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As a result, I’ve been working on ways to change my perspective. To focus more on the positive, the joy of practice. Trouble is, my textbooks with their many alternate exercises are a bit dry and lacking in humour. Fortunately I just came across the book Beautiful Heart, Beautiful Spirit: Shing-ling-mei Wudang Qigong as taught by Master Qing Chuan Wang by Katherine Orr.
As I study the image I know this is what I need in my daily practice. Smiling energy. Laughter.
If you’re interested in learning about qigong or new methods to improve your tai chi practice, this is an excellent book written in a clear, lighthearted manner. All aspects of qi are covered. You’ll learn what it is:
Qi is the Chinese word for life force, or life energy. It is the vital force that allows us to think and act; it is the force that gives us life...
As well as how to feel it. Contraindications. And how to practice qigong exercises to increase your qi and so your longevity.
The book also covers the history and development of qigong, as well as the modern scientific evidence supporting the existence of qi—it is measurable through numerous methods—and the health benefits of a daily qigong practice.
For example, a 30-year study conducted by the Shanghai Institute of Hypertension, Shanghai 2nd Medical University focused on 242 patients with high blood pressure, all on high blood pressure medication. The group was divided in half, one half did qigong and the other half did not. At the end of 30 years, 48% of the non-qigong group had died, while only 25% of those practicing qigong had died. The study also looked at stroke incidents and stroke deaths, with similar results.
The exercises given in Beautiful Heart are well illustrated and described. Here’re just a few of them:
• Standing Like a Tree. This is a basic form of standing meditation, with a variation given for reducing blood pressure. Body alignment instructions are superb.
• Embracing the Universe. This exercise includes an excellent description of how to move the body from the core, allowing the entire body to move as one, while increasing health, energy, and relaxation, using universal qi.
• Walking Between Heaven and Earth. Famous in China for helping people heal from cancer, this is a great exercise for clearing stagnant energy from the organs, hips, and legs.
• Stream of Colours Meditation. An excellent meditation that is very helpful for bringing your body back into balance, while stabilizing emotions. This version is exceptionally good.
• Qi Massage. I often include a similar routine at the end of each tai chi class. It’s easy to do and is a great way to balance the body.
And the most brilliant part is that all exercises include a smile. As the book notes:
We smile as a natural result of being happy, but we can also reverse this order. When we put a pleasant smile on our face and leave it there, we begin to feel happier inside as a result. Try it for yourself and you’ll see this is the case. By cultivating the habit of looking on the bright side with a smile, we can help ourselves cultivate the habit of happiness.
My daily practice has already shifted. I once again look forward to moving through my tai chi and qigong, taking part in the reciprocal give and take of energy between human and universe, with a smile.
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