On the mountain, a tree: The image of DEVELOPMENT. Thus the superior man abides in dignity and virtue, In order to improve the mores. The tree on the mountain is visible from afar, and its development influences the landscape of the entire region. It does not shoot up like a swamp plant; its growth proceeds gradually. Thus also the work of influencing people can be only gradual. No sudden influence or awakening is of lasting effect. Progress must be quite gradual, and in order to obtain such progress in public opinion and in the mores of the people, it is necessary for the personality to acquire influence and weight. This come about through careful and constant work on one's own moral development. I Ching, 53. Development (Gradual Progress) About The Instructor Don Tomei was born and raised in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, a small steel town outside of Pittsburgh. He began his practice of Tai Chi with Elizabeth Wenscott in 1994. At the time he was 43 years old, and while still physically active and athletic, had struggled with back problems for almost 20 years. Don's old injuries, combined with more than a decade of hard physical work as a film lighting technician (aka, "grip"), finally took their toll, and in 1996, after carrying a heavy load down a flight of stairs, he ruptured his L4-L5 disc. Through a combination of Tai Chi, Qigong, yoga, acupuncture, shiatsu and chiropractic care, Don has been able to strengthen the foundation of his body, relax and release tensions that were locked within the musculature, and develop strength and balance that have countered the effects of his injuries. With the opening of the Tai Chi Center of Chicago (TC3) in November of 2006, Director Elizabeth Wenscott decided to expand the school's offerings by establishing a Wellness Qigong curriculum for those who, for one reason or another, require or prefer a simpler, more basic energy workout than is offered by Tai Chi. Don is proud to head up this division of the school. Don conducts his classes in a supportive atmosphere of gentle guidance and positive reinforcement. Students are encouraged to develop at their own pace and follow their own path. At the same time, emphasis is placed on proper form and focused discipline so that all students, at all levels, will be confident that they are following the most effective, focused practice possible. Class Description All Qigong and Tai Chi practice promotes wellness. In fact, health and longevity are traditionally considered the primary goals of these arts. Wellness Qigong is especially good for those who are looking to enhance their health and well-being but who don't want to commit to the long learning process that tai chi requires. Qigong has been proven to help people advance along the road of wellness from wherever their starting point happens to be. It can be a challenging practice for those who are healthy and fit. And it can also be adapted to accommodate students whose primary concern is wellness and who may have been advised by health providers to find a non-stressful, low-impact form of exercise, including those recovering from illness or injury who need special accommodations. (Be sure to ask your doctor to confirm your choice of Tai Chi or Qigong.) Intoductory Wellness Qigong Meets once a week for a month on either: Monday 10:15 - 11:15 am or Wednesday 10:15 - 11:15 am starting at the beginning of every month. Class #1 - Introduction into Wellness Qigong and Part 1 (Neck and Shoulders.) Class #2 - Part 2 (Back and Spine) Part 3 (Hip, Lower Back and Legs) Class #3 - Part 4 (Arms and Legs) Part 5 (Hands, Wrists and Elbows) Class #4 - Part 6 (Strengthen Internal Organs and Promote Energy Circulation) conclusion and overview. Cost: Introductory: $50 per month plus a one time registration fee of $10.00. Continuing Wellness Qigong and Tai Chi Meets Monday 10:15 - 11:15 am and or Wednesday 10:15 - 11:15 am. Cost: Continuing: once a week: $50 per month. Continuing: twice a week: $80 per month. Included in the Continuing Qigong and Tai Chi fee is the Health and Philosphy Study Group. Read the Health and Philosophy page for times and topics. Location: Tai Chi Center of Chicago 4043 N. Ravenswood, Suite #228 Chicago, IL 60613 Call 773-608-5474 to register. Home | What is Qigong | Class Description Tai Chi Center of Chicago