Qigong

Qigong is the ancient art of moving and cultivating energy that goes back many thousands of years.  Hundreds of millions of people practice Qigong around the world for many different reasons including meditation, exercise, health, medical and spiritual.  Qigong focuses on lower dantian breathing and the three dantian energy centres.  There are also many different techniques and flavours that can be adapted to a particular personal style and as such knowledge of energy and Spirit can be learned experientially.

 

Soon after my Dr Joe experience it just so happened I had booked a Yoga & Qigong retreat with Mimi Kuo-Deemer and Matthew Cohen.  I didn’t really know what to expect but what I found was the one thing that is so important in a healthy spiritual practice, a way to keep the energy grounded through a solid connection to Mother Earth.  Matthew shared with us the importance of … ascension predicated on root … the stronger the connection and grounding we have with Divine Earth, the higher we can safely go into Divine Heaven.  The balance of Yin energy connection through our Root chakra and Yang energy through our Crown chakra.

 

One of the first postures to hold for people introduced to Qigong is called Wuji.  This is a standing position which looks so deceptively simple and yet like much of Qigong works on so many levels.  For beginners it can be quite challenging to accomplish any length of time in Wuji, but when practiced regularly it regulates the breath, relaxes the body, calms the mind, focuses the awareness, grounds to Earth and connects to a greater sense of Self.  I believe it is without doubt the one stop shop for personal growth.

 

“Mindfulness isn’t difficult.  We just need to remember to do it.” – Sharon Saltzberg

Use Qigong to cultivate ...

  • Balance
  • Sensitivity
  • Discernment
  • Groundedness
  • Openness
  • Mindfulness
Qigong literally means to work with energy, to work with your own personal life force, Prana, Qi … different labels, same Divine Spirit.  It took me a long time to realise but this Divine Spirit literally IS me.  Qigong offers a Gnostic approach of gaining knowledge based on direct personal experience, a very personal acquaintance with the Divine.

Methods

Wuji Meditation

Whereas a significant shift in my consciousness started at the Dr Joe retreat, it was while standing in Wuji that I was able to surrender to, nurture, and embody my connection to the Divine.  Wuji offers me the perfect opportunity to dissolve everything I think I am … physically, mentally and emotionally.  After all, what are you going to do with yourself when you have 20 minutes of simply standing and absolutely nothing else to do.  Matthew Cohen offers a free and wonderfully guided Wuji Meditation here.  Simply select track #4.

Animal Frolics

The areas of qigong are way too vast to cover but one I particularly enjoy are the Animal Frolics.  What better than to be given the opportunity to behave, move and become animals such as Bear, Tiger, Deer, Monkey and Crane.  Step into and embody an archetypal animal and allow their strengths, qualities and temperaments to flow within your mind and body.  No need to stop when the video stops, these are qualities we can bring into all areas of our lives.  Check out 5 Animal Qigong as practiced by Master Gu from the Wudang Taoist Wellness Academy.

Links

  • Mimi Kuo-Deemer is a phenomenal Qigong & Yoga teacher and so much more.  Her 5 Element Qigong Practice on Youtube has over a million views.
  • Sifu Matthew Cohen has a huge amount of diverse wisdom including Qigong, martial arts, Tai Chi and my particular favourite Shamanic fusion.
  • Marisa from Yoqi Yoga & Qigong offers many free videos, a great introduction to Qigong.