Medical Qigong for the Winter
Traditional Qigong practices were often cultivated seasonally.
In this, there's a master-key to sustainable practice that I often share in my qigong instructor trainings - by changing up our practice every few months it stays fresh and interesting, and we may even learn new perspectives on disciplines we've been training for many years.
Seasonal practice is also recommended because according to ancient Daoist cosmology, different energies are available in different seasons.
To the inner alchemists of old, these seasonal energies were like elixirs that could be gathered and digested to enrich one's inner life.
What is the elixir of Wintertime? It's all about concentrating energies deep within. We are recommended to turn our lifestyle toward deep rest and restoration. Our qigong practice can support that turning.
It is a time of deep meditation and concentration. The "Water Element" of Chinese medicine and Daoist meditation symbolizes things congealing and concentrating to the center. Water always seeks the lowest point and thus is considered the most Yin of the elements. The warming energy of the sun is at its lowest point in the wintertime and thus it is considered the most Yin of seasons.
We are guided to seek the inner sun within through the power of our deep rest. By the practice of stillness and silence we attune to the Yin energies available at large as a seasonal elixir. But as well, from the deepest yin is born the Yang energies, and our Yin stillness can lead us to discover the inner sun, the radiance and warmth that is born from meditation.
Just like the sun is thought to be reborn on the Winter solstice in traditional views, so too do we give birth to inner light when we go deep into the nurturing darkness of meditative practice.
The Qigong practices included in the Qigong for Deep Winter course are all designed to promote this stillness, quiet, and inner light. I've made this training completely FREE on my Youtube channel and I hope you'll utilize these three, 20 minute sessions consisting of classical qigong sets, and my own interpretations. As always, help me out by "liking", commenting, and even sharing these videos to those who might benefit!
