HEALING CANCER JOURNEY THROUGH THE ARTS PRESENTATIONSPIRIT GARDEN – SCROLL DOWN for Exhibit Information and to See Pictures.(GO TO Portfolio Page for More Information on each Item. )WATCH ZOOM SESSION recorded at the Healing Cancer Through Art presentation at Wen Wu School in El Cerrito, California on April 30, 2022. Video Link In this exhibit you will see pieces describing my cancer healing journey. It has been an intense, difficult, life changing path and my Spirit Garden has been my sanctuary and source of refuge. The past 18 months going through active Cancer treatments, my life changed 360 degrees as I managed and survived all the traumatic side effects. For years I had a daily healing practice of yoga, qigong, swimming and teaching in my Spirit Garden. My garden is adorned with ceramic sculptures. Working in Ceramics has been my mode of expression, and became necessary therapy to counteract the neuropathy in my hands from chemo treatments. I thought I was living a healthy balanced life. Mostly vegetarian, health conscious of what I ate and didn’t eat, resolving health issues with supplements and monthly acupuncture. I avoided doctors, medicines and thrived on holistic, natural cures, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I knew that if I ever got really sick, I would choose alternative treatments.During the pandemic, my husband discovered a lump in my breast. My Kaiser doctor confirmed it: I had breast cancer. I cried for weeks, I was in shock. I immediately investigated all the alternative treatments and facilities available in America from Mexico to Canada. I signed up for Hope4Cancer in Mexico. My surgeon and oncologist warned me my cancer was very aggressive, fast growing, no time for alternative solutions. Desperate I sought out a second opinion from a doctor who was open to alternative complementary approaches. His first name as Akshiv, which in Hebrew means I will listen. I did listen and regretfully changed my course of treatment to conventional medicine. I wanted to LIVE for my children and young grandchildren. My husband became my rock of salvation, supporting me on every level and beyond. Along with traditional medicine, I formed a Complementary Healing Team, headed by my most trusted acupuncturist, Dr Erlene Chiang, with guidance from the Pine Street Clinic. My team included verbal therapy, massage therapy, physical therapy, Energy Healing as well as nutritional guidance. Swimming daily in my heated pool, practicing and teaching Aqua Qigong, was my favorite therapy for relief from physical and emotional symptoms. My greatest salvation was and still is through meditation and daily healing practices in my Spirit Garden. I was born the year of the Water Dragon, who is strong, powerful, wise and transformative, transforming negativity energy into positive. My Spirit Garden is home to my 5 Element Dragon Fountain, where water flows freely balancing, cleansing and nourishing body mind and spirit. My Five Element Dragon Totem offers me balance and support.I wanted a Spirit Guide to watch over me. I created the largest sculpture I could fit in my kiln, 8 sections, total 6 feet long. This dragon is lit at night, protecting me every hour. Six months before discovering my cancer, my husband underwent quadruple heart surgery bypass. I am so grateful he survived in flying colors. A vegan diet was suggested, and in researching it, I found a Five Headed Dragon, which influenced my creation of the Five Headed Dragon Disease sculpture. It is a reminder of what happens when we are only in our head and not connected to our body. All the pieces in this exhibit describe aspects of my healing journey. My art and practice of healing arts are totally interconnected. The sculptures range from balanced dragon, to Five Headed dragon, mountain Sheep going on healing journey, Riding the Chemo Waves, Surviving the Fires of chemo and radiation, to Surviving and Thriving. Included are the 7 Goddesses surrounding my pool, with messages for healing and well-being. In daily practices I receive their strength while treading through warm waters. My daily practice of Wild Goose Qigong keeps lifting my spirit while strengthening body mind and immune system. Ceramic geese and birds adorn my garden, inviting other birds to visit. Continuing to teach Qigong and Aqua Qigong has been a God Sent. As I get stronger my students reap the benefits of the lessons I have learned on this healing journey. Daily yoga practice strengthens my body while calming my mind. Ceramic yoga poses reflect the love, support and stability I have received from my husband. Integrity, is my bronzed trophy for surviving and thriving through cancer treatments. I do have battle scars and side effects, but I am now cancer free. I am filled with gratitude for being alive and for all the love and support I have received from family, friends, students, colleagues, medical care and complementary treatments. Thank you for listening and hope you enjoy this exhibit of my healing journey. Watch Zoom Session recorded at the Healing Cancer Through Art presentation at Wen Wu School in El Cerrito, California on April 30, 2022. Video Link
This is the place for you, Dove’s Students to make Comments after a class. If you would like to share about the class, or some insight you had during the class with others, this is the place to do it. This is more than just a place for testimonials, it is a place for you to share your experiences from Dove Govrin’s classes, that will inspire others to take up Qigong (TaiChi) and/or join Dove’s classes. Submit your Comments Below. (Every Tuesday New Comments will be Posted on the Testimonial Page and in the Following Section.) READ CLASS COMMENTS HERE: Oct 25 2021,Before class today, my energy was down .Now that class is over my body feels energized, also my mind is calm and relaxed. I have been in Dove’s classes for over 25 years. Together as a class we keep our minds , body’s and soul s, fill with strength and courage. ` Pamela 10/25/2021 Dove’s classes give me energy, for my mind and body. After class today I was able to focus on my days tasks. ~ Pamela 11/06/2021 Today’s class was just what I needed. We started with some chair exercises, to warm up our bodies. Then we did floor exercise’s to strengthen our abs, and strengthen our legs. We finished up with, stand up stretching, and movements. Great way to start the day . ~ Pam 11/06/2021 I absolutely Love Dove`classes! Today, November 8th her class “Healing QiGong” gave me everything I needed!We did mat exercises,to elongate and strengthen the spine, weights and at the end the Five elements QiGong …At the end of the class, I felt stronger physically, more aligned and balanced emotionnally!Dove is an amazing teacher! She knows so many forms of QiGong. She has also been my” home personal physical therapist”,as I call her Zoom classes who helped me recover from a car accident and a sore low back” .This is so precious in the time of covid19… I have been doing QiGong with Dove for 20 years…and the Zoom classes are truly wonderful!I am grateful to Dove! ~ Dominique 11/08/2021
With Covid Safety in mind, smaller groups for fully vaccinated participants. Spring is here, flowers are in bloom, the therapeutic chlorine free pool is 90 degrees for a relaxing, invigorating, healing experience in my Spirit Garden Pool. Small classes are held Mondays and Thursdays from 3:45-5:00. Please note which day works best for you, and which sessions you wish to join, so we can accommodate all those interested. Aqua Qigong will be held: Monday: Session 1 May 17, 24, 31 Session 2 June 14, 21, 28 Session 3 July 5, 12, 19 Session 4 July 26, August 2, 9 Session 5 August 16, 23, 30 Session 6 September 13, 20, 27 Thursday: Session 1 May 27, June 3, 17 Session 2 June 24, July 1, 8 Session 3 July 15, 22, 29 Session 4 August 5, 12, 19 Session 5 August 26, September 2, 9 Session 6 September 16, 23, 30 Dove’s Home in San Rafael (address given after RSVP) Cost per Class is $25. 3 Classes for $65. Please RSVP as Space is very limited. Call 415 484 5344 or email dove@dragonartsstudio.com Dove Govrin MA. ADTR. Certified Qigong Instructor
Dear Qigong Students, Friends and potential Students, Spring has sprung and Chi energy is high. When a tree blossoms it is at the peak of its energy, chi. Winter is behind us and it is a joy to connect to this renewed life force. I invite you to tap into your own vital energy and join us for these classes. As I go thru my Healing of Cancer Journey, I find my best moments are when I am doing Qigong, strengthening and balancing my Body, Mind, Spirit. My favorite moments are when I am actually teaching Qigong as the Chi Field is stronger when more people participate. The fee is $10 per class, or $50 for unlimited classes per month, or $32 for Monday morning per month. Payment by check or Zelle. New students are welcome to try a week of classes for free. If I am not feeling well one day, and not able to teach, please take a free prerecorded class at that time, or anytime. Prerecorded classes and latest info is on my website Schedule Page. I will be offering the following classes: Monday Qigong for Health 11:00am First half of class done seated in a chair. Second half is standing if able. Always modify movements to your comfort and ability. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81711550467?pwd=U1M2WE83SnEyUVcwUmV5cXVDOFhRUT09 Meeting ID: 817 1155 0467 Password: 669718 Wednesday Wisdom Healing Qigong 6:00 pm First part of class done in a chair. Second part standing if able. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98512944207?pwd=dWh1VzlJNlNZVXJobERFUnp3dHNSZz09 Meeting ID: 985 1294 4207 Passcode: 087796 Thursday Wisdom Healing Qigong 11:00 am First part of class done in a chair. Second part standing if able. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83050066201?pwd=Q3liYWdKVHI2Q2xEOVo5ekt1TUNlUT09 Meeting ID: 830 5006 6201 Password: 635560 Friday Wild Goose Qigong 11:00 am Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83441759261?pwd=WjE0bzJSbW9FMXlxc1g2OWM2KzhXUT09 Meeting ID: 834 4175 9261 Password: 170831 Tuesday Wild Goose Qigong at the Civic Center Duck Pond 3:45 PST Please RSVP to Laurie Steese lsteese@gmail.com Hope to see you on Zoom. Chi blessings with gratitude Dove
Come join me for a six month healing series of learning the 64 movements of the Wild Goose Qigong, an ancient Chinese practice, 1700 years old revitalizing the entire body mind and spirit. In this program we will open all channels of energy in the body, balancing, restoring, strengthening, rejuvenating and healing. We will learn a relaxing and invigorating warm up, stimulate acupressure points, and learn new movements weekly. The class will be taught every Friday at 11:00-12:15am pacific time on Zoom. Each class will be recorded. Tuesday afternoons from 3:45-5pm, the new movements will be taught at the Civic Center Duck pond, standing masked 8 feet apart, weather permitting. The cost is $10 per class. Classes begin in February through August. If interested please go to Schedule Page for Zoom info and link. Feel free to share this information. Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year, Gung Hey Fat Choy. Chi blessings with gratitude Dove
My Strength is Hope Hopeful for our new elections Hope for overcoming COVID Hope for healing from Cancer I feel fortunate that I have been feeling well, symptom free this last week. Next week I have my final big chemo cocktail I hope and pray all goes well next week. Feeling gratitude for all your prayers and good wishes Dove
Dear Ones My Guardian Spirit is jumping out of the ivy to protect me on my Healing of Cancer Journey. I feel safe and on the path to recovery. Chi blessings with gratitude and love Dove
Dear Friends and Students, As I go thru my Healing of Cancer Journey, I find my best moments are when I am doing Qigong, strengthening and balancing my Body, Mind, Spirit . My favorite moments are when I am actually teaching Qigong as the Chi Field is stronger when more people participate. I am happy to continue to offer Zoom Qigong classes through the Fall, October 1st thru December 21. NOTE: NO classes on Sept 28, Nov 26, 27. I will be offering the following classes: Qigong for Health, Monday 10:30-11:30PST First half of class done seated in a chair. Second half is standing if able. Always modify movements to your comfort and ability. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81711550467?pwd=U1M2WE83SnEyUVcwUmV5cXVDOFhRUT09 Meeting ID: 817 1155 0467 Wisdom Healing Qigong, Thursday 1:30-2:30PST First part of class done in a chair. Second part standing if able. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83050066201?pwd=Q3liYWdKVHI2Q2xEOVo5ekt1TUNlUT09 Meeting ID: 830 5006 6201 Password: 635560 Wild Goose Qigong Fridays 10:00-11:00 am PST Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83441759261?pwd=WjE0bzJSbW9FMXlxc1g2OWM2KzhXUT09 Meeting ID: 834 4175 9261 Password: 170831 The fee is $10 per class, or $50 for multiple classes per month, or $32 for Monday morning per month. Payment by check or Zelle. You can also find the Zoom Class links, to the class you want to take on my website, http://Dragonartsstudio.com on the “Schedule” page. If by chance I do not feel up to teaching that day, there is a link to take a free pre-recorded class. I hope to see you on Zoom Qigong. Even if you are new and have never taken my classes, give it a try. I would enjoy seeing you on Zoom. You are welcome to invite others. Wild Goose Qigong will continue at the Civic Center Duck Pond on Tuesday’s at 4:30 as long as weather permits. Please respond if you are interested. Chi blessings with gratitude Dove For more updates on my healing journey please go to http://CaringBridge.org/visit/DoveGovrin
I slept well and had an appetite. The air was good, not Smokey and I was able to practice qigong near my dragon fountain. I decided I wanted to practice my Wild Goose Qigong at the duck pond, so I emailed the president of our qigong club and she emailed to other students. I had a lovely small flock of students and We had a dreamy healing qigong practice together near the grazing Wild Geese. I feel so grateful for all the love and support. Chi blessings with gratitude and love Dove
Day 12 of the Healing Journey Feeling gratitude as I fearlessly learn to surf the 1st waves of chemo Woke at 7, took morning meds with quart cooling lemon cranberry tea, and Massaged my belly. Breathing Meditation rising from earth thru my roots Connecting to heavenly golden light, slowly descending pouring into my crown, illuminating all my cells , penetrating healing, targeting and dispersing diseases as it dissolves and leaves my body and enters Mother Earth. Looking past this first round of chemo, First days I felt unstable, seasick, holding onto my apricot tree for support as I tried pulling weeds from my garden. 3 days of juicing. 3 days of releasing. 3 days on fire. This morning, with burnt lips, feeling weathered and accomplished I survived the first turbulent waves of chemo. I feel triumphant as I glide back on smooth waters and swim with delight in my warm pool and meditate in my garden protected by my five element dragon fountains. A new day awaits me and I am ready to create something new. So grateful I was able to teach qigong most days. I have received so much love, support many gifts, and prayers from family, close friends, students and medical staff and acupuncture Thank you! Love, Dove