My Journey into the World of Qigong
(update: 5/3/11)
I have been practicing mindfulness living... meaning you try to stay in the moment. When you drive, your mind only pays attention to driving! My biggest challenge is eating. I do very good in relishing the first two bites of my meal, but after that... I look down and my meal is half gone!!
(update:4/13/11)
I have been working on several fronts.. my sleep(CPAP), my feet (PN) and my spirit within.
1. Using a new mask. I call it the 'Monster Mask.' and I use a specific set-up for sleep.
2. I can walk without too much pain using the Sketcher's Tone-up thong sandal. Good sleep means less pain... less pain means good sleep!
3. I am taking a online course via Dan Millman, "Master the Path of the Peaceful Warrior." It involves much introspective thought on my part. Choices to make, changes in thought patterns, exercise!
My inner candle is burning more brightly! Step by step changes are being made and I am the better for it!
(update: 3/22/11)
Where am I going? Changes are happening with my health, my life, my sense of being. My stamina, is not much more than a quivering flame at the end of its life. I know what I need to do, but finding the time and perseverance is something else. Do not count me out just yet... I am devising a game plan.
Movement # 6
Rotate the Knees - White Crane Encircling KneesBegin with the feet together. Bend the knees. Bend the torso and cup the palms over the kneecaps. Rotate the knees. Repeat, then reverse the direction. Relax the shoulders. Deepen the breath. When it feels appropriate, over time, sink further down and allow the circles to become broader. Do not aggravate weak or injured knees.
Honor the comfort zone. ( I cannot empathize the latter enough. Make small circles. Do not let your knees go past your toes for safety.)
Formula for Seeking Qi
Practice + Intention = Inner Harmony = Qi Flow = Health and Longevity
You must also
Believe. Often we start things with good intentions, but in the back of our mind... we harbor doubts about being able to accomplish our goals.
Yes, I give detailed information about some exercises and movements, but nothing compares to going to a class with your instructor. My learning goes deeper each time I go to a class.
Sitting Practice
Roger Jahnke does a sitting qigong exercise with breathing. YOu can view it on YouTube by clicking his name.
Reminder... Posture... additional notes 1/30/09
Posture: so critical. When you are tired and slumped over, your body cannot breath! Try standing in the preliminary posture.. even sit straighter. I promise you that you will feel more energy as your breathing can be deeper... letting the energy in.
What a difference I feel when I correct a sloppy posture. The problem is keeping it correct. I find myself sliding right back into the slouch position. In time I want the proper posture to become my natural posture... awareness-practice, practice-awareness.
(1/30/09)
If you ever experience a physical trauma, injury, your body is going to react. It will do its best to warn you that it hurts by the pain. It will limit motion because of tightness of muscle etc. Since I hurt my back I find myself having to counteract the tightness in my back. It is almost like my posture is turning into a backward 'C'!!!. So I tuck my hips under when I feel my back arching this way. I try to periodically round my back, especially in the lumbar area.
Posture can affect the function of your organs. It can affect your breathing. I know right now my own efforts are not enough and I better seek some advice, specific exercises etc.
About Qigong: What it Involves
Douglas Chung, Phd., in his book Qigong Therapies... describes Qigong as the integration of mind, body, and spirit, where the body is relaxed, the mind is calm, and the ego is set aside so that attention can be paid to the conscious self for holistic healing and potential development.
He lists six major Qigong strategies:
1. Internalization...energy internalization, energy management.
2. Body Posture... relaxation is critical. Various postures enhance the free flow of energy throughout the body.
3. Breathing... there are different breathing methods. Abdominal breathing is the most efficient and must be learned by most people.
4. Mental reframing... know your real self, believe in yourself, affirm yourself.
5. Spiritual Adjustment... this is an awareness of yourself--in the present moment... "your body, energy within and without, and on the flow of energy in whatever you do."
6. Integration of mind, body, and spirit... where the body is relaxed, the mind is calm, and the ego is set aside.
Reminder... The Present Moment
We need to be in the 'Present Moment', meaning our minds must be clear and ready to receive the Qi. When worries, the TV or other external happenings are present, they invade our mind. Thich Nhat Hanh says, "the only moment to be alive is the present moment", "This is the only moment that is real"... therefore we need to make the most of it by making it totally ours. What about grief or sorrow, you might ask. Again quoting Thich Nhat Hanh... "We are more than our sorrow... we cannot let just one channel dominate us. We have the seed of everything in us, and we have to seize the situation in our hand, to recover our own sovereignty."
Reminder: Intent...Concentration
It can be difficult to clear our minds during times like the present... that do not lend themselves to stress free thinking. We must increase our resolve to do our practice daily... the best we can. Even a little success each day will add up over time. Concentration comes stronger with practice. Very few have a natural ability to tune out stress/distractions and to fall immediately into a fully concentrated frame of mind.
Visit my Other Blog... Exploring Nature
Here I have images and information about nature, the tropical flowering plants and trees found on the Treasure Coast of Florida.
Exploring Nature
Reminder: Quiet-Silence.... MUST STRENGTHEN THIS PRACTICE
We live in a very noisy world. I found some comments by Janet Luhrs, of the Simplicity Movement, about how to bring quietness into your life.
**Start the day with silence... stretch, read an inspirational message, before the coffee and news.
**Eat at a table without TV or reading... mindful eating is very beneficial.
**Drive in Silence... keeps us alert and more receptive to our own thoughts.
**Create a silence retreat at home... one evening a week, no TV, no phone and no talking.
**Practice silent exercise... no iPod, video, or other media, hopefully outdoors. Silence helps you pay attention to your body.
Reminder: Routine
Procrastination, this is my biggest enemy when it comes to doing just about everything... unless it is something I have to do at work or for someone else. You have to establish a routine and remain faithful to it in order to have results!
Why I am seeking my Qi
We never know which direction our lives are going to go and the direction we end up on may not be what we would like. It is important to be aware of the fact that we can change our direction in life... I am a cancer survivor and a year ago I was diagnosed with sleep apnea... a long over due diagnosis. I am so tired. My mind and body are worn out from trying to keep up with life. Dealing with Sleep Apnea this past year has been difficult. I am not good at taking medications. My body just does not like them... so I have turned to something I had tried a number of years ago, Qigong. I know now that it is to be an important part of my life from here on. Qigong is the getting the mind involved with your well being.
We can work at gaining more control over our thoughts and in doing so, our physical condition. I am not talking miracles here, but those who have practiced Qigong can relate many such happenings. That is not the purpose of my blog. I see some improvement after just a few weeks of practice... but still need that concentration to be stronger. With all the distractions of today, the pace, financial and worries about the future, I find it hard to stay focused. I am a senior citizen soon to be eligible for Medicare. I have worries about how long I will be able to work and I need to work, therefore I need to reclaim my energy. I know it is there... I just have to reconnect.
Past Journey Entries
(update: 2/18/11)
The body does its best to take over, to overpower the strength of the mind. Pain, frustrations, grab all your attention and therefore draining your spirit. It is most important to resist and 'fight' back with your mind... through positive thoughts... meditation.
(update: 1/10/11)
Dryness continues... yet the touch of Qi is felt daily, just not able to hold on to it as mentioned below. Qi is there, but it is up to me to make it grow within... to let it give me the strength I need. The thought of Qi, as I said is with me... I just need to let it flow through me and most importantly I must nourish it.
(update: 11/20/10)
Going through a very dry period right now. I do a small amount of Qigong in the am, but fail to carry it with me throughout the day. I let the benefits fall to the side. It is with the practice of the Inner Smile that you can carry it with you.. I never seem settled enough to go from start to finish... Ah, a new goal. The Inner Smile
(update; 10/16/10)
I find it hard to believe that I will be 67 years in two months. My body at times reminds me of the reality, but my mind still feels the joy and curiosity, enjoyment of life from my youth. It is a balance I need to find... I need to take the 'strength' of the youthful mind and apply that to aging body. There is so much I can still accomplish.
(Update: 9/4/10)
Going through a difficult time, dragging sinus problems resulting in very low energy. Yet, I am actually exercising! This feels good. I am also more aware of food portions, ingredients (like salt, sugars) So I guess I am moving forward in some ways... need to work more on the Qigong. I must remember that it is all tied together.
(Update: 8/29/10)
Went on a trip to CO. It was good in many ways, but now I need to refocus on that chattering mind. I did great out there as I was out of my normal surroundings. I am doing more Qigong though, as well as good old exercise!
(Update: 8/5/10)
It takes more than just gathering good information about what to do, how to make changes. I am so great at that! What is difficult for me is to take that information and make it reality.
In a small way I am slowly more in control of the chattering mind... I find myself saying... just one more chatter... but that in itself is a stronger awareness.
(Update: 7/28/10)
I do not know if it is wishful thinking or if it is reality, but I am slowly finding more energy... outside of a setback from a sinus infection. I have been listening to different CDs meant to enhance Delta sleep. We shall see... says the skeptic!
My main challenge at the moment is to stop the ever present mental chatter during the day. My mind is never quiet. That in itself can be energy draining.
(Update: 7/14/10)
It has been forever, and it has seemed forever..
It is amazing what challenges life can bring. The peripheral neuropathy is ongoing, but the real drain of energy has turned out to be what is know as Alpha Intrusions.
When you sleep, your deep sleep is Delta wave lengths, slow and easy. When that deep sleep is interrupted by Alpha brain waves, quick & sharp, the restorative nature of your deep sleep is destroyed or at least lessened... determined by the extent of the intrusions.
I have been exploring sites that have MP3s of Delta sounds to listen to. They are supposedly to help your brain retrain itself to the Delta waves. The best known person for this music is Dr Jeffrey Thompson, but there are many others.
(Update: 12/19/09)
Well, as you can see it has been a while. My peripheral neuropathy has made things difficult. I am now just doing the 5 Treasures as found on the National Qigong Association DVD. It is 20 minutes with some foot movement which is good for me right now.
I also must revive my yoga. I have been going for myofascial release therapy as well as Anodyne treatments (infrared light) and both are helping a great deal. I need to keep that stretching action going. Taking care of myself in my 'Golden Years' is going to take a bit of time and plenty of discipline!
(Update: 11/9/09)
I am still doing my Qigong but decided to concentrate on the CloudWalker method by John Walcott. After doing his routines I can actually see differences. My skin is more even toned, any bruising is practically gone and I bruise easily. The most important thing of all is to keep doing it. Why I have stopped in the past I do not know. John mentioned that I can rock or do the one step forward and back if that helps... and it does. It is the standing in one spot that gets me down. Sitting just does not do it for me, even though that is most acceptable!
(Update: 10/17/09)
My peripheral neuropathy is trying its best to pull me down. I truly believe that I can reverse it. I cannot take the medicines listed for it.. so it is up to me, my mind, my belief in the power available to me... to us all. My breathing was so tight at practice. I was standing. My teacher said I should sit more. With the tingling in my hands, it is hard to feel what is Qi, but I have felt it in the past.. it is an amazing feeling. Why do we stop practices that we know work and then come back to them when we desperately need them? Now I have to struggle to reach the level I was at before.
(Update: 10/7/09)
Trying the Inner Smile upon waking and visualization when getting ready to sleep. A soft, but strong net, pulling through my body, drawing out what doesn't belong.
(Update: 10/3/09)
I found another Qigong class, that I can walk to. I need it now more than ever. Been an official senior citizen now since January. So much has happened physically this past year, but I am happier despite it. Still working on the mental clutter and now I need to really work on physical stamina. Mine has been drained and having once been a active athlete, I find this new level a bit like the glass half empty... Wrong attitude. It is really half full and growing :-)
(Update: 9/20/09)
I have lost two people that were special. I was not in close contact in recent years with either. I regret that. Our lives get so busy, but busy with what? Is all that fills our lives that important? I read in Take Your Time, that it is good to pare down the 'clutter' in our lives. That in turn, clears space in our minds.
(Update: 9/17/09)
It is not an easy thing! To get one's mind to stop 'chattering' is a very difficult task. Right now I feel as if I am in a spinning cycle of chattering... trying to reach out to: first, slow it down and second, then to get it all to stop. I have had to read one page over and over... just to try and read it from start to finish, without jumping away from the page. If you come upon this site by chance, send some positive thoughts my way... I need them, badly!
(Update: 9/5/09)
What a long break! Life can get so busy and that is what I am trying to change right now. I am reading a book, Take Your Time, by Eknath Easwaran. He talks about one-pointed attention, something that is severely lacking in our times. This is the art of paying attention to one thing at a time... like driving your car, without using the radio, your cell phone or eating... just driving with full attention to what you are doing. Think of how much safer the roads would be! You learn to do this in all aspects of your life.
(Update: 6/2/09)
What a long break. I am still here... still trying. Still moving forward, though a bit slowly right now...
(Update: 3/29/09)
I am learning to smile... from within :-)
(Update:3/20/09)
It is amazing how low we must go before we can turn it around. I am talking about energy, inner determination etc. I am working at my stamina... through the Silver Sneakers program of a Medicare/HMO. I am also going to try and get back at my Qigong. It frustrates me that I turn away from it at a time when I need it the most.
(Update:2/9/09)
I have admit that today is the first day in quite a while that I have done my basic Qigong practice. It felt so good to do it and I am very aware... when I stop for any length of time... the good that it does for me. My movements are better, my anxiety level is lower (we all need this in these hectic times), my balance is better also. So why do I stop???? I wish I knew.
(Update:1/29/09)
Things are happening in my life... with my sleep apnea (good). I feel I have the right combination of mask and machine. The muscle strain is getting better and hopefully I will get back on track. All self discipline flew out the window the past two weeks.
(Long break here... 1/11/09)
Time has past, things have happened. My Qigong has become a bit stagnant. I am not as young as I used to be but I still try to do things I should not, like lift heavy cement flower pots. My back was hurt about 10 days ago, a good painful muscle strain. I will have to ease back into my practice and be very selective about which postures and movements I do. Breathing alone can be helpful
(Update:12/21/08)
Well, it is almost Christmas. Snow covers the north, but we are fine... as Florida winters go. Looks like I will not have to run the A/C on Christmas day! Still doing my Qigong, but not as thoroughly as I would like to be doing it! :-(
(Update:12/14/08)
It is amazing how hectic this time of year can become, even if you are being very low key. It is at times like this that we need to be able to keep our mind and inner self calm / strong against the hype being thrown at us from all directions. Qigong is good for this!
(Update:12/2/08)
Well, for Thanksgiving I went to Tampa to visit my daughter. I did not do my Qigong. I can feel the loss of flexibility from missing 4 days of practice. I also see it in my face. I was not aware of the change in my eyes and surrounding tissues till I saw the puffiness come back! It is the tapping that helps here...
(Update:11/23/08)I am still here, just not blogging. I am doing my Qigong.
(Update:11/11/08)Veterans Day... a special day of remember and giving Thanks to those who served and have served...some giving their lives, for us. It was not a good day for Qigong. Tomorrow I will have another sleep study done. I pray for answers....
(Update:11/7/08)I got up early this morning... did my Qigong out on my porch. It was still a bit dark, but being 'outside' gives your practice a special feeling as it is the earth's Qi you are connecting to. I hope to make it outside more often.
(Update:11/2/08)One amazing way that I am able to know whether or not I have done a good practice is that I feel as if I am standing taller. I am very fair complexioned and at this time in my life I bruise easy. A properly done practice makes my bruises fade. I see this and all I can say is WOW! It happened after practices done this weekend.
I guess each individual will find that benefit which their bodies demonstrate the rejuevenation brought by doing Qigong.
(Update:10/31/08)I finally made it to a class. I cannot emphasis enough how much a class helps all around. Now I feel ready to try again. My intentions are stronger. It is so easy in this fast paced world, full of stress.. to get waylaid and off track.
Today I just could not get started. My mind wandered every where but where I wanted it to be. So I stopped. I will try again later in the day if possible. I will not say it was a failure, but a detour to the start of my day. Do not get discouraged with one, two or more bad starts to your practice. What is important... is that you continue to practice.
(update: 10-18-2008)It has been so hard to concentrate, to want to do my Qigong. I am tired, so very tired. For a year I have been using a CPAP to correct my sleep apnea, but I never found that magic solution that is supposed to come with the CPAP machine. I am still struggling and right now that struggle is getting me down... and then there is the financial struggle going on... in my house and yours. I must read my own advise!
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