As we delight in the approach of spring, we notice that there is a special energy associated only with this season of renewal. This is an invigorating time with energy rising throughout nature and within us; think baby birds, seedlings thrusting up through the earth and our own spring cleaning, innovation and new projects. Winter is…
The second New Moon after the Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year. This is year 4717th in the Chinese calendar, the year of the Yang Metal Rat. On January 25 Chinese New Year celebrations begin. The Rat is the first animal in the twelve Chinese zodiac signs and is a symbol…
During our recent Immersion Retreat we revisited the Eight Verses. Knowing how to recite them in English and sing them in Chinese, before each practice session, is a foundation of the Zhineng Qigong system. We thought it a good time to share this article from June 2017: Learning and practicing the Eight Verses is an…
In the Five Phase Theory, 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 and seeds to return to the earth, we can embrace this…
Discipline, and our resistance to it, is a recurring topic among qigong practitioners. Everyone I meet through qigong expresses a desire for a meaningful regular practice to support them in transforming their lives. Qigong leads to the unfolding of greater happiness and health. It increases our capacity to contribute to the wellbeing of our families and…
Many of us are immersed in summer travels, enjoying life with friends and family. These idyllic long days are prized for deepening connections with loved ones, this vibrant earth and ourselves. Our vacation travels need not interrupt our qigong practice as we can include time for qigong while on the road. Before I address ways…
Summer is officially here. In the Chinese Five Phase/Element Theory, the summer season corresponds with the heart organ, the color red, the fire element, and the resolving of anxiety with acceptance and joy. Spring prepared us for summer with fuel through naturally arising springtime yang qi. With summer here we can continue harnessing yang qi…
“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…
As we delight in each spring day, we notice that something else is going on as well; there is a special energy associated only with spring. This is an invigorating time with energy rising throughout nature and within us; think baby birds, seedlings thrusting up through the earth and our own spring cleaning, innovation and…
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 the Five Phase Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is…