What brought you to qigong?

I was introduced to qigong training in 1997 in massage therapy school. Before then, I'd heard that it helped martial artists be invulnerable, strong beyond measure, able to fly. I'd also heard/read that there were magical aspects to it- psychic powers, astral travel, immortality. In massage school, I wound up liking qigong more than massage. I felt high, expanded, strong. I took workshops over the years with different teachers, but never had the discipline to practice on my own. I also had resistance to moving so slowly. It wasn't until 2012, when a romantic relationship collapsed, I was in a deep state of burnout with work and found myself in the throes of depression that I decided to throw myself into qigong. It was one of the few things that felt like a "yes", maybe only one of the few things in my life that had ever really put me in touch with my true nature. It was stepping back onto the spiritual path, loving/ putting/taking care of myself first, treating depression and habitual patterns. I did a lot of hard work and came out the other side. What brought you to qigong?

[hopeful harry]

Depression and anxiety brought me to Qigong...... I started viewing these two things as major blockages within me that were preventing my life energy flowing round my body.

I used to google things like "how can I increase my chi flow" constantly and one thing always appeared near the top of the search. Qigong.

Now I'm not a master or anything. Far from it. I went to a few classes and bought a dvd which I did/do for about 15 mins a day. Even this small amount helped me greatly. I found if I imagined energy moving round my body whilst doing it I generally felt more energised in my life.

Unfortunately for me I've become lazy with it and my practice has become more and more hap hazard. Its no surprise I've started to feel down again. This is why I am promising myself I'm going to resume my practice and bring more balance into my life.

Originally Posted by hopeful harry

Unfortunately for me I've become lazy with it and my practice has become more and more hap hazard. Its no surprise I've started to feel down again. This is why I am promising myself I'm going to resume my practice and bring more balance into my life.

Come, give it one more chance, wholeheartly. I did the same thing some years ago, just after I started. Became lazy with it and also stopped completely a few months. But then I started again and gradually increased the practice time. Also added some more movements, started playing with the energy, changed music etc. Best thing I have ever done. Now I practice 1 - 2 hours (movements and qigong meditation included) a day. Still some negativity pops up but it does not last. I could feel down for months, now it burns up the the field of higher "qi" much faster. Only minutes now and then.

[hopeful harry]

Originally Posted by Stillness_Speaks

Come, give it one more chance, wholeheartly. I did the same thing some years ago, just after I started. Became lazy with it and also stopped completely a few months. But then I started again and gradually increased the practice time. Also added some more movements, started playing with the energy, changed music etc. Best thing I have ever done. Now I practice 1 - 2 hours (movements and qigong meditation included) a day. Still some negativity pops up but it does not last. I could feel down for months, now it burns up the the field of higher "qi" much faster. Only minutes now and then.

I absolutely agree with you Stillness. I don't really know why I ever stopped.... I've tried loads of things for anxiety and depression over the years but this is by far the most effective...... Can I ask you a question though? And its just a question, I really don't know the answer, 1-2 hours a day seems like an awful lot. Are you sure its not too much?

Yes, it is much and not necessary to gain health. Hang in there.

If you are having trouble finding motivation or doing long periods of time, try finding or creating a daily practice group.

An hour of Qigong can feel like 5 minutes when you're in the silence.

[Bolin]

I personally just started qigong and meditation so that one day I can heal others. I want to be a healer that heals patients mostly free if I can ever develop the skills. Meditation also heals people and you don't even really have to develop the skill for it, at the end of each session just send out thoughts of love out to the world and god will send them to everyone in need.

[MeditationEye]

I have lapsed. I went to classes in the 1990s doing Yang Style, Long Form and enjoyed it (the teacher was taught by Gerda Geddes), but after changes to work, home life etc. I wasn't able to attend the classes and didn't keep it up at home.

I have been attracted back and may yet pick it up again.

[seachild]

I am pretty new at it, and i started because of my anxiety and want to flow in life I have to committ to it thou, still in training

always has been in my nature to practise Chi gong