Guest post: Written by Samantha Szynskie
We’ve all seen it – the small group of older folks moving in what seems like pointless and ridiculously slow ways in public parks, like a marital arts movie played in super slow motion, but with less drama. We pass by partially judging them, thinking “What a waste of time!” – and yet are also left a tad curious… “What are they doing?”
Qigong. That’s what they are doing. And it’s magical.
When Ben Rosen joined that teaching faculty here at SomaSpace, it was the universe’s way of telling me “Stop judging it and try it out. You may learn something.” And so I tried it. And I fell in love with it. And you will too.
These slow, meditative movements in Ben’s Gift of the Tao Qigong are backed by honest intention and induce a natural confidence of their power. It’s bizarre really…but when I’m moving in the way Ben explains, keeping a soft awareness of my body’s center and an open mind that I am cultivating and moving qi energy, a calm washes over me. A calm that feels safe, natural, and peaceful – like I’m coming home to a state of being that is my birthright. After his one-hour class I feel high – no joke. It’s like this deep knowing that everything is just as it is meant to be and that worrying won’t do me any good. It’s glorious.
I’ve done yoga, meditation, Kirtan chanting, and a handful of other practices to cultivate mindfulness and presence awareness, but nothing has impacted me so profoundly and so quickly like Qigong.
In all honesty, it’s hard to explain – you just have to try it. I did, and I now know why those older folks are moving in ridiculously slow ways in the park. They are taking care of themselves in a profound way. So next time you pass them by, don’t judge but give thanks – for the only way we will heal this world is if we heal ourselves first…and Ben’s Qigong is a beautiful place to start.
In addition to being a Qigong teacher, Ben is a Clinical Qigong practitioner here in Portland, trained by a one of the most respected clinical masters in the world of Qigong. I had the privilege of receiving a clinical session from Ben and went in not knowing what to expect. I came out with that same state of calm, but with the dial turned all the way up! His intention, care, passion and respect for his energy healing modality were so present during the treatment it’s like they oozed out of his being into the room and into my body. Energy is a sacred living entity that needs to be nurtured and cared for, and Ben’s understanding of that truth is so clear and honest. His authenticity is inspiring.
I highly recommend you attend Ben’s Gift of the Tao Qigong class at SomaSpace on Wednesday nights at 6pm-7pm (your first class is free!) and schedule a clinical Qigong appointment with him soon. Come with an open mind, open heart and present moment awareness and you will feel the magic.
Tell him Sam sent you.
Ben’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qiclinicpdx/
Ben’s Website: http://www.qiclinicpdx.com
