Initially there is some awkwardness, the same as learning any new thing. After some facility is gained though, it becomes quite magical whether or not you are "pushing hands" and engaging in an energy conversation with someone else or whether you are practicing the solo "form." The magic occurs. There is so much of you recruited into each moment, and on so many levels that it seems there is a symphony of sensation, perception and ability integrated into a centrally balanced and fluid consciousness. You are in charge, yet one with the flow. Quite exciting, while calming and relaxing. And this brings up another set of distinctions-unity of opposites.

Paradox And Opposites
Excited and calm, exercising and relaxed, soft and powerful, yielding and overcoming, and not moving in movement are a few of the opposites which occur simultaneously. This very interesting exercise, while never boring, is challenging. It challenges your preconceived way of being in relationship to gravity, your physical self, your mind, and with other people. You get to look at choices previously made on all these levels and rework those choices. This, of course, is growth.

Growth
T'ai Chi promotes growth. Sure, other sports do too. But T'ai Chi occurs on so many levels and reaches so deep inside, you become a better person. (I know, you don't need to become a better person.) And T'ai Chi doesn't make you a better person, but it helps you to strip away the armoring and open up the closed places allowing who you are to emerge, free from the limitations which keep you hidden, weak and vulnerable. Another paradox, open up and become powerful.

Imagine doing all this while getting the exercise and relaxation you need on a daily basis for health. And then there is the cultivation of energy, Chi Gung--Chi development. Learning T'ai Chi is an opportunity to learn how to cultivate Chi, circulate it and use it for health and self-defense.

PILATES - The Pilates Method (pronounced Pi-la-teez) is a fitness system that can be summed up in 3 words, stretching, strengthening and control. Pilates classes and workouts, help build strength and flexibility, with an emphasis on lengthening the body and aligning the spine, rather than building muscle mass. Pilates' focus is on the "powerhouse" region of the body which includes the muscles of the abdominals and lower back. It is because of this focus that Pilates' has become extremely popular in the fitness arena as well as rehabilitation. Pilates can be used to progress individuals through movements that represent day-to-day activities or sporting activities (i.e. horseback riding, skiing, etc.) therefore expediting the rehabilitation process and/or improving sports performance. Strengthening the core powerhouse muscles and improving postural alignment and body awareness are also especially helpful in alleviating and preventing back pain.

As the popularity of Pilates has exploded studios have been popping up all over and so have many mediocre versions of this method, such as trainers with little, or no, Pilates education teaching this complex system. So, keep this in mind when looking for an instructor, studio or class. Be aware of your own safety and look for a trainer with years of experience as well as certification. It is always recommended to take some private, equipment instruction before venturing into a class setting, if at all possible. This will help you to more fully understand the very important foundation of Pilates; breath, control and precision of movement, thus making the exercises more effective. For more information check here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates

FORREST YOGA - Increase strength, endurance, and flexibility as well as balance the Body and Mind in this beginning Forrest Yoga Class that will challenge and relax all levels. This is a flow class designed to increase awareness in the body, and bring focus and peace to the mind. Fundamental yoga postures are introduced along with various breathing techniques.

MEDITATION PRACTICE - 1st Wednesday practice (facilitated by Jim Blackburn) includes four sections: We gather in silence for about 15 minutes of seated meditation (cushion or chair), followed by about 10 minutes of walking meditation, with another 15 minute session of seated practice. At the end of that time, Jim leads a discussion centering around some basic Buddhist and/or Taoist principles and how they relate or might be integrated into our daily lives. There is no push to persuade anyone toward a particular religious focus. Each participant is invited to share from her/his own perspective. Take with you only those things that ring true for you.

WISDOM CIRCLE(S) – These meetings provide an opportunity for us to teach and to learn from each other those things we have experienced – or feel to be true for us as individuals. Leadership of the group rotates among attendees and is limited to ‘calling the circle’ and providing the evening’s topic or question for discussion. We use a talking stick for claiming one’s turn. We speak only in the first person about ourselves, learning that as we speak from the heart, we are able to access a great wisdom. Many Circles become ‘closed’ after a time, as participants develop a sense of flow and trust. Circles may be formed at anytime, may remain open or be closed. The Center provides a wonderful space for these empowering events. Join us or form your own.

WALKING LABYRINTH - Labyrinths are a portal, a door to spiritual growth. They can also be a tool for calming and/or focusing your mind and heart. Our labyrinth is available to you at any time; come walk. You may approach the labyrinth as you would another form of meditation. Pay attention; set your intention. Or just walk, with attention to your breath, or to your feet, or…

Some come to a labyrinth with a prayer, mantra, or a specific challenge they seek to resolve. As in other forms of meditation, walking a labyrinth is personal and individual even when walking with a group. You’ll know what to bring to the experience; you’ll take away a calmer heart and mind, and perhaps, an answer.

INTRODUCTION TO HEALING TOUCH - This class is designed for everyone who wants to know more about HT, or has been thinking of taking the Level One series of HT classes.

If you'd like to know more about the subject, play with a pendulum, explore your own sensitivities to subtle energy, and - in general have fun with the resident Wise Woman of High Mesa, don't miss this class, an afternoon workshop scheduled periodically.

ACIM STUDY GROUP - Kathy Golightly facilitates this group who is reading and discussing A Course in Miracles. The group meets every Tuesday at 5:30 PM to about 7:00 and is open to new members or visitors.

SCIENCE OF MIND STUDY GROUP (NOT SCIENTOLOGY) - The study group meets to read and discuss the works of Ernest Holmes, a pioneer in New Thought. The basic concepts include the idea that there is only one source of all creation. That source is only love. That source has a divine intelligence that has created all that is. Since we are created by that source we have that same divine intelligence within us. We are inseparable from it. Therefore, by examining our thoughts and beliefs we learn tools that help us to change anything we want simply by changing our thoughts and accessing the divine intelligence within each one of us.

These powerful principles are shared in a warm, nonjudgmental sharing environment that encourages and supports personal growth and expansion.
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Workshops – These cover a broad range of interests from Shamanism to Recycling, from Healing Touch to Essential Oils, & many more, and may be taught by HMHC colleagues or visitors. If you'd like to bring your own workshop to the High Mesa environment, call 505-336-7777 or email us.

Other study groups and classes are added frequently. Please inquire at 575.336.7777 or visit our blog and scroll down to Events and/or Classes in the sidebar.