INNER WORKINGS

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Applied Meditation/Qi Gong

The Power of Meditation: Clinical evidence that meditative practices can dramatically affect physical & mental health and quality of life has been steadily mounting for years. Hundreds of studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation (a form adapted from Buddhist Vipassana teachings) alone. Mindfulness-based stress reduction, pioneered by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in 1979, is now being offered at more than 250 MBSR clinics worldwide.

Western science first became seriously interested in “applied meditation” (i.e. meditation used for specific mental/physical health aims) in the 1960’s, when Transcendental Meditation -- as introduced to the West by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi -- was gaining popularity in the U.S. Numerous encouraging scientific studies were conducted. Interest in meditation’s tangible benefits has grown exponentially since that time, attracting the involvement of many of the world’s top neuroscientists and psychologists.

Qi Gong (pronounced chee-gung), is often called Meditation in Motion. The term means "energy cultivation" or "working with the life force energy." Qi Gong is a powerful Chinese system of postures, exercises, breathing techniques and meditations. Inspired by ancient shamanic practices and later by Taoist philosophy, qi gong evolved to become an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its techniques are designed to improve and enhance the body's qi, which, in Taoism & TCM, is believed to be responsible for health, vitality and spiritual development.

Contact me today for a free consultation! (805) 709-2227. Email: devinwalla@gmail.com.

Personal approach to Meditation & Qi Gong

Of course, the word meditation can mean different things to different people, depending on their beliefs and upbringing. Because of the variety of interests and interpretations, I offer clients instruction and coaching in a wide range of meditation techniques matched to their needs, including:

  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Guided meditations & visualizations
  • Sound/Music & Writing meditations (“3 R’s”: Releasing/Reframing/Re-integrating)
  • Qi Gong

Fees

The suggested donation for private coaching sessions in applied meditation & qi gong is $50. Qi gong classes (click on newsletter tag for current schedule of events) are held in several locations locally and only cost $10. Call (805) 709-2227 or email devinwalla@gmail.com for info or to register. Click newsletter tag on home page for current schedule of public events.

Training

I was initially certified to teach qi gong by master Lee Holden and have done additional training with several other eastern and western masters, including study in medical qi gong.

My meditation practice began in 1972 at the Zen Priory in Eugene, Oregon and I continue to deepen my practice by attending retreats and trainings with leading Buddhist and Taoist teachers. I co-founded meditation groups in Oregon, Tennessee, and California and have taught meditation in neurological & substance abuse rehabilitation settings. Since 1999 I have been a student of the Rev. Hye Wol Sunim, a Buddhist monk ordained in both Mahayana and Theravada traditions. Sunim is director of the Meditation Center for Zen Community in Pear Blossom, CA.