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.
• Space for questions, sharing experiences and clarifying anything people would like to revisit.

Phil from Pause & Breathe will be the facilitator for this morning retreat.

This morning costs £40 to attend, with a reduced rate available for those who could not otherwise afford to come. Pause & Breathe members get a 10% discount. Hot drinks and snacks will be provided. There is the opportunity to contribute to our pay-it-forward scheme, helping to subsidise our reduced rate spaces. You can do this by paying an additional £1. If you are able to, please select this option.

The morning retreat will be held on Sunday 16th August 9.30am-12.30pm.

Meet Your Facilitator:

Phil is a well-recognised Martial Arts teacher, specialising in Japanese Ju-Jitsu. Phil is a 7th Dan, and has been inducted into the World's Martial Arts Hall of Fame as National Instructor of the Year (2023). Phil has over 45 years experience in Martial Arts. He has his own club, Kuroyaki-Ryu, which is part of Pause & Breathe. Phil has been teaching Qi Gong for Pause & Breathe since 2019, he specialises in energy and is a Reiki Master.