Friday, December 4, 2020

Sunrise 12.04.20 - ********Final installment - Tips for Qigong Walking


 Warm (60's) with a slight breeze, just enough to keep the no-see-ums away.

The entire sky was pink as I was walking towards the beach. By the time I actually got on the beach most of the color was gone. Here's what was left and it only lasted a minute or two.
I had a very pleasant practice followed by a Qigong Beach Walk some stretching and another round of Qigong before coming back home.

Sending healing energy to Mom>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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More Qigong Walking tips:

Principle:
Break down the bottom of the foot into three segments. 
1. Initial heel strike 
2. Roll onto the full flat foot (Bubbling Springs) 
3. Continue rolling onto the ball of the foot.

In order to get my mind to connect with which part of my foot is in contact with the ground. I start by counting 1 & a, 2 & a etc.  
On 1, the heel strikes
On 2, the foot is flat
On 3, roll onto the ball of the foot
Of course this alternates between the right and left foot.

I count out loud and/or tap on my torso 1&A, 2&A, etc. calibrating my mind to pay attention to the area of my foot/feet my center line is on; It's critical that you maintain Zhong Ding (central equilibrium) continuously. [See my earlier posts]
Feel the forward momentum to smoothly move forward as if you are standing on a conveyer belt.

Once I'm tuned in I add Qigong Breathing [See my earlier posts] to the count.  
I usually start with 4 (steps) IN and 5 OUT, and progress to 3 IN 6 OUT, but it depends on how I'm feeling, the pace I'm walking at, etc. 
(I regularly add the small heavenly circulation to my breathing pattern. More on that later)

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I hope you are all able to get out and walk, wherever you are. Just being outside and breathing fresh air, marveling at natures wonders, big and small, simply enjoy being and breathing, working towards a state of inner contentment, a place inside where you are at peace with yourself and one with mother nature.  

So in conclusion; When you are standing, moving, sitting or lying down, use your posture and your breathing to make yourself as comfortable as you can.  Only YOU can make yourself comfortable. 

Nice and easy, nice and relaxed, be as regular about your practice as you can. 

*Above all Be Kind to Yourself;^)

Sifu