Moving Harmony blog

When we learn a new exercise or skill, it may make us feel tense, even when the purpose of learning it is to promote relaxation.  That was the case for me when I first studied Tai Chi, and to a lesser extent yoga.

With Qigong, I felt relaxed almost from the get go. But now and then I still get mentally or physically tight.

According to most Masters, this is normal because during practice, tension may arise from parts of the body we didn’t even know were tense!  Regular practice of Qigong causes a release of stress and tension that may be deeply embedded in our cells.  As we gain greater body awareness, we are able us to feel those feelings and gradually let go of them.

One tip I find helpful is this:  with every breath, imagine you are  breathing in tranquility and breathing out tension.

For more info about Qigong and a schedule of local classes check out www.MovingHarmony.com

Just back from the National Qigong Association Annual Conference, which I’ve decided to call “Qigong Central.”  I feel inspired and energized from playing Qigong with some of the world’s best teachers.

One of my favorites was Chungliang Al Huang.  In his electrifying presentation, he said that he never does the same Tai Chi (or Qigong) twice.  So each day, he varies his routine and forms so his practice stays fresh and alive.  Another presenter, William Ting, emphasized the importance of focusing on the details of Qigong forms, such as keeping your shoulders level when moving right or left.  Also presenting was Daisy Lee, who taught me “Lotus Rises from the Water,” which may turn out to be my favorite form!

By the end of the 3 day event, my head was spinning but my body, mind and soul felt charged up with chi.  During the coming weeks I’ll be channeling some of that chi and sharing fresh ideas with folks in my classes.

The Three Intentful Corrections – correct alignment, breath and mind – can be applied to everyday life as well as Qigong practice.  You have probably noticed that taking some deep breaths when stressed makes you feel more relaxed.  Likewise, straightening the posture – especially after sitting or slouching for a long time – can relieve stiffness and fatigue.

Applying mindfulness, the third intentful correction, is a powerful way to get better results from your Qigong and improve everyday life.   When we do Qigong mindfully, we stay focused on the present moment and allow any thoughts that come up to pass through our minds like clouds drifting across the sky.  Mindfulness induces a deep sense of calm and opens the gates to feeling chi.

Without mindfulness, Qigong would be, well,  just another form of exercise.

For more information about Qigong and Tai Chi, and a schedule of local classes, log on to www.MovingHarmony.com.

Just back from a week of Tai Chi and Qigong training with my teacher, Roger Jahnke.  It was amazing!  I can’t wait to share some new forms and ideas with folks in my classes.

Here’s a thought I had on the plane ride home: think of Qigong as play rather than work.  Play denotes something that gives us pleasure.  Some of us play golf or tennis because we love to, not because participating in these sports is “good for us.”  Think about what what you would rather do: play your favorite sport or work out at the gym?  Most people would vote for play.

When we cultivate a playful attitude in our practice, it does two things: First, it makes us want to do Qigong more often.  Second, it causes us to relax, which amplifies the mental, physical and spiritual benefits.

For more information about Qigong and a schedule of local classes, visit my website:  www.MovingHarmony.com

I often remind class members that there are over 7000 Qigong forms, but it’s not necessary to learn every one.  In fact, it may be counterproductive to learn more than a handful.

As Americans, we are conditioned to believe that more is more.  But when it comes to Qigong, more is often less.  If you practice 2 dozen forms and your mind is wandering, you probably aren’t getting the full benefit — beyond the gentle stretching required to perform each movement.

On the other hand, when you practice just a few forms in a state of deeply relaxed attention, you reap the maximum physical, mental and spiritual rewards from your practice.

One way to think about Qigong is that when we practice we are cultivating a beautiful garden of healing chi.

So every time you do some simple Qigong movements and deep abdominal breathing, you are helping that garden grow.

One big difference between Qigong and regular gardening is in the timing of the “payback.”  With gardening, you often have to wait months to observe–or taste–the fruits of your labor.  With Qigong, the rewards are almost immediate.

After a few classes and regular home practice, you will be well on your way to a healthier body, clearer mind and more radiant spirit.

For More Information about Qigong and a schedule of classes visit my website: www.Moving Harmony.com.

Practicing Qigong at home is good.  Practicing Qigong with a group is very good.  Practicing Qigong with a group outdoors is as good as it gets!

The ancient Chinese who invented Qigong were greatly inspired by nature.  They believed that lakes, trees and other natural features are inexhaustible sources of chi.  By practicing Qigong outdoors, we access some of this chi, which we can use it for self healing and healing others.

Many Qigong forms and visualizations use nature as guide and model.  For example in “Gathering from Heaven and Earth” we visualize gathering yin chi from the earth, and yang chi from the sky, clouds and heavenly bodies.  Likewise, in the 5 animal frolics, we mimic animals to gain some of their grace and power.

Doing Qigong outdoors is guaranteed to deepen your practice, and make you feel more in harmony with the beauty of nature.