Inner Composure via Qi Gong
They say you can tell a Qi Gong practitioner by the sparkle in their eyes!
I first discovered Qi Gong in 2017. I was lucky enough to experience the most glorious day out on a beautiful nature journalling hike and workshop in a remote wilderness location. As sometimes happens out in the wild, I had fallen into step early in the day with the father of a close friend and the connection and sharing over several hours really deepened our relationship.
We had such cognitive and emotional alignment on so many levels - it was one of those conversations that stays with you long after parting words. Our love of biological systems, wellbeing, nature and how our own human lives relate and intertwine with these elements was probably the dominant theme of our conversation but we touched on so many things. We live in different continents and have really different lives but the sense of common humanity between us was palpable.
As we parted, my lovely companion said to me "you DO know about Qi Gong, don't you Lisa?".
This question was met with a blank stare and a promise to look it up once I was back in Australia. My friend then said to me, "I think you'll love it. Everything we've chatted about today and everything we've shared and delighted in, out here in nature, can be found in Qi Gong".
And so began an incredible journey. The gratitude I feel for this highly intuitive man is immense.
Qi Gong is a series of slow, intentional standing forms derived from observing, and being one with nature. Done in a standing position, it connects mind, body and breath in deliberate, differentiated movement. Qi means energy or life force. Gong means steady practice or cultivation. Qi Gong is an embodied way of being that has extraordinary effects.
Calming our nervous system is absolutely essential in the modern world. Qi Gong is an ancient and highly effective way to do this each day. For close to five thousand years (some say longer), Qi Gong has been a foundational pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
As much as possible, we want to align ourselves with the pace of nature in order to stay in homeostasis. When in homeostasis, our bodies are in an optimal state. Our internal condition is clam, grounded and relaxed. Our bodily systems are all operating within a healthy range. Our endorphin levels are increased and the functioning of our central nervous system is regulated.
The external world, with its increasing fragmentation, geopolitical complexity and general dysfunction can flood our bodies with stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin. This tips us out of homeostasis or rest and digest mode and into allostasis or survival mode. And each time this happens, we are doing damage at a cellular level. Truly, that is the last thing we need. Qi Gong can be practised at any time, anywhere. It is highly accessible, easily adaptable, and no special equipment is needed, just an open mind and an open heart with a desire to find inner composure.
Here is some evidence based research if you need a little more convincing…
Increased Energy Levels: Qi practitioners often report feeling energised and revitalised after sessions
Improved Physical Health: Regular Qi practice enhances the immune system, improves cardiovascular health, promotes systemic restoration
Increased Flexibility and Balance: Flowing qi improves flexibility, balance, and coordination, contributing to better physical fitness and reduced risk of injury and illness – stagnant Qi is a sign of disease
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Mindful elements promote emotional and hormonal regulation, reducing stress and anxiety, increasing joy
Improved Focus and Clarity: Circulating Qi can help improve concentration, mental clarity and enhanced social connection
Improved Nutrition and Sleep: Balancing the body’s energy leads to better sleep routines, quality and daily patterns of care
Heightened Awareness: Qi brings a deeper connection and awareness of one’s inner self and a heightened sense of purpose in the world
Spiritual Growth: Qi offers a path toward spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of our place within a dynamic, changing ecosystem
Increased Mindfulness: Qi encourages a deep sense of mindfulness, bringing a peaceful awareness to everyday life through intentional presence
Want to try this beautiful, healing practice with me? I am now an accredited Qi Gong teacher and greatly look forward to sharing this with you either in person or via an online workshop.
Lisa Barker
Heliotropia - Turn Towards The Sun
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