We recognize the Five Element or Five Phase theory as part of the wisdom that informs our qigong view of life and nature. The Five Phase theory posits that everything in the universe, including our health, is governed by five elements, which incorporate their corresponding organs and seasons: wood/liver/spring, fire/heart/summer, earth/spleen-pancreas/Indian summer, metal/lungs/autumn and water/kidneys/winter.…
There is a subtle movement of qi that is constantly occurring between and within humans and every other thing in the universe. This qi movement is the fundamental force of all changes and variations in everything. From the universal void, subtle movements of Primordial Qi (Hunyuan Qi) continually transmute into and produce everything between heaven…
Many of you 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…
Martha asked me to write about my experiences of a 100-Day Gong that I recently completed. I had a lot of opportunities during the gong to notice how much I had changed through all that occurred. I‘m happy to share my experiences. 100-day gongs have always brought me new inspiration and appreciation for how qi…
Many wisdom traditions offer us step-by-step formulas to attain higher levels of health, inner peace or enlightenment. I often shy away from formulas as they seem to trivialize the effort required to truly create a change within. That said, when I came across some of my notes from a retreat I attended with Jane Jin…
The following article was featured in our November 2014 newsletter. It introduced the Yi Yuan Ti theory. Recently, we revisited the subject of Yi Yuan Ti in our April Explorers Class. We had a lively discussion that left most of us wanting to delve deeper. Therefore we are sharing this article again as a way…
Spring has arrived! Here in Elfin Forest we know there is no going back to winter once the lilac-colored buds start opening on the wisteria vine draped across the front of our carport. And what a glorious spring this is. We are bathed in greenery and the ‘sparkle’ factor is at its peak. As we…
Circle Walking is a remarkably effective practice that can be an empowering addition to your qigong repertoire. There is a rich history and a variety of ways to practice circle walking. I was introduced to Circle Walking many years ago when I was learning Ba Gua Zhang, an internal martial art closely related to Tai Chi…
The Year of the Yang Fire Monkey is almost upon us. With the coming of the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice, the Chinese New Year begins on February 8, 2016. When there is a change from an inner “Yin” year, like last years’ Yin Wood Sheep, to an expansive “Yang” year, we can…
As I reflect on the past year I realize that I am seeing things differently, my perceptions of nature, qigong and myself have expanded. I was influenced by two new avenues that I explored in 2015 – EcoArt Therapy and Nancy Brady’s Embodiment Process. The impetus for these explorations was to gain more insight and support, and…