How to feel better fast

Qi means life force, vitality, energy...that something special that we know when we see/feel it. 

 

Brilliant Bodies

Having dissected cadavers I can tell you they don't have it. There is nothing less alive than something that is dead. It sounds obvious, but in how many ways do we deaden ourselves daily? Or chase some artificial sense of being "op en wakker," as we would put it in South Africa. Only to have to numb ourselves later from the excess of caffeine, adrenaline and over stimulation that is common place in our crazy lives. 

 

Gong means cultivation or more plainly work. 

It's not good enough to know...we must do! Practice practice practice. Our lives are made up of our habits.

Lately people I love (including my own dear self) have been struggling and throwing up their hands while exclaiming -

"It's no good! I'm a dead loss! Nothing helps!" 

Really? Are you actually doing your daily deeds diligently? 

 

How do you start your day? 

If you start with a scroll on your phone, your brain chemistry will keep chasing that dopamine kick until you are sick to your stomach with the bubblegum that has replaced nourishing engagement. 

This is neither the work nor the rest that we crave. 

 

So instead, start with this simple Ba Duin Jin/ 8 Silken Brocades -- Health Qi Gong for cultivating the silken quality within our bodies and minds that can only help us. 

Because it's so ancient there are many ways. 

I learned it first from my lovely Shirje Fiona here in Fish Hoek. 

https://www.facebook.com/deepsouthTaiChi

 

Then from my beautiful teacher Master Ping in China who has been posting great content on the Gram.

(to think that I practiced in exactly this spot in the Dragon's Teeth Mountains outside Yangshou) 

 

I love this version with clear instructions

Life is for fun. And it's a lot more fun when you're feeling well. Don't outsource your happiness. Cultivate it, through mindful movement. 

And obviously everything we consume matters. Whether it be food and drink, or what we're putting into our minds. Where is your attention right now? 

Find your centre. 

Again and again. 

The moment you notice you're not being mindful, is the moment you are mindful.

Notice your breath. Allow it to deepen. 

Adjust your posture. Give yourself a shake, tap it out. Or go for a walk. 

Find the balance. 

Again and again. 

This is our work and our greatest pleasure!