Mimi Kuo-Deemer

"A beautiful and timely gift." -- Sifu Matthew Cohen, Founder, Sacred Energy Arts Founder For centuries, Chinese sages, rulers, and spiritual seekers have embraced a simple yet powerful principle that enables them to live in harmony with the source of nature and all life. The art of self-cultivation or xiu yang (pronounced "sheow yaang") is based on the concept that we can nurture our capacity to be fully human and awake, finding balance and peace in our home, life, and community. Author Mimi Kuo-Deemer leads readers through a combination of practices from meditation and mindfulness to yoga and qigong, offering ancient wisdom to help with contemporary challenges. "Exquisite ... for anyone interested in building a sustainable life that is imbued with vibrant healthy, mental and emotional clarity, and the most basic human need of all: happiness." -- Donna Farhi, author of Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit "A treasure chest for the heart and mind, a potent tonic for body and breath, and a vibrant life essence for the spirit." -- Simon Low, Principal of The Yoga Academy "Kuo-Deemer doesn't simply write about these ancient teachings, she shares the fruits of practicing them, processing timeless truths in her own heart and mind and body, so that we can do so in ours. Xiu Yang gives glimpses of her own transformational self-cultivation, while showing us a path for our own." -- Martin Lylward, Co-Founder, The Mindfulness Institute "Profound and powerful." -- Norman Blair, author of Brightening Our Inner Skies"Almost lost in China over the past century's onslaught of modernisation, xiu yang is now at the centre of Chinese people's search for values and belief -- a tribute to the enduring power of these ancient practices. In this slender but powerful book, Mimi Kuo-Deemer unlocks xiu yang for the modern reader, de-mystifying it without losing the eternal, timeless qualities that have made it one of Chinese people's most potent ways of living a good, honourable, happy, and healthy life." -- Ian Johnson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao

'Exquisite... for anyone interested in building a sustainable life that is imbued with vibrant healthy, mental and emotional clarity, and the most basic human need of all: happiness' - Donna Farhi, author of Yoga Mind, Body, Spirit'A treasure chest for the heart and mind, a potent tonic for body and breath, and a vibrant life essence for the spirit' - Simon Low, Principal of the Yoga Academy 'A beautiful and timely gift' - Sifu Matthew Cohen, Sacred Energy Arts Founder 'Profound and powerful' - Noman Blair, author of Brightening Our Inner SkiesFor centuries, Chinese sages, rulers and spiritual seekers have embraced a simple yet powerful principle to enable them to live in harmony with the Source of nature and all life; the art of 'self-cultivation' or, xiu yang. Xiu yang works with the idea that we can steadily nurture our capacity to being fully human and fully awake. Like a field that is patiently cultivated to optimally grow the nourishing and healthy crops, we can undertake practices aimed at smoothing out the roughness and irregularities in our bodies, minds and spirits in order to produce a deep, lasting spiritual happiness. Xiu yang promotes the idea that inner balance leads to outer radiance: in order to be in harmony with the world, we must first be in harmony with ourselves. By tending to the field of our own bodies, hearts, minds and relationships, we can start making positive changes within our lives and in the lives of others. In this nurturing lifestyle guide, Mimi Kuo-Deemer champions the contemporary value of adopting this ancient approach. Through a combination of practices from meditation and mindfulness to yoga and qigong, Xiu Yangoffers a fresh approach to finding balance and bringing peace into your life, home and community. Part I: The Art of Xiu YangPart II: Xiu Yang for a Healthy and Harmonious BodyPart III: Xiu Yang for a Balanced Mental and Emotional LifePart IV: Xiu Yang for a Happier Place in the World

This book inspires yoga teachers to explore the synergy between qigong and yoga sequencing through an exploration of how qigong principles, postures and themes can be incorporated into yoga. It allows yoga teachers to add a dimension of physical and energetic awareness during movement and in asana. Introducing key concepts, Joo Teoh demonstrates the application of each aspect as well as addressing variations and adaptations for different physical limitations. This book is also supported by black and white illustrations and photographs. This book is part of the series 'Yoga Teaching Guides', which provides expert information on essential topics as well as ideas for creative teaching.

"Mimi Kuo-Deemer takes the reader on a journey through the five elements and seasons of qigong, explaining their connection to health, lifestyle, and state of mind. . . . It is a pleasure to read such a balanced approach. I highly recommend Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis " -- Kenneth S. Cohen, author of The Way of Qigong Reduce stress, release pain, and create bodily harmony with this introduction to qigong and the yin/yang balance of tai chi, the ancient Chinese arts of movement meditation. This accessible book features information about these practices as well as insights into their benefits, providing tools for replenishing inner resources and managing energy levels. It also offers advice on making healthier choices in everyday life that will support the body's natural capacity for energy, balance, and well-being.

Reduce stress, release pain and create whole body harmony with this practical introduction to Qigong and the yin/yang balance of Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese arts of 'movement meditation'. From reducing stress and improving posture to balance and general mobility, the many physical and mental benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi are widely celebrated. In this accessible book, Mimi Kuo-Deemer offers practices, insights and wisdom on these arts, and shows us how to support our natural capacity for energy, balance and wellbeing. Qigong's approach is based on the Chinese Five Elements or Phases of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each natural element relates to an organ and meridian system in the body, and Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis will explore each of these elements as they relate to our physical, mental and emotional health. It also will include popular and widely practiced sequences and forms such as the 8 Brocades, Five Animal Frolics, Tai Chi Qigong 18 Forms and Five Element Qigong practices and explore how these lead to wholeness, nourishment and health. Part I: Wood Element: Nourishing our Roots Part 2: Fire Element: Nourishing the Heart Part 3: Earth Element: Nourishing the Mind Part 4: Metal Element: Nourishing the SpiritPart 5: Water Element: Nourishing our Deepest Wisdom