Exploring the Tree of Contemplative Practices - Jan. 7

We are pleased to continue Awaken Pittsburgh’s Exploring the Tree of Contemplative Practice series. This hybrid series draws inspiration from Tree of Contemplative Practices graphic from the Center for Contemplative Mind and Society which we reference in our core trainings.

Over seven months we will partner with community practitioners to offer a workshop on each of the 7 ‘branches’: Ritual/Cyclical, Stillness, Relational, Movement, Generative, Active and Creative.

The Exploring the Tree of Contemplative Practice series is an opportunity for folks who are interested in Mindfulness to widen their range of practice experiences and to deepen relationships with one another.

The series will run, in-person and on-line, on the first Saturday of each month from October - May. Mark your calendars for upcoming sessions.

This course is offered on a donation basis, with a suggested price of $30, an invitation to pay more if you can (to support others), and a welcome to pay less, or none, as you circumstances allow.

Workshop Description:
Aikido is a Japanese martial art and spiritual practice. The word “aikido” means “the way of harmony with the spirit of the universe”. This workshop will discuss the purpose of and methods used in aikido training. The approach to mindfulness used in aikido will be compared and contrasted to those of other spiritual practices, such as meditation and yoga. Some basic aikido exercises will be offered to give a sense of the practice.

Gordon Hannah is the chief instructor of East End Aikikai in Pittsburgh. He began studying aikido in 1978. From 1984 to 1997, he trained under Mitsunari Kanai Sensei, one of the last uchi deshi (inner students) of O Sensei, the founder of aikido. Under the direction of Kanai Sensei, Hannah Sensei taught at New England Aikikai and Portland Aikido from 1990 until 1997. In 1997, he went back to school to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology. He founded East End Aikikai in Pittsburgh in 2009. He has also trained in Buddhist meditation, yoga, Brazilian jiujitsu, and other martial arts.

Host or Publisher Awaken Pittsburgh