In 2008, Zhineng Qigong teacher Jane Jin introduced me to a system of unique qigong breathing exercises. I was eagerly encouraged by fellow qigong practitioners to give them a try. Although I felt I had plenty to explore and practice in the qigong world, I reluctantly decided to give them a chance. Immediately, I began…
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer ended and autumn began on September 23. Autumn is a time of waning yang and increasing yin. It is a time to slow down and turn inward for the approaching winter. This season supports us in letting go of old ways. Like nature releasing summer leaves…
Workshops offer us the luxury of extended time for delving deeper into the nuances of the qigong theories and practices. Our recent Lift Qi Up Pour Qi Down Immersion Workshop was no exception with several conversations about not only the nuances of the movements but also the history and intent of the form. This extended time…
Qigong study and practice inherently supports us in activating an inner awareness of our deep connection to the natural world. By nurturing this connection we naturally cultivate a holistic view of our surroundings, our selves and of all living beings. With that often comes a greater sense of kindness and compassion. My earliest memories are…
Practitioners can easily and quickly sense the beneficial effects of qigong during and after practice. We can also gain valuable insight into the myriad of benefits through becoming familiar with results of scientific qigong studies. This extensive article on the medical applications of qigong reviews several studies. I encourage you to absorb this information to further support…
Have you felt like slowing down a bit and not taking on new projects or adventures? If yes, then you are in tune with the energies associated with the upcoming year of the Yin Wood Sheep. February 19, 2015 marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, which coincides with the second new moon after…
Regarding the circle walking the circle can be very tight but if too small you might get dizzy. You can think of the circle size down in our oak trees as the ideal size and adjust from there as to what works for you. For most benefit walk for about 40-50 minutes. Spend a few…
As the calendar year comes to an end, it is a time when it feels natural to reflect on the past. While reflecting I was particularly struck by the unexpected gifts qigong has brought to my life. Over the years of practicing and teaching, I’ve become aware that the unexpected gifts of qigong often make…
“How do I find the ideal qigong teacher”? I considered this question some years ago when I realized that my martial arts practices were leading me towards a deeper curiosity of qigong. My martial arts teacher advised me to find a qigong teacher who could support my curiosity. For the next few years I learned…
For this last part in our series about our weekend with Teacher Jianshe, I will endeavor to explain the basic concepts of Yi Yuan Ti (YYT). On a bright morning during the workshop we settled in comfortably to listen to Jianshe talk on the subject. YYT is perhaps the most important theory associated with Dr.…