Lee Holden's 7 Minutes of Marshi is a popular exercise routine that combines elements of Qi Gong and Tai Chi. This routine is designed to be done in just seven minutes, making it an accessible and time-efficient option for individuals looking to incorporate movement and mindfulness into their daily routine. Marshi is a term coined by Holden, referring to a blend of the words "marshmallow" and "martial arts." This unique combination highlights the gentle and soft nature of the practice while incorporating elements of traditional martial arts movements. The routine starts with gentle warm-up exercises to prepare the body for movement. Deep breathing techniques are emphasized to promote relaxation and focus.
Deep breathing techniques are emphasized to promote relaxation and focus. Then, various flowing movements are introduced, incorporating stretching, twisting, and balancing postures. These movements aim to improve flexibility, coordination, and overall body awareness.
CAPSULE: THE SNAKE GIRL AND THE SILVER-HAIRED WITCH (1968)
PLOT : An impressionable young girl is sent home from the orphanage to live with her parents, where she has to deal with a dazed mother, a hateful maid, a secret mutant sister, and a silver-haired witch intent on killing her.
COMMENTS : How would you feel if you were a child who had grown up an orphan, living a happy life in an idyllic children’s home, only to suddenly leave everything you’ve ever known to live with two strangers who happen to be your real parents? It would probably be difficult, right? Now imagine that on your first night home, your biologist father goes off to Africa, leaving you home alone with your disturbed mother, a stern housekeeper and… a secret older sister with a disfigured face who lives in the attic and happens to be half snake?
Yeah, most children would probably wish they had stayed at the orphanage. But wide-eyed young Sayuri (Yachie Matsui) is too innocent to leave her new parents, despite the countless horrors that she suffers at the hands of her older sister, Tamami (Mayumi Takahashi). First, it’s just a snake in the bed, but the madness soon escalates with a horrific dream where Sayuri’s beloved doll turns into a miniature human and is mauled by Tamami, who transforms into a grotesque reptilian creature when she attacks her prey.
Even after Sayuri has a toad torn in half and thrown in her face, wakes up to a swarm of spiders in her bed, and is threatened with a flesh-dissolving acid bath, she still remains resolute in her decision to stay with her oblivious mother, who overlooks all of these offenses as unavoidable concessions that must be made to the pitiable Tamami.
But wait… We haven’t even touched on the second part of the title yet! Sayuri is willing to put up with her snaky sister’s shenanigans, but she draws the line at the silver-haired witch who emerges from the shadows of her attic bedroom. She barely escapes the house with her life and returns to the orphanage to seek help, but her sister and the witch aren’t about to let her get away that easily.
Part of a recent slew of obscure Japanese horror films released on the Arrow label, The Snake Girl and the Silver-Haired Witch is a hidden gem that offers more in the way of garish shocks and traditional horror imagery than more renowned art-house horror classics such as Kwaidan and Onibaba (long available from the Criterion Collection). Directed by Noriaki Yuasa, otherwise known primarily for the Gamera series of sub-Godzilla monster movies, there is nothing dull or formulaic about Snake Girl . It packs a lot of bizarre moments and unexpected plot developments into its brief 82 minute running time, while creating an original mythology of its own, which never relies on the usual horror tropes.
Another secret to this film’s success is the use of a child’s perspective. Horror films seen through the eyes of children are almost always more successful than those where adults are the main characters, although the latter variety is more common. And even though the special effects here are thoroughly low-budget and ridiculous (the titular “snake girl” is represented in dream sequences by a slit-mouthed puppet straight out of Sesame Street), the fact that everything is seen through the eyes of the unsuspecting Sayuri makes it forgivable.
Despite the apparent lack of budget, Yuasa creates a creepy mood that will be irresistible to any horror movie fan. When a film begins with slurping sounds, theremin, and a snake strangulation which is swiftly diagnosed as a “heart attack,” you know you’re in for some good schlock. The visuals are full of swirls and scaly imagery that drives home the idea that Sayuri is living in a house of snakes. There’s always something weird happening to sustain the mood, with none of the romantic side plots or dramatic filler often present in horror films of the era. It might not be high art, but if you’re looking for some classic Japanese horror that delivers the goods without taking itself too seriously, Snake Girl will give you all you’re looking for, and then some.
T he Arrow Video release features a stunning new HD restoration that is worth the money. The Blu-ray also features a commentary by film historian David Kalat and an interview which gives some background info on the film and the work of Kazuo Umezu, who wrote the manga on which the film was based (and also has a brief cameo as a taxi driver in the film). Arrow is certainly doing the good work in rescuing these Japanese classics from obscurity.
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY :
Even after Sayuri has a toad torn in half and thrown in her face, wakes up to a swarm of spiders in her bed, and is threatened with a flesh-dissolving acid bath, she still remains resolute in her decision to stay with her oblivious mother, who overlooks all of these offenses as unavoidable concessions that must be made to the pitiable Tamami.
One of the key principles of Lee Holden's 7 Minutes of Marshi is the concept of "smiling from the heart." This concept encourages practitioners to cultivate a positive and joyful mindset throughout the routine. By focusing on joyful sensations and visualizations, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and inner peace. In addition to the physical benefits, this seven-minute routine also aims to promote mental clarity and emotional balance. The slow and mindful movements allow individuals to connect with their body and breath, promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing stress. Lee Holden, the creator of this routine, is a Qi Gong and Tai Chi instructor with over 30 years of experience in the field. He has dedicated his life to sharing the ancient wisdom of Qi Gong and Tai Chi with a modern audience. Through his teachings, Holden aims to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being, using these ancient practices as a tool for self-care and personal growth. Whether practiced in the morning as a gentle wake-up routine or in the evening to wind down after a long day, Lee Holden's 7 Minutes of Marshi offers a convenient way to incorporate movement, mindfulness, and self-care into daily life. Its accessible nature makes it suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, allowing anyone to experience the numerous benefits of Qi Gong and Tai Chi in just a few minutes a day..
Reviews for "Release Stress and Anxiety through Lee Holden's 7 Minutes of Marshi"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to try out the "Lee Holden 7 Minutes of Marshi" workout, but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. The exercises were repetitive and didn't provide a good enough challenge for me. I also found the instructions to be unclear at times, making it difficult to follow along. Overall, I was disappointed with the workout and would not recommend it for those looking for a more intense and varied exercise routine.
2. John - 1 star - I found "Lee Holden 7 Minutes of Marshi" to be a waste of time and money. The exercises were incredibly basic and didn't offer any real benefits. I also didn't appreciate the overly calm and laid-back approach of the instructor, as I was looking for something more energetic and motivating. Additionally, the production quality of the video was subpar, with poor audio and awkward camera angles. Overall, I was extremely dissatisfied with this workout and would not recommend it to anyone serious about their fitness journey.
3. Lisa - 2 stars - I purchased "Lee Holden 7 Minutes of Marshi" hoping to add some variety to my workout routine, but I was disappointed with the lack of intensity. The exercises felt too slow-paced and gentle, and I didn't feel like I was getting a good workout or breaking a sweat. While the incorporation of mindfulness and relaxation was nice, it wasn't what I was looking for in a fitness video. I would suggest this workout for beginners or those looking for a very low-impact exercise option, but it was not challenging enough for me.