The Chinese New Year of the Rabbit begins Sunday, January 22. People around the world will ring in the Lunar New Year with celebrations of feasting, family reunions, and other festivities.

Before the Lunar New Year starts, it is important to clean your home in preparation for the new year. You symbolically clean away any bad luck left over from the previous year and make room for good luck coming in for the new year. Students do the same for Jing Ying’s studio. They dust off the trophies, sweep and mop the floors, clean the mirrors and then celebrate with a pizza party. Afterwards, their demo team will head out to perform the Chinese Lion Dance for a local restaurant’s ribbon cutting ceremony (Oishi Japanese Restaurant in Arnold at 3pm).

On Sunday, the first day of the Chinese New Year, Jing Ying will celebrate the occasion with a 2:00 pm performance at the Anne Arundel County SPCA’s Paws at the Mall, an innovative adoption center that has adoptable small animals, including rabbits!

Jing Ying will continue the celebrating with a series of free and low-cost classes and workshops as well as an open house on Saturday January 28 that includes a Chinese Lion Dance performance with demos of kung fu & tai chi, traditional treats, crafts for children, giveaways, and door prizes. It is also the start of a month-long silent auction fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Registration and information for each event is available at www.JingYing.org

Upcoming events:

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 (4:45-5:30pm)
Introductory Family Kung Fu Class (FREE)  -Suitable for children ages 5 to 10, this class is an introductory lesson in Kung Fu. A parent/guardian and older siblings are welcome to join the class. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to check in. Pre-registration is required so we can control class size. www.JingYing.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 (1:00-2:30pm)
Lunar New Year Open House (FREE) – Lunar New Year Celebration at Jing Ying Institute that will feature traditional treats; the Chinese Lion Dance as well as kung fu & tai chi demos; “Year of the Rabbit” crafts, traditions of the Chinese New Year and more. It’s an open house format, but arrive by 1:30 pm if you want to watch the Chinese Lion Dance. Bring friends & family to enjoy the fun, including giveaways, & prizes. This is a wonderful event for all ages. Registration is not required; but if you register, you will be entered into a contest. www.JingYing.org

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 (2:00-3:30 pm)
Tea Tasting with Tea Expert (Cost Varies) – Join us for an informative tea tasting with Lynayn of The East West Tea Emporium, a certified tea specialist. Try several delicious teas, learn about their proper preparation, and learn about their health benefits. Join us for this always-enjoyable, always-informative, event. Available in person and online. There are various options, so the cost varies. The number of spots is limited, so register soon!www.JingYing.org

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3 (5:00-6:30 pm)
Chinese Calligraphy Class ($5) – Learn basic brushstrokes and create characters to hang in your house for the Chinese New Year. $5 per person to cover cost of supplies. Family-friendly. Appropriate for anyone who can sit and follow instructions for 90 minutes. Please register. 410-431-5200 or www.JingYing.org

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 (noon-1pm)
Tai Chi/Qigong for Longevity Class (FREE) – Learn how tai chi can help you live a longer, healthier life. This special lecture will be at the Severna Park Community Center. All other Lunar New Year events are at Jing Ying Institute’s main location in Arnold. Register at www.JingYing.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 (2-4pm)
Self-Defense Workshop for Women & Teen Girls ($25) – Learn basic skills for avoiding trouble and protecting yourself.  We will focus on 3 pillars of self-defense:1) Avoidance, 2) Escape, 3) Fighting Back.  After 2/5, the fee increases to $35. All proceeds go to The Bernie House, which provides long-term transitional housing to families made homeless by domestic violence. Register at www.JingYing.org

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 (10:00-10:45pm):
Valentine’s Day Tai Chi (FREE) – Start your day with a free tai chi class that has a special sweet twist. Jing Ying will celebrate Valentine’s Day with tai chi exercises and information on how tai chi helps your cardiovascular health in celebration of Heart Health month. Show someone you love and care for them by bringing them with you to class! It is suitable for all levels of fitness. Register at www.JingYing.org

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 (7:15-8:00 pm):
Pushing with Partners Tai Chi Push Hands Class (FREE) – End your day with a free “push hands” tai chi class that has a special sweet twist. We will celebrate Valentine’s Day with some fun partner tai chi exercises and a bit of healthy chocolate afterwards. Bringing a partner is not required, though it is fun to bring someone along.

Wear clothing that allows for movement, such as a t-shirt and sweatpants. Register at www.JingYing.org

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 (7:15-8:00pm):
ONLINE Tai Chi Class: “Moving Meditation” (FREE) – Join us as we celebrate the Lunar new Year of the Rabbit with this introductory class on harnessing the peace and calm of tai chi’s “moving meditation.” Discover how this ancient and low-impact form of exercise promotes joint health, improves flexibility and strength; improves balance and helps prevent falls; helps with arthritis, blood pressure, diabetes and chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia; and increases bone density.

Practice basic tai chi & qigong movements and silk-reeling exercises from your own location through Zoom. You have the option of staying seated for all or part of the workshop (we encourage you to stay within your comfort zone). This workshop is suitable for all levels of fitness. Wear clothing that allows for movement, such as a t-shirt and sweatpants.

Register at www.JingYing.org by February 19 so we have time to send you the Zoom link.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 (noon-1:00pm):
“The Empowered Patient: Making the Most of Your Doctor’s Appointment – Before, During, After” (FREE)
As a patient or caregiver have you ever wondered “What do I need to do to finally get answers to my burning health questions?” If so, this workshop is for you as it takes you through what to do before, during and after a doctor’s appointment to get the best results possible.

The workshop is about helping patients and caregivers reclaim their power, own their voice, take responsibility for what they can control and release the rest. It begins with briefly touching on our presenter’s personal journey to becoming an Empowered Advocate during her struggle with Brain Injury, Lyme Disease and Mold Illness. Then Carrie will break down how to approach a doctor’s appointment before, during and after by getting prepared, showing up (for the doctor and themselves) and following through. At the heart is the need to have Clarity, Confidence and an attitude of Collaboration.

Carrie Baquie is a spunky mom of three teens and survivor of simultaneous Brain Injury, Lyme Disease, and Mold Illness. She transformed the despair, chaos and overwhelm of medical crisis into thriving through an unstoppable mindset grounded in soul-centered strategy. Now, as Chronic Illness Coach she is empowering others with long term health challenges, like Brain Injury, to get unstuck and reclaim a life they love.
Register at www.JingYing.org