Qigong, pronounced (chi gong), is a sacred ancient Chinese healing art that involves physical movements, breathing techniques, and meditation to cultivate and balance life force energy (Qi) in the body, mind, and spirit. Qigong is renowned for improving every level of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Simply put, Qigong gives you more energy and less stress. With practice, you cultivate more peace and wellness and less turmoil.
For anyone interested in starting a qigong practice, here are a few tips to help you get started and ultimately become a vital part of your life.
Research the different styles of Qigong. There are many different styles of Qigong. In fact, there are over 3,000 different documented styles of Qigong. Each has its own unique movements, goals, and benefits. Some styles are more physical and energetic, creating power in the body. While others are more calming and healing. And others are more meditative and spiritual. Researching and finding a style that resonates with you and your needs is essential!
Find a teacher and consider joining their class. Once you find the art you want to practice, it's time to find a teacher that resonates with you. This goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway. Make sure the teacher is teaching the style that you want to learn. I've made that mistake before. I have chosen teachers in the past because of the teacher, but their art did not resonate with my needs at the time, so I did not benefit as much from the practice even though the teacher and the art were terrific.
Of course, it is possible to practice Qigong on your own but to learn it; you need a teacher to ensure you practice correctly and safely. Qigong is natural and based in nature, yet some aspects are not intuitive. There are aspects that a teacher shows you that you would not have picked up on your own. In other words, a good teacher will ignite your practice and guide you in the right direction.
Depending on your goals for the practice, there is a good chance that there are teachers and classes in your area and online. Yes, it is possible to learn Qigong online. Once you start to advance in the art and you step into the deeper stages, at that point, it becomes necessary to be in person with your teacher. But in the beginning, an online class can be very rewarding.
Set aside time for your practice. Now that you have found a style and teacher, it's time to create space in your home and in your schedule to practice. Qigong is most effective when practiced consistently, so it's important to set aside regular time for your practice. It is way better to start small and realistic with 10-15 minutes daily and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the movements and techniques.
Regular practice is far more powerful and sustainable than practicing a few hours at a weekend workshop.
Qigong retreats and weekend workshops are great ways to inspire you and deepen your knowledge, but they do not replace regular practice. Healing and true transformation happen with regular practice and lifestyle changes, not merely weekend inspirations and momentary breakthroughs.
Find or create a quiet and comfortable space to practice. Of course, Qigong, like meditation is best practiced in a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus on your breath and movements without distractions. Consider creating a dedicated space like a sanctuary in your home or finding a quiet place outdoors to practice.
And don't let it stop you from practicing if the conditions are not perfect! We are hard-wired for self-sabotage. Even when we want to practice, our minds get in the way with excuses. So please don't let the excuse that my space is not perfectly quiet or zen enough mean that I can't practice my Qigong.
Wear comfortable clothing. You don't need any special Qigong clothes. Simply choose comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of movement. Loose, breathable fabrics are recommended. I wear my normal daily clothes when I practice Qigong because I want my practice to be an extension of my normal daily life. I don't need to change clothes to have an effective practice, and that makes it easier for me to practice consistently.
Focus on your breath and movements. During your practice, the quality of your attention matters more than the quantity of your repetitions. The more you are able to pay attention to your body as you breathe and move, the more everything starts to open and become synchronized and whole.
At the same time, release the myth of perfection – focus on being present in the moment and let distractions simply pass you by as you return to your center. In Qigong, we have a saying, "Where the mind goes, Qi flows." No matter what style of Qigong you decide to practice, your clear and attentive mind is central to unlocking the power of Qigong!
Be patient and consistent. This goes back to what I said earlier about regular and consistent practice being more potent than bursts of Qigong. Just remember, as with any new practice, it may take time to understand and experience the benefits of Qigong fully! Be patient with yourself, and remember to gently and consistently practice, even on challenging days.
Having said that, listen to your body! You don't want to push or force yourself, there will be days that it is necessary to modify or adjust your practice based on the situation, but there is always a breath, healing sound, or mediation practice that you can do even when you feel sick, injured, or fatigued.
In closing, starting a qigong practice can be a rewarding, transformative, and, dare I say, a life-changing experience. Hopefully, with these tips about finding a style and teacher that resonates with you, you can continue your journey toward physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. And yes, Qigong is a lifelong practice. But it does not take a long time to feel the healing benefits of being connected and filled with life force energy!
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You can learn more about me and my teaching style here. and please check out my live classes and On Demand Qigong Programs. If they resonate with you and your current needs, then please reach out, and let's practice together!
Deep bows to you and your practice,
Maria