A Morning of Qi Gong - Bonnybridge

We would like to welcome you to our half-day Qi Gong retreat at The Place to Pause and Breathe, Bonnybridge.

During the course of the morning, we will explore the fundamental principles of Qi Gong, including posture, breath, and the movement of Qi (life energy). We will also look at how Qi Gong relates to the Five Elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water – and how this framework supports emotional balance, physical health, and overall wellbeing.

This retreat is suitable for complete beginners as well as those wishing to deepen an existing practice.

Qi Gong foundations:
- Gentle warm-up: joint loosening, simple stretches and mindful breathing to arrive, ground and relax the nervous system.
- Core principles: alignment (rooted feet, soft knees, relaxed spine), natural breathing, soft focus and “song” (letting go of excess tension).
- Key standing posture: introduction to a basic standing Qi Gong or “embracing the tree” posture to feel stability, relaxation and Qi flow.

Experiencing Qi:
- Awareness exercises: feeling weight in the feet, subtle sensations in the hands, and the effect of breath on the body.
- Simple flowing forms: a short set of 5-6 repeatable movements to coordinate breath, intention and movement.
- Stillness practice: brief standing or seated practice to notice the difference before and after movement.

Five Elements and Qi Gong:
- Short, accessible explanation of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and their links with organs, emotions and seasons, in plain language.
- One or two simple sets of movements or visualisations for each Element, focusing on how they can help with common themes such as stress, overthinking, low energy or frustration.

Integration into daily life:
- How to build a 10–15 minute home practice using the movements learned.
- Guidance on pacing, working with physical limitations and practising safely.
- for questions, sharing experiences and clarifying anything people would like to revisit.
Phil from Pause & Breathe will be the facilitator for this morning retreat.