Focus: Circle

In a presentation at the NQA Conference in Phoenix this year, Mark Reinhart presented the idea that the principals of our Qigong practice are all presented in the Yin/Yang or Tai Chi Ball Symbol.  

Let us explore the circle. What does it mean to us in our Qigong practice? 

• oneness
• smooth
• never ending movement & breath
• cyclical
• openness
• connecting the dots
• space between the joints
• no beginning
• no ending
• just being

With the concept of oneness we often use the word universe (uni - verse = one verse) when we describe the connection. 

As we explore the circle in our practice here are a couple of quotes to further consider: 

‘We join spokes together in a wheel,

but it is the center hole 

that makes the wagon move.

We shape clay into a pot,

but it is the emptiness inside 

that holds whatever we want.

We hammer wood for a house,

but it is the inner space 

that makes it livable.

We work with being,

but non-being is what we use.’

~ #11 Tao Te Ching (Steven Mitchell)

‘In Qigong pratice the value of the One is supreme.  When you become aware that everything is connected, it is easy to relax and trust.  wen all the complexity of life —good and bad news, good and bad days, opportunities and challenges — is perceived as an express of the One, it is easier to feel safe; you can relax and stay clear in your practice.

When you relax the Qi is unrestrained.  When the Qi is unrestrained it can flow freely, and the result is internal coherence and harmony of physical, mental, and emotional function.  This inner harmony causes the healing of disease, increased stamina, and creative access to Spirit.’

~ The Healing Promise of Qi (Roger Jahnke)

Focus: Being a Thermostat and Controlling Your Stress

'We must stop being the thermometer and start being the thermostat'













I have heard that saying before, I don't know who originally wrote it.  But I was reading an article by Dr. Kenn Gordon where he was discussing being reactive or proactive?  And I thought about Stress.  Isn't Stress just really a reaction to situations around us.  A reaction where we allow ourselves to begin to boil - the stress thermometer begins to rise.  So how can we turn this around and be proactive.  If we learn to be centered or to come back to our center, we have the potential to control our reactions and become the thermostat versus the reactive thermometer.

So how can we use our Qigong principals to achieve this.  What if, when we notice that we are getting stressed about something; we begin by centering ourselves with the three intentions. And then take three deep breaths and notice if we are being reactive or proactive.   By choosing our reaction or even choosing not to react to the situation we become the thermostat.

Taking time out of our day for a short practice - maybe just the Vitality Series can recenter us and allow us to find that peace within each of us.  The more often we practice the shorter time it takes to become the thermostat, find our center and make our proactive choices in life.