Introduction
Qigong is a spiritual and healing discipline from ancient China. “Qi” is energy or breath, and “gong” is work or practice or achievement. So, qigong is energy work. The various forms (which range from standing meditation postures to complex walking movements to meditative visualizations) aim to nourish both the physical and energetic bodies of the practitioner with vitality and tranquil aliveness. This is achieved through mindful movement which synchronize breath, intention, and physical movement. The result of practice is a harmonized body and mind where the practitioner enjoys a state of joyful calm and energetic abundance. Practitioners are encouraged to find a dedicated time of day to practice qigong (usually 20-30 minutes in the morning) while also encouraged to practice “qigong on the go.” This involves bringing brief moments of practice into one’s daily life, infusing one’s life and environment with fresh and healing energy. Qigong practice is best done outdoors amongst Nature’s healing abundance.
Thomas teaches the following forms: Seven Animal Frolics (Crane, Deer, Bear, Tiger, Monkey, Snake, and Dragonfly), Opening the Breath Qigong, Eight Pieces of Silk Brocade (often called “Eight Pieces”), Three Warmups, Bedrock Hands Standing Meditation, and sitting meditation.
Qigong 101
The following short video series (in 9 parts) provides an introduction to foundational qigong concepts including some brief guided meditations. This course has been excerpted from a longer talk.
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