qigong
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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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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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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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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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Fresh Material
Paul Lara - January 27, 2014
New forms, a refined approach, much more efficient – you gotta come check out what I am selling now. Master Zhang is handing down a new set of training routines that are super sexy indeed. It starts off with the Chan Si Gong (warm up exercises a.k.a. silk reeling forms a.k.a get some blood to the tips of your toes & fingers). Polished and refined, these new ...
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Word From China
Paul Lara - January 27, 2014
My teacher, Master Zhang Yu Fei, has been busy refining everything to do with our Hun Yuan practice. Since the passing of my grand teacher, Master Feng Zi Qiang, Master Zhang has set forth an approach that is revolutionizing all of our Qi Gong, Tai Chi & Kung Fu. For those in the know, this is all very exciting information. Master Zhang is establishing a much ...
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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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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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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 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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Spring into Parkdale – Free Classes for Newbies
Paul Lara - April 17, 2013
Come check out Parkdale this weekend!! Saturday April 20th and Sunday April 21st, 2013, 10:00am-7:00pm Where: Sidewalk Sale located along Queen Street West from Roncesvalles Avenue to Dufferin Street Activities: Free Qi Gong/Tai Chi & Kung Fu classes for those who are new to QiBelly (Saturday from 11-12:30pm & 1-2pm) Sidewalk sale, food sampling, special deals Rickshaw rides along Queen Street West Visit the ...
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QiBelly in High Park – Spring Intensive
Paul Lara - April 10, 2013
On May 4th we will meet in High Park to begin our 4 week Qi Gong & Tai Chi intensive. Open to beginners as well as skilled practitioners. Qi Gong & Tai Chi, QiBelly style. Breathing techniques. Fluidity and flow. Old school Chinese theory. Modern day application. Not your typical Tai Chi day in the park, this class is gonna put new meaning to the phrase ‘be ...
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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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Qi Gong Workshop
Paul Lara - March 15, 2013
The QiBelly Project is proud to present “The Fundamentals of Qi” For beginners and adepts alike, this 2 hour workshop will address the concept of Qi in terms of health and the effect that it has on your life. Participants will be given the opportunity to practice various forms of movement and stillness based on cultivating, circulating and harmonizing Qi. More than just fitness, Qi Gong is a ...
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5 Reasons Why I Love High Park
Paul Lara - February 11, 2013
5 Reasons Why I Love High Park – it’s an excellent escape from the madness of the city streets – in High Park I can train QiGong/Tai Chi/Kung Fu regardless of the weather or season – in High Park I can choose to practice in the public eye or in the shadows – in the winter it is void of most human contact, thus a great place to clear ...
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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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Outdoor Training: R U Crazy?
Paul Lara - November 27, 2012
What do you mean you practice outdoors in the winter? Are you insane? Maybe. But thats besides the point. Winter is actually one of the most important times of year for training. Why? Cause, most of us get lazy and like to hibernate. This promotes unhealthy habits. Winter training is essential for keeping the body strong and adaptable to the seasons. Winter is the season of Yin. Its colder, darker and ...
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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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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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Connecting the Dots
Paul Lara - November 16, 2011
“How’s your practice?” Here is a question I often ask at the beginning of a session. Generic question I know, but it usually gives me a feel for where people are at. Excitement and frustration are typical themes(at least for those who’s practice is regular enough). This, I believe, stems from our need for quick results. The idea that healthy exercises should make you feel ...
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Big Belly Style
Paul Lara - October 18, 2011
Nothing like the moment for action. No prep, no question marks. Gut decision then…BOOM. Action. Now is the only time. There isn’t a guaranteed next. In October, QiBelly is continuing to push forward for the people. * Two weekly QiGong/Tai Chi group classes. * The Reiki Share on Tuesday the 25th from 7:30-9:30pm. * Weekly Reiki Courses for both individuals and groups on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. * As well as all the other ...
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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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Relocation for QiBelly Nation
Paul Lara - June 2, 2011
*Big changes for QiBelly Nation in June* Over the last couple of months I have been revamping QiBelly and now offer personal consultations and corporate wellness programs. Stay tuned for updates on the website. As of June 1st QiBelly will be re-locating to Iam Yoga on *Mondays* from *9:30am-5:30pm* and on *Tuesdays* I will be at Parkdale Prana Room from *2-7pm*. At these new locations, I will ...
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FroZen Fitness
Paul Lara - January 4, 2011
*Adaptability Training* Put on a big jacket. Don’t forget your mitts or toque. And step out into the cold. Be one with the weather. The winter months are a time for us to strengthen our immune systems. By learning how to embrace the elements, we can become stronger both physically and psychologically. In accordance with the seasons, we train to adapt and overcome our vulnerabilities to changes in our environment. In ...
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