This is Master Duan, whose family practiced and carried forward the 800-year-old Wuji Hundun method of Qigong. Originating from the martial arts, it evolved over the centuries into a healing practice used to keep emperors and royal families in China healthy. Master Duan wanted to disseminate this practice to everyone, not just royalty, and continued to teach it until his death at age 107!
Interestingly, Master Duan didn’t like Tai Chi. He considered it too linear and regimented. Life is not neat and linear, but chaotic, he said, and we must learn how to respond to the chaos by returning to a place of balance and peace. If not, our emotions will take over and anger, fear, or frustration will add to the madness and confusion, eroding our physical health, as well. However, if we train ourselves to re-center and find balance within the chaos, we will cultivate inner strength, steadiness, compassion, and the wisdom to deal with whatever life throws at us. This is what can keep us healthy in body, mind, and spirit.
According to science, when an animal feels threatened it responds in three ways: flight, fight, or freeze. Master Duan adds the option of a fourth “F”: focus. During adversity, if we can focus, we will be better able to make good choices, rather than lashing out or falling apart. Wuji Hundun teaches this skill through 18 simple, gentle movements based on playing with the oppositional forces of nature. With practice it helps us develop the resilience and inner strength of peaceful warriors!
My current teacher illustrates this concept with the example of Captain “Sully” Sullenberger. When his plane full of people suddenly lost both engines while flying out of New York, he was able to stay focused and composed and heroically managed to land the plane safely on the Hudson River. That’s what I mean by inner balance midst chaos! Now, just think how it can help us as we confront chaos in our lives, our health, or the world?
Here’s a wonderful short video of Master Duan that I think you’ll find as amazing and inspiring as I did. Enjoy! And remember to keep the good qi flowing!
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DHEF8C1Hw/
Schedule News and Updates:
February Millbrook Library Free In-person/Zoom Qigong: Fridays February 6 and 20th, 10 - 11am. Please register for this class by contacting Millbrooklibrary.org. The library will send you a reminder a few days ahead of time.
“Qigong for Winter” at Hotchkiss Library, Sharon CT. Saturday, Feb. 21, 10:30-12. Register for this free workshop by calling the library (860) 364-5041. Space is limited!
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Zoom Qigong Classes Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 9:30 am EST
