Classes
Throughout the year we offer a full programme of weekly classes, both in person and online via Zoom, suitable for both complete beginners and more advanced practitioners. In addition to this we run two residential meditation retreats per year and various weekend workshops.
Our classes include:
Qigong and Daoyin Qigong - Levels 1, 2 and 3
Taiji - Levels 1, 2 and 3
1-2-1 training and support
Gentle Sunday Qigong - Level1
Please scroll down for more information about each class
"The grounded, embodied, and enlightening Gathering Essence teachings have brought me home to myself."
Our teachings encompass embodied meditative movement and consciousness skills using standing forms, floor work and seated meditation.
All the elements of our work are part of a comprehensive practice that is designed to free you from patterns of tension in the bodymind and become more directly aligned with the primary forces of nature. Our style of teaching is fluid and no two classes are the same as we follow the flow of aliveness in the moment. We do however work consistently with cycles of movement and stillness. A core aim of the work is developing effective ways to surf the contours of your experience moment-to-moment without becoming overwhelmed or detached. This involves working with an awareness of breathing, mind states and body sensations.
Below are the key branches to the Gathering Essence practice
Daoyin Qigong
Daoyin means ‘The original healing way’ and Qigong means ‘life energy cultivation’
Daoyin Qigong includes the following:
Standing Forms
From beginners to advanced we explore the dynamics of Qi flow, fluid dynamics, building potency and muscle tendon changing (Yi Jin Jing). We explore this using various forms such as:
Brocade Qigong forms like ‘Heaven and Earth’ which is a series of linked exercises that help to clear tension and stagnation from the bodymind and tonify the body building integrated strength.
Spiralling and flowing forms such as ‘Swimming Dragon’ which develop and refine an awareness of Qi flow and the dynamics of fluid potency.
Standing like a Tree (Zhan Zhuang). This work builds strength and power and helps realign the skeletal system, ligaments and joints.
Chair Form
We have a series of forms designed for working seated on a chair. This is an effective way to work with both external meditative movement and a deepening sense of embodied presence, allowing you to follow the energy back to stillness. This practice gives our inherent biological intelligence space to regulate the bodymind and establish a new equilibrium.
Floor Form
Our floor forms take the practice deeper into the body and opens and reconditions the muscle tendon and fascia. With encouragement to work within your personal range of ease you will learn to identify the sweet spot in any movement which allows you to stay connected to the fluid potency and your body’s resources. This practice will gradually restore more space in the body and rejuvenate the muscle tendon back to the bone.
Seated Meditation
All of our classes have a strong meditative dynamic at the core but seated meditation is a key part of our practice. This can be done on a meditation cushion and mat but can also be done from a chair if more comfortable. With this part of the work genuine insight and a deeper understanding of the mind and Qi develops over time.
Taiji Qigong
Taiji means ‘supreme ultimate’ or ‘infinite potential’, Qigong means ‘life energy cultivation’
Spiralling Dragon Taiji Qigong
A beautiful Gathering Essence form with many twists and turns that combines all the elements of our work into a constantly evolving and deepening practice. The spiralling nature of the form is challenging yet rewarding as it reconditions the muscle tendon and joints into a more relaxed, stable and flexible vehicle for the soul. Practising this form over time has the potential to take you deeply into the true nature of Taiji and unite internal and external dynamics.
1-2-1s
Tez and Ewan offer 1-2-1 teaching and spiritual mentoring sessions at Gathering Essence and online. This is a valuable resource in developing and tailoring the practice. It is advised that students going deeper into the work connect with Tez or Ewan in this format.
Gentle Sunday Qigong
with Linda-Jane Simpson
This Gentle Sunday Qigong class is for mature participants and those who have had to learn to approach their bodies with more awareness, kindness, and consideration due to chronic pain, fatigue or impaired mobility.
The session is led by Linda-Jane and is less physically demanding and suitable for those needing a gentler pace of class.
A blend of qigong forms and flowing taiji gestures are combined to develop greater strength, balance, elasticity and softness. The movements are done both seated and standing and everyone is encouraged to work within their individual range of ease. Stillness and ease are cultivated in body, mind and spirit through a meditative approach and using the power of the breath and potency of the fluid body. This class will awaken you to a new level of soft attentive awareness, clarity, and conscious aliveness.
Sundays 10:30am - 12:30pm
April 7th, 14th, 28th
May 5th, 12th, 26th
June 2nd, 9th, 23rd, 30th
July 7th, 21st, 28th
August 4th
September 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th
October 13th, 20th, 27th
November 17th, 24th
December 1st, 15th, 22nd
To book please contact Linda-Jane directly: 07710 431402
