The Art of Smiling - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ’S :

If you find it difficult to read, please let me know and I will call you to discuss these areas.

Is this course just doing Qigong Exercises?- No! In fact - most of the work is not involving physical movements at all. This course examines the Three Pillars of True Health based on the Science of Zhineng Qigong. This covers the physical body as well as the heart and the mind. More time is spent on how to uncover and transform Qi blockages in the heart and mind than in the body in the actual course itself. Participants are encouraged therefore to attend the complimentary practical Classes that are available in conjunction with this course if they would like to learn more physical Neck and Spine Health-Care for example.

Are there any other requirements other than attending on the day of the course? - You are welcome to participate in this course at whatever level you choose based on your own self-healing journey, or journey of personal transformation. This course will provide a large tool-box of transformational techniques and you may then choose to apply these tools or not depending upon your own life situation and intentions. If you are wishing to participate fully, then each week, apart from the course work discussed in the two-hour session, you will be given a series of personal invitations that you can use to delve deeper into the work during the week in between sessions. You also receive complimentary access to Listening Mind Practical Classes. There will be a number of classes available for you to explore - Neck & Spine Health-Care, La Qi for Self-Healing and Wellness Qi. You have the option of participating in any or all of these classes for free.

Do I need to be mobile? - No, you can choose to participate in the course exercises seated, standing or lying down. The exercises are gentle and can be adapted to suit all abilities. The venues are wheelchair accessible unless noted otherwise.

Is the course confidential? - Yes, confidentiality is discussed on the first day and a group agreement will be established. Zhineng Qigong is a powerful method of healing, and it is important that group members feel comfortable to share with each other things they may be experiencing.

I’m not comfortable speaking in a group, will I need to share a lot? - Sharing is an aspect of healing in the Science of Zhineng Qigong. There are many powerful processes that happen both to the person sharing and those listening that can initiate healing without people realising. For this reason a small amount of sharing will form part of the framework of the Self-Healing Course. This sharing will be voluntary, and time restricted, and if you are struggling you will have the opportunity to examine what is blocking you from sharing or participating as an aspect of your healing journey if you so choose.

Will we need to stand a lot? - No, we will be sitting down for most of the session as we will be working through course work and completing exercises.

What if I'm not very capable physically? - You do not need to have any level of physical stamina or ability to attend this course. The exercises can be adjusted to suit all levels. You also do not need to be able to move your body at all! All of the exercises can be done using the mind and are equally (if not more) powerful when this skill is developed.

Do I need to have an illness to participate in this course? - No! This course facilitates a journey for personal transformation. It is wonderful to do this course to bring joy and happiness into your life - thereby offsetting any future illnesses that may develop. If you do have an illness or a serious long term condition then the course will also be wonderful for you, as you will be embarking on a journey of re-empowerment of your healing.

What if I can’t make all of the 9 sessions? Is it still worth me attending? - It's ideal to be in attendance as much as possible to gain the most from the sessions and to benefit from being in the healing Qi field. But if you can’t make all of them, then it is certainly better that you come along to the ones you can rather than not at all! To assist with the times you may need to miss a class, the classes are audio recorded and will be shared amongst class members only. If you miss a session the course notes for that session will be emailed to you, and you will be able to listen and catch up on what you have missed.

What do I wear? - Wear clothing you are comfortable in for gentle movement and for seating. You do not need to wear any particular sports or athletic gear at all.

Do I wear socks or shoes? - Unless you prefer to keep your shoes on, it is nice to take your shoes off to enter the room to be more comfortable. You may choose to bring alternative slippers for warmth, yoga socks or inside flat shoes for wearing. If you wish to stand up to do the qigong exercises then non-slip footwear is recommended, for example yoga socks or bed socks with grips on the sole, or inside flat shoes.

Will there be a break? - Depending on the course content, a break is usually allocated approximately after one hour. There are toilets in the venue for use.

Will it be warm? - For winter classes, the room will have heating and will be nice and warm. If you feel the cold then feel free to bring a wrap or dress warmly to suit your own needs.

Do I bring my own water? - Yes please bring your own water or any other requirements for the two-hour session.

Will I need to take notes? - You may like to make notes based on the discussions. Pens will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

I am on medication, does that matter? - Your personal health journey is your own, and you will maintain whatever it is that you are already doing. There is no requirement in the course for reducing medications or any other adjustments unless you are wishing to do so yourself.

What if I need to pull out of the course or decide to no longer attend? - If for whatever reason you find in the first few weeks that you are not able to continue with the course, then your contribution will be forwarded to any future Art of Smiling Course running which you are welcome to attend at a time that may be more suitable for you. If you decide in the first few weeks that the course does not meet your requirements and you no longer wish to participate, you are welcome to pass your contribution on to another person and they can attend any upcoming course in your place.

What if I find I can’t manage being in a group? - If for whatever reason within the first few weeks you find that the group work is too difficult for you to manage, you will be able to transfer your contribution to two sessions of the Private Opening Doors Program. These sessions are one-on-one, conducted at my studio in Blackheath or online via Zoom. You may then choose to continue with private coaching once completing the Opening Doors Program.

Are there any side effects to doing Zhineng Qigong? - Zhineng Qigong is a very powerful and effective way of mobilising Qi in the body. As Qi is mobilised it can often shift blockages in the body, heart and mind. This sometimes can result in symptoms or ‘reactions’ of physical discomfort, or emotional release.  In the Personal Transformation Course we will discuss all of these aspects of working with Qi and you will be supported in this process. These ‘Qi Reactions’ are welcomed and are a wonderful indication that you are healing. You will need to sign a liability waiver when you commence the course. This will be emailed to you at the time of your registration of interest for your information.