Recently, as a society, we have had to cope with unprecedented changes, with the pandemic, political wars, escalating problems caused by environmental neglect, and a cost-of-living crisis bringing disruption on a global scale.
However, it is still our personal life events and transitions that shake our foundations and disturb our inner peace more than anything else.
For example, the death of a spouse or a close family member. Getting married, divorced, separated or any major relationship change. Retirement. Losing a job or business…
It is these major life changes that health professionals consider when predicting the likelihood of stress-related dis-ease in adults. In fact, the well-known Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale has been used for more than 50 years to do just that.
When it comes to what affects us the most as individuals - the type of life events that are the most stress-inducing - nothing has changed at all.
What has changed is that we are more aware today that ‘stress’ is at the root cause of the majority of health challenges - both mental and physical. And, with this broader recognition across the healthcare sector, energy healing practices like Qigong are becoming more mainstream.
So, what is Qigong and how can it help us navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life with the least negative impact on our health and wellbeing?
The healing Power of Qi
Taoists and shamans in ancient China knew of a secret to maintaining physical, mental and spiritual health; a mysterious power called Qi.
They developed a practice called Qigong (pronounced chee gong), which combines slow, graceful movements with deep breathing and focused intention, to improve the circulation of Qi through the body.
As one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong has been used for centuries to prevent disease and prolong life, while helping individuals cope with personal transitions and stay calm and centered during periods of upheaval.
Studies show that when we open ourselves to the healing energy of Qi, we can unlock new potentials of vitality, emotional stability, and overall wellbeing.
What’s more, we can equip ourselves with resilience-building tools and the self-assurance that we can maintain our inner peace, even in tough times.
The Role of Breath and Movement
The benefits of deep breathing and movement through exercises like Qigong can be extraordinary.
When you inhale, your diaphragm lowers, causing your lungs to expand and oxygen to travel more easily to your muscles and cells. This in turn encourages feelings of calmness and relaxation.
As with all forms of exercise, Qigong can help release stored tension in the body. It can also help improve circulation, build stamina and support muscle strength, mobility and coordination.
Moving through gentle, mindful movements, combined with deep breathing, creates balance between mind and body. It sends a signal to your nervous system to relax, leading to improved physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
With a consistent practice, you can gain a greater sense of peace, balance and tranquility.
The Connection between Qigong and EmotioNs
A major benefit of Qigong is its effectiveness in transforming ‘negative’ emotions into ‘positive’ ones.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotions are perceived as ‘energy in motion’ and a vital aspect of who we are and how we express ourselves.
Practising Qigong brings about acceptance of ourselves and our emotions, by giving us ‘full permission’ to focus on ourselves and become more conscious of how we truly feel.
This increased awareness of our emotional state can be invaluable when it comes to navigating life's challenges.
Evidence-based studies have proven Qigong’s effectiveness in reducing stress, anxiety and depression, and calming the mind. This allows practitioners to approach difficult situations with greater emotional equanimity and more clarity of thought.
Ultimately, Qigong offers us a powerful tool for nurturing an unwavering self-love, so that it becomes easier for us to flow with life’s unpredictability.
beING your own ‘rock’ in Times of Transition
Relationships with others are no doubt very important, but nothing is more important than the relationship you have with yourself.
Trusting and having faith in yourself and your ability to cope during major life events is what will get you through the hardest of times with the least negative impact on your long-term health.
Building your inner stability and an unshakeable ‘centre’ is a matter of working skillfully with your internal energy - a skill that is in reach of anyone who puts in the practice.
That is what the ‘gong’ in ‘Qigong’ is all about. A Chinese word, ‘gong’ means ‘to cultivate’. With regular practice, you become masterful at working with Qi, and that includes how you deal with the energy around you as well as within you.
Qigong is the inner work you do for yourself to fortify your life-force energy, helping you adapt more easily to change, and improve your ability to bounce back from hardships. Not in a way that is tough and rigid, but in a way that is flexible and compassionate.
Qigong alters the vibration of the cells in your body, transforms your denser-feeling energy into a light state of joy, and shifts your mindset in the process.
As a result, you become your own ‘rock’, solid and stable, and able to draw on your deep Qi reserves during difficult times.
Tips for incorporating qigong into your life
Here are some tips for incorporating Qigong into your life to help you cope with personal transitions, stay calm, and find inner peace:
1. Get started by learning the basics: Before you can get the most out of Qigong, it is important to learn the fundamentals. Look for a qualified teacher, either online or in your local area, who can give you a good understanding of the basic principles and foundational exercises.
2. Find a practice that resonates with you: There are many different styles of Qigong, each with its own unique set of benefits. Take some time to explore and try out a few different types to find one that resonates with you.
3. Make it a part of your daily routine: To really get the most out of Qigong, make it a part of your daily routine. Try to set aside at least 15-20 minutes per day for practice.
4. Focus on your breath: Qigong emphasizes deep, conscious breathing techniques which can be used to relieve stress and improve overall well-being, not to mention building your ‘mindfulness muscles’. Be sure to focus on your breath as you move through each exercise.
BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD
Should you wait until confronted with a personal crisis to begin learning Qigong? Absolutely not!
Qigong is a practice that helps you cultivate inner trust and resilience day-by-day, so that you’re better prepared to handle whatever may come your way.
Let’s face it, after the tumultuous times we’ve all been through in the last few years, we could all benefit from learning how to build a stronger inner foundation.
Qigong offers practical tools for working directly and consciously with your Qi, to keep yourself balanced and stable, despite the curve balls life may throw at you.
With the rising popularly of this ‘internal energy art’ worldwide, it has never been easier to learn the same, simple techniques for staying centered and grounded that ancient Taoist masters and shamans discovered thousands of years ago.
Just a few minutes of practice a day could be all it takes to change the way you feel and think about your current circumstances, help you maintain inner peace through challenging times, and open up to a whole new world of possibilities.
About the author: Kerrie Womersley is a Certified Advanced Holden Qigong Teacher and Advanced Soul Realignment ‘Akashic Records’ Reader, helping people discover their true Divine nature. Connect with her by visiting www.findyourselfnow.com.
The Find Yourself Qigong Online Studio is a safe and sacred space, especially for empaths, introverts and highly sensitive people who struggle with the negative energy of others and their environments. Become an Online Studio Member and refine your natural intuition for a divinely inspired life.