2011 Classes/Courses

Smiling at Illness - Qigong

Circle of Well-Being - Yoga/Meditation

Mindfulness for Daily Life

Ongoing Classes - Mindfulness & Qigong

2011 New Fall Classes

Mind the Heart, Mend the Body

Xiaolan Health Centre

88 Prince Arthur Ave (St. George/Bloor)

TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES/COURSES
 Email: info@gitchemqua.org

Phone: Sherry Sim at 1-866-655-8548

Questions call: Andrew Blake - 416-726-4219
SMILING AT ILLNESS - qIGONG AND SELF HEALING

mONDAYS: 11:00AM - 12:00pm (5 wEEK sERIES)

oCTober 24TH - nOVEMBER 21ST (Minimum registration required)

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice where movement, meditation, and healing unite. In each class you will receive guided instructions and theory of qigong practice, simple mindfulness exercises, as well as support in developing a daily practice in both. This class is specially designed for those facing a health crisis, illness, or an ongoing health condition. The practice is simple, easy to learn, and no prior experience is necessary. Many traditions believe that all things are permeated by energy and we could call this energy source love. Connecting with this loving & universal energy is the basis of qigong. Qigong teaches us to open our body, mind and heart to this source of healing, well being, and joy.

Suggested Donation:  $100.00

Course Instructors: 

Andrew Blake is psychotherapist, meditation and qigong teacher, and Buddhist Chaplain.  Sarana Institute, (formerly Gitche MQua Centre) was founded to provide education and spiritual support in our healing, dying, and in our caregiving.
Christine Reeves is a yoga teacher, yoga therapist and meditation practitioner. She works privately with individuals of all levels of experience and needs, including extensive experience in working with cancer patients.
Angela Di Iorio Blake is a movement therapist, Buddhist Chaplain and cofounder of Sarana Institute. Her service work has also lead her into the field of food sustainability and permaculture, where food is medicine and the land is a healing refuge.

 
circle of well being - yoga, meditation & metta council

tuesdays: 10:00AM - 12:00pm (5 wEEK sERIES)

oCTober 25TH - nOVEMBER 21ST (Minimum registration required)

Metta means 'lovingkindness', so in this group we will bring together the skills of being loving, kind and compassionate towards ourselves in facing illness. Together, we engage and nurture your path to well being. Modern research into mindfulness and contemplative practices, like yoga and meditation, help us to cultivate balance and ease for the mind and body. In this 2-hour class, we will begin with gentle yoga postures to align, release, and relax our bodies, as well as increase our ability to be present with our body.  This prepares us for the challenge of being present and loving. Through guided meditation instructions, we will practice mindfulness-based strategies that teach us concentration and contemplative skills that awaken our capacities for self-compassion and self-healing. Each group includes a “Metta Council,” a practice of listening and sharing mindfully from the heart. 

Suggested Donation:  $175.00

Course Instructors: 

Andrew Blake is psychotherapist, meditation and qigong teacher, and Buddhist Chaplain.  Sarana Institute, (formerly Gitche MQua Centre) was founded to provide education and spiritual support in our healing, dying, and in our caregiving.
Christine Reeves is a yoga teacher, yoga therapist and meditation practitioner. She works privately with individuals of all levels of experience and needs, including extensive experience in working with cancer patients.
Angela Di Iorio Blake is a movement therapist, Buddhist Chaplain and cofounder of Sarana Institute. Her service work has also lead her into the field of food sustainability and permaculture, where food is medicine and the land is a healing refuge.

 
mindfulness for daily life

thursdays: 7:00pm - 8:30pm (5 wEEK sERIES)

oCTober 24TH - nOVEMBER 28th (Minimum registration required)

Meditation is practice that enhances our lives and leads to greater well being and ease.  To develop a regular practice requires both patience and a clear understanding of how it works. Gradually, results arise as we learn to calm the mind's restless habits of wandering.  Recent neuroscience shows it helps us to manage stress, anxiety or addictive patterns as we strengthen our ability to let go and live more in the present moment.  In this class, you will receive guided instruction into various meditation techniques, as well as encouragement to develop a personal practice in your life.  Each class will include two periods of sitting and one period of walking meditation, as well as time for questions, discussions, and inquiry.  All levels of experience are welcome and no prior training is necessary.

Suggested Donation:  $125.00

Course Instructors: 

Andrew Blake is psychotherapist, meditation and qigong teacher, and Buddhist Chaplain.  Sarana Institute, (formerly Gitche MQua Centre) was founded to provide education and spiritual support in our healing, dying, and in our caregiving.
Christine Reeves is a yoga teacher, yoga therapist and meditation practitioner. She works privately with individuals of all levels of experience and needs, including extensive experience in working with cancer patients.
Angela Di Iorio Blake is a movement therapist, Buddhist Chaplain and cofounder of Sarana Institute. Her service work has also lead her into the field of food sustainability and permaculture, where food is medicine and the land is a healing refuge.

 

ONGOING CLASSES RESUME

Eight Branches Healing Arts Centre

358 Dupont St (west of Spadina)
mindfulness for daily life

tuesdays: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Meditation forms a basis for grounding ourselves and for developing greater ease in heart and mind.  Strength and patience is needed to develop a personal meditation practice, and group sitting supports us to achieve this goal. Join us every Tuesday for two periods of sitting and one walking meditation based in Zen and mindfulness traditions.  Classes will begin at 6:30 (please arrive at 6:20) with guided instructions and end with discussion and talks as we question how practice actually supports our awakening to greater awareness.  All levels welcome, bring your own cushion if you have one.

Suggested Donation:  $25.00/class

Course Instructor: 

Andrew Blake is psychotherapist, meditation and qigong teacher, and Buddhist Chaplain.  Sarana Institute, (formerly Gitche MQua Centre) was founded to provide education and spiritual support in our healing, dying, and in our caregiving.
sheng zhen qigong: A Practice of Unconditional Love

WEDNESDAYS: 11:00AM - 12:15pm

Qigong practice traces its roots to the East, where receiving the energies of  heaven, earth, and the universe are as natural as breathing. These simple movements bring us into a meditative state, where we exchange the qi (this ever moving energy of the universe) with our own energy. Replacing the blocked or unhealthy energies in us is one aspect of the practice; another is sharing this healing energy with those we love and with the world at large. No experience is necessary and feel free to attend an intro class. Please call in advance. 

iNTRO cLASS:  $25.00 / cLASS OR 10 WEEK Series: $200.00

Course Instructor: 

Andrew Blake is psychotherapist, meditation and qigong teacher, and Buddhist Chaplain.  Sarana Institute, (formerly Gitche MQua Centre) was founded to provide education and spiritual support in our healing, dying, and in our caregiving.