“How much do I need to warm up when I do Qigong?” someone asked today. It’s a great question. Some Qigong teachers would say there are no warm-ups in Qigong because the whole class cultivates energy, whatever you are doing! I ascribe to that idea. Remember, “gong” means to cultivate, or grow. We free up and enhance our energy with each Qigong exercise we do, whether it’s leg strengthening, stretching, effortless flows, or even standing still in mediation. It all helps to build, or “gong” our qi.
Now, having said that, my personal teaching style is influenced by my own training as well as by whoever I am teaching at the time. Your requests to work on the “jing” or physical body aspects of the body--things like joint health, flexibility, balance skills, etc.--have led me to devote a large part of class to what serves as a physical warm-up. This takes time, especially if you’re over 18. :~) It’s important to master these skills because correct movement technique helps us avoid injury and increases our confidence. Technique then allows us to evolve more deeply into the realm of qi cultivation.Once we come to understand and respect our body’s capabilities, we can begin to move with more relaxation and freedom. We’ve melted or purged out the impediments that blocked the qi from flowing within us. We’re in the flow!
If you’re new to Qigong you may feel unsure just how and where to begin practicing on your own. That’s where this great picture of our friend Jim B comes in. Jim was on vacation, and he felt like doing “Picking Cherries.” Why? Probably because he knows it always feels fantastic! That is where I suggest you begin: do the exercises that you enjoy, that feel good.If you get stuck and can’t remember which ones you like, then check out the free videos I have posted on my website. There are hours of instruction there, some broken down into shorter “exercise hor’s d’oeuvres” designed to pique your appetite to move. Take a look. When something catches your fancy and seems like it would feel right and good to do, that’s where to begin.
In Qigong, qi resides in the present, in how we feel in the moment. We tune in to notice if and where we’re feeling stuck or stagnant, whether in mind, heart, or body. Then it’s simply a matter of doing a little movement: breathing, shaking out some stress, stretching, whatever we need to open ourselves to the healing flow of energy within us and all around us.
To access the free videos available to view and practice with on my website: Simply click on the menu tab for “Videos/ YouTube”, at the top of the home page at www.criscaivano.com
Class Schedule Reminder:
January Millbrook Library Free In-person/Zoom Qigong: Next class is Friday January 23, 10 - 11am. Please register for this class by contactingMillbrooklibrary.org. The library will send you a reminder a few days ahead of time.
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Zoom Qigong Classes Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 9:30 am EST
