When practicing qigong exercises using the ‘Perfect’ Qigong system, E stands for Enter a Qigong State of Mind or QSoM as I prefer to type it.
Think of a Qsom as a heightened sense of awareness.At its most basic level it is a state of consciousness where you are relaxed and yet very alert.This may almost seem like an oxymoron, how can you be relaxed and alert?But qigong practitioners know from direct experience that this is the best place to be.
Though our Chi Kung/Qigong practice, we aim to be able to enter a QSoM in a single breath.So that should we ever be called upon to do something where being relaxed and alert would be useful – like giving an impromptu speech for example – we can get into this state quickly without having to wait 5 or 10 minutes.
A QSoM is also one of the core skills of Qigong.Without it your benefits from your qigong exercises will be minimal.Why?
Well, remember that Qigong is a composite of Form, Energy and Mind.With mind being the most important component.Practicing Qigong in a QSoM ensures that we are able to get the best results from our practice.
So how do you enter a QSoM – it’s simple when you know how.All you have to do is to relax:
- Physically
- Emotionally
- Mentally
- Spiritually
One of the best ways I’ve found to help students relax physically is to start at the top of the head and work systematically down through the body.As we travel mindfully through the body we make sure every part of it is as relaxed as possible.
To relax emotionally I ask students to let go of all emotions.To forget whatever has happened during the day that may have made them angry, sad, etc.There are no ‘bad’ emotions.It’s just when we hold onto them that we have trouble.Ask anyone who has been worried or angry for a long time how they feel.If they are truthful they’ll tell you they feel very, very tired.Why?because holding onto emotions is like holding onto heavy weights.So drop them.
To relax mentally – you simply clear the mind of all thoughts and yes that’s easier said than done and takes practice, practice, practice and that’s why it’s best learned directly from a skilled teacher (just thought I’d drop that in!)
The very best way I know to relax spiritually is to…. Well I’ll save that for the next post.Because that’s the R in the PERFECT Qigong System.
Bye for now
Marcus James Santer