Class 5: Beating the Heavenly Drum: Post-modern, Taoist Alchemy Practices

Description

Just another Bodymind Healing Qigong Extended Short Form class emphasizing the activation of life energy through specific movements and postures. Key exercises include activating the Penetrating Vessel) Chung Mai meridian, flicking arms to create energy, finding stillness in movement and movement in stillness, etc.

However, today we add a transformative practice from Taoist Alchemy, which is included in greater detail in the Bodymind Healing Qigong Long Form. The “Beating the Heavenly Drum” technique of sealing and opening earsis a way to open the ears to the esoteric sound current, to enhance chi. Hearing is the first sense to be developed and the last sense to remain before death, so in this class we’ll discover how Qigiong practices enhance this primordial sense. The opening of the listening capacity and awareness of the sounds of silence are also enhanced by Deer Qigong practices. You’ll learn how an esoteric benefit of Deer practice is being able to listen with two ears, so your other ear listens to another’s critiques without defensiveness and with your imaginal antlers connected to the wider whole of which you’re part— reversing reactivity to criticism and transforming defensiveness into agile responsiveness.

We explore theory and practice of the importance of Standing Meditation to activate the energy of life (Wuji), the symbolism of various animals like the tiger and deer in Qigong. Practical exercises involved dispersing stagnant Qi, ocean wave breathing, and Tai Chi ruler movements, all aimed at enhancing energy flow, healing, and spiritual awareness.

A few other points that you’ll discover:

• Human beings in our deepest essences are “shape shifters” You’ll learn how this is relevant in your everyday life for healing. For example, grounding and rooting in life can be enhanced by zhan zhuan qigong practice (standing like a tree).

• Learn how the concept, “The smaller the circle the greater the chi, “ enhances your practice and self -healing abilities.

• What do you Stand for? Intentionality (Yi) is key for developing the spiritual dimension of Yi Chuan Qigong practice and activating joy, compassion, and gratitude in your practice. How does Yi Chuan Qigong practice add intentionality to the chi field. One spiritual intention of Standing Mediation Qigong is to find the stance of being “a star” in your life, giving light to help worlds to grow.

• Learn how Hua Tua’s Tiger Animal Frolic Qigong in addition to being associated with preventative medicine for the spine and lungs, it can help to find your pathway to increased confidence, dealing with multiple simultaneous overwhelming inner or outer attacks. The practice of Tiger qigong is explored in relation to helping to heal trauma by gaining agency over dysregulation and activating your parasympathetic nervous system.

• The role of the Tiger and Deer scissor step in activating spiraling chi. The cross-cultural spiritual healing purpose of the spiral from the Caduceus staff of Aesclepius, Chinese Qigong.

• What is a postmodern practice of Tai Chi/Qigong? Honoring the classical old approaches while finding our own unique meanings for how age-old postures apply to our lives.

After an initial lecture, the Bodymind Healing Qigong set is practiced to experience the topic of the day. To see the PDF description of the 9 sets of Bodymind Healing Qigong Extended Short Form set CLICK HERE.