What exactly is Community Qi?

Community Qi is a blend of two forms of what we might call a “moving meditation”. Tai Chi (TaiQi) and Chi Gong (QiQong) are both wonderful ways to incorporate movement, deep breathing and a mind/body connection for people of all ages. Tai Chi is akin to a dance that has sequences to memorize and is traditionally not done seated. Qi Gong is under the umbrella of Tai Chi, and is a little more like yoga, which can be done seated more easily. Each movement in QiQong is brief and doesn’t require complex memorization. Both are wonderful, and have their limitations and focuses. Community Qi was created by Dayton Mason M. Th. through years of training with Masters, self-study and teaching experience. Through actively working with seniors in the Rogue Valley at many retirement homes, memory care and even hospice environments in group settings, Dayton felt the need to share and reach many more seniors in need.

What is a Community Qi class like?

Classes are taught in 45min flows, which can be adapted into slightly longer 1hr long classes if needed by spending a little more time with warm-up/breathing and a longer cooldown/meditation. The classes blend Tai Qi and Qi Gong, but are designed to be broken down into brief movements that do not rquire memorization. Rather than adhering to one style or another, Community QI was born of necessity by blending which movements and excercises were suitable, beneficial and safe for seniors. The focus became finding what could be done exclusively by sitting, and some optional standing movements. In more Independent living environments, often participants enjoyed standing the whole class.

Who is behind Community Qi and what are their Qualifications?

Dayton Mason M. Th. (Founder/Lead Educator) has been studying the healing arts and movement for over 20 years formally. His background led him first to working in hospice and palliative care as a Spiritual Counselor and Harpist by helping patients, families and caregivers find peace and comfort. His love of teaching and personal healing journey led him to studying with many different taichi/qiqong teachers locally in the Ashland, OR area until he was formally certified by Master Aihan Kuhn. Dayton is also an avid pickleball instructor and loves to teach and play tournments. He loves incorporating his Tai Chi into pickleball lessons! For many years, Dayton traveled all over the rogue valley and taught full-time TaiChi/Chiqong to many seniors. Seeing a need for more instructors, Dayton is passionate about CommunityQi as a way to “keep the Chi flowing” by using in-house certified instructors for Senior living homes.

Daniel Nickels, RN (President) is a dedicated nurse, musician and humanitarian. Traveling to places in need of medical staff for tragic events requiring aftercare during hurricane Katrina and the carribean isles, he has dedicated his life helping those in need. He was the chief admin for the Medical Eye Center, helping people regain vision for nearly a decade. Personally he has used the Community Qi flows and practice to help with in his work successfully , and seen first hand how Tai chi and movcement helps patients recover. Having a background in film and production, he was excited for the opportunity to team up with Dayton, to reach many more seniors with this life altering method of healing.

What are the Payment Options for the Course?

There are a few different options by which the payment for the certification can be accomplished. First, We often simply work with directly with activity directors, gig workers, and employed individuals working within a retirement community. Perhaps the easiest option for an individual is to simply self pay. You can even make two easy payments of $250. This is a great way to simplify the process, and it is good for life. A Community QI Instructor Certification is a fantastic title to add on a resume and a trade skill that may be used in future jobs, and could possibly even create additional income, through billing for your services, at an additional cost to the corporate office. Many corporate employers may offer a 50% stipend, or full payment (with conditions) for their employer to become certified and teach! For both the employers and employees, It can sometimes be a tax write-off as well. We can also work directly with Corporate Offices to facilitate large accounts for certifying multiple employees in different location nationwide. Regardless of what you as an individual or your organizations needs may be, we are happy to work with you and answer any questions. Please reach out if you would like to set up a consultation for discounted corporate offerings, or if you would like us to reach out to your employer with additional information on your behalf.