Well-Being wondering?
I have been wondering about…
Qi (Energy), Community and Connection
“A human being is part of a whole, the “universe” Our task must be to free ourselves from the delusions of separateness, to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature.” Albert Einstein
It is easy to feel disconnected and isolated in a world that values independence, competition, and speed. We often pride ourselves on the belief that we can do it all on our own, without needing anyone. We even disconnect from our true selves, succumbing to self-criticism and self-condemnation, feeling unworthy, flawed, or lacking in some way.
Nature has a way of reminding us of our inherent greatness and wholeness. So, whenever you get the chance, step into nature’s healing embrace—your body, mind, and spirit will thank you. You’ll likely feel a deep sense of gratitude as you realize your part of something incredibly magnificent and beautiful. Sit or walk in nature. Listen to the sounds of silence. Practice qigong outdoors, allowing the energy of lakes, trees, rocks, and mountains to soothe your soul and continuously remind you of your own beauty and greatness.
We do need each other. We truly thrive in our interdependence. I remember my grandmother telling me that her homestead was a stopping place for travelers heading to northern Manitoba. When I asked what she meant, she explained that if people needed a safe place to rest, nourishment, or company, their home was always open to them.
I believe we all need a safe place to land, be, and grow. To me, a safe place has no judgment or criticism—only unconditional love, or as my favorite mental health guru, Dr. Carl Rogers, used to say, "unconditional positive regard."
Qigong is a wonderful practice on its own, but when practiced in a group, the benefits of moving energy together seem magnified in a powerful, healing way. I’ll write more about this idea of healing in another blog however, I will say that healing it not about curing or fixing and everything to do with wholeness.
When groups practice qigong together, the individuals often experience an acceleration of benefits, according to Rodger Jahnke, author of The Healer Within. Jahnke says, “Qigong goes beyond what we know and understand regarding self-healing and group practice. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that everyone produces a personal field of healing energy. When groups of people practice together, these individual fields interact to create a powerful group healing field called QiChang, which can beneficially affect everyone.”
These are fascinating ideas. My vision of building a supportive, vibrant Well-Being Qigong community inspires me to continue facilitating qigong classes. I believe we are hard-wired to connect with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Nature and animals show us how interconnected we truly are.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and qigong offer us ways to understand the connection between the seasons, our organs, and our health. I never thought you could have a relationship with your organs, yet this past year I’ve smiled more at my organs than ever before. When we tune into the emotions and physical effects our bodies experience during a particular season, we become more conscious and can respond in a balanced, compassionate, and healthy way for body, mind, and spirit. This idea of seasonal influence on our organs is referred to as the Five Element Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
“The five elements demonstrate how all aspects of human health—like diet, movement, and emotions—are interconnected with nature and our environment,” says Teresa Biggs.
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Qi, our life force energy, is essential to our health and vitality. While energy may seem mysterious because it cannot be seen, it is certainly felt. There’s a saying that your energy speaks for you before you even say a word. Albert Einstein famously said, "Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that’s counted truly counts." He also stated that energy is all there is—it cannot be created or destroyed; it just is. (Full disclosure: I’m a huge Einstein fan if you hadn’t already noticed from this blog. He opened a whole mysterious world in a scientific way. Plus, I can relate to his wild, white unruly hair!)
According to Donna Eden, author of Energy Medicine, there is flowing energy (what we typically think of as “energy”) and congealed energy (matter). Everything in nature is one or the other—an amazing concept. Energy animates every cell and organ in your body, and your body’s relationship with this essential energy has been evolving for millions of years. The energies that govern the way your body functions also direct your immune system, hormones, and everything else that keeps you alive.
This idea of qi and qigong absolutely fascinates me. In any given moment, we can influence our energy. If our qi is excessive, depleted, stale, or stagnant, we can use gentle movements, breath, and intention to move our qi, restoring balance and free flow, which supports our health and vitality.
It’s a beautiful thing to witness and experience relief and revitalization within. When members of our Well-Being Qigong community share their experiences of energetic revitalization and relief, there’s nothing more amazing or humbling to me.
We are influenced by both our own energy and the energy of those around us. Sometimes we need community, and sometimes we need solitude. The incredible part is that when we are present and mindful, as qigong helps us be, we can discern what we need at any given moment, and we can acknowledge that our needs are always changing.
Qigong has been called the art of effortless power and a moving meditation. For me, it’s the ultimate form of self-care and self-compassion, and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need more self-compassion and self-love.
With loving kindness,
Donna