Qigong on the Trail
Wild Goose Qigong
One of the methods I use to keep my Qigong practice going well is to take particular sets or exercises and drill them everyday for a while. I am currently practicing two forms from the Wild Goose Qigong system, every day. I am readying myself for the arrival of Wild Goose Master Paul Li. He is flying up to Bellingham from San Francisco to teach a review workshop this weekend on two forms. I’ve been practicing these two long movement forms–named”The First 64″ and “Spiral”–so I can be super-prepared to absorb the refinements from his instruction. And for the many health betterments that accrue and get imbued into my bodyfrom these great and complex forms. Plus, its fun.
Practice Early or Practice Late, But Practice
Last Sunday it was getting late in the day and I hadn’t performed “The First 64″ or “Spiral” yet. I was coming back from a hike in the Chuckanut Mountains, walking down an old logging road toward Arroyo park. Now, it is best to get your practice in early each day. Then it is done. Somehow, I can’t get myself to do it early, or at the same time each day. I’m not much of a morning activity person. Mornings; I like to write, work on the computer and plan. On this day I had been busy before the hike. Writing, and a morning Chen Taiji class, took my time. Then came the hike.
Not too many flat spots on a mountain.
Looking for a Qigong Space
I needed, for these Qigong exercise forms, a flat space of about 10 by 20 feet. There aren’t many flat spaces on a mountain. Up in the snow and the trail-slush I had seen no space that could work. Now I was lower down the mountain and I found a spot that fit my needs. These were not ideal Qigong practice conditions. I was wet from rain, decked out in rain gear and the hiking boots on my feet seemed to have gotten a lot heavier the last hour. The hike had wearied me. But I needed to practice, needed to get day 60 in a row, on my way to a 100-day discipline.
Qigong Revitalizes
The little 12-minute practice was refreshing, interesting, and a welcome break from incessant walking. When I first began, my shoulders were tight and creaky, probably from hefting a weighty backpack for four hours. I couldn’t easily stretch my arms above my head. After the turning, walking, bending, stretching, and rotating motions of “The First” 64 and “Spiral”, my regular arm and shoulder range of motion returned. Overall, I felt a little more at ease in my breathing and body.
Gain Virtue
It may be small, but I feel virtuous when I follow through on my practice schedule and do my Qigong. If a 100 day practice goal is what it takes to get me to do these important wellness procedures, so be it. I feel virtuous and I feel better. I’m healthier because of it.