Vitorious Art
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Slow
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The Practices
Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing is the first of the four foundations of mindfulness, as it is considered the most accessible anchor for concentration. Variations of this practice include counting each breath in different cycles and feeling the sensation of inhalation and exhalation across different parts of the body.
Walking Meditation
Walking meditation is an ancient Buddhist practice of walking slowly and deeply focused on each sensation of the body, while gently observing the arising and passing of mental phenomena. As master Thich Nhat Hanh beautifully summed up: "we should walk like we are kissing the Earth with our feet."
Qi Gong Form: Ba Duan Jin (8-Section Brocade)
The Ba Duan Jin is one of the most common forms Qi Gong with Taoist origins dating back over two thousand years and numerous variations across time and landscape. The sequence of eight movements is meant to impart a silken quality, like a brocade, as the practitioner focuses on unifying mind and body during the practice.
Qi Gong Form: Yi Jin Jing (Muscle & Tendon Transformation Method)
The Yi Jin Jing is an intense form of Qi Gong with debated origins, with the earliest estimate being the 5th century CE and the latest the 16th century CE. The number of exercises in this form varies but the most common set has 12 postures, which are focused on cultivating jin (essence) and qi (vital force) to strengthen every part of the body.
Qi Gong Form: Luohan Quan (Arhat Fist)
The Luohan Quan is an umbrella term for various styles of Gong Fu named after the first disciples of the Buddha and originated in the 5th century CE. Although I learned a 13 form sequence from the Shaolin Temple Europe, the most well-known forms contain 18 postures with combat movements with different parts of the body.
Qi Gong Form: Shu Jing Gong
This is a modern form with 10 relaxing movements that symbolize key Dharma principles.
Why these practices?
I first came across the term “mindfulness” in 2019 because a beloved friend recommended I read Thich Nhat Hanh’s book Old Path, White Clouds to learn more about Buddhism. Subsequently, while watching some of the author’s lectures about mindful breathing, sitting, and walking, I felt a sense of resonance unlike any other type of meditation I had experimented before. The gentleness and simplicity of Plum Village’s practices felt welcoming and adaptable to anyone who pays (or intends to pay) attention to how their thoughts, words, and deeds impact their lives and others, without dogmatic protocols or supernatural beliefs.
Around the same time, I found a related set of lectures and practices by another Buddhist master, who also encouraged me to walk the middle path. Master Shi Heng Yi introduced me to qi gong forms from Shaolin Temple Europe, which fascinated me as a confluence between exercise and contemplation, an apparently ideal bridge between the rush of daily life to the stillness of sitting practice. Without much hesitation, I decided to give these practices a try during the COVID 19 pandemic… and I haven’t stopped since.
From books and guided meditations to courses and certificates, my devotion to these practices gave rise to a sense of meaning. My experiences have enhanced a) my wellbeing and the wellbeing of people I've taught, b) my understanding of the evolving concept of “mindfulness” and its usefulness to people of diverse backgrounds, and c) my ability to help people be more present and find peace for themselves and their communities. Therefore, I'd say these practices align well with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Health benefits of meditative movements are diverse and vary from person to person. A growing body of evidence, analyzed by comprehensive research from the National Institutes of Health (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3085832/#R35), identifies that qi gong and tai chi are effective tools for disease prevention and motivation of sedentary individuals due to a) their accessibility, b) personal empowerment in healing processes, and c) the absence of adverse events during studies. Learn more about the impacts of these practices on anxiety, depression, cardiovascular health, and much more by clicking the link above.
If you are looking to:
a) slow down from the hustle and bustle of modern life,
b) better connect with your body and comprehend your reactions to various stimuli, and
c) cultivate a deeper level of self-awareness that brings personal transformation within reach
Let’s get moving (mindfully)!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this for me? Each session of meditation in motion is conducted in a safe space for people with all levels of experience with mindfulness and movement practices, including beginners.
What do I bring? All you need to bring is yourself, a bit of patience and a reusable water bottle.
How does a session work? Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes, divided between greetings, warm-up, basic breathing exercises, forms practice(s), contemplative meditation, and final considerations.
How much is it? Your trial is free and subsequent sessions are R$85. Bring a friend and earn 50% off your next session. For every referral to a friend who signs a plan you get R$25 off sessions for a month.
Where do I go? For Belo Horizonte residents, practice logistics will be coordinated via WhatsApp. For online practitioners and in case an appropriate physical space is not available or you do not wish to meet in person, the practice will be conducted online using a platform that best suits your needs.