After the recent spate of destructive fires in San Diego County during mid-May many students expressed that they noticed a considerable difference in how they navigated through the days of fires. They reported that because of their qigong practice they were able to stay more present and maintain more inner calm, acceptance and trust than…
During a recent retreat a long-time student asked about ways to stay open when experiencing discomfort during qigong practice. The ensuing discussion was a mini-revelation for many because it provided unique ways to focus the mind on creating comfort in moments of perceived pain. I wanted to share our discussion in this blog because it…
I was recently asked what role consciousness plays in Zhineng Qigong. Our practices usually include a variety of meditations, movements, stretching exercises, breathing methods and we generally feel better when our practice ends. We often talk about changing the body and the mind, but it is really our consciousness that is most important. At the…
In Chinese numerology the number nine symbolizes the end of a cycle as well as the beginning of a new cycle, it can be a time of great harmony. About nine years ago, after many years training and practicing internal martial arts, qigong, yoga and meditation, Leonard and I went to China to immerse ourselves…
Celebrating the Chinese New Year begins with the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. Celebrations for this Year of the Wood Horse begin on January 31. This year offers a potent opportunity to welcome and celebrate change. The Horse is an auspicious symbol in Chinese culture and mythology. The Horse is considered a heroic leader…
As 2014 begins, Leonard and I are feeling most blessed to be in the midst of a superlative privilege, that of becoming grandparents. Healthy and strong twin girls were born to our daughter and her husband in late December. I am elated to share this news with you, but what does it have to do…
For those of us living in the northern hemisphere, we know that the winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight. Many of us look forward to this day because it marks the beginning of the gradual increase in daylight hours. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is the most yin season. The…
Many of you have wowed and inspired me with the different ways you have discovered and created for living a simpler life. I heard from several of you that the October Newsletter was a catalyst for jump-starting and supporting you to clear out old possessions as well as obsolete ways of thinking. I didn’t realize…
The autumn equinox has passed and the signals of the seasonal change are evident: cooler nights, warm but shorter days, and the slant of the sun offering us a “sparkle factor” when we notice our outdoor surroundings. Other signs of autumn here in Elfin Forest are that the vegetable garden is in transition and pickings…
OK, maybe this article should have preceded last months’ newsletter. Some of you, after reading the newsletter article on 100-Day Gongs, wrote to ask, “What is a Gong?” I’ll start at the beginning. “Gong” is a Chinese word that is often generally translated to mean cultivation or work. In qigong, martial arts, and other practices, accomplishing…