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Get ready for an exciting preview of the upcoming November 2024 BodyMindSpirit Expo, where holistic wellness meets spiritual enlightenment.
Exploring the BodyMindSpirit Expo
Last month, I had the privilege of participating in the BodyMindSpirit Expo, New Zealand's largest holistic expo, where I led an open Tai Chi/Qi Gong Class on the main stage. It was my inaugural festival Tai Chi class in Christchurch.
The event took place at Pioneer Stadium, offering ample parking space. Upon arrival, I took a stroll around the various stalls. There was a diverse array of offerings, including physiotherapy, massages, reflexology, traditional Māori healing (rongoa), psychic readings, and unique gifts. The cultural diversity was evident, with activities such as shamanic sound healing, Indian head massage, and Japanese shiatsu among the offerings.
Meet the Organizer: Suyar
I initially reached out to Suyar to inquire about workshops, but he informed me that I would need to book a stall. Since I had already scheduled a Qi Gong workshop on April 14th, I expressed my inability to commit to the entire weekend.
However, a few days later, Suyar left me a humorous message saying, "if you don't ring me back, I will cry tomorrow." I found his humor delightful and promptly called him back the next day after finishing my rongoa class at 9 pm. During our conversation, Suyar proposed that I lead a one-hour Tai Chi session on the main stage on Saturday. It turned out that Suyar himself is a practitioner of Tai Chi, which made the collaboration even more appealing.
Finally, on the day of the Expo, I met Suyar and his team at the entrance, where they greeted everyone with warm smiles. Despite the main stage lacking a sound system, I had brought a small speaker with me. It was a bit challenging to address the audience in such a vast stadium without proper amplification, but we managed to conduct the Tai Chi Qi Gong session, and it seemed to be well-received by the attendees. Throughout the session, several people approached me, showing interest and engaging in conversation. Some massage therapists even joined in briefly during breaks between attending to their clients, which was heartening to see.
Working at expos typically involves a fast-paced schedule, but after the session, Suyar sent out an email expressing gratitude to everyone and apologizing for any inconvenience. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my photo had been featured on the front page of the flyer and in the newspaper, despite not having paid for such promotion. I am truly grateful for Suyar's support in promoting diverse modalities of body, mind, and spiritual well-being.
Engaging the Audience and Stall Holders
As the old Chinese proverb wisely states, "One tree does not make a forest." Indeed, it takes an entire community to cultivate the vibrant atmosphere of a Holistic Health Expo. Being relatively new to Christchurch, I found immense value in learning from both the audience and fellow stallholders.
I extend my gratitude to the audience members who provided invaluable feedback, sharing their interests and what resonated with them during the session. Additionally, observing how other stallholders promoted their businesses prompted me to reflect on how I can better reach those in need of my services.
Furthermore, passion is truly contagious. Regardless of the specific modalities individuals were practicing, the common thread was evident: when one loves what they do and witnesses the genuine benefits received by others, the healing vibrations are tangible. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to creating such a nurturing space on that day, including both participants and those working tirelessly behind the scenes. Together, we formed a community that radiated healing energy and positivity.
Special Event Highlight: Tai Chi Qi Gong Class
I'm grateful for the spotlight on the BodyMindSpirit Expo's open Tai Chi Qi Gong class, offering attendees a chance to immerse themselves in the ancient Chinese practice of aligning mind, body, and spirit. Guided by myself, the session consisted of 45 minutes of Qi Gong and Tai Chi fundamentals, drawing primarily from classic Qi Gong routines like the Eight Brocades, Five Animal Qi Gong, and Muscle Tendon Change Qi Gong. Due to space constraints and the lack of a microphone, we focused less on Tai Chi, yet the audience area was packed by the end. For the November expo, I'll ensure we have a sound system in place.
Tai Chi Qi Gong is renowned for its myriad benefits, including enhanced balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. It fosters relaxation, diminishes stress, and elevates overall well-being. The open class at the expo provides participants with an opportunity to experience the serenity and grace of this practice firsthand, leaving them revitalized and centered. I extend my gratitude to all who joined in.
Being featured on the expo's front cover is a tremendous honor, and I express heartfelt thanks to the organizers for this acknowledgment. It underscores the transformative influence of Tai Chi Qi Gong and its positive effects on individual well-being. I'm appreciative of the chance to share this practice with expo attendees and eagerly anticipate continuing to inspire and empower others through Tai Chi Qi Gong.
Sneak Peek into November 2024
Get ready to mark your calendars for the eagerly anticipated November 2024 BodyMindSpirit Expo! The event is scheduled for November 30th, so save the date. Anticipate another extraordinary gathering filled with enlightening experiences, insightful workshops, and a rich array of exhibitors.
I'll personally be hosting a stall, so be sure to swing by for a chat and indulge in some authentic Chinese tea. I'll have my traditional Chinese tea ceremony set on hand to serve up some delicious brews. Alongside my stall, there will be a series of captivating workshops to explore, including 6-sound healing Qi Gong, self-care massage sessions, Qi Gong breathing techniques, and an open Tai Chi class.
Join us for a day of holistic wellness, spiritual enrichment, and community connection. The BodyMindSpirit Expo awaits, ready to inspire and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. See you there!
