How can we make our qigong practice into an art? Those I meet through qigong usually express a desire for a meaningful regular practice to support them in transforming their lives. We know that qigong undoubtedly leads to greater personal happiness and health, and that it increases our capacity to contribute to the wellbeing of our families and communities.
However, many encounter resistance to practicing on a regular basis. Discipline, and our resistance to regular practice, is a recurring topic among qigong practitioners. Resistance can be defined as opposition, refusal to give in. It implies a battle or defiance. The other side of resistance is surrender. Learning how to effortlessly drop our defiance and let qigong be part of our lives is the key to turning qigong into an art–the art of qigong practice.
Few practitioners are naturally disciplined while many others wrestle with ways to keep the spark alive that will motivate them to practice regularly. You may strongly desire a regular practice but often find yourself in internal negotiations about when to practice, where to practice and even whether to practice.
Take heart in knowing that most practitioners have had to overcome the discipline hurdle as well. Knowing that momentum can be built simply by practicing qigong itself, which can help you break away from old energetic patterns in the body that are hindering your practice. Energetically surrendering and giving up your defiance naturally creates greater capacity for letting qigong into your life.
To strengthen your personal discipline and build a regular qigong practice, try these ideas:
Start small and work your way up.
Establishing a regular qigong practice is really about figuring out how to follow your desire for transformation through personal discipline. Start with a gong! A 7-day or month-long gong might be the perfect way to kickstart a routine that can lead into a more regular practice. While a 100-day gong gives you the maximum benefit, it can seem daunting if you’re not used to practicing each day. Begin to ease yourself into what it takes by starting with a shorter gong.
For more insight into a daily qigong practice, please see “Gong” Journeys and Gong Journeys, Part II: What IS a “Gong”?
Set realistic goals with your practice. Make it an art.
Setting up your life to integrate qigong is an art. It can be a satisfying creative process. How much time can you realistically set aside to practice and enjoy qigong each day? Choose a length of time you are able to commit to, starting with at least 20-40 minutes to realize noticeable benefits. Once you begin to notice more benefits, build on them!
Review your intention daily and recommit.
Along the way as you try to stay steadfast in your practice, there will be times when you struggle with your motivation and don’t want to practice. Qi is still working regardless of how you feel while practicing. Remember the reason why you want to practice and decide if you still believe in it. Keep going if you do. Keeping a journal to reflect on the benefits of your practice as you go can also help you see the transformation in your own journey with discipline.
Tailor your practice to fit you best.
A regular qigong practice can be seen as a part of your routine and life. Are you able to practice in the morning or is it easier to do so at night? Which provides more benefits and support? Decide what is best for you and integrate that into your life.
Have compassion for yourself.
Having a regular qigong practice should bring you joy and happiness, not feel like a burden to you. If your practice begins to feel like a chore you “have to get done,” check-in with yourself, concentrate on where you are in the moment, and try to adjust your attitude knowing that you are doing something that takes time and consistency to create. Realize that you have the power to make the changes necessary to realize the most benefits from qigong. Make sure you are reviewing your intention and adjust it to compassionately reflect where you are at this time!
Find ways to enrich your practice and keep up your momentum.
A supportive qigong community with others who have the same intention as you can be so helpful in your journey! Having others to share with and learn from in a group that you can check in with can help you feel less alone as well as motivate you to continue. Ask a qigong friend to do a gong at the same time as you so you can support each other. Join our supportive community with in-person classes in northern San Diego county as well as online classes at Qigong for Life!
Most importantly, understand that developing a regular qigong practice takes time and a strong desire for beneficial change in your life. When you begin to practice more and more, you will find yourself resisting less as your discipline grows and your relationship with qigong expands and deepens. You will become an artist creating an exquisite piece of art that is your life. You will begin to see the art of qigong practice. You will surrender your resistance and eagerly await the opportunity to create your qi art each day.
Gracias y felicidades por acercarnos estas herramientas.
Saludos cordiales.
Thank you Felipe, for your kinds words!