Inspirations
mini-blogs: inspiring quotes & thoughts to contemplate & share
“Begin where you are, and build from there" - Lee Holden
One of the many things I love about QiGong is that it’s a judgement-free practice… it is all-inclusive, open-minded, loving and kind. You'll never have to feel self-conscious about your level of practice, skill, or range of movement. In fact, it's based on the Taoist philosophy to simply begin where you are, and to celebrate & enjoy your own unique journey, at your own pace. You have the power to discover, and even create, your own path through the world.
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Even those with limited mobility can let their imagination expand their movements in their minds: Visualization is energy also, and these powerful, positive intentions & thoughts have a beneficial, healing effect on both mind & body. Whether you’re recovering from an illness or injury, suffering from emotional stress, new to physical fitness, or simply want to grow some energy & inspiration, QiGong has something to offer everyone!
“Dig deep; the water- goodness- is down there. And as long as you keep digging, it will keep bubbling up.” - Marcus Aurelius
QiGong gives us a toolbox filled with ways to activate & guide our energy, recognize the treasures within us, and continue to be the best version of ourselves each & every day. Personally, I have seen a huge improvement in how I deal with my anxiety disorder. QiGong has taught me how to calm & quiet my over-active emotions through proper breathing techniques & visualization. I am better able to be present, in the moment, reducing projected worries & fears. My friends & family have even noticed that my confidence and self-esteem have increased since I started the QiGong Teacher Training.
It is so important to continuously strive to learn and find ways to improve ourselves. We can all use more inner power and courage... more strength in our resilience... calm in the face of stress. And these attributes can lead us to make better choices for our lives. My wish for everyone is this: Believe in yourself. Invest the time & energy into your Mind, your Heart, your Body. The more you build up your own energy reservoirs, the more you will have to share with others without depleting yourself.
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I recently re-read one of my bookshelf favorites: As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, and I felt especially inspired by one of the philosophical bits:
“Beautiful thoughts…Crystallize into habits of grace and kindliness…Which solidify into sunny circumstances…”
This reminded me of the power of visualization used in QiGong. Our thoughts guide our Qi- the kind of energy we create within ourselves radiates outward and attracts more of the same energy. When we focus on positive feelings like gratitude, joy, and vitality, a garden of beauty grows within our soul. With every breath, this healthy foundation spreads and multiplies, creating an abundance of positive Qi.
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When we drop into the Pebble in the Pond flow, I am reminded of the wise words of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who once poetically said that the goal of life is “to be a reservoir of joy, an oasis of peace, a pool of serenity that can ripple out to all those around you.” We send loving kindness out into the world, creating ripples on the surface of the pond- multiplying the positive energy, spreading far & wide.
