Qigong is often described as a self-healing remedy for all of life’s challenges and ailments, and there are valid reasons for this belief. For thousands of years, Qigong has been practiced to enhance the flow of vital force energy in the body as a way of preventing illness and prolonging life.
However, not everyone who embarks on a Qigong journey finds what they were hoping to experience straight away. Some individuals give up shortly after trying a Qigong class, while others start enthusiastically only to lose interest after a few weeks or months. This is unfortunate, as Qigong offers an extraordinary number of benefits and can enrich every facet of our lives.
Drawing from my decade-long experience as a dedicated Qigong practitioner, I've identified five key reasons that might hinder your progress and the solutions to give your Qigong practice a revamp.
Reason 1: Unrealistic Expectations
In a world driven by instant gratification, the expectation of quick fixes has become the norm. Whether it's our desire for immediate results from a new diet, exercise routine, or personal development practice like Qigong, we're wired to seek swift transformations. However, this mindset can prove to be a significant hindrance when it comes to reaping the true benefits of Qigong. If you approach Qigong believing it will solve all your problems overnight, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, embrace it as a gradual journey towards holistic well-being.
Solution 1: Embracing the Journey
To truly unlock the potential of Qigong's potential, shifting our mindset from instant gratification to embracing the journey itself is essential. By letting go of the expectation of overnight change, we open ourselves to the depth and richness of Qigong. Instead of seeking immediate relief, we can find solace in the process, allowing the practice to work its magic on our physical, mental, and emotional states.
Reason 2: Doing vs. Being
We live in an achievement-oriented culture, where the emphasis on ‘doing’ is deeply ingrained. We're taught to constantly pursue goals, multitask, and measure our self-worth by our productivity. Many people are so used to striving and putting effort into everything they do that they carry this mindset over to their Qigong practice. They focus solely on the physical actions without truly embodying the essence of the practice. Qigong is not merely about going through the motions; it's about cultivating a mindful connection between your body, mind, and breath.
Solution 2: ATTUNING TO THE FLOW OF ENERGY
Qigong teaches us a different way of relating to ourselves and the world around us. It’s a practice that thrives on effortlessness. Its slow and deliberate movements, synchronized with mindful breath, create a state of flow where the boundaries between the physical self and the environment dissolve. This effortlessness is not a lack of intention; rather, it's an intention to surrender to the present moment without forcing or straining. In this state, you become attuned to the subtle energies within and around you. By transitioning from ‘doing’ to ‘being’, you unlock the transformative potential of Qigong.
Reason 3: Inconsistent Practice
In the age of information overload, where knowledge is at our fingertips, it's easy to fall into the trap of dabbling in various practices without committing to any single one. This tendency is particularly prevalent when it comes to holistic practices like Qigong. Consistency is key in Qigong. Practicing sporadically will yield limited results. While the allure of trying new things is undeniable, consistent and dedicated practice is where the true transformation lies.
Solution 3: Cultivating the Seeds of Transformation
There’s no one ‘right’ way to practice Qigong, but it is important to establish a routine that fits your lifestyle, whether it's a few minutes every day or longer sessions a few times a week. The more you commit to regular practice, the more you'll gain.
Consistent Qigong practice creates a positive feedback loop. As you make Qigong a part of your routine, you'll notice increased vitality, improved flexibility, and enhanced overall well-being. Experiencing these positive changes will lead to you ‘wanting’ to do Qigong, rather than telling yourself you ‘have to’ do it and forcing yourself to do so.
One key to fostering consistency is finding a Qigong teacher who you resonate with. By committing to a specific teacher's guidance, you allow their wisdom to permeate your practice. This focused approach enables you to delve deeper into the intricacies of Qigong, unlocking layers of understanding that might remain hidden when hopping from one practice, or one teacher, to another.
Reason 4: Impatience WITH OURSelves
Our modern society thrives on speed and immediacy. We're accustomed to fast food, express deliveries, and instant access to information. This fast-paced culture has seeped into our approach to personal growth, where many people tend to give up on themselves when they don’t see rapid, visible results. When it comes to practices like Qigong, impatience can become a barrier to reaping its full benefits. While it’s certainly common to feel the benefits of improved energy flow after just one session, like any meaningful endeavour, Qigong requires time to experience profound shifts of the more permanent kind.
Solution 4: Blossoming Over Time
Qigong teaches us to accept and love where we are ‘right now’ and find joy in each moment of practice. As we commit to showing up consistently, we develop a reservoir of patience that extends beyond our sessions and flows into other areas of our lives. This newfound patience becomes a tool for navigating challenges with grace and equanimity. In the journey of Qigong, every small step is a victory worth celebrating. With patience and perseverance, Qigong can lead to profound shifts in your physical, emotional, and spiritual state.
Reason 5: LACK OF MIND-HEART-BODY INTEGRATION
The lack of mind-heart-body integration in today's world is not a personal failing but a consequence of the fast-paced landscape we live in, where technology, stressors, and societal norms take precedence over our awareness of our own thoughts and deepest feelings. If you approach Qigong purely as a physical exercise and neglect the mental and emotional aspects, you will miss out on the profound transformation it can offer. Qigong offers us a powerful invitation to weave together the threads of your being – your mind, heart, and body – through the flow of energy, known as "Qi".
Solution 5: RETURNING TO Wholeness
Mind-heart-body integration in Qigong is about returning to wholeness – recognizing that our experiences are interconnected and that each aspect of ourselves contributes to our overall well-being. By bringing awareness to our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations during practice, we create a space for healing, transformation, and a deeper understanding of our energy flow. Practicing Qigong with a conscious intention to integrate all parts of who you are makes the results you seek much more accessible and sustainable.
CHOOSING THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED
In a world where the glorification of busyness has led us to believe that external achievement is the only measure of success, Qigong offers us an inner sanctuary where we can connect with the energy within and around us and simply ‘be’.
To truly unlock the potential of Qigong, it's essential to shift your mindset from one of pushing toward a particular destination to one of embracing the journey itself, and allowing it to unfold in a natural, harmonious way.
The beauty of a regular Qigong practice is the awareness it brings us: that true well-being emerges not from the constant pursuit of goals, but from the ability to embrace each moment with presence, gratitude, and authenticity.
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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