The Principles of Chi Kung
Tue, 19 March 2013
1. Regulate Mind.
This means to quiet the mind, to focus it. It is the practice of meditative awareness. We develop this through a number of methods, for example: “breath watching,” “counting breaths” or “listening inward.” You can also quiet the mind by meditating
on certain energy centres in the body, for example: the ‘Tan Tien’.
(This is the centre of gravity in your body: just below the navel and about one third the way in toward your spine.)
You can also concentrate on a picture of a saint or your guru; you can stare at a flame, or the moon, or any natural scene. You can also repeat a word, a phrase, or a healing mantra. And there are many other forms of meditation.
2. Regulate Body.
This basically means relaxing in to different poses and postures. It can also mean practicing certain movement s, such as those taught in “tai chi.” In fact, the basic postures we use in Chi Kung breathing are quite simple, and require little or no practice.
Review of Some of the Essentials of Chi Kung.
Relaxed, Quiet, and Natural is the Rule
It may be tempting to turn Chi Kung exercises into a "work out." But remember that it is more mental than muscle; it is more meditation than movement, more subtle than obvious. And so we avoid forcing and straining. Unify Consciousness and Vital Energy
In martial arts, there is the classic teaching of “one-pointed-ness.” That is to bring
mind and body together. Tremendous power expresses itself when mind and body
act in perfect harmony. This is how bricks are broken, and how big burly guys get
thrown around by skinny old men. But an even greater force emerges when we
bring together mind, body, and breath. This is how healing and growth occurs.
An ancient Chinese maxim is this:
“Where consciousness goes, chi flows.”
And so in practice, our primary task is to marry consciousness and energy. When you are able to master this skill, you will be able to withstand harsh external elements; you
will be able to build up your immune system, to mend a broken bone, to repair an
internal organ; you will be able to prevent disease, and speed your recovery from
illness or injury.
Combine and Balance Movement and Stillness
In Chi Kung, we always alternate between active and passive exercises. We balance one with the other; we follow and precede one with the other. Balance and rhythm are universal principles. And so we make them essential elements in the practice.
Alternate your exercises. Balance active techniques with passive forms. Precede and follow dynamic exercises with passive periods of stillness. After periods of passive stillness, do light movement exercises. Relaxation. Don’t let them send you into thoughts and judgments. Simply breathe and relax into each new feeling,sensation and emotion. As you breathe, think: “soft and open, soft and open” “expand and relax, expand and release” “pull in and let go, pull in and let go”
Keep your jaw, neck, shoulders, hands, back, belly, legs relaxed. Keep your throat open and your chest loose. Don’t be afraid of the unknown, or of losing control. You are surrendering to a higher part of yourself. Say “yes” to everything that happens inside of you. Send love to all parts of yourself.
Practice Forgiveness and Gratitude.
Just breathe in and out, without stopping, holding, pushing, forcing, avoiding, or resisting... Remember that behind every feeling is another feeling, behind every thought is another thought. Under every emotion, behind every emotion, is love, peace, joy. Keep moving through everything, all the levels, until you arrive at your “Highest Centre.” Touch the deepest part of yourself. The breath will lead you there. Then come back to the world, bringing with you the essence of that source that centre. Be renewed by the experience, moment to moment. Find simple ways to express and reflect this divine light of love. Share the pure loving awareness that is YOU!
Comments
No comments
Get social with us on: