TAIJIQUAN AUTUMN RETREAT
hands that move like clouds
| CROATIA | 8.10.2023 – 14.10.2023 |
CLOUDHANDS - FIVE DIRECTIONS FORM
Within the teaching method of Path of Dao, Cloudhands are the continuation of Qi Gong into the more advanced practice of Taijiquan.
Cloudhand-Forms are the first forms learned in Taijiquan and will be the ground stone for any other Taiji Form learned within our system.
For many years the topic of our annual summer retreat in Poland has been Cloudhands and Cloudhand-Forms. We are very happy to reconnect to the spirit of the work done in the past and announce the topic of this year’s autumn retreat Taiji Cloudhands & Five-Directions-Form taking place in Croatia at the seaside.
Based on the Qi Gong principles of how to circulate qi, blood and fluids through the body, we will learn one of Taijiquans basic motions “Hands move like clouds”.
We will look deeper into the meaning of the motions of the first Cloudhand, explore its different qualities of Qi (Yin and Yang / rising and sinking / expanding and retracting / opening and closing), work with them and become aware of their effect on our health and wellbeing. Generally, the practice of “Hands moving like clouds” harmonizes the interplay of the right and left hemisphere, works the back in a gentle way, opens the hips and has a soothing effect on the nervous system.
First, we start practicing in parallel standing, then apply other stances, finally adding steps as we progress.
Introducing the steps to our Cloudhands routine brings more power from the lower periphery (legs) to the upper periphery (arms). This will boost the effects and make the exercise more holistic and complete.
From here, we will implement the Cloudhands into a small form called “5 Directions Form”. It’s a simple but beautiful pattern of moving through the 5 cardinal directions according to the 5 elements (water, fire, metal, tree, earth) and the 5 steps (advance, retreat, look to the right, gaze to the left, central equilibrium) of Taijiquan.
Schedule
We start our week on Sunday evening with dinner and an evening introduction practice. The following days will be structured as follows:
| 7.00 – 8.30 | Morning practice |
| 8.30 | Breakfast |
| 10.30 – 12.30 | Practice/Lecture |
| 12.30 | Lunch |
| FREE TIME | |
| 19.30 – 20.30 | Evening Practice |
With 4,5 hours of daily practice we have the opportunity for intense learning and practicing. During free time in the afternoon, enjoying the beautiful sea as well as the surroundings will of course be possible during this week.
We will close the week on Saturday after a morning closure practice and a common breakfast.
There are no prerequisites for participation. People who already have learned Cloudhands will definitely deepen their practice. Newcomers will learn the contents from scratch and can of course profit from more advanced students.
Practice and lectures will be conducted in English. Polish or German translation can be provided if needed. Please let us know.
Location
Crvena Luka Resort ****
Mediterranean oasis in a bay with a sandy beach
The Crvena Luka resort stands out above all for the mesmerizing colors and sensations it evokes in guests. Despite the resort's intriguing name meaning "Red Harbor", the colors that truly define the experience of staying here are the crystal blue and emerald green of the sea, the stunning yellow of the sun-bathed sandy beach, the deep green of the Mediterranean pines and the pure white of the Dalmatian stone, all complemented and enhanced by the resort's modern design and impeccable service. The natural beauty of nature blends perfectly with the stylish atmosphere near the royal town of Biograd na Moru, with the Nature Park of Lake Vransko inland and the magnificent panoramic views of the unique Kornati archipelago, which offers one of the most beautiful sunsets on the Adriatic coast.
Crvena Luka resort also offers plenty of sports and recreational facilities for the whole family. There are tennis courts with a clay surface, a fitness center, a multi-purpose sports field for soccer and basketball, various outdoor exercise facilities, bicycles for rent and a water sports center. In the immediate vicinity of the resort you can easily find additional activities, such as a horseback trip to Lake Vransko or an exciting adrenaline adventure in the Adventure Park, where you can test your paintball skills, have fun on the zip-line or go on an off-road quad safari.
During the camp we will practice inside the resort in the 100m2 conference room and outside in the peaceful and secluded green areas.
Full resort description: https://www.crvena-luka.hr/en
Photo gallery: https://www.instagram.com/crvena.luka/
Price
(Classes, accomodation with 2 meals and VAT included)*
Hotel rooms (check out)
| Double room: | €1030 per person |
| Single room | €1210 per person |
Apartments (check out)
| For 2 people | €1180 per person |
| For 3 people | €1090 per person |
* Retreat price does not include insurance, flights and bus from the airport. Participants are asked to self-insure from accidents.
The number of places is limited.
To register, please fill out the form and transfer an advance payment of 30% of the total amount. First priority is determined by the order of payments.
Bus from the airport
A shuttle bus will be organized from the nearby Zadar airport. The price will depend on the number of participants.
Companions
If you would like to come with your loved one, family, children as an accompanying person, you are very welcome as the venue is ideal for family holidays. It is also possible to rent bigger apartments. For exact prices for people not participating in classes, please contact us!
Feel invited!
If you have any questions: info@path-of-dao-qigong.ch
