The qigong state is our natural way of being when we are aligned with the laws of nature. It can be described as a focused awareness of existing in the present moment. Spiritual teacher Eckart Tolle describes the process of achieving the qigong state as “The transformation from time to presence and from thought to pure consciousness”. This transition or path has also been referred to as the ancient practice of internal alchemy (the Chinese neidan or neigong).
Qigong practice easily leads the practitioner into this state fairly quickly through regular practice. Even new students can find themselves in a state of deep relaxation with feelings of connection after only a short time of practice and instruction. Our true work is maintaining the qigong state beyond the practice sessions and into our daily routines so we can navigate, with a kind of neutrality, what we percieve as difficult situations.
The qigong state requires an open heart and mind. The more time we can spend in the qigong state the more we can awaken a deeper understanding from the heart that allows joy, compassion, love, kindness, playfulness and more to naturally arise. With the mind in a state of grace the flow of qi in the body is naturally enhanced, you are aware of your whole being in this moment.
The photo above is a delightful example of practitioners in the qigong state. It is our recent Qigong in Paradise group after several days of joyful and very playful practice together. Looking at the loving, grounded and peaceful smiles, I see qigong friends in “the qigong state”, this helps remind me to return to that state.
