The first E in PERFECT stands for Enter a Qigong State of Mind — QSoM. It is one of the three core skills of qigong, and without it the benefits of practice are minimal. Where Preparation readies the body, QSoM readies the mind.
What a QSoM Is
A QSoM is a heightened state of awareness — simultaneously relaxed and alert. This may seem contradictory, but qigong practitioners know from direct experience that it is both achievable and distinctly different from ordinary waking consciousness. It is the mental state in which qigong produces its results.
Qigong is a composite of form, energy, and mind — with mind being the most important component. Practicing qigong without a QSoM means practicing the form while leaving out the element that drives the energy and produces the benefits.
How to Enter a QSoM
Entering a QSoM means relaxing on four levels:
- Physically — Starting at the top of the head, move attention systematically down through the body, relaxing each part as you go.
- Emotionally — Let go of whatever has happened during the day. Held emotions — anger, worry, sadness — act like weights on the system. Set them down for the duration of practice.
- Mentally — Clear the mind of thoughts. This is easier said than done and takes consistent practice. It is one of the main reasons learning qigong from a skilled teacher produces faster results than self-study.
- Spiritually — This is addressed in the next step: Really Smiling from the Heart.
How Long It Takes
A beginner may need five to ten minutes to enter a QSoM. With correct daily practice, that time reduces steadily. The goal is to be able to enter a QSoM in a single breath — making it available not just in formal practice, but in any situation where being relaxed and alert would be useful.
Continue to the Next Step
Next: R — Really Smile from the Heart
Previous: P — Preparation
Back to: The PERFECT Qigong System
