On the most beautiful day we have had all year, more than fifty practitioners gathered in Rohnert Park’s attractive Burton Recreation Center to learn centuries old Qi Gong movements for maintaining and achieving health and well-being. Master Li Shu Dong, a former professor in China’s Luo Yang University who immigrated here in 1996 with exceptional ability in the field of martial arts, opened the event with an awe inspiring Tai Chi performance. Wearing shimmering gold silk, he moved majestically as each elegant movement flowed with incredible balance and control.
Next, Master Miao Fu Sheng, professor from China’s Liao Ning University, who is traveling around the world with a the Chinese Health Qui Gong Association, demonstrated and proceeded to teach us the Wu Qin Xi (Five Animal Form).
This Qui Gong set encompasses the brave and wild temperament of the tiger, the rapid, smart and brisk pace of the running deer, the heavy, steady swaying of the bear, the nimble, cunning movements of the monkey, and the crane stretching it legs and spreading its wings for flying.
Master Miao’s delightfully interactive personality was a perfect fit for the lighthearted charm of the animals’ spirits. Though his explanations were in Chinese, translated by Master Li, his clever insertions of colloquial English – such as OK – and counting in English were enjoyed by the group.
As the workshop came to a close, we went our separate ways feeling refreshed and appreciative of the two masters who had so suberbly shared their wisdom and skills with us. In our hearts, we vowed to continue personally practicing as well as sharing these movements for ultimate health.
