ZHINENG QIGONG: A Ticket to Freedom · ZhongDaoTaiChi & QiGong & TCM

ZHINENG QIGONG: A Ticket to Freedom

Zhineng Qigong

A Ticket to Freedom

Imagine being trapped by circumstances beyond your control—burdened by grief, mounting bills, and a body that refuses to heal. Ten years ago, when my wife passed away, I was left not only with heartbreak but with a house full of pets to care for, a daunting mortgage, and a severe case of Lyme disease that had left me unable to walk for years. Overnight, my world shrank, and the future seemed impossible.

My pressing concern was, “How can I possibly move forward in this state of restriction?” So, I turned to the Universe and struck a deal. “Show me I can trust you!” I pleaded. And my part, “I’ll do what is required to unleash myself from this perceived confinement.”

Shortly thereafter, an email appeared announcing a 7-week online course introducing a scientifically proven healing system known as Zhineng Qigong, also called Wisdom Healing. I wondered if it could heal my feet and ankles—my foundation, regardless of the condition deemed “unhealable” by Western standards. I resonated with the program description and enrolled almost gleefully. My “yes” to this opportunity has taken me down a glorious path of discovery and liberation from the confines of life circumstances. My life changed in this moment.

Zhineng means “wisdom ability”; the process of transforming automated conditioning into autonomous wisdom. The Qi of qigong is the life force energy that animates and permeates all of existence, and it is utilized by the body, for instance, in the beating of our hearts. It is invisible, follows “where the mind goes”, yet has a profound effect upon our bodies. Gong is the effort required to receive the benefits and develop skills through practice and perseverance.

Qigong has been time-tested for health maintenance and enhancement. Its origin dates back to ancient China, some 5000 years ago. As I discovered, it is truly ancient wisdom for the modern world.

I was no stranger to qigong, having practiced a variety of systems and forms and studied with various qigong masters and instructors. It all began in 1992, when my beloved bride taught me the long-form, Yang-style of Tai Chi Chuan, a branch of qigong with martial applications. It was truly a gift. I was immediately hooked. I savored the flowing movements of the postures and the self-esteem I gained through the self-discipline required to develop mastery and to realize the holistic benefits—physical, emotional, and spiritual. All levels.

Qigong employs the following: a relaxed mind state with focused intent to govern the flow of Qi; postural alignment to facilitate the optimal flow of vital energy; slow, gentle, flowing movements like water, coordinated with natural, full breaths that deepen relaxation and link mind to movement—finding stillness within movement. There’s also “static” qigong, whether standing or sitting—feeling movement within the stillness. Both complement one another.

There is much freedom within qigong practice. You can modify the exercises to accommodate any physical limitations. Due to my handicap, I could only practice by sitting on a chair for a number of years. You don’t need much space either. I could perform qigong in a closet if necessary. No props of any sort. Just loose clothing.

When COVID hit, I immersed myself in Zhineng Qigong, learning the theory and putting it into practice. In 2016, I had been assigned to a woman named Kelli McGowan at a teacher training program at the Chi Center in Galesteo, NM, who became my online qigong practice buddy. We encouraged each other not to stray from the task at hand: to heal and become fully alive through dedicated study and practice. And to not lose sight of freedom attained through good health—the result of free-flowing life energy. I figured the more time I devoted to qigong, the less time I would spend on doctor visits. It's a deal!

At age 49, Kelli was stricken with severe Fronto-Temporal Dementia and A.L.S—a double whammy with a death sentence. 13 years later, she is very alive and well, reversing both heinous diseases. A film documenting her progress, called "Saving Kelli," was made. If she can do it, so can I, which inspired and welcomed me to pursue a new paradigm in healing!

After a couple of years in my studies with these two amazing husband-and-wife teachers, Ling and Lu of Dao Qi World, I discarded my knee-high metal braces and never looked back. No more clunking around or living in chronic pain. Regardless of structural issues, through diligent practice, I was able to unblock obstructions to the energy pathways known as meridians. When QI is blocked, illness and disease result. When Qi flows well, we are healthy. And it works!

Why is qigong so effective? First, it encourages efficiency of movement; no effort is wasted, which conserves energy. Through various movements, we become aware of unnecessary tension and contractions governed by the subconscious—automated conditioning. This impedes the free flow of vital energy, much as resistance impedes the flow of electricity.

Because Qi follows the mind, it is important to cultivate a relaxed and focused mind state with intention. Also, and very key, is not to identify with any story or health condition we carry about ourselves. Rather, to connect with the pure, original, source energy of the Universe. Life is fresh as we return to the natural state that is our birthright, free of the worries and concerns that can hinder this realization.

Life is good and fresh. I'm overflowing with gratitude for the benefits I have received: Improved health and increased vitality—hardly a sniffle during the last 5 years, no more daily aches or lingering discomforts, and my lower back pain is gone. Mobility is completely restored. What had seemed impossible, last winter I hiked my first mountain in nearly 20 years. Also enhanced mind-body connection, better sleep and relaxation, and a “sunshine mind”—Feeling happy for no reason. Health is freedom. At long last, I feel free!

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