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Community
Practice Guidelines
Below
is a sample of how to structure a Qigong practice
session. If you have other ideas for class outlines we would
love to hear them and share them with others.
Qualities
of an Effective Practice Leader
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Is
a good listener including being sensitive to body
language and other subtle messages.
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Believes
fully in human potential focusing on empowerment and
solutions rather than problems or pathology.
-
Does not
feel the need to be the 'expert,' teacher or healer.
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Is
well-organized so people feel comfortable with the
class process.
-
Has
a sense of humor and uses it.
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Willing
to make mistakes and willing to learn and adjust.
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Is
grounded, present, able to focus and concentrate and
knows how to 'center' themselves.
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Sets
the tone to create safety, beauty, and a positive
and healing environment.
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Communicates
clearly and to the point.
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Models
the qigong state of quiet mind, body and breath.
These traits can be utilized, learned
or developed by anyone who wants to become an effectice practice leader.
Before
the Practice Session
Environment plays an important role for enhancing
health, safety, well-being and peace of mind. Participants
are responsive to the colors, sounds, lighting and organization
in the classroom.
-
Try
to have the classroom orderly and clean (not cluttered
with equipment or other distracting items).
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Try
to have natural lighting if posible, or practice near
nature.
-
As
people arrive and settle in, play relaxing music if
possible for it immediately calms nerves and sets a
peaceful tone.
-
Make
sure the room temperature is comfortable for participants.
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Remove
phone noises or any other possible distractions.
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You
may want to have a watch or clock nearby so you easily
see the time from your teaching position.
-
Where
will you be positioned as a teacher? Minimize the distance
between yourself and the students and consider traffic
flow into and from the room.
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Center
yourself before class by breathing, opening the heart,
and belief in yourself.
-
Connect
with the students as they come into the class, keeping
talk low to set a quiet tone. This will also allow you
to orient new students.
During
the Practice Session
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Beginning
and ending on time is important to maintain the integrity
of the class and respect the time of the participants.
This honors the student and demonstrates that you
can be trusted to do what you say you will do.
-
Welcoming
remarks will set the tone of the class. Introduce
yourself (students may have forgotten your name),
welcome students to class knowing that without them
there wouldn't be a class! Remind people to turn
cell phones off. If applicable tell students the theme
of the class or announce any upcoming holidays, new
sessions, etc.
-
If
there are new students briefly tell students what
they're going to be doing in class so they feel safe. Ask
the students to take a moment of silence to create
their own special space and set their intent for what
they want to get out of class.
-
Encourage
students to rest at any time, knowing they can sit
or lie down at any time it is needed. Give permission
for people to be themselves.
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Be
aware of what the students are doing so you will be
aware if a student is uncomfortable, confused or needs
help.
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Don't
rush from one qigong practice to the next. Give time
for students to practice mindfulness, going into and
coming out of the exercises slowing and with intention.
Ending
the Practice Session
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Usually
class ends with a relaxation.
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Closing
remarks such as "thank you for coming,"
or holding hands in a circle might also be apppropriate
ways to end class.
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Stay
for a few minutes after class to answer questions.
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