Tai Chi and Chi Kung Forum: May Gathering 2009 - 16th & 17th May
The 2009 May Gathering of the Tai Chi & Chi Kung Forum for Health began on Saturday 16 May at Harborne Hall. Following a warm welcome to all present, we were invited to introduce ourselves. It was good to see many new faces in the group and to catch up with colleagues and friends from previous Forum courses. It quickly became clear how much the May Gathering and membership of the Forum meant to all present. Sheila Aimson introduced us to Taoist Wuji Gong, skilfully explaining some of the moves we would practise again later in the day. This seemingly simple and peaceful qigong proved powerful in its effect on internal energy and connection to the universe. Sheila is a member of the Steering Group and closely involved in organisation & provision of the Forum’s Courses to Health Professionals.
The second presentation was given by Sara Mokone. Sara trained and worked as a physiotherapist but has also been a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner for 20 years: she works with trainers for Macmillan Cancer support and has taught qigong as part of the Coventry University M.Sc. course in Acupuncture for Physiotherapists. The session focused on aspects of posture, breathing and techniques for preventing ‘burn-out’ which Sara had learnt whilst in China. This was a timely reminder that as teachers of T’ai Chi &Qigong and for those who practise in healing professions such as acupuncture & body massage, we need to take the responsibility for our own care and wellbeing. An excellent Harborne Hall lunch gave us more time to share ideas in a relaxed setting. After so much talking, it was good to take part in an active T’ai Chi movement session in complete silence. Bliss! Dee Swift led the session with sympathy and much energy.
The AGM which followed reminded us all of how hard our Steering Group works on our behalf. We are all very grateful to the continued enthusiasm and diligence of this Group, and thanks were duly offered to all concerned. Particular mention went to Maria Smith for her seamless efficiency in organising the May Gathering. The success of courses for the Teaching Certificate and for Health Professionals was reported. There was an excellent report from Marna Howie on the first regional Forum Tai Chi and Chi Kung Forum course held in Scotland, for which Marna and Jean Langhorne had been responsible. It is very much hoped that more regional events will take place as this would help to publicise the valuable work of the Forum. Dominic Rushmore reminded us that the Steering Group were always happy to accept offers of help and more involvement from the Forum members. Finally, Mike Tabrett commented that donations to the Brian Cookman Fund were welcome.
We were treated to another session of Wuji Gong in which we deepened our understanding of movement and energy patterns in this particular qigong, thanks to Sheila’s clear and informative instruction.
The afternoon ended with Mike Tabrett explaining some simple Tui Na which we attempted working in pairs. This was the perfect end to a busy but enjoyable day, characteristic of the opportunities the Forum offers to deepen one’s own knowledge and understanding of all aspects of T’ai Chi in the company of an eclectic group of fellow travellers.
Jennie Sapsford
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May Gathering 2009 Saturday
