Movement may seem like the simplest of the 4 secrets of qigong, but there are layers to the idea.
For example, successful practice requires that you move with good form and awareness, but without any unnecessary tension. This is easier said than done.
In addition, some qigong exercises have lots of movement and are very active. Others look, from the outside at least, like almost nothing is happening. So the quality of the movement can vary from one set of exercises to another.
Here’s a deeper secret about movement. This is very old wisdom:
“If it looks big on the outside, it’s small on the inside.
If it looks small on the outside, it’s big on the inside.”
How can we understand this?
One interpretation is that flashy moves aren’t necessarily the most powerful or effective. Slower, simpler movements and sets of exercises often are far more powerful than faster or more complex sets.
Another way to understand this idea is to recognize that mastery always manifests in a kind of fluid ease of activity. Compare how a highly trained dancer walks to how a normal person walks and you’ll get the idea.
I once saw a film of the famous painter, Pablo Picasso working on a wall-sized black and white painting. Watching this world-class painter work, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how effortlessly he moved with each brush stroke. Here’s a 28-second clip showing part of that video:
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Do you see what I mean about movement?
If you can apply that sort of smooth, spontaneous quality in your qigong, you’ll find your results increase dramatically.
Next, the 4th secret, breath…
Be well,
Dr. Bruce