Seeking Qi

We Are Not Alone in Life

2010-10-02T19:13:00.000-04:00

Side by Side

Been working hard at things.. sometimes worrying too much about it. I have to remember, that I am not alone. There are many who walk my walk. I have friends and family also. I have to stop and remember this, especially when the going becomes difficult.

There is nothing wrong in seeking help, talking things out with someone else. At times, just talking to a good listener, will help us figure the difficulty out, all by ourselves. When we put our chaotic thoughts into sentences... into a sense of order... the answers often appear.

Somber Dawn

2010-09-04T23:22:00.000-04:00

Life has days that start like this, with a dark, stormy entrance into our lives. Rain showing in the distance. If you look up in the top right corner, there is light... showing that the dark and gloom will pass. This is one thing I must remember. "This too will pass" I love to see and look into the darkness and finding the good that is there. Rain brings nourishment to the earth. The wind is cooler. There is a feeling of anticipation of change.

Coming out of a mist

2009-06-02T19:29:00.004-04:00

This is how I have been for a while, in a fog, and now I am emerging. It is a slow process and I am doing my best to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I was going to a gym, but this past week I have been walking in the evening. I live in a good area for walking and can get in about a mile, plus a bit more if I go down the middle road.

Just put one foot forward and then the next. It works!!! You do not have to go fast at first, but you will find that gradually you will move freer and stronger. Like me, you can come out of the fog of life. Walking is a good time for reflection.. in fact you can follow Thich Nhat Hanh's way of Mindful Walking described below.

A Way of Looking at Life...

2008-11-15T16:30:00.005-05:00

This was sent to me and it makes sense... a good way to think when dealing with difficult people.

'The Law of the 'Garbage Truck'
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.
We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the 'Garbage Truck'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.

Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a garbage-free day :-)

"Life isn't about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself"

"PRACTICE WINNING EVERY DAY"

Words of Wisdom: Henri Nouwen

2008-10-05T09:09:00.004-04:00

Beyond Entertainment...
Entertainment keeps us distracted, excited, or in suspense. Entertainment is often good for us. It gives us an evening or a day off from our worries and fears. But when we start living life as entertainment, we lose touch with our souls and become little more than spectators in a lifelong show. Even very useful and relevant work can become a way of forgetting who we really are. It is no surprise that for many people retirement is a fearful prospect. Who are we when there is nothing to keep us busy?

Silence is the discipline that helps us to go beyond the entertainment quality of our lives. There we can let our sorrows and joys emerge from their hidden place and look us in the face, saying: "Don't be afraid; you can look at your own journey, its dark and light sides, and discover your way to freedom"

Try to Return to the Solid Place...
When suddenly you seem to lose all you thought you had gained, do not despair. Your healing is not a straight line. You must expect setbacks and regressions. Don't say to yourself, "All is lost. I have to start all over again." This is not true. What you have gained, you have gained.

Sometimes little things build up and make you lose ground for a moment. Fatigue, a seemingly cold remark, someone's inability to hear you, someone's innocent forgetfulness, which feels like rejection--when all these come together, they can make you feel as if you are right back where you started ........ It is important not to dwell on the small moments when you feel pulled away from your progress, Try to return home, to the solid place within you, immediately. Otherwise, these moments start connecting with similar moments, and together they become powerful enough to pull you far away from the road ........ It is easier to return to the road when you are on the shoulder than when you are pulled all the way into a nearby swamp.

Words of Wisdom: Dalai Lama, on Love & Compassion

2008-10-05T08:57:00.004-04:00

"The need for love lies at the very foundation of human existence. It results from the profound interdependence we all share with one another. However capable and skillful an individual may be, left alone, he or she will not survive. However vigorous and independent one may feel during the most prosperous periods of life, when one is sick or very young or very old, one must depend on the support of others."

"It is because our own human existence is so dependent on the help of others that our need for love lies at the very foundation of our existence. Therefore we need a genuine sense of responsibility and a sincere concern for the welfare of others."

"From my own limited experience I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion."

"The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes. Cultivating a close, warm-hearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. This helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter. It is the ultimate source of success in life."

Words of Wisdom: Thomas Merton

2008-09-29T21:36:00.002-04:00

At Least One Room

"There should be at least one room, or some corner, where no one will find you and disturb you or notice you. You should be able to untether yourself from the world and set yourself free. loosing all the fine strings and strands of tension that bind you, by sight, by sound, by thought, to the presence of other men."

New Seeds of Contemplation

Difficult

"It is not complicated to lead the spiritual life, but it is difficult."

The Sign of Jonas

The Greatest Happiness
" My opinion is that you never find happiness until you stop looking for it. My greatest happiness consists precisely in doing nothing whatever that is calculated to obtain happiness; and this, in the minds of most people, is the worst possible course."

The Way of Chuang Tzu

Liberation of Mind
"What is important is not liberation from the body, but liberation from the mind. We are not entangled in our own body, but entangled in our own mind."

The Asian Journal of Thomas Merton

Words of Wisdom: Challenge

2008-09-29T20:20:00.008-04:00

The following quotes were taken from: Readings from the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, from the section called Challenge.

"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

Lao-Tzu

"The trick is what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same...."

Carlos Castaneda

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all"

Helen Keller

"If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind, there are few... That is the real secret of the arts; always be a beginner."

Shunryu Suzuki

Words of Wisdom: Thich Nhat Hanh

2008-09-27T15:04:00.007-04:00

Thich Nhat Hanh teaches a form of walking that he calls Mindful Walking or Walking Meditation. A person is to walk slowly in a relaxed manner. The goal is to walk, being aware of your surroundings. In the beginning you will count your steps against your inhalation and exhalation. Count, but let your lungs fill up naturally.

At first your inhalation may be longer then your exhalation. Eventually your breathing will become more balanced... 3-3... or inhaling for three steps and exhaling for three steps. Do not try and do this in a mechanical manner. Just be aware of your breathing and feel the air as it fills your lungs. Try to let go of your worries and troubles... put a smile on your face. At first it may not seem easy, but it can come about with practice.

"If you think that peace and happiness are somewhere else and you run after them, you will never arrive. It is only when you realize that peace and happiness are available here in the present moment that you will be able to relax.

In daily life, there is so much to do and so little time. You may feel pressured to run all the time. Just stop! Touch the ground of the present moment deeply, and you will touch real peace and joy."

Remain aware of your breathing... if you stop this awareness, you will find that your mind will jump back into the troubles you are trying to back off from.

Exercise: Four Exercises

2008-09-25T12:21:00.015-04:00

I learned the following exercises though my classes with John M. Walcott. He is a 28-year veteran of martial and energy mind body arts. He has compiled the Cloudwalker body/mind energy exercise system. His full credentials can be seen here. There are many exercises. I am only showing these four as I feel it is better to learn your exercises under the best circumstances, in a class with an instructor.

When you do the exercises, watch your posture, move slowly and do them at least 10 times for full effect. Certain sounds bring specific enhancement. The two main sounds I use here are: HAH for relaxation, and SHEEEE for kidney enhancement. A person can do exercises on their own, but the input of an instructor is critical when trying to learn the full involvement of mind, breathe and body movement.

#1... Have your feet at shoulder width. Put your left hand on your stomach, right hand on you kidney. (lower back)
INHALE: spread arms out to the side, almost at shoulder height.
EXHALE: bring hands around to the opposite positions with the right hand on your stomach and your left hand on your kidney. Use the SHEEEE sound on exhalation. Repeat

#2... 'Slide the Window Up', Have your feet wider than shoulder width.
INHALE: bring hands down to waist level
EXHALE: With open palms, raise your arms above shoulder level, in front of you. Almost like opening a window. Use the SHEEEE sound on exhalation. Repeat

#3... Have your feet at shoulder width.
INHALE: spread your hands, forward, open your arms out to the side with your palm open wide--widen your chest as you breath in and look up to the sky.
EXHALE: bring your hands into the body in front of your chest... shrinking your chest. Use the HAH sound on exhalation.
Repeat

#4... 'Bathe in the River', Shoulder width stance.
INHALE: with your arms straight bring them out in front of you and continue moving them up over your head (open palms)
EXHALE: bring your arms down slowly to your sides. Use the HAH sound. Repeat

Movement # 1

2008-09-23T20:05:00.003-04:00

The source of the written text for my Movement series is taken from a PDF that was available for downloading from the website http://www.feeltheqi.com/ It is Roger Jahnke's site: A Resource Guide to Qigong, Tai Chi, Self-Healing & More. I believe that it is a part of his book... The Healer Within. The PDF was done in conjunction with the Healing Tao Insititute.
The illustrations... simple that they are, were done by me!

Preliminary Standing Posture
Stand with the feet at shoulders width, toes pointed forward. Allow the shoulders to relax, the neck and head to be perched directly on top of the shoulders, deepen the breath. Allow the knees to be slightly bent. Bring the pelvis into its position as a bowl in which the organs rest by rocking its bottom forward helping the lower back to uncurl and elongate. Soften the gaze. Turn your awareness toward a sensitivity to whatever the body energy or Qi might feel like. (So simple yet so effective )

Movement # 2

2008-09-23T20:04:00.001-04:00

Shaking the Whole Body to Release and Circulate the Energy
From the preliminary position begin to wiggle the fingers and bounce, deepen the breath. Increase the bounce and allow the hands to begin to shake. Add shaking of the head and shoulders. Relax the jaw. You will find that this is one of the best exercises to bring immediate sensation of the energy or Qi. Exaggerate the movement, prolong it, shift weight from foot to foot, make sounds, find your own best way to use this exercise. (no figure) ( Another do any time movement... I do it at work to break the stress)

Movement # 3

2008-09-23T20:02:00.000-04:00

Twist from the Waist, Swing the Arms Ringing the Gong
From the preliminary position rotate the torso. The movement should seem to come from the waist, although it is actually initiated at the ground from the feet. The shoulders follow the waist and the arms follow the shoulders, they just dangle and swing. Turn the head completely -as far as it will comfortably go- to look behind. The breath is full and there is a dynamic relationship between action and relaxant. Bring as much relaxant to the movement as possible. Notice that the arms and hands hit the body. This hitting or thumping can become purposeful when aimed at the reflexes of the kidneys, spleen and liver. This will be discussed in the section on self-applied massage. (This can be done any time! Great for spine flexibility too)

Movement # 4

2008-09-23T20:00:00.000-04:00

Swing the Arms Forward, Rise upon the Toes, Arms Back, Swing Back onto Heels
Tradition claims that this movement alone, with relaxation and deep breathing can help to cure serious diseases. Starting in the preliminary posture rock forward onto the toes and swing the arms forward. Palms may face backward or forward, you decide. Remember to make it up and make it fun. Now, rock back on the heels. Practice will show you how far back you can go. Breathe deeply and relax. Repeat. This is not a fancy gesture but it has profound potential. Turn your awareness to the forces of body energy for a lesson in the value of this technique. Remember, patience in your quest for the sensation of elusive life energy, Qi.

Movement # 5

2008-09-23T19:59:00.001-04:00

Circular Rotation of the Waist With Hands Warming the Lower Back - Agile Bamboo, Strong Root.
Warm the hands up by rubbing them together vigorously. Beginning from the preliminary position, apply the heated, open palms to the lower back. Rotate the hips to the left by shortening the left torso and lengthening the right. Next, tilt the tail of the pelvis forward, the mid-spine curves backward. Next, sway toward the right hip by shortening the right torso and lengthening the left.
Finally, tilt the tail of the pelvis upward and backward, the mid-spine bows forward. This is basically a repetitive rotation of the spine bows forward. This is basically a repetitive rotation of the waist. The breath is full and relaxed throughout. The rotation is smooth. Repeat and then reverse the direction. This is a powerful healing tool to affect the organs and nerve plexus in the pelvis and abdomen and the muscles of the lower back and hips.

Movement # 6

2008-09-23T19:56:00.001-04:00

Rotate the Knees - White Crane Encircling Knees
Begin 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.)

Movement # 7

2008-09-23T19:54:00.001-04:00

Right and Left Curving of the Spine
Beginning from the preliminary position bend to the right. The right arm drops down along the side of the leg and the head bends toward the right shoulder. The upper left arm rises up on a line with shoulders and the hand and lower arm dangle from the elbow. Repeat. Inhale toward the upright, exhale toward the bend. Deep slow breaths. This is an easy but extremely important exercise for the muscles along the spine, the neurological reflexes along the spine and the connective tissue that holds the spine together. (This brings flexibility to the spine as well)

Movement # 8

2008-09-23T19:52:00.001-04:00

Front and Back Curving of the Spine Embracing Forcefulness
Beginning from the preliminary position raise the arms upward. The upper arms move in line with the shoulders. The forearms and hands reach upward from the elbow. The hands reach wide open. The breath is on the inhalation cycle. The spine bends like a bow with the belly and chest forward. The head reaches upwards, tilts backward and the gaze goes skyward. The tailbone is lifted backward and upward. Then, on the exhale, the arms come forward and the hands clench into fists that close tightly before the eyes. The elbows remain bent. The spine reverses into the opposite bow with the middle back curved backward. The head is bent forward, eyes gaze at the fists and the shoulders are rounded. The tail is pulled under and forward. This is the exhalation and is forceful. Repeat. This is a traditional martial arts power building movement. (I use this during the day when I need an energy boost.)

Movement #9

2008-09-23T19:49:00.000-04:00

Reaching Upward, Stretching Outward
Begin with feet together. With the inhalation, bring the palms upward. As they pass before the eyes lace the fingers together and turn the palms upward toward the sky. Stretch upward, hold the breath. Rise up on the balls of the feet. Hold for a moment. Unlock the fingers as the exhalation begins. Extend the arms from the heel of the palm, pressing outward, as the arms are lowered. Repeat. (I find both movements that have me coming up on my toes, help me with my balance.)

Movement # 10

2008-09-23T19:47:00.001-04:00

Forward Bending Towards the Toes
This is classic toe touching. Feet are slightly apart. Bend forward slowly. Dangle, stay relaxed. Stay in the comfort zone. The goal is to place your palms flat on the ground and straighten your knees. This may take a lifetime to perfect. Patience and perseverance in the practice is the path. ( I find that as I breath, I am able to go down a little more with each breath. I am careful not to try and go too far as once.)

Breathing and the Mind

2008-09-20T22:35:00.000-04:00

Most of the time we do not pay attention to how we breath, we just do it. The most natural way to breath is like that of a baby, an infant. If you watch them, you will note that it is their abdomen that rises and falls, not their chest. The diaphragm is pushed down, expanding the abdomen. Oh My! That is not acceptable in adults!! Heaven forbid we push our stomach out any more than it is!

Yet, that is the most beneficial way of breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply, expanding the abdomen. When you exhale... then your abdomen will come in as stomach muscles and the diaphragm helps push the air out of your lungs.

A simple, meditative breathing exercise is to inhale slowly through your nose, if comfortable, and at the same time to visualize Qi filling your lungs. Hold your breath briefly and then exhale through your mouth. Feel the Qi moving throughout your body. Your posture is important. You can be sitting, standing, but not slouched over. Be in such a position that you can fully inhale and exhale.

Now.. what is for me, the hard part. Quiet the mind. All this breathing loses it value when your mind is filled with worry. Worry only tenses your body and that hinders free breathing. Jahnke states that "Focus, direction, concentration, clarity, and intention are not easy to sustain." He state further "In Qigong it is ultimately through the mind and consciousness that we seek to achieve the capacity to control, focus, and direct the Qi." It is through deep mind focus that the benefits of Qigong can be obtained.

Intention, a Necessity When Seeking Qi

2008-09-20T19:23:00.000-04:00

Enter the world of Qi with sincerity, add your routine of practice and you are now on the path to finding Qi, inner harmony, health and longevity. Of course it is not that simple... Here is what you can find:

Cultivating Qi will make you more vital, magnetic, and productive. Ample and harmonious Qi enhances brain power and clarity of thought, which nourishes the capacity to learn new things and pursue intentions and goals. People with ample energy create opportunities and innovation. Harmonious Qi will make you more resilient to stress and less vulnerable to negative situations. With healthy and vital Qi you will have the stamina and clarity to purify and release the emotion that perpetuate stress and sabotage productivity.

The above was taken from the beginning of the book The Healing Promise of Qi written by Roger Jahnke, O.M.D. The link to his site is listed below in Qigong Resources