Polli Talu Arts Center: Current Retreats

.Green Aesthetics Workshop

Awaken your Perception for Natural Beauty through Tai Chi.

Leon M. Miller jun. (USA/Estonia)

August 21 - 23, 2009

"One is all there is"

The ancient practice of Tai Chi awakens an awareness of Chi (life force) within our bodies. When practicing Tai Chi, a moving meditation, in a natural setting, the practitioner can experience a deep feeling of being in harmony with nature. Tai Chi also has the power to heighten oneÕs aesthetic perception and creativity. Like an artist who can see and express the inherent beauty in ordinary things, so can the Tai Chi practitioner open up to the beauty of nature and experience nature's essence or Chi.

Tai Chi uses the breath as a basic tool to relax the body and calm the mind, allowing the practitioner to experience harmony and unity of body, mind and heart. Expanding the sense of oneness to include the natural environment becomes as natural as a birdÕs song or the sound of the wind blowing through the pines.

On a philosophical level the Green Aesthetics Workshop explores the affinity of Far Eastern thought to indigenous Estonian nature beliefs.

Workshop activities include:

Friday evening

We begin the workshop at 18.00 with a delicious communal dinner made from natural ingredients, followed by a session of Deep Relaxation and an Introduction to Meditation.

Experience the flow of life force or Chi within
Observe how Chi calms nerves, relaxes muscles and stimulates organs
Learn how to direct Chi to particular points in your body to deepen relaxation and improve health
Feel a sense of inner peace and harmony with your surroundings

Saturday morning

Deepening Harmony with Far Eastern Relaxation Techniques
Practice oneness with nature by emanating elements of nature, such as trees, water, clouds, birds
Move a way from ego identification with its innate sense of separation
Recognize and focus on the essential force that animates all life

Saturday afternoon

Comparing Far Eastern and Estonian Green Aesthetics
Learn about the differences and similarities between Far Eastern and Estonian perspectives on nature and harmony
Enjoy an excursion into the natural surroundings and discover the stark beauty of Northern land- and seascapes

Saturday evening

Communing with the Elements of Nature
Create a ritual to celebrate the elements earth, water, fire and air
Pay respect to the four directions
Rejoice in the harmonious connection between humans and natural elements

Sunday morning

Fostering Wellness and Harmony
Learn to quiet the mind
Meditate
Experience oneness

Sunday afternoon

Practical Applications of Green Aesthetics

Learn acupressure for deep relaxation and well-being
Receive guidelines on how to incorporate the weekend's essence into your daily life

The workshop ends with tea and cake around 16.00.

No previous experience in Tai Chi is necessary to participate in the workshop. Beginners are most welcome.

Leon M. Miller (USA/Estonia) is the workshop facilitator and will teach in English. Leon is originally from Philadelphia, has a degree in Social Sciences and has studied Religion and Holistic Human Development at the University of California. He studied Tai Chi with Psychologist Carl Rogers. Leon is living and working in Estonia and regularly teaches Tai Chi in Tallinn in addition to his academic career.

Housing is provided in rooms of 1, 2, 4, and 5 beds. Two couples can be accommodated in double-occupancy rooms. You may also bring your own tent.

Meals will be prepared from organic vegetables from Polli Talu's kitchen garden and local produce, including eggs and dairy.

Participants will be met at Tallinn airport or harbor and brought to the farm by car or minibus.

Cost for retreat: EURO 300 (includes transfer from Tallinn airport to Polli Talu, meals and accommodations, workshop fee; international travel is not included)

The Green Aesthetics Workshop is a collaboration of Leon M. Miller, Polli Talu Arts Center and Estonian Nature Tours. HYPERLINK "http://www.naturetours.ee" www.naturetours.ee

For more information and to register, please contact Marika Mann at HYPERLINK "http://mrd.mail.yahoo.com/compose?To=info%40naturetours.ee" info@naturetours.ee