1. The reconnection
with the body

All too often, the pace of our modern life keeps us in a mental state, where the mind is not able to turn off. In other words, we are shut off from our bodily experiences, which can lead to sickness, stress, burn-out, a feeling of not-belonging,…

We believe that coping with this modern world needs a rediscovery and appreciation of the body.

Even now, the ancient Taoist practices still offer an invaluable way to truly come home in our body. This does not only imply body movements, but also inner work like organ meditations and healing practices.

This means being able to be present and embody our emotions, wishes and wisdom out of a rooted and stable state.

Through this bodily “arriving”, a deeper spot in yourself can be touched and it can open a new perspective to life, maybe one you have never experienced before.

At the same time, you will learn to get a stronger and more heathly body. Your vitality, your energy “Qi” and flexibility will increase. This is not only a way towards more joy and happiness in daily life. It will also support your inner healing process and your personal growth.

The mind can take a break, the heart opens and you feel more stable and confident to make the next step forward.

As a consequence, with the right approach and additional western methods, in this training we open the gates to a wholesome connection on a next level: in our relations, and maybe even and on a global scale.

Taoism

Taoism is one of the world’s great wisdom traditions.
It is a practice-oriented path of inner development, combining healing arts, meditation, wisdom, Qigong, Taiji, Chinese medicine and philosophy. The strengthening and healing of the body plays a central role.

Important Taoist practices such as movements, development of inner power and meditation, are nowadays often taught under the umbrella term “Qigong”.

Their common ground is the philosophy of Taoism, which has self-healing, vitality, inner harmony and spiritual growth as its fundamental goals.

Tao

The Taoists believe TAO is where everything comes from, how reality manifests. The actual “being”, the Way, the principle of the Universe.

Since this is so abstract, one of the main goals of the training is not only to learn about the Tao in a theoretical way - as something far away - but to actually experience how the Tao becomes ‘alive’, how it is life itself.

You may experience a broader view of reality, which may be fundamentally life-changing, and you may gain a deeper trust in Life.

East meets West

After 40 years of meditation experience, Carsten found out that our process of healing and integration can be much faster if it is supported by modern approaches such as stress release, alternative medicine, coaching and communication techniques.

For example field work and heart communication are excellent tools to enter a state of insights as if you meditated for a very long time.

They help you to integrate your shadow sides and to get a higher perspective of your life. In this way you can develop your potential, find solutions for daily topics and sense what your heart really needs.

When a blind man would approach and touch an elephant, he would maybe first describe the tusks, another time the trunk, then maybe the tail or even its big majestic body. But only all the different pieces together make the elephant.

This is exactly the concept of Tao & Qigong - The Art of Living: The different practices complement each other and at the same time result in something new. You can find the practices in the graphic.

How is this to be understood? Very simple: A single cell and an organ do not yet have their own consciousness. In a human being, in its wholeness and its interaction, it is suddenly there.

During the training you will physically experience how the different elements interact and will come to life as a new (art)piece. You experience which methods and aspects are most important for your inner process. And you will also become clearer what other people need to become healthier and more vital, to develop their consciousness or to free themselves from old patterns.

At the same time you will dive into a new connection to yourself and to life. This new connection is an initial ignition for self-healing, for an inner arrival, clarity and wisdom and for the development of your inner potential. It enables you to experience a new perspective of your life.

The iceberg in this picture is a metaphor for our Self. The part hidden in the water stands for our unconsciousness. It accounts for about 98 percent of our being and is the place for many solutions and changes.

Through the combination of Qigong, meditations, cell-healing and practices from the field of "mysticism and wisdom" you gain access to the unconscious. This enables you to "reprogram" your cells and dissolve old behaviour patterns.

Two principles are important: The principle of acceptance of what is (self-acceptance) as well as trust in your self-healing powers (power of self-organization). Then often only a few new impulses are needed.

When the area of the unconscious gradually clears up, your body becomes softer and more flowing as if by itself. Your inner core then begins to shine.

The spiritual traditions speak here of rediscovering your "true nature", or of awakening from the long dream of the ego. The iceberg recognizes that its true home is the ocean. You get a new view of who you really are, a deep confidence in life, with the feeling of being nourished and protected.

In the Training The Art of Living we want to lead you into this deep connection. Because here is the place where everything changes. For this purpose we have developed a special combination of methods. From your side it only needs a focus - a focus on something deeper than your Self.