Come join Paul Lara for QiGong & Zen Meditation Classes
With health as a foundation, this course makes use of ancient longevity exercises that increase core strength, improve posture and promote environmental adaptability. Founded on Daoist principles, these gentle forms focus on consciously moving Qi through the meridians of the body using meditative techniques, physical movement and breathing,
Incorporating mind and body, QiGong and Zen Meditation help build the structural blueprint for physical health and mental clarity. This class is beneficial for people of all ages and is easily adaptable to those with physical limitations.
Mondays 10 - 11 am
Saturdays 4 - 5 pm
6 week session: $90
Classes Begin Week of February 15th
Friday, February 5, 2010
February
February is a strange month in Toronto. We are in the middle of winter, often cooped up indoors, usually feeling stressed, depressed, or sorry for ourselves. If we don’t want to get sucked into a funk, we really need to put an effort into doing some things that will maintain a positive outlook and energy. As always, eating right and getting moving are integral to this process. On the other hand, if we seem to resemble the Tazmanian Devil these days, whirling through our daily tasks hardly breathing, we may need to take some time to slow down, center ourselves, and take a deep breath. Pay attention to yourself this month and see if you can find some balance.
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Yours In Health,
Dr. Karen Baker
Winter Blues got you down?
Sarah Dobec
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common mood disorder that occurs when our days are shorter and we get less exposure to sunlight.
Symptoms can vary from low energy and motivation, or cravings for more carbohydrates, to difficulty getting out of bed and moodiness. Most people in colder climates experience the ‘winter blues’ to some degree. The good news is there are plenty of things we can do to reduce the symptoms of SAD involving diet, lifestyle, supplements and mental preparation.
On Feb 24th, I will be giving a talk about this exact subject. If you suffer from SAD and want to alleviate the symptoms naturally, join us to learn some simple habits you can integrate into your lifestyle!
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common mood disorder that occurs when our days are shorter and we get less exposure to sunlight.
Symptoms can vary from low energy and motivation, or cravings for more carbohydrates, to difficulty getting out of bed and moodiness. Most people in colder climates experience the ‘winter blues’ to some degree. The good news is there are plenty of things we can do to reduce the symptoms of SAD involving diet, lifestyle, supplements and mental preparation.
On Feb 24th, I will be giving a talk about this exact subject. If you suffer from SAD and want to alleviate the symptoms naturally, join us to learn some simple habits you can integrate into your lifestyle!
Health & Wellness Talks – Wednesdays @ 6pm
Presented By: Sarah Dobec - Holistic Nutritionist
& Julia Pilliar - Personal Trainer
February 24th : Surviving Winter w/ Good Nutrition
(& Seasonal Affective Disorder)
March 3rd : Exercise & Mood
COMING UP NEXT:
March TBA: Spring Cleaning (How to Detox Safely)
April TBA: Pro-Aging & Growing Old Gracefully
Join us Wednesdays at 6pm for our regular discussions on healthy living… stay tuned for upcoming dates and topics.
& Julia Pilliar - Personal Trainer
February 24th : Surviving Winter w/ Good Nutrition
(& Seasonal Affective Disorder)
March 3rd : Exercise & Mood
COMING UP NEXT:
March TBA: Spring Cleaning (How to Detox Safely)
April TBA: Pro-Aging & Growing Old Gracefully
Join us Wednesdays at 6pm for our regular discussions on healthy living… stay tuned for upcoming dates and topics.
Trainer Tips: Posture Posits
Julia Pilliar
Sitting up straight does more than appease our mothers’ promptings. Good posture balances muscle groups and decreases physiological stress; while slouching will worsen muscular imbalances (tight chest muscles and loose back and shoulder muscles), causing pain and decreased mobility later in life. So how do we improve our posture? Most importantly, THINK about having good posture several times a day. Also, try these 3 easy exercises daily:
1. Stand tall, roll your shoulders back and down. With your arms by your sides, palms facing in, reach your fingertips towards the floor behind you and hold for 30 seconds. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
2. Lie on your stomach, reach your arms towards your feet at a 45 degree angle away from your sides. Thumbs are pointing up towards the ceiling (or a little bit further!). Look at the floor, squeeze your shoulder blades together and lift your chest off the floor while you reach your hands as far towards your heels as you can. Hold for 10-30 seconds, and then relax for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
3. Stand facing an open doorway. Roll your shoulders back and down and extend your arms to the sides, slightly below shoulder height. Walk through the doorway until your arms touch the frame. Lean or step forwards to feel a stretch in your chest and shoulders. Hold for 45 seconds, making sure to breathe deeply. Repeat 3 times.
Sitting up straight does more than appease our mothers’ promptings. Good posture balances muscle groups and decreases physiological stress; while slouching will worsen muscular imbalances (tight chest muscles and loose back and shoulder muscles), causing pain and decreased mobility later in life. So how do we improve our posture? Most importantly, THINK about having good posture several times a day. Also, try these 3 easy exercises daily:
1. Stand tall, roll your shoulders back and down. With your arms by your sides, palms facing in, reach your fingertips towards the floor behind you and hold for 30 seconds. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
2. Lie on your stomach, reach your arms towards your feet at a 45 degree angle away from your sides. Thumbs are pointing up towards the ceiling (or a little bit further!). Look at the floor, squeeze your shoulder blades together and lift your chest off the floor while you reach your hands as far towards your heels as you can. Hold for 10-30 seconds, and then relax for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
3. Stand facing an open doorway. Roll your shoulders back and down and extend your arms to the sides, slightly below shoulder height. Walk through the doorway until your arms touch the frame. Lean or step forwards to feel a stretch in your chest and shoulders. Hold for 45 seconds, making sure to breathe deeply. Repeat 3 times.
Find your Qi... with Paul Lara
Paul Lara
Paul Lara’s education in eastern wellness practices began over twelve years ago while in California completing his degree in Psychology. His formal training for Zen Meditation, Reiki, Qi Gong and Chinese martial arts was completed in Japan and China during his six years of living and working there. In Kyoto, Paul became a 5th Generation Certified Master in the Japanese line of Reiki. Here in Canada he is a registered teacher and practitioner under the Canadian Reiki Association. In Beijing, he received his teaching certification for Qi Gong and TaiJi (Tai Chi) as well as an official 20th Generation Chen Style TaiJi lineage declaration.
In Beijing (2007) Paul was able to begin both treating and teaching Reiki clients. There he had the opportunity of introducing Reiki to both the Chinese and international populations represented. As a Certified Qi Gong/Tai Ji Instructor, Paul taught weekly as well as private Qi Gong classes for the expat population of Beijing. These classes also included various styles of meditation that were used as a foundation for health and strength training.
Here in Toronto, Paul is thrilled to have the opportunity of working at Lifewise Health & Wellness. Honest and effective, his treatment programs help establish consistent routines for overall well being. For more information about Paul you can contact him through Lifewise or check out his website at www.qibelly.com.
Paul Lara’s education in eastern wellness practices began over twelve years ago while in California completing his degree in Psychology. His formal training for Zen Meditation, Reiki, Qi Gong and Chinese martial arts was completed in Japan and China during his six years of living and working there. In Kyoto, Paul became a 5th Generation Certified Master in the Japanese line of Reiki. Here in Canada he is a registered teacher and practitioner under the Canadian Reiki Association. In Beijing, he received his teaching certification for Qi Gong and TaiJi (Tai Chi) as well as an official 20th Generation Chen Style TaiJi lineage declaration.
In Beijing (2007) Paul was able to begin both treating and teaching Reiki clients. There he had the opportunity of introducing Reiki to both the Chinese and international populations represented. As a Certified Qi Gong/Tai Ji Instructor, Paul taught weekly as well as private Qi Gong classes for the expat population of Beijing. These classes also included various styles of meditation that were used as a foundation for health and strength training.
Here in Toronto, Paul is thrilled to have the opportunity of working at Lifewise Health & Wellness. Honest and effective, his treatment programs help establish consistent routines for overall well being. For more information about Paul you can contact him through Lifewise or check out his website at www.qibelly.com.
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