Tai Chi
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Tai Chi on the Danforth
Paul Lara - October 29, 2013
Hey Everybody, Next week I will start holding Tai Chi classes on the Danforth at Centerline Martial Arts Systems. The school is located just west of Coxwell Subway Station. I will be running two classes per week: Tuesdays from 11-12pm & Wednesdays from 2-3pm. The classes will run just like my classes at the Prana Room; however, the sole focus will be Tai Chi. In these classes, I ...
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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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Summer Schedule for Kung Fu
Paul Lara - June 24, 2013
Summer is in full effect and there are some changes in the weekly class schedule. As of this week, I am putting the QiBelly Kung Fu classes on hold for the summer. I am still offering the private coursework for all of my Kung Fu classes, but for now we will be a taking a break from the group classes. For those of you who bought ...
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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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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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O.Q. – Original Qi
Paul Lara - January 18, 2013
Yuan Qi – The Original Qi Original Qi is a type of undifferentiated energy. Like a human stem cell, not yet specialized, it can naturally evolve into whatever fixed and specialized form is needed. From a philosophical point of view, Yuan Qi constitutes the undifferentiated material of Wu Ji (No Extremes). When Wu Ji finally separates, it initiates the principle of opposites and creates Tai Ji (Polar ...
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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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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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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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Qi-Qi-Qi Changes
Paul Lara - August 25, 2012
Yes, the rumors you’ve heard are true. QiBelly T-shirts are on their way! Along with the spiffy new shirts, comes a spiffy new headquarters. Starting September 1st, QiBelly will be at Parkdale Prana Room 3 days a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The High Park and private classes remain unchanged. Two new Tai Chi – Qi Gong classes will be offered at Parkdale Prana Room: Tuesday nights from 6-7:00pm ...
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New Tai Chi Class
Paul Lara - July 23, 2012
In September QiBelly will be offering a new Tai Chi class at Parkdale Prana Room on Tuesday nights from 6-7pm. 1273A Queen Street West. $20 + HST per person. QiBelly Tai Chi classes are based on Chen Style Tai Chi and focus on strengthening the body, increasing overall flexibility, and sharpening mental awareness. Utilizing breath work, moving forms and intent, these gentle routines strengthen the body ...
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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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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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Maintaining Our Rhythms
Paul Lara - February 1, 2011
*Month 2 Day 1* Starting this month, QiBelly is announcing new classes for the people. The FroZen Fitness class in High Park (Thursday mornings from 10-11am) is now also being offered on Saturdays from 11am-12pm. This particular strength training program is made up of Zen, Qi Gong and Tai Chi exercises from ancient China that develop structural balance and have a strong centering effect on the mind. ...
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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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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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