CULTIVATING MINDFULNESS THROUGH MOVEMENTS

 

The principles of mindful movement are the same as any other mindfulness practice. We aim to bring our full attention to the present moment as it is.  We bring our awareness to the movement and focus on our breath and the way our body feels as it moves. When our mind wanders, we bring our attention back to the practice, to our breath, to our body.

 

QI GONG IS LIKE MEDITATION AND THROUGH IT WE CAN CULTIVATE MINDFULNESS, STILLNESS, BALANCE STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY.

 

• Qi Gong elevates your physical health and self-awareness

It is widely demonstrated that your mind influences your body and that your body influences your mind. Your path to mindfulness can include routine movement performed correctly for your individual needs. 

Regular movement is vital for the optimum function of your mind and body. Insufficient physical activity, and physical activity performed incorrectly, increases your risk of preventable health issues.

When practised regularly and correctly, Qigong can improve your self-awareness, mood, strength, mobility, physical conditioning, bone health, cardiovascular conditioning, balance, and quality of living.

 

• Qi Gong improves your most vital function

Breathing is the most important action you do every day. The air you breathe supplies you with the vital oxygen your body needs to survive, thrive, and function optimally. 

While most of our body’s vital functions are autonomic (involuntary), the act of breathing is both autonomic and somatic (voluntary). 

Stress, poor posture, and unconscious breathing deny us to experience your breathing fully and correctly.

That's why Learning to consciously and skillfully direct your breath, elevates your overall health and influences your Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). 

Your ANS governs your heart rate, breath, and digestive processes, etc. It also manages your stress response (fight or flight) and relaxation response (rest and digest). The next time you’re feeling stressed or relaxed, notice how you’re breathing! 

Qigong has long recognized the importance of breathing as Qi (energy) oxygenates your entire body, and brings your body, mind, and spirit into greater balance and Mindful harmony. 

 

Mindful breath in Qi Gong

 

Qigong's body and breath regulation is aimed at relaxation, so the movements are typically slow, gentle and smooth.

 Breath in Qigong needs to be slow, long, and deep abdominal breathing.

Regulation of mind includes focusing attention on the breath it has grounding and calming effects.

When we are mindful of our breathing, it helps to calm and stabilise the body and mind.

Most operations of mind regulation are similar to meditation, therefore Qigong is also considered a meditative mindful movement.

Qigong is a great form of practice for everyone and particularly appropriate for older people due to its gentle and smooth movements. As a mind-body skill,  Qi Gong is used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, pain relief, and muscle strengthening.  Qigong has been found to impact internal and psychosomatic diseases, such as asthma, hypertension, peptic ulcers and diabetes. Qigong is also used as a meditative movement for treating mental conditions including mood disorders, stress, anxiety.

Internally, Qigong is affecting the balance and flow of energy and enhancing functionality in the body and the mind,  with the purpose of cultivating the energetic levels of bodily functions Qi ( energy )

 

8 PIECES OF SILK BROCADES QI GONG EXERCISES

 

There are many forms and systems of Qi Gong practice but the one we are going to explore is “The Eight Pieces of Brocades,” a classical form of Qi Gong that is highly regarded for its health-promoting benefits.

When you practise it is always good to remember to breathe slowly, relax and enjoy the present moment when you connect mindfully with the flow of movements and breath.

The 8 Pieces of Silk Brocades complement the aspect of physical exercises and the cultivation of internal energy. 

The focus is “Qi flow” by activating bodily functions through movements, stretches, respiration, thus supporting the heart to enhance the blood flow.