Tai Chi & Chi Gung Classes

In association with Rising Dragon Tai Chi school. Yang family style - Chen Man Ching's short form as taught by Rising Dragon Tai Chi, founded by Richard Farmer.

Tai Chi Chuan can bring body, mind and spirit towards harmony, using natural movement, treating ourselves with gentleness. All ages and abilities can benefit from these slow, simple movements linked to the breath. Chi Gung ("energy cultivation") exercises use similar principles to Tai Chi and are easy to learn, yet very powerful in mobilising the body's natural life force or "chi". This can result in ease in relaxation, increased balance and suppleness and beneficial effects on the immune system. The body/mind principles of rooting, sticking and yielding can be applied in all life situations, helping us to become more self-aware.

I have been involved with Rising Dragon Tai Chi for the last 10 years; the last 3 as an assistant teacher and now an associate teacher.

Meditation & Healing

I teach occasional classes in meditation, focusing on basic principles; the essence behind most major schools of meditation, not tied to any one teaching or dogma. Breathing exercises, guided imagery, movement and art therapy exercises are all touched upon.

I also occasionally work with individuals using all of the above and hands-on spiritual healing.

I have studied and trained with Jessica MacBeth whose web pages are an excellent resource for information on all aspects of meditation and healing. Over the last 20 years I have also studied in a variety of traditions, Buddhist, Sufi, Taoist and the Western, Celtic tradition, as well as personal growth work.

About Me

Some of my Formative Influences (a very partial list!)

Artists
Samuel Palmer, William Blake, David Jones, Cecil Collins, Chagall, Klee, Matisse, Bonnard, Frida Kahlo, Leonora Carrington, Prehistoric cave artists.

Illustrators
Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, Pauline Baynes, Edward Ardizzone, Maurice Sendack, Chloe Cheese, Carolyn Gowdy, Cathy Felstead, Chris Corr, Brian Froud, Stasys Eidrigevicius and other Polish graphic artists.

Formative Books
Narnia Chronicles, Tolkien, Alice, Gormenghast Trilogy, Joan Aiken, Carlos Castaneda, Angela Carter, Moon Over Water, Women who Run with the Wolves, The Wise Wound, Voyager Tarot, Tao Te Ching.

Music
Celtic music, Soul music, World music, John Lennon, Incredible String Band, early Tyrannosaurus Rex, Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, Vivaldi.

Films
The Draughtsman's Contract, La Strada, Orphee, Into the West, American Grafitti, Quaij Brothers and Eastern European animators.

T.V.
Northern Exposure, Hill St Blues.

I am also Interested in
Celtic seasonal festivals, meditation, healing, dreams, theatre, DANCING, Bath Fringe Festival (Fringe Art Fair organiser), Bath's hot springs and restoration of spa, seashores, countryside, poetry and reading stories.