April Qigong Update
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Tom Leichardt, DMQ
Apr 12, 2008, 3:54:44 PM4/12/08
to Google Group Qigong Alchemy
Greetings Everyone,
This email contains information on:
*** China Return - Photos
*** Spring - Season of the Wood element
*** Calendar of Events
*** What is Qigong?
*** What are the benefits of Qigong?
*** Can I attend a workshop or day-long retreat more than once?
*** China Return - Photos
On April 4th, I returned from China after a successful 2 week Taoist meditation, Tai Chi, and Qigong retreat in the Taoist Mountains. We stayed at Mt. Qingcheng, located in the South West part of the country. Photos of the trip can be viewed at:
*** Spring - Season of the Wood element
As some of you may remember from former workshops and classes, spring is the season of the Wood element. As we head into the warmer months, in terms of the Five Elements, we are moving out of the Water phase (winter) and into the Wood phase (spring) which will eventually take us into the Fire phase (summer). Water is the most Yin part of the cycle, meaning life is pulling inwards, at rest, and flowing downwards. Fire, on the other hand, is the most Yang part of the cycle, and has an upward, expansive quality. Life is in full swing, in full manifestation, and spreading outward in all directions. Wood, associated with the spring season, is the phase of energy where life is beginning to turn outward. Energy awakens and begins to rise upward, ascending and expanding. Buds open, leaves unfurl, life energy begins to push upward and outward.
Within our body, Wood energy has a tendency to rise, and is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder organs. The natural tendency for Wood is to rise, however, when the energy rises too quickly and forcefully, we have an imbalance. Because energy is awakening and moving from drawing inward during the winter months to fully flowing outward in the summer months, the time of spring is when the Wood energy is most active, and can be most prone to rise too excessively and forcefully. This is typically marked by:
1) Headaches (energy rising to quickly and getting stuck in the head)
2) Tension & Tightness (tendons are associated with Liver)
3) Frustration and Anger - the acquired emotions of the Liver
Interestingly enough, one of the sounds associated with Wood is shouting! Perhaps you noticed a little more tension with the warmer weather, perhaps a headache or two more than usual, maybe a little more frustration, irritation, or outright anger. Perhaps there have been a few more instances of road rage in your life, whether observed in others or even in yourself! Either way you look at it, the energy is getting hotter. Life is on the move, awakening from the slumber and hibernation of winter and flowing into the lively energy of spring. With even just a little awareness, perhaps we can all avoid acting out on some of the energies when they turn towards Liver Yang Excess. Taking a little time to cool the hotter moods, some herbs to regulate and cool the Wood element, and Qigong to purge Liver Excess and Stagnation can all do wonders to improve our spring time experience. A little expanded awareness can also help us in understanding the moods of our partners, children, friends, coworkers, and other loved ones, and we can all turn towards the virtuous qualities of Wood; kindness, flexibility, healthy boundaries, and clear decisions within the expanding nature of life.
*** Calendar of Events
Please note, these links are to a new version of the web site,
parts of which is still incomplete, the old site still lives at:
Qigong & Insight Meditation, San Jose, Insight Meditation South Bay
Time: Sunday April 13, 2007 9:30AM-4PM
Location: 3803 S. Bascom, Suite 200, Campbell, CA 95008
(Near HW 85 & 17)
New Summer Medical Qigong Class, San Jose, Five Branches University
Time: Monday evenings in June & July (except July 7th), 6:30PM-8PM
Qigong & Meditation, San Jose, Five Branches University
Time: Sunday April 27, 9AM-4PM & Sunday July 27, 9AM-6PM
CEUs Pending
Qigong & Meditation, San Ramon, MA Center
Time: Sunday May 4th, 9AM-3 or 4PM
Qigong & Meditation Retreat, Lafayette, Colorado
Time: Weekend of May 24.
This is still tentative due to unknown dates in other projects.
Find out how to bring Qigong to your place of work.
*** What is Qigong?
You may remember that Qigong, meaning "energy skill," is the ancient art and science of working with the subtle energies of heaven, earth, and yourself. We are not isolated individuals, but rather parts of a vast network of intelligence ranging from the tiniest subatomic particles to the spiraling galaxies, all flowing together in the most magnificent harmony that has quantum physicists and mystics alike in awe. Qigong is a process of creating and maintaining harmony with our internal universe (physical sensations, physical or mental energy, thoughts, emotions, intentions, actions, etc.) as well as the external universe (the thoughts, emotions, actions of others, the surrounding environment, the seasons, etc.) There is a constant play, interaction, and exchange between the inner universe (microcosm) and the outer universe (macrocosm). Qigong is the art and science of bringing these into balance and harmony.
*** What are the benefits of Qigong?
A person may experience increased energy, sensation, range of motion, awareness, relaxation, peace and clarity of mind, and reduced pain. Specific Qigong practice may also be prescribed for special health issues, such as headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, etc. External Qigong treatments also can play a role in creating balance, regaining and maintaining health. On a fundamental level, poor health, mental agitation, and the like are all the result of something being out of balance, while Qigong seeks to create balance and restore harmony. The vast science of Traditional Chinese Medicine arose from thousands of years of practice and experimentation with Qi, giving it an incredible foundation of tested knowledge and wisdom.
*** Can I attend a Workshop or Day-long retreat more than once?
Absolutely. The benefits of Qigong are vast, but they can be realized only through sincere, consistent, and correct practice. Because Qigong is best learned through repetition and consistent contact with the teacher, it is important to remain exposed to instruction, attend regular practice sessions, as well as maintain a daily practice at home. Attending a workshop more than once provides the opportunity to refine the movements, ask questions, and practice in the collective field of the teacher and other participants, which amplifies the benefits.
Blessings to all,
Tom
Tom Leichardt, DMQ (China)
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You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are.
Eckhart Tolle - The Power of Now
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