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LIST OF PRESENTATIONS
Tea Ceremony
Aikido
Aroma Therapy
Reiki
Massage Therapy
Tea Ceremony
Tea was imported from China to Japan at the beginning of Heian period
in the early 9th century as medicine. At that time, tea leaves had
been integrated into the complex system of herbal medicine in China.
In 1168 C.E., the fonder of Japanese Rinzai Zen Buddhism, Eisai
Myoan, brought powdered tea (Japanese: matcha) to Japan. In Zen
monasteries, tea was mostly used as an energy drink and as a means to
stay awake during long periods of meditation such as the rohatsu
sesshin (usually held in early December). By the beginning of the
16th century, tea ceremony had developed into a sophisticated system
by the nobility and the Rinzai Zen monks of Daitokuji in Kyoto. Sen
no Rikkyu systematized tea ceremony (Japanese: cha no yu––the water
of tea––or sado––the way of tea) based on the principles of harmony,
reverence, purity, and tranquility. He conceived of the tea ceremony
as a self-cultivation technique aimed at spiritual transformation and
psychosomatic health.
Presenter: Gereon Kopf
Aikido
"Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat
the enemy. It is the way to reconcile the
world and make human beings one family."
-Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido
Aikido is a classical Japanese martial art developed in the early
part of last century by Morihei Ueshiba, known to Aikido students as
O-Sensei (which means Great Teacher). O-Sensei was an extraordinary
man, highly skilled in a variety of martial arts, as well as a devoted
student of religion and philosophy.
Purpose
O Sensei believed that the purpose of the martial arts should not be
only for self-defense or a way of defeating an opponent. Rather, he
felt it should be used as a means of developing ourselves as human
beings and a way of coping with the stress and confusion of a rapidly
changing world.
In Aikido we never clash with an attacker head-on. Instead, utilizing
evasive, circular movements we blend with the attack, leading the
attacker into a variety of throws or joint locking techniques.
Although Aikido is a powerful and effective form of self-defense, the
techniques have been developed in such a way as to avoid permanent
injury to an attacker. You don't have to be strong or young to
practice Aikido. It can be practiced by women, men and children of all
sizes and ages, since it uses the attackers' size and strength against
them. Practice is geared toward an individual's ability and comfort
level when he or she begins, and classes are conducted with a spirit
of encouragement. Students help each other learn the techniques, and
one learns as much from performing the technique as from receiving it.
There are no tournaments or competitive matches in Aikido. Instead you
learn through repetitive practice in a thoughtful, studious
atmosphere. Being non-competitive in nature, Aikido practices can be
soft and flowing or vigorous and aerobic depending on the desires of
you and your partner. Aikido promotes suppleness, flexibility and
concentration as well as a confident, balanced personality.
Presenter: Jayne Thompson and Jack Hayes
Aroma Therapy
Aromatherapy… Transcending Cultures, History and Science
Our class will cover the historical uses of essential oils as well as scientific proof that essential oils have validity in our modern world. We will also look at past and modern cultural influences that impact the world of aromatherapy! We will look at simple solutions using essential oils for many of our “common ailments!” Come and experience simple ways that essential oils can enhance your life!
Presenter: Star Moree
Reiki
Our bodies and its energy field can become unbalanced due to various experiences and from everyday wear and tear. There are many ways to repair the damage and restore balance to these centers. One simple technique is Reiki. Translated as “universal life energy” it is a form of hands on healing, which is believed to have originated in Japan. It is a powerful technique that is used to reduce stress and enhance relaxation, which in turn, promotes healing. Come hear the history, learn about the process for becoming a Reiki practitioner and possibly experience the relaxation and warmth that Reiki provides.
Presenter: Deb Erickson
Massage Therapy
Presenter Anne Brady will speak about her philosophy on massage therapy, the body-mind-soul connection, and will lead the audience on a guided neck and shoulder massage giving us all an opportunity to learn the importance of healthy touch and the human connection it brings forward.
Presenter: Anne Brady
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