Inner Vitality Qigong^TM

The universe is mirrored in our body. By observing the world around us, we can see how important movement is to our health and well-being. The fundamental nature of the universe is movement and expansion. The earth revolves around the sun. The sun revolves around the black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. Electrons revolve around the nucleus of an atom. The one thing that is in common with these movements is energy. The movement and transformation of energy makes these movements possible. What is true for the planets and galaxies is true for our own lives. It is the transformation and movement of energy that keeps us alive. When energy movement or flow in the body ceases, our body dies. When physical movement ceases, our physical body withers away and dies. We breathe in oxygen and transform it into energy that we use for basic functions of life. All biological functions of the human body require movement, otherwise the body would die. Energy must circulate, blood and lymph must circulate, the heart must beat, the lungs must expand and contract, waste and carbon dioxide must be moved out of the body. These are facts that make life possible.

According to the Tao Te Ching, "Whatever is flexible and flowing will tend to grow. Whatever is rigid and blocked will wither and die".

If we live sedentary lives, we limit our capacity for movement and therefore we limit our life itself. Living an active life enhances our biological processes and insures energy flow in all areas of the body. Adequate movement is necessary for living a healthy life. The movements of Qigong exercises opens energy channels, enhances energy flow and allows energy to flow smoothly. It is important not to overdo it and unnecessarily deplete our energy. Therefore, it is important that we understand and practice the principles of balance and harmony. In Qigong, we seek to balance Yin and Yang inside and outside the body. So we balance movement with meditation and breathing.

When we speak of movement, it not only applies to the body, but it also applies to the mind. We must keep our mind active and moving to stay mentally healthy. If we get stuck or frozen mentally, we stifle creativity and desire. Therefore, engaging in various forms of mental activity keeps our minds sharp. Visualization is an important part of Qigong practice that keeps our mind focused on our goals. Visualization directly activates energy and its movement when it's focused appropriately.

Fear has the power to stifle our mental movement and can keep us from moving forward mentally. Fear not only restricts the flow of mental energy, but it literally causes tightness and restricts the flow of energy in the body. For this reason, it is important to deal with your fears and not ignore or run from them. By practicing Qigong and living in the present moment, we choose to not focus on the “what ifs” of life. Instead, we build confidence and trust in our ability to deal with life when we live in the present moment. The principles of Qigong can be applied to every aspect of our lives, not just the exercises and meditations. We can live Qigong twenty-four hours a day. We can bring movement to every aspect of our lives in every moment and keep our life force, our energy, our Qi, strong and uninhibited.