring challenges This unusual winter weather will bring some challenges to those of you who have weakened functioning of your liver, heart, and/or lung.

On an emotional level, we may all notice a significant increase in the number of angry and frustrated people out there.

Don't be surprised to experience chest pain, abdominal pain, and/or coughing.

Tips to stay balanced:

A friendly reminder that your daily Qigong practice is always a good way to maintain your balance during the winter season.

Please place a special focus on holding your Yang Qi within.

Food is medicine! Remembering to eat fermented foods daily (have you found Tofurei yet), incorporating root vegetables, black beans, soup, leafy cabbages, nuts including chestnuts and mushrooms into your regular meals throughout the winter will be very beneficial to building and preserving your health.

All too often I remind my students to keep their kidneys warm, we are keen to wear a hat and scarf when the weather turns cold, but your kidneys need protection too. Wrap a scarf around your middle, wear layers and massage with a gentle fist and rubbing circles with the 'e' of your hand.

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maqic

LIVE THE elements 2017 This experiential journey will teach you how to use the Five Element model in your daily life in ways that can improve your physical health, foster mental ease and clarity, create emotional balance, and reconnect with nature.

The Five Elements is based on how we relate to nature, how we understand the link between what is happening in the outside world and the relationship it has within ourselves.

The five elements are earth, fire, water, wood and metal. Each element represents a distinct energetic movement within the body, just as there are seasons in nature. And each element relates to a particular organ (or organs).

When an individual goes out of balance it is one of those elements that becomes stressed, like the weakest link in a chain, and this prompts a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

At the official beginning of each season we’ll share with you how to ‘Live the Elements', immersing yourself in the many aspects of each Element during its corresponding season. We'll offer you a range of methods of doing this, including Qigong, cooking/food, journaling, visualisation, meditation, and self-acupressure.

In working with each Element, we'll explore the anatomical and physiological associations linked with each element and how these are expressed and experienced in our daily lives.

You’ll receive detailed information on living each Element's specific attributes, associations and resonances. An invaluable series of workshops to help you Live the Elements and a Life of Balance.

Visit www.aplacetobe.me for more information

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maqic

new beginners classes On Saturday 26th November Laurie Paradot will be starting beginners classes teaching Ji Ben Qigong.

These fundamental energy exercises are designed to align the body, open the key energy centres and ensure that a smooth flow of internal energy is maintained throughout the body. These are primarily medical exercises although they are incredibly useful as postural correction and gaining an intuitive body literacy.

Classes roll from month to month and tuition fees are

ÂŁ24 per month. Booking is essential.

additional classes Qualified from the Qigong Teacher Training School (QTTS) Anne Francis offers an After Work Chillout Hour every Thursday 6-7pm, Kit Adam offers A Perfect Start To Your Day every Wednesday 10-11.30am and Jas Hastings will be offering a class every Monday 12-1pm from the New Year. For further information please visit www.aplacetobe.me

Need more information If you require any further information on anything you've read in this edition of maqic please visit www.aplacetobe.me or email Deniz directly at info@aplacetobe.me

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maqic

30 most amazing free gifts this christmas

As the Christmas gift guides drop through the letter box, TV adverts telling us what we should have, articles suggesting they have the "perfect gift for your loved one", I’d like to offer an alternative perspective.

We don’t need to buy things to make our lives beautiful or joyous. We don’t need more glamorous items and "stuff" in our lives to find happiness and contentment. We can find these wonderful qualities in what’s already in front of us.

Most moments, I forget this. In my best moments, I remember, and my heart expands with love for life and everyone around me. In my mind, these things are perfect, and are proof that we don’t need to buy anything to be happy, excited, contented:

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venture

my perfect gift list

A cuddle on the sofa with my amazing wife.

A quiet morning.

A walk outdoors.

Reflecting on how lucky I am to be healthy.

A cup of tea, drunk whilst it's steaming hot.

Family.

A steamy hot shower.

A hug.

Teaching and practicing Qigong.

Going to the beach when its windy.

A song that gets you dancing and singing out aloud.

Creating something.

This moment.

A connection with someone else.

The morning sunrise.

The big night sky.

Fallen leaves.

A roasty toasty fire.

Time with my dog.

Love.

Learning something new.

Someone wanting your attention.

A friend.

A curry, lingered over.

People laughing around you.

Imagining future possibilities.

An oatcake with homemade cashew butter, hmmmm.

Getting in touch with someone you miss.

Solitude and stillness.

Knowing that you love yourself.

idea: create your own 'Love Tokens' and share them with

your family and friends this Christmas. If your love token comes from the heart, it will be priceless, and a present that money just can't buy.

Join us for a stimulating 2 hour class. Using a simple but effective body-based process of reflection, prioritising, and planning. This class will help you both complete the old year, and clarify what is most important to you as you begin the New Year. Visit www.aplacetobe.me

breathe If you feel overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you and release the tensions.

If you are worried about something coming up, or caught up in something that already happened, breathe. It will bring you back to the present.

If you are moving too fast, breathe. It will remind you to slow down, and enjoy life more.

Breathe, and enjoy each moment of this life. They’re too fleeting and few to waste.

Deniz Paradot Lifelong student and teaching practitioner of the Life Arts - Qigong, Nei Gong and Taoism. maqic is written with the intention to find the most important practitioner in your life:you.

Follow me on Facebook @placetobeme Visit www.aplacetobe.me