Nourishing Life

Cultivating the Art of Change

Learn the Daoist art of Internal Change

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xin dao

The Way of the Heart

Authentic Qigong rooted in the Dragon Gate Nei Gong system of Quanzhen Daoism

We are an affiliate of the Lotus Nei Gong International school of Daoist arts. Our syllabus covers the level one material of the school as taught by Damo Mitchell and senior teachers.

Nei Gong means internal skill. It is an alchemical process of physical and energetic change which unfolds through the correct application of ongoing training. As the process progresses, the body’s tissues undergo structural changes accompanied by a clearing of old conditioning and reorganisation of energetic functioning. Gradually a set of specific qualities become embedded in the physical and energetic system. As this happens, the efficiency of the body and mind increases and one’s health, vitality, mental clarity and sense of calm markedly improve. At more advanced levels one’s perceptual abilities and insight start to develop, and access to deeper states of stillness and awareness begin to emerge. The Nei Gong process is catalysed through specific application of various Qigong and Dao Yin exercises. These forms are the tools we use to move through the process.

The PROCESS

Freeing the Body

It is through the medium of the body that we cultivate our art. The body is our alchemical workshop. If our workshop is disorganised then our work will be inefficient and haphazard. The first step on the path is therefore to transform the body and condition it in the correct way for the setting up and unfolding of the Nei Gong process.

Awakening the Energy

Here the focus is on locating, activating, and developing the lower dan tian, clearing the body of pathogenic information (xie qi), and opening the channels to establish the foundation for efficient energetic circulation and the building and refining of qi. We use structural alignments, static postures and simple moving and breathing exercises to bring about profound shifts in physical, energetic and mental functioning.

Nourishing the Spirit

We nourish the spirit with stillness. Whilst the higher aspects of spiritual cultivation lie beyond Nei Gong, there is a progressive thread of stillness work underlying the entire Nei Gong process. As we progress on the path the focus of cultivation becomes more and more centred on working with consciousness and developing the correct qualities of attention to contact and nourish the spirit. We use a variety of seated practices and breath work to settle the mind, still the jing, build qi, refine the quality of our awareness, and begin developing our connection to spirit. 

The TOOLS

Standing

The root of all moving forms, static postures are amongst the most powerful tools for mobilising qi and initiating change.

Qi Gong

Simple moving exercises designed to nourish, circulate and harmonise the qi as well as help to restructure the soft tissues for more advanced energy work.

Dao Yin

 Dynamic exercises involving strong extension of the body sinews and opening and clearing of the joints and energy gates - qi men. Dao yin means to guide and lead. These exercises are used primarily to purge the system of pathogenic information - xie qi - as well as help realign the tissues and restructure the body, creating more internal space and conductivity for efficient qi circulation.  

Sitting

 Stillness work is at the heart of this system and takes an increasingly central role as the process progresses.  A variety of seated practices are used to settle the mind, consolidate the dan tian, build qi and begin establishing our connection to stillness. 

our approach

We believe in training hard but having a lot of fun in the process

Lightheartedness and humour are essential qualities for this work and we try to keep a good balance in the classes between focused application and having a good time. We feel the training space should be an inclusive, safe and mutually supportive place where we can all learn together in a non-judgemental and non competitive atmosphere.

It is not necessary to be super fit or flexible but it is advisable to be in reasonably good shape and free of any major injuries or illnesses. If you are interested in participating but are unsure if it is suitable for you please don’t hesitate to contact us for a chat.

The training is designed to initiate internal change and start to move you through several stages of inner transformation in preparation for spiritual cultivation. Participants should be aware that it can be both physically and mentally challenging and can be surprisingly strong at times. Come prepared to meet your edges, work hard and have lots of fun!

Contact us about classes

Testimonials

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Falling effortlessly into silence

I find the training very beneficial to my body and mind. With the help of Nei Gong I found a new way of experiencing and discovering the body. Almost as a side effect of the training the mind gets anchored which definitely supports its falling effortlessly into silence. The training is challenging, I want to grow :), and informative. Sam and Francesca have an open and clear teaching style in which oneself feels invited to ask questions but also to go deeper. I don't think it is an accident that Chi and Nei Gong are becoming popular with teachers I do respect. It is a form of modern and ancient body technology which can help in our current times to stay in balance and to discover new ways of operating. I am most grateful to stumbled upon it and for Sam and Francesca to teach in this open and deep way.

Kiki Seegers

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Hard to even describe how transformative it was

It wasn't easy and there were definitely moments where I thought I couldn't go on, but its hard to even describe how transformative it was. And just how impactful it is to just stop and pay some attention and focus to yourself internally. My body feels so much stronger and more centred and held, I actually feel taller.

Lea Nevin

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Brilliant teachers bursting with energy

Classes can be challenging but I feel really good afterwards. Both Sam and Francesca are brilliant teachers, bursting with energy and always making time for a giggle on the way!

Lisa Mitchell

Yang Sheng training programme

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