In this episode of Qigong Radio, I thought I was going to get a report about the Dragon and Tiger instructor training. Yes, the six instructors who joined me for the episode talked about the training. If you missed Maui, you’ll get a sense of what it was like. But they also shared some true qigong gems with us, that I think you’ll be able to apply to all of your energy practices.
One of the toughest parts of learning movement exercises from a book is knowing what goes in between each still photo. That’s why I’m very excited that Robert Tangora has put out an overview video of all the exercises that he teaches in the Internal Structure of Cloud Hands.
You can use this video as a companion guide to the book. I think this book is such an excellent resource, that I’m urging every serious Tai Chi and qigong practitioner that I know to find a way to work it into theirs.
From the outside, standing qigong can look calm, peaceful and meditative. On the inside, if you don’t ask yourself these 3 essential questions, standing can be grueling. Your muscles ache, you tremble and sweat, and in burning discomfort you strain to see how much longer you must endure. It doesn’t have to be torture, though, if you adopt the right mindset as you practice.
Over the years, I have learned many different standing qigong techniques from my teacher Bruce Frantzis, but when I practice what he’s taught about mindset and attitude in standing qigong, I’ve had some of my biggest breakthroughs.
We just started summer classes at Brookline Tai Chi this week, which means new students are coming in for the first time and experienced students are coming back after a break. That means there are lots of good questions floating around about getting started, making progress, and the frustrations you encounter along the way. In this episode of Qigong Radio, I hope to address some of those concerns. Specifically, I discuss:
Robert Tangora’s new book, The Internal Structure of Cloud Hands, has just been published. Last October, I spoke to Robert about why he chose this topic for a Tai Chi book and what he hoped to communicate to people. Based on that interview, working with him live doing his Cloud Hands training, and the meticulous way he approaches learning, teaching, and Tai Chi, I have no doubt that this book is going to the top of my recommended reading list next to Energy Gates.
What do we mean when we say we “put our mind inside our body” when we meditate, do qigong, or Tai Chi? Dr. Cathy Kerr helps us understand this question from the perspective of modern neuroscience. In addition to being a Tai Chi practitioner, Cathy is the Director of Translational Neuroscience at Contemplative Studies Initiative and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Brown University. Drawing on a growing body of research from mindfulness meditation, her own work on sensory processes, and ancient texts, Cathy explains these Eastern practices develop your Western brain in areas that span physical health as well as mental and emotional well-being.
The eyes are the gateway to your nervous system. This is a theme that my teacher Bruce Frantzis weaves into many different Tai Chi and qigong teachings that he gives. Relaxing the nervous system is one of the central goals of Tai Chi practice. With a relaxed nervous system you are more aware of your reactions, thoughts, emotions, and really, your entire internal environment. One of the best ways to begin to tune into the state of your nervous system is by learning to feel your eyes.
Taoist Master Bruce Frantzis is my main Tai Chi and qigong teacher. Bruce was one of the first Westerns to live and study intensively in China, then come back to the U.S. and popularize Wu Style Tai Chi, qigong, and Taoist meditation in a way that was accessible to a Western audience. He teaches all over the U.S. and Europe, including regular workshops at Brookline Tai Chi. His books on qigong and meditation offer clear and direct practical instruction.
