Ta'i Chi and Qigong Week | Kevin M. Sullivan

Kevin M. Sullivan has studied and taught martial arts for close to thirty-years. He has a 5th degree black belt from Body Mind Systems Martial Arts Training Center (which requires expertise in eight martial arts). His dedication to promoting health has prompted him to study Qigong in Beijing, China and to obtain a Certificate of Completion in Chinese Herbal Studies at the Swedish Institute in New York. Kevin conducts classes and workshops throughout New York. He shares his knowledge with a wide audience with the award-winning cable television program “Tai Chi Made Easy” (which airs in Manhattan and Queens, New York.).

During his week at the Ranch Kevin will teach the following classes:

Tai Chi principles and practices 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Sunday through Friday

Tai Chi builds the body’s strength and energy by combining gentle exercises into a dance-like form. You don’t need to remember a long series of movements to achieve the health benefits of Tai Chi. In this class we divide a Tai Chi form into separate exercises that are easy to learn. With its smooth flowing postures and deep breathing, Tai Chi improves flexibility and strengthens joints to alleviate pain and improve posture, balance, and coordination. It is adaptable from gentle to rigorous levels so that people of all ages and of all physical abilities may take advantage of its many benefits, including building strength and boosting circulation.

Qigong principles and practices 3:00 – 3:45 pm Sunday through Friday

Qigong exercises gently build the body’s strength and energy. In this ancient Chinese practice, breathing and simple movements are harmonized to effectively maintain and enhance fitness. The exercises are deeply centering and relaxing, clearing away stress and gently aiding the body to detoxify and regain vibrant health.

Inspiration: Yoga and Writing | Phyllis Pilgrim and Irene Borger

Moving into the triple pleasures of breath, asanas, and writing, Phyllis Pilgrim and Irene Borger have designed an integrated program of yoga and writing that generates the optimal condition for summoning the creative self. Whether you have been writing and doing yoga for a long time, have not studied yoga or written at all, or are beginning a creative project of any kind, you are invited to breathe in new life and inspiration.

• 10am Yoga Fundamentals: Level 1 / Progressive – Sunday through Friday
• 3pm Yoga and Writing (110 min) – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Writer and teacher Irene Borger's work has appeared in many publications including The Los Angeles Times, Vogue, O, Architectural Digest, and on The Wall Street Journal arts page. The director of the Alpert Award in the Arts, she oversees the giving of five annual $75,000 grants to outstanding artists in the performing and the visual arts. Previously she served as a member of the dance history faculty at University of California, Riverside, and, for ten years, was the artist-in-residence at AIDS Project Los Angeles; the workshop she developed has become a model for writing-as-healing programs throughout the country. Irene first came to the Ranch in 1977, and has been presenting programs here since the mid-1980's. A longtime meditation student, she is working on a book on listening.

On the Web: http://tinyurl.com/7jou9ys and www.alpertawards.org

Phyllis Pilgrim has been inspired by the teachings of BKS Iyengar, H.H. the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hahn, and Shinzen Young, among others. She explores the nether regions of the world, with a spiritual component to each adventure. Recent journeys include hiking the Inca Trail, visiting Dharamsala to listen to the teachings of the Dalai Lama, and trekking in Tibet, Bhutan and Tasmania. Phyllis will teach the daily 9:00 am Yoga fundamentals for beginners in addition to co-presenting with Irene in the afternoon workshops.

Phyllis is the author of “The Hidden Passport” which tells of her young life in Japanese concentrations camps in Java in WW2. She reveals much about her life and philosophy enhanced by her practices in yoga and meditation”. www.phyllispilgrim.com

Culinary Experiences at La Cocina Que Canta | Visiting Teacher Leslie Cerier

Leslie Cerier, "The Organic Gourmet," is an internationally recognized chef, who specializes in local, seasonal, whole foods and organic cuisine with 20+ years experience. Chef, Educator, Culinary Nutrition Coach, and Author of 6 cookbooks: "Visionary, Cooking, Food for the Eyes" (co-author, 2013), "Gluten-Free Recipes for the Conscious Cook" (2010), " Going Wild in the Kitchen" (2005), among others. Leslie teaches vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free cooking for health, vitality and pleasure. Leslie's expertise in culinary nutrition has led to her being much sought after by health professionals and private clients to help them translate challenging dietary allergy issues into culinary success and meal satisfaction.

On the Web: www.lesliecerier.com

Leslie offers three hands-on culinary experiences, 3.5 hours each, during which you will enjoy preparing your own meal along with fellow cooks. Classes take place at La Cocina Que Canta, our new culinary center.

For more information and registration, please click here.