I have to admit that I’m a little bit of an exercise junkie. If I could, I would probably get up at 5 AM, meditate, do some Qigong, some yoga and some strength training and then go for a run. Then I’d do it all over again because of the lovely feeling it gives me both in my body and in my mind.  But while I am an early riser, 5 AM is a bit too early even for me. I start my day with meditation and breath work; then I make a nice cup of black tea, check my email, and exercise. 

Having some sort of centering practice first thing in the morning that encompasses physical awareness, breathwork, and centered attention is incredibly beneficial.

A calming yet invigorating focus can be achieved through physical exertion, especially with body mind approaches such as Qigong, Yoga, Feldenkrais, Somatic Release and the like. And quite wonderfully, you can do them at any time of day or night.

The question I ask myself, and I’m sure others have asked before, is this: Would these states inculcate self hypnosis? As an authority on me, I have to say yes, absolutely. The more you begin to understand hypnosis, the more you may come to recognize it as an ordinary state of consciousness – and also an ordinary state of subconsciousness, one that is at your disposal any time you turn your attention to it. As some of you know most trance experience is outside of your normal perception and takes some practice to notice.

Is QiGong a kind of self hypnosis, yea or nay? Yea!

I’m lucky enough to still be learning about these amazing techniques and approaches to health and wellness, especially Qigong. One of my favorite teachers that I have found online is Mimi Kuo-Deemer. 

I love her gentle voice, her translation and pronunciation of the original Chinese names for these different positions, as well as her incredible physical and mental strength. She’s quite an inspiration, if you have the time, check out a few of her videos – you can find them across the Internet.

As I understand it, this ancient technology is the medicalized version of Tai Chi, and when practiced with regularity, it can enhance physical health as well as mental and potentially spiritual health. Here’s to dancing with Earth, Water, Fire, Wood, and Metal!