| After all, what is Qigong? | | | | around the sun, giving us days and nights. |
| Qigong is an ancient Chinese health practice which | | | | Daytime is a natural time for people to be active, |
| started thousands of years ago. After years of | | | | night time is the time for us to rest and recharge. |
| being hidden, Qigong became available to the | | | | If we follow a schedule which runs against this |
| general public in China beginning in late 1970s and | | | | natural law, such as being up and active during the |
| spread widely during the 1980s and 90s. Since | | | | night, and sleeping during the day, our inner Qi |
| then, Qigong has become gradually known in the | | | | system will be disturbed from its normal condition. |
| west. | | | | If this pattern continues for a long period of time, |
| The word Qigong is a direct translation of two | | | | we will create a greater opportunity for ill-health. |
| Chinese characters: Qi (?) and Gong (?). 'Qi' | | | | We will be creating irregular energy circulation |
| (pronounced 'chee') means energy, especially our | | | | which will lead to Qi blockages. |
| vital life energy which we need for all life activities. | | | | The Sun is a great example of being natural. The |
| 'Gong' means skills or techniques which are | | | | Sun shines everyday on us. It shines no matter |
| developed through a lengthy practice. So the | | | | what. It shines on rich people and poor people |
| word 'Qigong' means energy working skills gained | | | | alike. It shines on prominent and everyday people. |
| through a long-standing self practice. | | | | The Sun shines, it does not judge. The Sun gives |
| This explanation of Qigong is very basic. Since | | | | its light and energy without expectation for |
| Qigong is related to energy and energy is related | | | | getting anything back. |
| to everything we do in life, there are many ways | | | | If we think about ourselves, are we able to |
| to define Qigong. After all, each of us is living our | | | | behave naturally like the sun? Are we able to give |
| lives with Qigong involved, with or without us | | | | unconditionally all the time, without judgment? Do |
| consciously knowing it. | | | | we always give and provide without expecting to |
| The highest principle of Qigong is 'to be natural'. In | | | | get anything back? Probably not. In our human |
| general, the more we follow the natural laws, the | | | | state of development most of us are struggling |
| more we are in harmony with our environment, | | | | to learn certain of life's lessons which means that |
| and the more peaceful and healthier life we live. | | | | for some or most of our days we are not |
| Our daily lives are overflowing with choices, | | | | following the natural laws. Our state of |
| activities and situations which are not in harmony | | | | consciousness is a part of our reality. And we will |
| with the natural laws. If you stay in the sun long | | | | therefore bring to our reality the results of not |
| enough you get sunburned. This reality is part of | | | | following the natural laws, which is to create Qi |
| the natural laws. In a larger context, the more we | | | | blockages. |
| immerse ourselves in an unhealthy environment | | | | Our Qi likes being natural. When we follow natural |
| (not in harmony with the natural laws) the more | | | | rules, our Qi is in harmony and is in its best, |
| we get to experience the products of this lack of | | | | healthiest state. We feel healthy and happy. So |
| harmony, including illness, low energy, and | | | | although Qigong training can start in many ways, |
| unhappiness. | | | | the highest and ultimate principle is always to |
| Understanding the principle of being 'natural' is a | | | | follow the deeply interconnected laws of nature. |
| necessary foundation for a healthier life, which | | | | As each of us learns more about ourselves |
| Qigong brings us. Having an healthier life is the | | | | through Qigong practice, we will gain a deeper |
| motivation which brings most people to Qigong. A | | | | understanding of what nature--and the world--is all |
| helpful thing to do whenever you can is to follow | | | | about. As our understanding deepens we will find |
| what the ancient Chinese did and observe nature | | | | it easier to choose living a healthier and happier |
| more. | | | | life. |
| For example, the Earth rotates as it revolves | | | | |