Have you felt like slowing down a bit and not taking on new projects or adventures? If yes, then you are in tune with the energies associated with the upcoming year of the Yin Wood Sheep. February 19, 2015 marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, which coincides with the second new moon after…
As the calendar year comes to an end, it is a time when it feels natural to reflect on the past. While reflecting I was particularly struck by the unexpected gifts qigong has brought to my life. Over the years of practicing and teaching, I’ve become aware that the unexpected gifts of qigong often make…
For this last part in our series about our weekend with Teacher Jianshe, I will endeavor to explain the basic concepts of Yi Yuan Ti (YYT). On a bright morning during the workshop we settled in comfortably to listen to Jianshe talk on the subject. YYT is perhaps the most important theory associated with Dr.…
During the August workshop Teacher Jianshe focused an afternoon on the subject of happiness. When he introduced this subject the studio felt full of subtle energy and due to our deep relaxation and expanded awareness it felt effortless to absorb this wisdom: “Happiness from nothing lasts forever.” –Teacher Jianshe Jianshe went on to describe that…
Our recent weekend with Zhineng Qigong Teacher Jianshe provided a unique opportunity for us to be taught by a Chinese teacher who spent many years at the Huaxia Zhineng Qigong Center in China. Teacher Jianshe helped us create a subtle, relaxed and rich qi field, which evolved over the weekend through stories, movement and meditation.…
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…
It is common for students to practice different forms and movements of qigong without remembering to focus the mind into the physical body. Additionally, our minds can wander away from our intention and may forget to focus on integrating healing information. While this is not a problem as the original intent is still alive and…
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…