Qigong and the Chinese Five Elements

IMMERSION TEACHER TRAINING (ONLINE)
With Mimi Kuo-Deemer
This course will not be offered in 2023.
​Please check back for 2024 dates later in the year.
This five-day immersion training for teachers and teachers in training will be a journey into qigong and its relationship to the Chinese Five Elements/Phases (Wuxin 五行). By honouring our bodies as a microcosm of Nature’s macrocosm, participants will discover how qigong supports our ability to live in greater harmony Nature, which is inherently balanced, harmonious and whole.  Interweaving highly experiential practices, Daoist and Buddhist philosophy, practical theory and relevant anatomy, this course will explore how and why qigong can positively impact one’s physical, mental and emotional health.  Key concepts and principles that underpin qigong practice will also be integrated and offered as ways to deepen one’s embodiment of the practice as well as offer a springboard for sharing qigong in clear, safe, authentic, and accessible ways.
 
Each day will include active practices, visualisations and meditations, discussions and applications of theories. Subjects covered include:
  • The Yin/Yang theory of balance and qigong’s Daoist and Buddhist roots
  • An exploration of each phase/elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water and their associated seasons, meridians and organs, characteristics, movement qualities, spirit, and emotions
  • Elemental qigong forms relating to each element/phase
  • Meditations and visualisations relating to each element/phase
  • Principles of movement, intention and energy flow
  • Contraindications and precautions in practice
  • Ways to structure a practice
  • Using language and imagery in qigong
 
Schedule:

​11:00 am - 6:00 pm GMT, October 19 - 23, 2022.

Day One: The Great Source of Wholeness – Introduction and overview of concepts, principles and ideas underlying qigong and the Five Elements; exploration of the Wood Element theories, practices and forms

Day Two: Where Intention Goes, Energy Flows – Principles of movement, intention and energy flow; exploration of Fire Element theories, practices and forms

Day Three: Align the Body, Align the Heart – The spirits and emotions of the Elements; exploration of Earth Element theories, practices and forms

Day Four: Movement and Stillness – Structuring a practice, developing narratives and themes; exploration of Metal Element theories, practices and forms

Day Five: Harmony and Balance – Sharing qigong authentically, creatively and safely; exploration of Water Element theories, practices and forms
 
Prerequisites:
  • A minimum of 18 months of consistent qigong practice.
  • An openness to learn.
  • A working video camera.
  • Willingness to work with others in small groups.
  • A commitment to attend all five days live via Zoom (min of 3 hours can be missed to qualify)
  • Goofiness and a love for qigong. 
 
Course Reading and course book:  Each participant will receive a digital PDF course manual with a summary of the content and illustrated guide to forms. It is also advised to read in advance and have a copy of Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis: Nourishing Practices for Body, Mind and Spirit for the course.
 
Certification: Participants will receive a certificate for this training upon completion from Mimi.

Dana and fees:
Administrative fee: There is a £100 administrative fee, payable once your application has been approved. 

Teaching fee: The teaching fees will be offered on dana, a Buddhist word meaning generosity and mutual support. A suggested amount of dana is between £200 - 400. Please offer your dana AFTER the completion of the course. This way, you can offer an amount that you feel supports Mimi in a commensurate way with how much you feel she has supported you through her teachings. 

About dana: 
Dana is a Buddhist word and teaching that means generosity and support, and works on the idea of reciprocity.  With my teachings, I will offer what I hope will best support, guide and nourish you in your practice. In exchange, you are invited to give an offering of dana that reflects the support, guidance and nourishment you feel you have received.  

 If you are experiencing financial hardship, you are welcome to attend for less than the suggested amount; likewise, if you have more financial means and the teachings have offered you something of value, you are welcome to offer more.  I deeply appreciate your support, which allows me to continue offering these classes each week. 
Some kind words past participants have shared about this course (offered via Zoom in 2021)

An excellent course; fabulous manual provided before the course. The course itself was very well structured and clearly delivered with real consideration for the long days on Zoom. I came away feeling I had gained a clear understanding of the 5 Elements and a deeper appreciation of qigong as well as some lovely practices and really useful ideas for improving my offering to my own students. – Melissa Cambell 

Mimi's training is a journey into the depth of our mind, heart, body and spirit. Flowing though rivers of wise words and a delicate and powerful energetic practice to give new life to the body, it delicately and harmoniously integrates all that is needed to re-emerge to a new depth of physical and spiritual. – Sara Parisi

This training was a warm and fruitful island on the vast ocean of knowledge thanks to Mimi's wise, open, supportive, and sympathetic teaching. Her unique approach makes one curious, researching, sharing, confident, and well-knowledged about their practices.  I feel lucky that I had a chance to shape my qigong journey with her, a great teacher. – Derya Boyaci

​Whether you're a movement practitioner or student, this training workshop is a wonderful and transformative journey. Mimi's knowledge is vast and her teaching skills are nothing short of brilliant, creative, engaging and utterly inclusive making this a truly embodied experience. Sensational! – Stella Zack-Idiz

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