Start your day with an exercise class or meditation!

These classes are Open Sessions: open to all who have paid Standard Conference Tuition. They will be offered between 8am & 9am on the days-at-sea and when time allows on port days.

David Forbes, M.D.

Qigong; Moving Life Force

with Dr. David Forbes

Engaging in spiritually-connected movement like qigong is a process of letting go to something larger. Qigong is a fundamental component of mainstream medicine in China, where physicians use it to heal patients. There are actually many different names for this practice including dao yin, chi kung, and chi gong. Chi or Qi  (pronounced chee) means “energy,” while kung  and gong refer to “force.” The names all pertain to the general act of moving chi (energy, life force). Historically, the progression of qigong paralleled that of acupuncture which began during the Shang dynasty (1766-1154 B.C.). Whereas acupuncture guides qi through probes, qigong does it through breath and coordinated movements. 

A study of hypertensive patients showed a 15% lower mortality rate for those practicing qigong twice a day (30-minutes each session). Multiple studies demonstrate that tai chi and qigong promote balance and increase bone density.

In this three-part class, participants will learn the basic form and practice it repeatedly to build chi, as well as to install the body memory so practice can be continued at home, if desired.

Journey to Bliss;
Yoga, Dance & Meditation

with Cathy Hill

Journey to Bliss™ is Cathy’s own creation – a joyful, fun and relaxing antidote for modern day stress that promotes wellness and deep healing. The class begins with yoga and dance, combined with a powerful blend of music. This attunes bodies and minds to a vibration that allows for deep relaxation.  The last 20 minutes of class is a guided meditation (yoga nidra). Wear comfortable clothing and bring yoga mat and water bottle.

OxyCise™ & Breathwalk™

with Lois Grasso

OxyCise™ is a gentle and easy exercise warmup developed over two decades by Lois. A series of rhythmic, meditative breathing synchronized with circular movements of the joints, this fifteen-minute process really brings alive the body, mind and soul. When done properly, you can feel the body and mind tingling with positive energy, enhanced by a series of powerful affirmations integrated into the final elbow, wrist and breath movements. This serves as a creative-mind workshop as well as an energetic tune-up and physical wake-up. It’s a great way to start your self-empowered day.

We’ll follow-up with BreathWalk™ a meditative power-walk, developed by Lois, around the deck of the ship.

This class is perfect for those who want a gentle and enjoyable way to incorporate exercise into daily life. Also perfect for athletes who want a multi-purpose warmup routine that works on all levels.

Wear simple clothes suitable for exercise. Bring walking shoes and water bottle.

Tibetan Five Rites & BreathWalk™

with Lois Grasso

On his show, Dr. Oz recommends the Fivee Tibetan Rites as an “ancient health secret” that can help you develop balance and live better and longer. This practice is grounded in the ancient traditions of Tibetan monks, and a book was written about it in 1939, entitled, “The Fountain of Youth”. It consists of 5 yoga-based movement patterns designed to renew and balance energy and vitality.

Those who suffer with low back pain will likely find relief from the gradual and repeated daily practice. Lois Grasso has been practicing the Five Rites for over a decade and will show you some tricks for enhancing the overall benefits, as well as ways in which even the least physically fit among us can participate and benefit tremendously. Best of all it only take 20 minutes or LESS to complete the entire workout. Combined with her OxyCise™, it’s an amazingly effective 35-minutes!

Afterwards, we will experience BreathWalk™, a meditative walking method, developed by Lois, that turns the simple act of walking into an empowering, peace-inducing practice.

Bring a mat and/or beach towel, walking shoes and water.

Laughter Yoga;

Real Fun Medicine

with Lois Grasso

Have you ever noticed that whenever you are really laughing you are having fun?  Fun and laughter are great antidotes to stress. Laughter Yoga is the practice of choosing to laugh for no particular reason, other than the desire to feel good, reduce stress and be healthier. You can pay lots of money to see a good comedian (well, it’s free on this cruise), and there’s a chance you won’t really laugh much at all. Or you can choose to laugh just because you’re worth it!  The list of health benefits is staggering and well documented. At this morning class, you’ll learn all about it and best of all, experience it for yourself. No special clothing or mat is required. We will not be getting down on the floor. Just bring your smile and your desire to feel good.

60-minutes | Open Session

Yoga Classes

Yoga is the integration of physical, emotional and spiritual well being that allows our true nature to shine through.  This ancient system of movement provides proven benefits that help alleviate the stresses of our lives and helps us create a lifestyle of awareness that is subtle, strong and significant.  A good yoga teacher supports us to start where we are, going deeper and deeper as we discover the vitality and renewal that it can bring to our body, mind and life.

We will offer a few different styles of yoga. Teachers are still being interviewed and will be announced soon!