Hooking Back the Life Force
with Dr. Bryan Watrous and Julia Mariko Shannon
Sunday, June 28th 3-5pm
IN PERSON ONLY
La (Tib: བླ) is our subtle life force, the pure energy of the five elements that circulates within the body according to the lunar cycle. The la energy protects and nourishes both the physical body and the mind. La can be compromised due to chronic illness, stress, and physical or emotional trauma. Signs of loss of la energy include lack of strength and stability in the physical body, chronic fatigue, anxiety and depression.
During this afternoon gathering, we will discuss the medical and spiritual functions of the la, and participants will be guided through the meditative visualizations of the La Hooking practice, during which the la is retrieved from the ten directions and pulled back into the body in order to restore vitality and health, increase longevity, and promote happiness and clarity.
The session will also include gentle breathwork and group practice of the Medicine Buddha's mantra. The La Hooking practice is part of the Long Life empowerment of the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition, spiritual counterpart to Tibetan Medicine.
All are welcome, as this meditative practice will benefit anyone seeking increased well-being and the opportunity to connect with others within the healing space of the Yuthok Ling Temple.
This event will be co-facilitated by Dr. Bryan Watrous and Julia Mariko Shannon
Bryan Watrous
Dr. Bryan Watrous (Ngakpa Dorje Tsal) is ordained by Dr. Nida Chenagtsang as a ngakpa, a non-monastic, vow-holding Tibetan Tantric Buddhist yogi. Bryan is the resident doctor at Pure Land Farms, and is a practitioner of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan Medicine) with over twenty years of clinical experience.
Julia Mariko Shannon
Julia Mariko Shannon is a student of Dr. Nida Chenagtsang and received a Certificate in Sowa Rigpa Counseling from the Sowa Rigpa Institute of Tibetan Medicine. She holds a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Drawing from both contemporary counseling and traditional healing perspectives, Julia takes an integrative, somatically informed approach to well-being that supports exploration, resilience, and deeper connection to self, community, and the natural world.
