Qigong for Moving Forward

As we all know, these are uncertain times. Here's a routine to help to keep equilibrium and peace as we flow with the changes. Use the breath to release tension and stagnation, and to breathe in fresh new energy and perspectives. SWINGING ARMS Wakes up the body, gets our energy moving and opens up the spine. Let the arms relax completely, swinging with the turn of the waist, as loose fists knock on the belly, lower back and the lung points at the front of the shoulders. SHAKING Shaking gently through every joint to ease out tension and stagnation. CONNECTING TO EARTH This grounding move releases tension from the shoulders and neck, and keeps us connected to the earth. The palms press down towards earth as the top of the head lifts to the sky, giving a good stretch from fingertips to ears. The palms draw a figure eight in front of you. Exhale as you push the hands to centre and inhale as you draw them back to the hip. TIGER POUNCES A wonderful, energising clearance exercise from the 'Dragon and Tiger' routine of Bruce Frantzis. Inhale, coming up on the toes and drawing energy up through the legs to the waist. Hold the breath in. With thumb and fingertips together, circle the hands around the waist, tracing the line of the belt meridian to the Gate of Life point on the lower back and then returning to the belly button. Exhale, releasing the hands, dropping back down on the feet, letting go. SNAKE SHEDS ITS SKIN Hold hands at the heart and then drop them to the belly, pointing to the earth. Inhale and draw energy up the front of the body to the heart, backs of the hands together. Exhale as the hands separate. Inhale as you bend slightly backwards. The arms and chest open to the universe, welcoming the new. Exhale as arms close and then inhale again, bringing clean fresh energy to the heart with the hands. Exhale, pushing it down to the belly. This new fresh energy displaces the old, so let the hands rise up and come forward as we sink and release the past into the earth. Inhale, drawing fresh energy up to the heart and bringing the hands back to prayer position. DRAWING DOWN THE HEAVENS - DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES This is such a good clearance and grounding exercise - here are some variations to experiment with. With every inhale, imagine drawing in new energy. With every exhale, release tension. At the end, relax the arms as far as you comfortably can, and see if you can let them swing naturally. COMPLETION One hand over the other on the belly, letting the practice soak in. Thanks for joining me to help steady your system. Have a great week :) If you enjoyed this routine, great. Please do like, share and subscribe. Thank you! ABOUT AMANDA: I am a meditation and qigong instructor and have been practising both for twenty five years now. I love sharing this knowledge, it is truly awesome.