In the early 90’s I was diagnosed with an auto-immune system dysfunction which caused chronic pain, inflammation, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Western medicine practices did not bring relief and came with a variety of side effects. Eventually I began to look elsewhere for help. Fortunately, somewhere along my path I developed a belief in something greater, a feeling that anything is possible and the strength to never give up. I’ve also found that it takes hard work and and a supportive community to grow and learn and that everyone has something to share.
Cynthia enjoys combining several ancient and modern healing systems for health of body, mind and spirit, including Yoga, Energy Medicine, Tai Chi and Qigong. She began her yoga practice in 1989, when she was working professionally as a Landscape Architect for Sasaki Associates in Watertown Mass. “Yoga became a very important thread in the tapestry of my life, bringing balance and harmony.”She holds a 500 hour teaching certificate from Sun and Moon Yoga Studio and began teaching yoga in 2002. She also holds a 200 hour teaching certificate from the IIQTC (Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi) and began teaching Tai Chi and Qigong in 2015. She supports the community by offering several free classes for Girl Scoot troops and volunteering time for Peaceable Dragon events including World Tai Chi Day (the last Saturday in April at Meadowlark Gardens). She has studied around the world with various teachers including Baxter Bell, Barbara Benagh, Kaustab Desikachar, John Friend, Anodea Judith, Doug Keller, Neel Kulcarni, Tias Little, Desiree Rumbaugh, Erich Schiffman, John Schumacher, Rod Stryker and Rodney Yee. She began studying Qigong with Pauline Reid (a Peaceable Dragon Teacher) in 2012 and has also studied with Roger Jahnke, Daisy Lee and Master Lee JunFeng as well as several other at the NQA (National Qigong Association). I can be reached at: sunmooncynthia@gmail.com
Yoga
Gentle stretching techniques to strengthen the body while relaxing and focusing the mind, this centuries-old system for total health and well-being includes yoga poses, breathing techniques and deep relaxation. These techniques create the combined effect of unblocking and increasing the energy within your body. This helps to relax you and focus your mind so that you can experience deep inner peace. This system also reduces the negative impacts of stress; strengthens muscles while increasing their flexibility; tones all the internal organs, glands and the nervous system; keeps the spine healthy; increases joint mobility; and lowers high blood pressure.
Qigong (Chi Kung)
Sometimes referred to as Chinese Yoga, Qigong is an ancient healing art that combines movement, deep breathing and meditation. Qi is “life Force”, the essence of nature itself that nourishes and energizes all living things. Qigong consists of moving and non-moving meditations for reducing stress, improving physical health, the emotions, and opening the heart.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Also called Taijiquan, this art reminds the outside observer of the calm, rhythmic flowing of a river. The practitioner appears distant while at the same time focused and attentive. Seeming to make no effort, yet moving gently, the appearance masks a capacity for enormous power. Stillness in motion and motion in stillness.
A tool for improving physical and mental health, taijiquan is also a martial art, with each movement having applications. Proponents of this art state that it has brought them closer to their inner nature while enabling them to discover fresh perspectives on life.
Meditation
To still the mind and attain greater focus is one of the main goals of meditation. These practices enable us to travel to the core of our consciousness to find emotional and mental clarity. Generally, man is unable to attain this level of stillness at an ordinary level of attentiveness. Meditation can be performed in silence or with chanting or repeating a mantra or gazing upon a mandala.
