meditation
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My Big Fat Burrito Package of Love
Paul Lara - November 24, 2015
For the last couple of weeks, I have noticed many of us going through similar challenges. I hear it come up in my sessions. I feel it in my personal practice. Clinging to pain, rehearsing the past, and uncomfortable as to where it’s all going. The process we are experiencing is much bigger than us, but it involves each of us in our own personal way. ...
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For Those of You Digging Our Sexy Podcast
Paul Lara - October 30, 2015
10 sessions in, and that concludes Season 1. Looking back over the last few months of recording is a bit surreal. A lot of enthusiasm and a fair number of mistakes along the way. A microphone, a sweaty booth, timed segments, interviews – it all took some getting used to. But now we feeling bonified and ready to rock. Season 1 was the trial run. We’ve ...
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Courage and Consistency
Paul Lara - September 22, 2015
The seasonal shift is upon us. Time to recognize. Time to reorganize. This month with QiBelly, I am restructuring my teachings, and basically restructuring my life. The process of refinement is never ending, and the time has come to adjust it once again. September and October are my favourite months of the year. Ironically, this is one of the most difficult times of year for me. The end of ...
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New Podcast!!
Paul Lara - September 3, 2015
Greetings!! I have two lovely podcasts to announce. The first being Group Stupid Radio. FINALLY!!! I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!! As I announced earlier, this is a side project where me and my friend, Bouke Salverda, strip away all the labels in effort to honestly address the human condition. In this first season, our plan is to launch 10 episodes – one per week every Tuesday at 10:30am. If you like what you hear, you can follow/support us ...
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T-Shirts, Podcasts and Holidays
Paul Lara - July 13, 2015
Summer Love 2015. We are here. Eyes are bright and the moment is full of potential. Time to party. Three juicy points of interest: 1 – New QiBelly T-Shirts!! Its been three years and I finally decided to make some more. Send me your sizing requests and we can help improve the quality of your life. 2 – New Podcast Coming Soon!! Yes!! We are calling it, Group Stupid Radio, an ...
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New Shit Has Come To Light
Paul Lara - May 12, 2015
New shit has come to light!! I was teaching the other night, and something strange happened. I began guiding the class with a meditative technique that in its true sense was a non-technique. I simply asked them just to be themselves. From there, it became less vague. During the middle of the process, something shifted. The centre of my chest lit up and expanded into what I can ...
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Happy Hour x 2 + Danforth Tai Chi
Paul Lara - March 31, 2015
Happy Almost Spring Time Everyone!! I am excited to announce that Happy Hour will now be running twice a week!! The classes will run Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30pm and Thursdays from 7-8pm. Spread the word!! Bring your mom!! It’s time to give more access to the people. — And for those of you keen on a Tai Chi class in the east end, look no further. Mondays from 6-7pm I will be teaching at 1530 Danforth Ave. Just west of Coxwell ...
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Toronto Life Magazine + Podcast Interviews
Paul Lara - February 5, 2015
I got a text from a friend last week who said, ‘Congrats!! You’re in Toronto Life Magazine!!’ (February Issue) Shocked and amazed, I went on the hunt to find that I was mentioned as one of the four people in Toronto that offer meditation training (they used the word gurus, but hey lets not get too carried away here). I am pumped. Be sure and grab yourself a ...
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Reiki 2015
Paul Lara - January 27, 2015
Greetings Everyone, This month I am unveiling my new curriculum for Reiki. It’s a biggie. Mind/body fundamentals, meridian theory, internal cultivation and the time to practice will now be included in the scheduling according to the class. Based on my experience over the last 5 years here in Toronto, I have decided to lengthen the training to cover more material. Reiki beyond therapeutics looks much different. I hope ...
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The Essential 18 Tai Chi Form
Paul Lara - January 11, 2015
精义混元太极18式 JingYi HunYuan TaiJi 18 Shi (Essential 18 Movement Form) 1、三才起势 SanCai Qi Shi (3 Powers QiGong Form) 2、左右混元圈 ZuoYou HunYuan Quan (Left Right HunYuan Circles) 3、金刚捣碓 Jin Gang Dao Dui (Buddha’s Warrior Pounds Mortar) 4、懒扎衣 Lan Zha Yi (Lazily Tie Coat) 5、单鞭 Dan Bian (Single Whip) 6、雀地龙 Qiao Di Long (Sweep Earth Dragon) 7、白蛇吐信 Bai She Tu Xin (White Snake Spits Tongue) 8、当头炮 Dang Tou Pao (Overhead Cannon) 9、野马分鬃 Ye Ma Fen Zong ...
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QiBelly Tai Chi Curriculum
Paul Lara - January 11, 2015
In December I received another revised version of our training from my teacher in Beijing, Master Zhang Yu Fei. Just like last year when I posted the previous changes, I am frothing at the mouth for this new material. Holy #%@* it’s amazing. He has been a busy boy redesigning, restructuring and creating material that is leaps and bounds above the standard, somewhat dogmatic approach ...
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The Reiki Dance
Paul Lara - October 15, 2014
In this video, I do my best to define the impossible – Reiki. Its been defined before in ways that help us feel better about it but inevitably cheat of us of how we make use of the practice. Meaning, the Japanese universal energy definition is quite vague and when seen only in terms of healing, becomes even more limited. Not everyone will agree with ...
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Puppy Dogs, Ice Cream & the Danforth
Paul Lara - October 2, 2014
Hey we are back with another video for your viewing pleasure. In this particular vid, we get right into it. Not a pleasant vid per say, but still has a ring that holds true. And don’t forget to check out the bit where I pick my teeth and then wipe it on my pants. Pure class. Enjoy. Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream ...
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QiBelly TV: Mass Distraction
Paul Lara - September 17, 2014
Hey Everybody!! Welcome to Episode 2 of QiBelly TV!! Mass Distraction Featured here is a discussion on distraction. Dubbed ‘Mass Distraction’ or even ‘Distraction Culture’ this concept is plaguing our streets and our brains. Media obsessed, pleasure seeking, shopping oriented – it’s everywhere. But why is distraction such a craze these days? Good question!! In this video I share some aspects of my practice that triggered my need for ...
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QiBelly TV: Episode 1
Paul Lara - September 8, 2014
Hello!! And welcome to the first episode of QiBelly TV!! I am not sure what is going on or what any of this means, but I have decided to start a talk show concept. In this first video recorded, we basically explain best we can what is happening. Have a look!! Season Premiere Thank you Paul ...
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Carving Your Centre
Paul Lara - August 19, 2014
Here comes autumn!! Happy Fun Time (the summer) shall soon be replaced by our prepartion for the colder months. A time of year that is gorgeous, no doubt, but holds with it, a certain ‘make or break’ reality. As we adjust from Action into the Big Prep, its important to keep our eye on the prize. Ironically so, the prize is not a big bowl of ...
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San Cai aka The Three Powers
Paul Lara - July 11, 2014
Back in January I got this new form from Beijing. My teacher calls it San Cai Shi, which basically means, ‘The Three Powers.’ Heaven, human and Earth as one. It’s rather awesome. Here it is: The San Cai Video Ok, now let me explain. Qi Gong, as a health practice, has mainly two areas: harmonizing internal body with external body, and harmonizing whole body with environment. The ...
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5/20 Announcement + Lecture Concept
Paul Lara - May 13, 2014
Good Day Everyone – On Tuesdays, starting next week, I will be holding a new class at Hive on Carlaw from 10-11:15am. I’m calling it, ‘The Opposite Effect’ – QiGong and Meditation First we are going to stimulate you, then we are going to relaxicate you. I am creating this new class off the glory of the Happy Hour Class that I have been running at Prana Room for the past year or so. For ...
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The Hive on Carlaw
Paul Lara - April 29, 2014
Hey Everybody, This Saturday my friend, Rhianna Keon, is hosting the Grand Opening of her new mind/body space – The Hive on Carlaw. At her new space, she shall feature, Yoga, Dance, Qi Gong (by yours truly) and much more. This weekend’s event will run this Saturday (May 3rd) from 5-9pm and is located just north of Queen Street East at 308 – 276 Carlaw Avenue. ...
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Better Than Drugs
Paul Lara - March 31, 2014
Long time no talk!! Fell off the blogging rhythm a few months back. Apologies. For those of you whom I haven’t seen in awhile, I wish you well and am happy to report that all is steady in the land of QiBelly. Our weekly classes are as sexy as ever and are continuing to help the people maintain during this #ihopeitsalmostoverwinterconcept. It has been a big ...
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The Big Dirty
Paul Lara - March 30, 2014
It’s no secret that the weather has been crap. For the last few weeks I have witnessed the drawn out effects of winter taking its toll on the people. A thematic in the most obvious sense, yet most of us still let it completely run shop. If you’ve ever experienced one of my Qi Gong or meditation classes, you may have heard me discuss the ...
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Smooth Mind/Body Refreshment
Paul Lara - January 5, 2014
Have you experienced this yet? Set aside an hour a week and come check out our Happy Hour. Bang for you Buck techniques that first and foremost give you an experience that you can then turn into your reality. Over the last few months, this class has turned into something special indeed. At $5 a head it is not gonna break your bank. Looking for community, looking ...
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Peak Season
Paul Lara - December 3, 2013
Good Day Everyone!! This month I have a few bits of exciting info for you. As some of you may know, I have been shooting a series of videos with my good friend, Gillian B. So far, we have put up 3 videos on YouTube. You can check them out here: What is Reiki? What is Tai Chi? What is Meditation All About? — My Qi Gong & Tai Chi classes on Saturdays ...
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Change The Way You Think
Paul Lara - October 11, 2013
Videos and articles on meditation, aka mindfulness, are popping up everywhere. The verdict is in, but there is still resistance. People are resistant to what they don’t understand. We are all guilty of this from time to time. But it seems that those who can benefit from meditation the most, are the ones that are the most resistant. I have found that over the years, my ...
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Triple Soft
Paul Lara - October 4, 2013
In any sort of mind/body practice it’s important to be soft. Soft in body. Soft in breath. Soft in intent. Posture is a fundamental concept. Proper posture allows us to create an environment where our potential for health can cultivate. With tension and kinks in our position, we limit the ability for our body to circulate blood. The breath is obvious enough, but what is important about ...
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Upcoming Reiki Classes
Paul Lara - September 2, 2013
Good Day Everyone On Saturday, September 21st, I will be running the first portion of a Reiki Level 1 group class. The session will run from 1-4pm. The following week, same day and time, the second half of the class will be held. As a follow up, and this is not mandatory, I will set up a Q/A period for October 5th. On Saturday, October 19th, ...
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Video Project: Take Your Meditation to the Streets (Part 2)
Paul Lara - August 20, 2013
Tai Chi: Efficiency in Thought & Movement The QiBelly Project is proud to present Part 2 of its video series, Take Your Meditation to the Streets. In this video we focus in the meditative aspects of Tai Chi and how it, as a practice, can be translated into many different arenas. Enjoy. Take your Meditation to the Streets (Part 2) — Beyond the martial aspects of Tai Chi, we have ...
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Video Project: Take your Meditation to the Streets (Part 1)
Paul Lara - August 9, 2013
The QiBelly Project is proud to present a new line of videos (more to come, stay tuned) that break the mold of delivery and give you something you can bite into. Enjoy. Take your Meditation to the Streets (Part 1) Much of what we see today, in terms of meditation, is sold in isolated/categorized scenarios that leave practitioners victim to the same unhealthy habits outside of the physical ...
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What is The QiBelly Project?
Paul Lara - August 6, 2013
The QiBelly Project is a series of workshops and videos that aim at making the calm, centred state of mind more accessible to you. Simple instructional workshops and videos that do not require lots of time or money. The QiBelly Project aims at giving busy people what they need in a short period of time. More bread and butter material for those that don’t have 10 years ...
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Control Freak
Paul Lara - July 19, 2013
If my station is tidy and my shelving is in order, then I can proceed. Circumstances have to be just right. I must be precise. I must be ready. I can’t have any distractions. Before I learned how to let go, before meditation, I had control issues. As a young man, my need for control began morphing into scheduling/productivity techniques that felt justified and right-minded. In ...
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Happiness is Not My Goal
Paul Lara - June 7, 2013
Embarking upon the path of personal development is no easy task. There are many inconvenient truths revealed in the processing. To be honest, this is why most stay away. Life can be hard enough as it is. Why go looking for trouble? I tell those I work with that the practice is not about ‘puppy dogs and ice cream.’ It’s not about creating any type of ...
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Meditation Tip of the Week
Paul Lara - May 29, 2013
Try meditating upon the word ‘Acceptance.’ For your life. For your day. For your moment. Whatever the word means to you, use it as a way of reinforcing the here and now. As your mind wanders, and it will, just bring it back. Don’t worry about how you got off track. Just bring it back each and every time to the word, Acceptance. Zen Meditation in Toronto aka ...
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Meditation Changed My Life
Paul Lara - May 14, 2013
I used to assume that being free meant I could just do what I wanted. I could be lazy, I could just go with the flow. It was my life and I made my choices. At least I used to tell myself these things. Over the years, I have come to witness the misperceptions with this line of thinking. Misperceptions that left me victim to the ...
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Qi Gong & Tai Chi in Your Daily Life
Paul Lara - May 7, 2013
Last Saturday’s Qi Gong and Tai Chi class in High Park was amazing. Cherry blossoms, glorious weather, a day to truly remember. Towards the end of class, a new student asked me to explain how Qi Gong and Tai Chi can be applied to everyday living. Beyond the movement and the breath and our connection with our environment, how do we apply these techniques to ...
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Happy Hour: Meditation & Reiki
Paul Lara - March 29, 2013
Here is an idea I have been tossing around in my head for some time now. QiBelly Happy Hour – Meditation for the People The concept is basic. I am designing a simple meditation class. Guided meditation as well as silent meditation. Seated, standing, lying down – your choice. As long as certain postural concepts are maintained, positioning is up to you. The beauty of this class ...
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Creating Balance Between Life & Work
Paul Lara - March 12, 2013
With the advent of smart phones and universal wi-fi, we have the ability to access anything and everything anytime we want. Love it or hate it, the fact remains we work longer hours than before. The line that used to separate work from home is no longer. It’s important to be in one place at one time. Mind separate from body, a habit that most of us ...
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Simple Breathing Techniques: Stress Reduction
Paul Lara - March 5, 2013
For most of us, the breath is not a conscientious process. Its not something we have to think about in order to survive. We breathe because we have to, it’s an involuntary response. But what if, just for a few minutes, I asked you to watch your breath. How would your body react? Think of your heartrate, your overall circulation, your digestion, your sleeping patterns, etc. ...
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Meditation in the Workplace
Paul Lara - March 2, 2013
What if work was your meditation? Seated at your workstation, just you and your assignment. Your assignment is one-pointed. Your assignment is to isolate your moment. One task at a time. No need for complexity. Learn how to create a habit that keeps you present, centered and more efficient. Maintaining awareness on just one thing at a time, we discover how to take meditation off the cushion and ...
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QiBelly Meditation – Workshop
Paul Lara - February 19, 2013
For beginners and adepts alike, this 2 hour workshop will break down ancient terminology and put abstract meditative concepts into a more palatable framework. By placing emphasis on results, we can objectively critique our practice to determine if what we are practicing is actually having a positive effect on our well-being. As little as 5 minutes a day, practiced consistently throughout the week, can have a tremendous ...
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On Parenting
Paul Lara - February 4, 2013
I didn’t want to write a blog on the difficulties of parenting, but here I am. So for those of you who didn’t know, I am the proud father of two boys, a 2 1/2 year old and a 2 month old. Becoming a father is a true blessing indeed. But ever since the birth of my youngest, life has been difficult to say the least. Sleep, ...
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Happy Year of the Snake Special – Discounts, Workshops, New Classes
Paul Lara - January 28, 2013
The Year of the Snake is almost here and in celebration QiBelly is pumping it up. Discounted pricing, new workshops, more classes and a new Thursday evening time-slot. There’s a lot going on, so pay attention! #1 – Discounted pricing – This week only!! For all my groups classes I would like to offer you a tremendous discount on my 10 class pass*. (*Must be purchased by February 1st) 10 ...
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The Fear Donkey
Paul Lara - December 11, 2012
Here we are in mid-December and life is busy. As this year comes to an end, we find that some aspects of our life are winding down just as others are winding us up. For most of us, it is an emotional/stressful time of year. So rather than telling you what you should do about it, I would like to point out that the scenario we find ourselves ...
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100 Day Meditation
Paul Lara - November 19, 2012
Zhu Ji Gong aka DeYao – Achieving the Medicine Conditions for Zhu Ji Gong: • Retain possession of seminal fluid for entire time of practice. • Being able to control anger and deal with it effectively is very important. Too much fire/heat within the body at this time can be dangerous. • Spicy food and alcohol are to be avoided. • Face south (towards equator) during the seated practice which should be ...
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Into Mountains, Over Streams
Paul Lara - November 13, 2012
Into Mountains, Over Streams is an International Journal for Qigong & Taiji Culture, online. Packed with valuable information, it is definitely worth a read for anyone interested in Tai Chi or Qi Gong. A few weeks back, I was fortunate enough to be contacted by the editor of this online journal. I was asked if I was interested in becoming a ‘featured writer’ for them in the upcoming ...
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Beijing 2008 – Back in the Day
Paul Lara - November 12, 2012
I started teaching Reiki in Beijing. Fresh from Japan, I arrived in China and began teaching Reiki, meditation, and Qi Gong. Making contacts was fairly easy at the time and we were fortunate enough to get in with a great group of people. Beijing was a crazy place. My wife and I lived there from 2007-2009. During that time, I studied full time with Master Zhang ...
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The Importance of Private Classes
Paul Lara - October 29, 2012
Why do private classes? Private classes can accelerate your personal progress, giving your better overall fitness and health in a shorter period of time. Genetics, lifestyle and pre-existing conditions make everyone’s health and body unique. Private classes with QiBelly focus on the individual’s interests, specific health concerns, and most importantly, work at the pace of the individual. A good place to start learning Qi Gong, Tai Chi, ...
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The Secret
Paul Lara - October 23, 2012
When I was first introduced to Qi Gong I knew I found something special. I was keen and eager and did everything I was instructed to do by my teacher. As I began to talk of my practice to friends and family, I was questioned on my sanity. Most were shocked at my dedication and couldn’t believe the ‘tortuous nature’ of my practice. But to ...
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The Reflex
Paul Lara - October 2, 2012
We are not our habits. Habits are just learned behaviours. They are not fixed nor are they in control. What I refer to as, ‘The Reflex,’ is our subconscious reaction to stimuli. The Reflex requires minimal cognitive processing, so it is typically immediate. It’s so immediate and seemingly established, that we see it as ourselves and therefore unchangeable. But the Reflex can be rewritten. For the majority of ...
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Bang for the Buck
Paul Lara - January 5, 2012
New Years resolutions come and go like cheap whiskey. What QiBelly is offering is a concept that will create a solid effect on your persons for months and years to come. I am calling it “The 5 minutes a day challenge.” By starting out with a designated program, i.e. Meditation, Reiki, QiGong/Tai Chi or Kung Fu, we create a routine that fits nicely into your already well ...
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Programming for the People
Paul Lara - July 12, 2011
Our big hot summer is here and for most of us that means more time spent outdoors. For me, I like the early mornings best. A workout/lesson in the park, and by the time the sun is in domination mode, I am sipping on a cup of tea somewhere in the shade. If you have been checking up on my website, you may have noticed that ...
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New to the Neighborhood
Paul Lara - June 16, 2011
For the months of June and July, QiBelly will be offering *FREE* treatments and consultations to first time customers at Iam Yoga on *Mondays* from *9:30am-5:30pm* and Parkdale Prana Room on *Tuesdays* from *2-7pm*. At these new locations, I will be offering treatments and consultations in Reiki, Guided Meditation, Tai Chi and QiGong. Being new to the neighborhood, I would like to offer my services in ...
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I Can’t Meditate
Paul Lara - March 22, 2011
*I can’t meditate. My brain just doesn’t stop.* Ever feel like this? Of course you have. Many of us have brains that bounce all over the place. Its both a blessing and a curse. Think of meditation as being an effective way of dealing with mental overload. A way to become less reactive and more productive. But we need to be reasonable in our approach as a novice. ...
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Nei Gong: Part 1
Paul Lara - March 13, 2010
Starting this month, QiBelly is offering Zen Meditation classes at the Toronto Healing Arts Center – Wednesday’s from 5:30-6:30pm. Whether you are a novice or an experienced practitioner, this seated group meditation is open to all. Please contact QiBelly by phone or email to book a seat. For this month, I have chosen to share a write-up on Nei Gong written by my teacher, Master Zhang ...
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Honest Feedback
Paul Lara - February 28, 2010
Appearing healthy, with fixed attention to a well defined physique, and being healthy are not one in the same. Psychologically, physically and environmentally, health should be assessed from an objective standpoint. *How effective is your health program?* Here are four questions you can ask yourself about your practice: * Digestive elimination: How efficiently does your body eliminate waste? * Are you calm and focused under pressure? * Are you easily ...
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