(Editor’s note: Some studies indicate that Qigong may be helpful for reducing pain and relieving anxiety. Persons with cancer also claim to experience less stress as a result of engaging in this practice. Read on to learn more about how Qigong may be of benefit to you.)
Why do we derive such joy from the captivating elements in Nature: the magnificent colors of a rainbow after a light rain; the mesmerizing stillness of the setting sun; the hypnotic yet calming sound of raindrops pattering on a leaf; the awesome power behind the thunderous sound of a large waterfall? Why do we often feel refreshed and find that we are in good spirits after a relaxing vacation? From time to time, when we take a moment to pause, we savor these moments as welcome respites from our busy and stressful lifestyles. These moments are like rest stops that provide a means to re-energize and re-connect with our natural state, a state of harmony and stillness mirrored in nature.
The practice of Sheng Zhen Qigong helps to bring us to experience this natural state - the underlying stillness present within nature. This practice aids in harnessing qi from nature thus, creating a balance of qi exchange between the practitioner and his surroundings. A form of moving and non-moving meditation, it assists in releasing physical, emotional and mental stress thereby, promoting a positive sense of wellbeing.
Qi is the life force abundant and present in all forms of nature. However, when there is an imbalance of qi exchange between man and nature, this may manifest as drought, extreme temperature changes, floods and the like. Similarly, when we experience extreme stress with no outlet of release, we undergo different forms of physical, emotional and mental crisis that may manifest for some as a form of illness, a lack of energy and among other things, having a negative frame of mind. When the body and the mind is under stress, the flow of qi within the body is affected. Qi cannot flow freely which affects our breathing, then our physical body weakens, and our emotional and mental states become less resilient to coping with challenging situations.
The practice of Sheng Zhen Qigong allows the body to release stress through visualization and soft, simple movements, which mirror the movements found in nature. Just as a bamboo tree is flexible as it bends effortlessly with the winds, this form of qigong helps the practitioner to adapt to a given situation with a clear and calm frame of mind. A relaxed body is able to receive more qi from nature, which helps to strengthen the immune system and aids to quiet a noisy mind. A mind that is quiet eventually leads to a meditative state, a state wherein the mind rests in an open and trusting heart. When the heart is grounded in this natural state, we experience peace and harmony within ourselves and with nature.
