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Jeannie Hemphill A TASTE of QIGONG http://thirdeyedaho.tripod.com/qigong/qigong.html 6892 N. Glencrest Way Boise, ID 83714 retro_illini@verizon.net 208-344-6664 Member since 6-28-2003 |
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Standing--preferably along the Greenbelt, near river and trees--is my primary Qigong practice. My intention is to stand, outdoors, winter-spring-summer-fall. However, each winter more time is spent on yoga, a fine indoor complement . "Just what do you do?" ask the curious. "Hopefully, nothing", is the reply, in what sounds like flippant contradiction. "Recharge body by holding still in correct posture, and breathing." Serious business, this relaxing and breathing; stilling body-mind and spirit. Empty mind, connect feet to earth, drop tailbone, lift crown of head to heavens; align spine to receive universal Qi (Life Force). Relax, Breathe. That's all. The Taoist in me knows Nature is my highest teacher. My eyes absorb the seasons, shadows of birds, fresh beaver evidence, new carving on the nearby tree; my ears, the rustle of squirrels, calls of birds, sounds of passerby's; my nose, scents both wild and urban. All year long, ducks float up and down the stream, sometimes waddling onshore. Qigong sounded like just the health practice I'd been looking for when I first heard about it some 10 years ago. Many books and workshops later I am at home with the teaching of Ken Cohen, who it turns out, was living in my old Boulder backyard about the time I moved away in 1974. The last few Mays I've enjoyed returning to Colorado for workshops. Ken, from NYC, is an impeccable scholar, Chinese linguist and teacher; also shaman trained in several indigenous traditions, Taoist priest and Qigong Master (see qigonghealing.com). I'll return refreshed, re-oriented and recommitted to the wonderful health practice of Qigong. |
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