Hey Qi Friends. Jim and I were out on a walk this morning. It was the day after a nice rain, the air smelled fresh, the sky was so beautiful and blue and the color...was GREEN. It was in that moment that we realized that we are in the seasonal transition from the Water Element and moving towards the Wood Element.
What does this mean? Water Element and Wood Element?
These are two of the Five Elements that we study in our Qigong practice. Qigong is an ancient practice, in fact, it's estimated to be over 5,000 years old. It is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has AMAZING healing properties for the body, mind and spirit.
The Water Element is associated with Winter. It is the darkest time of year, hence the most YIN (dark) period in the yearly seasonal cycle.
The Wood Element is associated with Spring. It is that time of year when we begin to see new growth, blossoming and a transition from the dark days of winter into the sunny days of Summer.
As we walked we noticed the buds on the trees, and the bulbs starting to peek up from the ground. We heard a symphony of frogs around the pond near our house. We heard the turkey's gobbling in a nearby field. Hawks were sitting in trees waiting for prey and a multitude of colorful and musical birds were in the air and trees. It was a beautiful morning.
As we noticed the things around us and began to talk about what we were observing.
Observation and Contemplation
In Qigong (pronounced Chee Gung) and our Eastern Wisdom practice, we learn to observe ourselves not only in nature, but also AS nature. We are simply creatures on this earth. In some ways we have lost our ability to navigate and observe due to the many distractions that pull our attention away from the life and energy that surrounds us and supports our very existence.
When we begin to observe, we can then contemplate the senses, feelings, sensations and other aspects of that which we are observing. In other words, we become internally still as we observe and contemplate and the rest falls away, if even for just a few minutes.
Have you ever noticed when you are "lost in thought", we tend to not notice the other shiny objects that tempt us into busyness, cause stress and tax our nervous system? It is in these moments that we are actually in a contemplative state. Do this long enough and it becomes a form of meditation. So while you may not be sitting down and chanting OM, you actually are letting your nervous system relax.
Taking time in nature is so very important. Taking time to observe the beauty that surrounds you and then contemplating the existence and experience is one of the best ways to relax and unwind.
So as we observe the days getting a little bit longer, and we begin to notice the transition from the Water Element (winter) to the Wood Element (spring) take time to notice the color GREEN. There are other aspects of the season as well, but let's just focus on one. The color GREEN will open your heart, as Green is the color of the heart chakra. Green signifies new growth and new beginnings.
Contemplate those things that make your heart happy. Allow you heart to sing with Joy can feel the Qi expand around you.
If you would like more information on how to begin a Qigong practice, you are in the right place. Qigong is simple, yet profound in it's ability to heal the body, mind and spirit. The movements are simple, yet the activate all the parts of the body. As you begin to move out of the sympathetic state and into the para-sympathetic state, you can begin to overcome many health issues.
Qigong is accessible and available to anyone who is willing to try it. It can be done sitting, standing, moving or even lying down. The only limitation is yourself and your willingness to do the practice.
If you would like to find out more, complete the contact form with your information and question. We will get right back to you.
Until next time, may your Qi flow freely. Wishing you HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND VITALITY.
Jim and Kelly