QiGong (pronounced Chee-Gong)
Hello! The next Outdoor Qigong class is scheduled for June 17, 9 am! Weather Permitting!
Location: Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church parking lot
4701 Old French Road, Erie, PA. $5 donation, cash only
QiGong is a practice that develops over time. These classes are suitable for both the beginner and the advanced student. The beginning student may be working strictly on general movement, whereas an advanced student working on the same posture may be working on tweaking a specific muscle group or moving energy in a very specific way. Consider it a beautiful blend of breath, easy movement, and mindset/intention. No prior experience is necessary and no long-term commitments to classes need to be made. You will be in control of how much or how little movement you do and you may bring a chair and do Qigong in the chair if you wish.
Understand that Qigong is something that you can be doing throughout your day to get the most benefit. How do you do this? It’s as simple as making three adjustments: adjust your posture, adjust your breath, and adjust your mind.
It is my hope that once you understand what QiGong is and its benefits, you will return to class with us time and again.
Classes last approximately one hour and are a $5 donation. (Cash only)
QiGong FAQs
What is QiGong?
The art of Qigong consists primarily of the use of intention, meditation, relaxation, physical movement or posture, mind-body integration, and breathing exercises.
The physical movement of Qigong is a form of gentle exercise composed of movements that are repeated a number of times, often gently stretching the body, increasing fluid movement (blood, synovial, and lymph), and building awareness of how the body moves through space. These gentle movements and deep breathing differentiate qigong from almost every other form of exercise in the West that often emphasizes prolonged cardiovascular movements (such as in running and biking) or that focus on muscular strength training (weight lifting).
Besides physical benefits, what else is QiGong good for?
Many physical problems are at least partially due to or aggravated by, mental or emotional stress, so the importance of the inner tranquility developed through QiGong cannot be overestimated. The practice of QiGong helps manage the stress, anger, depression, morbid thoughts, and general confusion that prey on your mind when your qi (chi) is not regulated and balanced. Strengthening and balancing the energy of your mind enhances your ability to detect subtle nuances and to perceive the world and its patterns at ever-increasing levels of complexity. People who do not practice some form of energy development may never acquire these abilities.
Why should I learn QiGong?
QiGong can improve your physical and mental health. It can provide all the benefits of meditation (reduced stress, lower blood pressure, better attitude, etc.) with gentle physical exercise. The enhancement of the mind/body connection increases your awareness of where your body needs work – where your body needs changes related to diet, exercise, sleep, lifestyle, etc.
This mind/body connection is not a trivial issue. It can influence the course of all manner of chronic diseases. The slow, graceful movements combined with mental concentration and relaxed breathing is used to increase and balance a person’s vital energy or life force (qi). When mind intent and breathing technique is added to physical movement, the benefits of this exercise increase exponentially.
Is this a religion?
No. Most definitely not. It is a tool for improving health, enhancing your mind/body connection, and connecting you with the qi or life force. It can enhance your own spirituality. You can use that to enhance your own religious path or not. It is up to you.
Qigong’s great beauty is that anyone can use it to enhance their spiritual path no matter what that path is.
How does the Qi (chee) move?
The science of QiGong is based on the axiom that the mind has the ability to direct qi. People who practice QiGong can begin to feel their energy, and this ability increases with time. You can learn to “go inside your body” with your mind, feel what is there, and direct your qi where it needs to go. This is not a mysterious process but a natural one that can be acquired with time and effort.
Any questions? Please call (814) 431.3367, and let’s talk!
