QIGONG — INTERACTION WITH LIFE FORCE

There are many books and U-tube presentations regarding Qigong, which means “energy work”. It arises out of China, practiced by those acquainted with martial arts. It is a mental and physical exercise thought to be very beneficial to the total wellbeing of a practitioner.

It has only been recently that the practitioners of Gung Fu admit that Qigong lies at the heart of their practice, kept secret for all these years because it is so powerful.

Think about it. Interaction with the Life Force, the Devine source of all. To interact with is to engage in an efficacious manner the Source of all. We cannot get more serious than that.

It is a form of active meditation and prayer. It is worship in action. It is serious activity requiring humble and respectful attention.

The results of this interaction, done with proper mental focus, are not imaginary. They are real, and can be powerfully beneficial.

There is no downside to the practice of Qigong.

I have practiced Qigong for most of my long life, originally without knowing what it was. Interaction with the “All” came naturally to me. It has been and is a vital daily activity for me at age 86. It strengthens me in every manner.

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The most important aspect of Qigong is mental. Yes, the movements are important, but they result from mental focus. Qigong can be customized, as I occasionally do, to work purely mentally, without movement. This never replaces the physical action.

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The essence of qigong is “feeling the force”. There are many ways to engage. For me, my hands and face are the initial focal points for feeling.

The feeling is real. Some will say we feel the blood flow. True, but it is more, much more. It has an electrical nature.

Chi can be projected out to influence others, most commonly experienced with holistic healers and the “laying on of hands”, whereby physical healing occurs.

After much practice with the guidance of the internal teacher, qi (chi) can be projected out to others with great force, utilized by adepts in Tai Chi in a martial form. It can be dangerous to the target, and never used without demanding circumstances for self defense.

Qi utilized to bring harm to another is dangerous for both sender and receiver. A selfish, uncaring projection of the Force to bring injury often results in the practitioner suffering negative consequences, the least of which is loss of qi control.

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THE PRACTICE

I begins with tuning our mental focus to a place of respectful, even reverential attitude, with great humility. We remember, we are consciously engaging the creative energy of Source, the essence of all.

With mind focused on our activity, we feel our hands and then cheeks. We feel gentle vibration at varying frequencies. It is very pleasurable.

We stand straight, balanced, breathing regularly and deeply. We stand still, eyes partially closed concentrating on breathing. Proper breathing allows the abdomen to expand with the breath. This is diaphragm breathing deeply, fully.

We feel the need to move. We do so slowly, with concentration. We begin by holding our hands with open palms facing each other at solar plexus level envisioning we are gently holding a ball of energy.

We eventually move the energy ball directly into our solar plexus. Be not surprised if at first you feel little to nothing. Feeling comes with practice.

By now you are probably feeling a glow-like sensation in your arms or elsewhere. It is not imagination. Energy is expressing itself.

It is for me helpful to move very slowly with Tia Chi martial movements. Imagine you are swimming under water (what Bruce Lee called “dry land swimming”).

Feel the energy as your hands pass through it, either at sliding flat, slow “chop” fashion, or pushing palm forward. When lifting your hand, allow your wrist to bend and relax.

For the beginner, it is good to acquaint yourself with basic martial movements. You will soon find that the movements act on their own, following the flow. Do not overthink or make demands. Follow the flow in relaxed, focused manner.

Remember at this point, you are engaging the basic loving force of the Universe. It is Devine energy, given freely.

How long do you do this? Until you don’t.

It is important to remember that your instructor dwells within you. Some call it “the Spirit of Truth”. It is that, and a great deal more. It is even called “Holy”. It is the bearer of the Force that brings you life.

Without this inner instructor, which you can chose to listen to or not, you are dead, no life in you. It speaks quietly through intuition.

Occasionally someone may actually hear a voice. If so, question it closely as to its origin, nature and intent. It may not be “holy”.

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As we practice, if done correctly, at some point we find we feel more patient love for others, even love for all that is grows. With love comes peace. With peace, all systems improve, physical, mental, emotional.

At some point we find we need to share what we have found so beneficial, this new form of worship, meditation and prayer. We find how easy it is to sit and think about the feeling of the Force, and are immediately aware of its presence.

This affirms but does not replace the physical practice. If you chose to explore Qigong, there is no downside, and great potential upside.

I encourage you to study it. Get more than one view, and be thankful for this discipline that is not work and asks for little effort.

Go forth, and LIVE.