A few months ago, our lives and our world took a 90 degree turn, and we have lived in a state of personal and social instability ever since. As individuals, families, and societies, we have gone through a gamut of emotions - shock, denial, loneliness, grief, exhilaration, fear, anxiety, frustration, rage, and worry.

Emotions often lodge in the body in the form of pain, constriction, twitching, weakness, etc. And our physical state, in turn, impacts our mental state. This creates a feedback loop that can spiral downwards if left unattended. But with care and attention, we can cultivate a more constructive cycle that leads to wellbeing.

In this workshop, we'll apply the Five-Element system, which associates specific emotions with currents of energy called meridians that run throughout the body, to open up those tight spaces in our bodies, minds and hearts with movement, breath, and meditation practices from both Qigong and Yoga traditions.

For example, feeling frustrated or stressed impacts a meridian that affects the eyes, jaw, neck, hips, and the entire side-body, and can often lead to headaches and migraines. Opening up these spaces in the body eases both the physical and mental tension associated with this meridian, and once we relax into the reality of our circumstances, we then see new ways through the obstacles in our path. Whereas feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and loss affect meridians that run through the chest, arms, wrists, and hands. Opening up these spaces expands our breath, opens our heart, rekindles our spark, and reconnects us with a sense of purpose and therefore inspiration.

This workshop is part of a monthly series that utilizes Qigong, Yoga, and meditation practices to work constructively with the current worldly and seasonal influences.

This is a 1.5-hour workshop.