Reflections of the 2nd Annual Shiatsu Summit April 25th- 27th, 2025

Welcome from far and near

to share what we hold dear

in our circle of Ki

As we enter the beauty of the Poconos, we breathe in the awe and as we enter the embrace of the Himalayan Institute we exhale relief. WE ARE HERE! After months of planning by Kumiko and our team, the anticipated moment has arrived and together we will share. Such joy was felt, to be with those who understand our dedication, compassions and passion for the meridian lines, 5 elements, Yin and Yang, Ki, the Visible, the Invisible, one center and on and on through the universe.

We are encouraged with support from behind our past by all the masters who have given us their hard work, insight, visions and gifts. They gave us their gems that we may continue to polish and shine light upon as we walk forward on our path and explore our own personal discoveries and journeys.

This was very apparent as each presenter talked the same common language of shiatsu and yet emphasized their private personal experience, exploration and deeper understanding of how we may interpret and touch Ki. This year in order of appearance we appreciated the teachings of Maureen Miller, Keith Strand, Daniel Adler, Manuela Peradi, Serena Trotti, Diego Sanchez, and Katherine Powers.

In our own way, we all have a call to teach

And together we must go beyond our reach

in our circle of Ki 

Next year will be different though somehow the same

As our life continues to change the essences will remain

in our circle of Ki

From Hara technique to the spine, from the inner eye to the tail, from quiet questions to silent answers and from the path behind us to the path in front of us, we felt the ripple effect of our one touch one session and the breath of our sessions and teachings as they flow through our circles.

The sun shined. The rain poured. And an invisible rainbow of inspiration appeared. Receiving is believing. Trusting our perception of seeing the invisible as we touch deeply with our soul. Each class presentation was unique yet a common thread connected all. We are all walking on a similar path, a similar calling between the tangible and the intangible, the seen and unseen of Ki...

We are the first generation of teachers of those who traveled here from Japan and distant lands and took the risk. We seized the opportunity to bring shiatsu to the United States and then spreading to Europe and beyond. They created classes and schools which flourished full of devoted, passionate students. And we are forever grateful to them. And then our generation, first descendants picked up the torch, the flame, and lit the way for the next generation and on and on.

From the very private silence of the unspoken Ki in our sessions and in walking our path, to coming together in courses, in summits in circles and parties, it takes a village to honor the centuries of tradition and explore the possibilities of the fine and refined art of shiatsu.

A big hug of gratitude is given to the village who made the summit come to life. From the advertising, drivers, the shleppers of stuff, the camera people, the Himalayan Institute, the attendees, the presenters, and to Kumiko Kanayama we also bow! May the circle be unbroken, may it grow and new attendees and presenters join in.

RECEIVING IS BELIEVING

AND GIVING IS LIVING

IT IS OUR EXPERIENCE IN THE MOMENT

WHERE OUR SHIATSU BECOMES THE MOST POTENT

IN OUR CIRCLE OF KI

GASSHO TO ALL, MAUREEN

MAUREEN C. MILLER is a graduate of the Ohashi Institute and a Senior Instructor where for over 30 years she has been teaching all levels of the Ohashi Method, Masunaga's Zen Shiatsu and courses of her own design in NYC, Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in New York, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Massachusetts, and Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji in New York and extensively in Europe. She also taught and trained many Shiatsu Ka.  

Maureen has an extensive background in dance and practiced the martial arts of Aikido (3rd Degree Black Belt) and Karate (1st Degree Black Belt). She is currently enjoying the practice of Vinyasa Yoga, gentle strength training and Zumba dancing.

Maureen's private sessions combine the movement of dance, martial arts and yoga with the art of touch and knowledge of Shiatsu to give a very profjound, graceful, and beneficial session which focuses on the needs and wants of her clients.

Maureen Miller is happy to share her over 30 years of teaching and practice experience with the students and instructors at the five lights center of shiatsu.

"I am grateful to my teachers, past, present and future, for they inspire my thoughts and movements"