Qi Sets, Re-sets, and Mindsets
Check out this super-quick Qigong reset!
Qigong is traditionally taught in "sets" - pre-scripted sequences of movements designed to have specific effects on the body and mind.
This is an amazing way to learn. My Sifu shared that the classical qigong sequences are like scriptures written in movement. When you perform them in their entirety, they can impart a somatic or even spiritual wisdom!
But what about the individual moves that make up the sequence? These are, in fact, like the individual notes in a musical composition, or the letters, words, and phrases of a poem.
When we understand the words, notes, colors, we gain the ability to make art for ourselves!
This means we're no longer bound to only performing pre-set routines from the ancients. I, personally, still do those every day, and get LOTS of value from them, but they're not the only way!
I'll write more on these possibilities in the future, but I wanted to share with you two options today. In addition to Qi sets, these are re-sets, and mindsets.
A re-set is basically using movement, breath, or visualization to change your state.
One of my teachers says this should be the first priority of any practitioner - learn to change your state. I posted an example of a Qi-Reset in the video linked above.
Toward this goal, we need some practices that don't take 20 minutes to do, or a few months to memorize, we need one-minute practices, and five-minute practices.
A Mindset practice might be the same practice we use as a re-set, but the intention is different. Instead of changing our state once we find we're in an undesirable one (tired, frustrated, projecting, etc.), a mindset practice is going to proactively create the state we desire.
When we do an exercise with this intent at the beginning of our day, it cognitively primes us for the rest of the day! When we do it at the end of the day, we might prepare ourselves for calm sleep, or lucid dreams.
Looked at this way, all of the ancient disciplines of integration and self-transformation can be found in these three categories: You're either studying the scriptures handed down to see what wisdom they'll grant you, you're actively changing your state, or you're proactively creating a state.
I'm very excited to be teaching my qigong practices from this framework because it allows me to reach out beyond the techniques from one lineage or tradition, and incorporate the practices that most resonate with the student. When we know what they're trying to achieve, we can tailor the inner work to our unique needs and abilities.
If you want to go deep in YOUR preferred Integrative Art, and learn more about it from the perspective of classical Qigong, sign up for this summer's Mastery Path Immersion and lets go deep together!
