Sandy's September/October 2023
Qigong & Mindfulness
Newsletter

Never Too Old

We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, and maybe a part of us has even come to believe it. “I’m not sure I’ve got the brainpower anymore”, “My energy isn’t what it used to be”, or “I’m too old to start something like that!”, are all adages I’ve heard myself and my friends say at one time or another.

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I’d like to suggest we start challenging these limiting mindsets and instead start asking ourselves, “What is it I’d still like to try?”, or “What would it take to accomplish the dream of being/doing…?”, and How might I live my best life with vitality and purpose?”.  Most importantly, “How might I share my gifts unashamedly with others to help them see their own potential?”.

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According to Psychology Today, “Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to continue growing and evolving in response to life experiences.  Historically, scientists believed that the brain stopped growing after childhood. But current research shows that the brain is able to continue growing and changing throughout the lifespan. The importance of neuroplasticity can’t be overstated: It means that it is possible to change dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behaving and to develop new mindsets, new memories, new skills, and new abilities.”

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Twenty-two years ago my life was changed for the better when I took my first Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course and I have dreamed of being a mindful meditation instructor ever since.  Meanwhile I became certified as a Qigong Teacher, which included teaching meditation, and which built upon my earlier career teaching stress management courses and numerous fitness/wellness classes.  Today I can proudly announce that I have successfully passed the rigorous requirements for an international accreditation and can call myself, at long last, a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher!

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This fall I will begin teaching Mindfulness Meditation Courses and to use what I have learned to enhance my Qigong practices and future retreats.  If Qigong has taught me one thing, it’s that we each have amazing potential within us to be the best version of ourselves.  I for one, intend to keep growing in knowledge and hopefully, in wisdom, as I explore who I am and what I can become.

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Another way you will see this being played out this fall is with the integration of an ancient Qigong form called Tao Yin (pronounced Dow Yin), which I am currently being trained to teach.  I have already begun to weave in some elements of Tao Yin and plan to expand to some more challenging postures and mat work designed to teach us each how to guide and direct energy throughout our meridians. Some exercises resemble yoga and Pilates, but with flowing movements to keep the body’s pathways open.

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So if you are looking to take your Qigong or Mindfulness practices to a new level, I invite you to join me this fall (see details below) with a renewed commitment to your own health and well-being.  I’ll be right there with you, pushing my boundaries and watching my limiting thoughts melt away!

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Saying, “YES!” to new pathways,

Sandy Salvo