By Kathy Malone
Wesleyan College
Yoga has become a well-accepted method to combine movement with mindfulness. In addition to Yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi are popular among Body and Brain practice on A campus of Wesleyan College in Macon.
Tai Chi has been around Wesleyan for many years when Lisa Pang introduced the practice to the students in the Health and Physical Education Department. Lisa, who also teaches Tae Kwon Do at Wesleyan, has now brought Tai Chi to the Macon community by teaching classes Tuesday and Thursday at 10:45 am on Wesleyan’s campus in the Mathews Athletic Center.
Tai Chi, often called “moving meditation,” consists of fluid and graceful movements. Tai Chi can improve balance, strength, and flexibility. Tai Chi is also known to promote inner healing and relaxation, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress.
Recently Qigong, a part of traditional Chinese medicine that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intention, was added to Body and Brain practice at Wesleyan. Qigong typically involves moving meditation, coordinating slow flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing and a calm, meditative state of mind.
Participants practice Qigong to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their minds, and reconnect with their spirit. Ernst Takas brings Qigong to the Mathews Athletic Center on Wednesday at 6:30 pm.
For more information, including the cost for community access to the Mathews Athletic Center and class registration, please contact the Mathews Athletic Center at 478-757-3775.