After many years of practicing Qigong and meditation, the two gradually melded into one practice for me. As I thought about how to remember and teach others the key principles that bring optimum results, an acronym finally emerged: BIPAVE. The six letters also hold some meaning in the sense that the practice “paves” the way for energy to flow as on a “byway”, upwards and downwards in it’s many pathways through and around the body. I’ve summarized the principles below for easy reference:
Breath – Be conscious of your breath throughout the class. Notice its qualities: how fast or slow, shallow or deep, regular or uneven. Expand your breathing, gradually increasing depth and evenness, exhaling fully each time. Continually bring attention back to breath and let the qigong movements follow its rhythm.
Intention – Take a moment to become aware of where you most want comfort or healing today, be it physical, emotional, mental or social/spiritual. Be specific with your statement of intent; for example, “pain gone from …”, “forgiveness from …”, “no more fear of …”, release anger about …”. The effect of intention is strong.
Posture – Bring your body into its best posture to enhance the flow of qi/energy. Ground your feet on the floor, your bum on the chair, and reach your head to heaven. Imagine a silver cord drawing your body up into alignment. You will look and feel better as all your organs have more space and you come into balance.
Awareness/Mindfulness – This is about paying attention and noticing what’s going on with your whole self. Being mindful of your breath, body, feelings and thoughts and accepting it all without judgement. Whenever your thoughts stray, gently bring your focus back to your self in this present moment. Awareness is empowering!
Visualization – Allow your imagination free reign for each of the movements. Be an archer aiming and successfully hitting the target; create a beautiful sky above you for the heavenly stretch; imagine your lungs expanding as precious vessels with every inhalation! For guided meditations open all your senses to the experience.
Enjoyment – What does joy feel like for you – in your body, mind and soul? Bring the memory of that into your Mindful Qigong practice. Celebrate the movement of your body, delight in the scope of your imaginings, bask in your calm mind and uplifted spirit. Enjoy your renewed and balanced ENERGY.
I would also like to mention that as a practice group grows larger, the sense of the energy grows stronger. Just as I offer this gift to you, your presence is a gift to me and others as we practice together in a group. Welcome to my classes. They are currently held in St Vincent Park, Barrie, Wednesday mornings at 9.00 and 10.00. There is no fee, you may just pass-it-on as you can.
S. Lynne Marshall 