Five Animal Frolics Qigong: Deer workshop

Join us for an evening workshop on the Five Animal Frolics, an ancient Chinese qigong practice to stretch and cultivate energy. This session will focus on the deer, the animal associated with winter, fear, and the element of water. We'll talk about how fear doesn't have to rule our lives like it does a prey animal, but at the same time it is good to acknowledge the feeling. And along the way we'll give our backs and arms a good stretch. Five Animal Frolics is one of the oldest and most widely practiced qigong sets, so much so that many variants exist and no-one really knows who invented it. It has elements of stretching and breath work, and it ties in with Traditional Chinese Medicine and the cycle of the seasons. Just as importantly, it’s fun to do! It’s a gently energising practice based on embodying the personality of each animal in turn. The workshop will be suitable for all levels, with an emphasis on introducing the practice for complete beginners, and flexibility to adapt each movement to everyone’s ability. For people who have already met these animals, it will be a chance to deepen understanding and get more into the feeling of one animal. Everyone is welcome, all genders, ethnicities, backgrounds, and levels of experience with qigong. Children must be accompanied by an adult. You'll leave refreshed and energised, and perhaps inspired to continue the practice at home.