Spirituality has been a part of human life since the beginning of time.
We all have an instinctive longing to connect to something beyond our physical self, and a yearning to understand the greater meaning of our lives.
For some, religion is the go-to practice for developing a spiritual connection. However, religion is not the only way to find inner peace and a deeper understanding of the Universe.
Qigong, as a non-religious, spiritual practice, has been around for centuries and has gained immense popularity in recent times.
Originally developed as a ‘self-care’ practice for preventing illness and prolonging life, the practice of Qigong can help expand our consciousness, awaken us to a greater love for ourselves and others, and help us discover the deeper purpose of our lives.
the difference between religious AND spiritual practices
Religion and spirituality are concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
Religion is a set of beliefs, practices, and rituals that are based on a specific faith or deity. Religion is usually organized, and its followers adhere to certain rules and regulations.
Spirituality, on the other hand, is a personal experience that focuses on the connection between oneself and the Universe. It is not bound by any specific religion or deity.
Whilst Qigong has its roots in Taoism and has been influenced by Buddhism, it is not a religion, and its practice is not bound by any specific faith or deity.
Rather, Qigong is a self-care practice, and a way of developing a more conscious relationship with ‘Qi’, the intelligent life-force energy that animates all living things and connects everything in the Universe.
Qigong is a practice that can be done by anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or physical fitness level, and it can be adapted to suit any individual’s beliefs and needs. It can be practiced indoors or outdoors, any time of the day, and doesn’t require any special equipment.
While having a teacher to guide you on your Qigong journey is recommended, nowadays it’s not hard to find the ‘right’ teacher for you, with many classes, workshops and courses being easily accessible online.
The beauty of Qigong as a spiritual practice is that it meets you where you are, and you get to make it your own. You can take it with you wherever you go, and fit it into your lifestyle in whatever way you choose.
The philosophy behind Qigong as the ‘Ultimate self-care’
The history of Qigong dates back some 3000 - 5000 years to ancient China, where it was originally developed to improve physical health by preventing illness and increasing longevity.
However, over time, it was discovered that Qigong could also be used as a pathway to spiritual enlightenment.
The philosophy behind Qigong is based on the concept of ‘Qi’ (pronounced chee), which is the vital energy that flows through all living beings.
According to Qigong philosophy, Qi can be harnessed and used to improve physical, emotional and mental well-being, in addition to helping us connect spiritually with both the seen and unseen world around us through the ‘Qi field’.
Qigong exercises are designed to bring harmony and balance to the energy system as a whole.
Physically, Qigong can improve balance, flexibility, and strength. It can also help with chronic pain, hypertension, inflammation and other health conditions.
Likewise, many studies have shown Qigong’s effectiveness in improving mental health. When practiced regularly, it has been shown to reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
The energetic/spiritual benefits of Qigong are more subjective and unique to the individual, but many practitioners develop the ability to sense the energy both in and around their body, an effect that gets stronger with experience.
While spiritual ‘awakening’ experiences are believed to be quite common as a result of Qigong practice, many are never shared or reported as they are highly personal (and ‘non-attachment’ is a quality many Qigong practitioners choose to embody).
How Qigong can LEAD TO spiritual ENLIGHTENMENT
One of the most significant benefits of practicing Qigong is its ability to enhance our sense of connection with Nature, Humanity and the Universe, through the energy field that is all around us.
To the Qigong practitioner, there is no such thing as ‘empty space’. Everything is comprised of ‘Qi’.
The movements and exercises in Qigong promote the flow of Qi throughout the body, to create balance and harmony, both in a physical sense as well as from an energetic/spiritual perspective.
In fact, there are many ways that Qigong, as a spiritual practice, can propel us forward in our personal evolution.
Firstly, by focusing on the breath and slow, flowing movements, we can enter a meditative state, which can help us connect with Source Energy, our Higher Self and the energy of the ‘Divine’, however we choose to define it.
Secondly, Qigong can help us become more self-aware of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, helping us identify both our strengths and where we are challenged. This increased self-awareness can help us grow and develop spiritually.
Finally, by focusing on the energy that flows through all living beings and weaves together everything in the Universe, we develop a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things. Qigong can help us develop a greater appreciation for Nature, more compassion for ourselves and our fellow humans, and a sense of awe and wonder for the miraculous and mysterious Universe we are part of.
What’s more, by helping us maintain a state of inner peace and joy more often, Qigong raises our energetic frequency to a ‘higher vibration’ as we go about our daily life, which brings about numerous personal and spiritual benefits.
Embracing spirituality ‘YOUR WAY’ through Qigong
There are many different types of Qigong and it is essential to find a practice that works for you and a style of teaching that aligns with your own beliefs and values.
By practicing Qigong, you can empower yourself by taking responsibility for your own self-care, including honouring the ‘temple’ that is your Earthly body.
You can learn and hone the skills to purify and refine your life-force energy, through breathwork, Qi-activating exercises, stretching the meridian lines in the body, and slow flowing movements that bring your mind to a calm state of present moment awareness.
As a result, you can not only improve your physical, mental, emotional well-being, but also open yourself up to your most authentic self-expression and your unlimited potential to co-create your life with the Universe.
Qigong gives us ‘permission’ to be our unique, ‘perfectly imperfect’ selves, independent and governed by free-will. And, at the same time, it teaches us to be ‘okay’ with what we don’t know about how the Universe works and to keep our hearts and minds open to unseen and mysterious forces.
Above all, Qigong is the ‘self-care’ path to spiritual enlightenment. It can help us find inner peace and fulfillment and add deeper meaning and purpose to our lives, as we whole-heartedly explore and nurture all aspects of who we are.
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.
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