reiki
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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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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 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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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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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 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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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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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 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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Reiki Redefined
Paul Lara - June 19, 2012
Defining QiBelly has always been complicated. Putting what I do into clear concise wording is a never ending process of refinement. My elevator pitch is different depending on my audience. Over the years I have avoided using certain words and tried to present myself in the atypical sense. I mean I teach Reiki, but not really. And I teach TaiJi (Tai Chi), but its not what you ...
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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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The Victory Lap
Paul Lara - December 19, 2011
Ah, December. What a month. Deadlines. Shopping lists. Family obligations. Financial concerns. Dinner parties. Anxiety. Stress. And more stress. My favorite time of the year. Had a moment the other day after what seemed like quite a long day. A day filled with agendas and productivity assignments. I felt like it was me vs. the clock. I started off the day concerned only with the final product. Would ...
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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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InActivity
Paul Lara - September 22, 2011
“InActivity” is a term that many find odd or even dismissive. In this culture full of distraction, we busy ourselves because it seems appropriate. Productivity is deemed credible. Be that as it may, hard-wired distractive habits have our brains, more often than not, somewhere other than we actually are. If I were to ask you in any given moment, “What are you doing?” – Would the ...
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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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Beyond the Reiki Table
Paul Lara - April 26, 2011
Most of us are familiar with Reiki as a form of therapy even if you haven’t had a treatment. But not many of us are aware that the therapeutic aspects make up only about 10% of Reiki as an actual discipline. As a discipline, it is part of daily life and not just a compartmentalized concept that is accessed when you aren’t feeling so well. Beyond ...
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Autumn Action
Paul Lara - August 27, 2010
Summer is almost over and to celebrate the coming of Fall, QiBelly is bringing the goods. New classes, new locations and discounted rates. *2 for 1 Special* For a limited time only QiBelly is offering a special deal: buy 2 Reiki Treatments and get 1 for free. This offer is only valid for purchase within the month of September, however the treatment dates can be scheduled at your ...
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The Relax Concept
Paul Lara - June 30, 2010
July is officially upon us and to celebrate, I am starting new Tai Chi classes Monday evenings, Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings at Lifewise Health & Wellness (2034 Yonge Street). I am also offering a new time slot from 8:30-9:30am MWF at the 401 Building (401 Richmond Street West near Spadina) following our usual 7:30-8:30am class. For more information visit Class Schedules or call 416.877.4106. And for those of ...
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Keep It Simple
Paul Lara - June 15, 2010
Now that June is here we are starting registration for Tai Chi classes in July. These classes will be held at Lifewise Health & Wellness starting July 5th. The deadline for registration is June 25th. Monday evenings, Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. So if you are interested, give us a bell. On Friday June 18th I will be giving an intro to Tai Chi at Lifewise ...
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QiBelly Nation
Paul Lara - April 6, 2010
People of the Nation: This week QiBelly is happy to announce its Toronto Takeover. As of today, QiBelly is now offering the goods at five different locations in Toronto. Below you will find the specifics: *Lifewise Health & Wellness Center* 2034 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4S 1Z9 www.lifewisehw.com phone: 416.482.3340 Qi Gong Classes – Monday evenings from 7:15-8:15pm. Friday mornings from 10:30-11:30am. Saturday afternoons from 2-3pm. Reiki Treatments – By Appointment Meditation Workshop – A Two Part ...
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