January 2008 Qigong Update

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Tom Leichardt, DMQ

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Dec 28, 2007, 7:52:41 PM12/28/07

to Google Group Qigong Alchemy

Greetings,

I hope everyone had a splendid holiday, and is now getting ready to start the new year in a beautiful way.

This email covers

* A little about the Chinese New Year

* What is Qigong

* What are the benefits of Qigong

* Classes and workshops in Qigong and Meditation

*** The New Year

The new year is often a time to reflect on the year that passed, and to set goals and intentions for the year to come. This is a powerful process that helps us move in a desired direction, rather than simply drifting through life.

The Chinese New Year will soon be upon us as well. This year, it begins on February 7th, 2008 when we enter the Year of the Rat and leave the Year of the Pig. Why is this particularly important?

The Rat is the first of the twelve Zodiac signs, whereas the Pig is the last of the twelve Zodiac signs. Therefore, according to the Chinese calendar, we are not simply completing and beginning a yearly cycle, but also an entire twelve year cycle.

If you've found yourself rushing or feeling like you want to complete certain projects or steps, or move in new directions, this is perhaps why. The Pig Year is often a time of completion of long cycles, while the Rat Year, with its fast paced energy (that will soon be upon us) likes to start off and running on new projects and begin new life cycles.

You may have been experiencing the ending or changing of long relationships, partnerships, work situations, or business engagements. Or, the change may be more internal, where you feel yourself letting go of certain patterns or modes of being or opening up to new ones. It is important to stay present through all these changes and remember to let go of that which no longer serves us or the highest good. This creates room for new growth to occur. Remember Lao Tzu said, "That which is rigid is dead." What this great sage means is to say yes to the flow of life, to say yes to what is, yielding and supple, and available to what life is offering in every moment. The Rat Year is generally a good time to start a new job, get married, start new ventures or projects, move in new directions, or anything that implies the starting of a new cycle of growth in our lives.

The Rat Year has a tendency to come in fast and to move fast, so now is the time to check in and see if there are any areas we are still holding onto that no longer serve us or the highest good, whether we have a clear picture of where we want to go, and an openness to receive what life has to offer. I find journaling is an excellent way to get in touch with these things, as well as listing intentions of where I want to go, things I want to accomplish, and things that are important. Later, I'm amazed at how these lists have shaped what happens in my life on subtle and subconscious levels.

*** OK, so what does all this have to do with 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. Qigong treatments may also play a role in creating balance, regaining and maintaining health. On a fundamental level, poor health, mental agitation, and the like are all the results 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.

*** What happens if I learn some Qigong movements and practice regularly?

A regular practice creates harmony within the inner universe (microcosm) and the outer universe (macrocosm), and the range of benefits may include:

Physical Benefits:

* Increased immune function (fewer colds, less prone to illnesses)

* Increased vitality and stamina

* Increased core strength and integration

* Increased circulation of Blood and Qi

* Faster recovery from illness and surgery

* Increased absorption of nutrients from food and supplements

* Greater sense of balance

* Deeper and more restful sleep

Mental and Emotional Benefits:

* Greater clarity and focus of mind

* Increased confidence and sense of well being

* Reduced stress

* Purging and transformation of deep-seated emotional trauma

* Greater emotional balance and harmony

* Improved sense and awareness of emotional and energetic boundaries

Spiritual Benefits:

* Cultivation of virtue, clarity, and life purpose

* Refinement of one's energy and vibration

* Increased ability to sense and project energy

* Greater integration of body, mind, emotion, energy, and spirit

*** Qigong Opportunities.

The question remains, just how are we going to start this new twelve year cycle? Are we going to make more conscious choices, seek to create balance and harmony in our lives, or simply continue to drift on in our current mental frame and hope for the best?

Qigong is a powerful way to create the change we want in our lives. There are many opportunities for Qigong practice, and below are just a few available to you right now.

From: www.QigongAlchemy.com/classes.html

Please click on the link below each event for more information, registration info, etc.

* Qigong & Meditation Workshop, San Jose, Divine Science Community Ctr.

Times: Saturdays Jan. 5, 26 & March 1, 2008 9AM-4PM

Location: Divine Science Community Center, 1540 Hicks Ave., San Jose, CA 95125

http://www.qigongalchemy.com/classes-DSCC-WS.html

* Qigong & Meditation Workshop, San Ramon, MA Center

Times: Sundays Jan. 6, 27, Feb. 24, April 6, 9AM-3 or 4PM

Location: MA Center, 10200 Crow Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552

http://www.qigongalchemy.com/classes-AMMA-WS.html

* Qigong & Meditation Workshop, Lafayette, Colorado

Times: Saturday January 19th, 9AM - 4PM