Keep the Good Qi Flowing

A few of us had fun practicing the "Tiger Frolics" Qigong form last spring at Innisfree Gardens. Join us there this Saturday for "Moon-Inspired Qigong"

It’s good to get back to doing Qigong with you all. Welcome, new subscribers! Whether you found me on my YouTube channel, at a local library, or through word-of-mouth, I’m happy you are part of our Qi group. The season has gotten off to a flying start: please be sure to check the “Schedule Notes” below to see what’s in store for the next few weeks.

I was gardening yesterday when an unfamiliar car pulled into the drive. Two women were canvassing for a local candidate. We chatted and, as often happens with me, the topic of Qigong came up. The now familiar “What’s that? How do you spell it? Is it the same as Tai Chi? Sounds good, maybe I’ll give it a try” conversation ensued. I ran into the house and grabbed some flyers for them. This is often how Qigong comes into one’s life: unexpectedly, out of the blue; a welcome, friendly surprise dropped from the Universe.

As we “Qi-gongers” know (I’ve retired the term “Qi-ster”. Too many people were pronouncing it “keister” 😊.), the nature of energy/qi is to keep moving. When qi stops moving, whether in our minds, spirits, hearts, or keisters, we get into difficulty. I find this concept to be a great comfort. It reminds me that if my back hurts, I can breathe into it as I move my spine gently through a comfortable range of motion, and the flow of circulating energy will bring relief.

This week my family, friends and I mourn the passing of a wonderful cousin of mine. Breathing through the sadness---in essence, guiding it to naturally evolve and resolve rather than become stuck or stagnant--will help transform my grief into its opposite energy: courage and inspiration. It is concepts like this that make Qigong such a healing art and science, such an incredible gift. It’s the gift that keeps giving, too, so thanks for helping to keep the good qi flowing by participating in another season of Qigong.