Breathe...You are Alive...

Breathe...You are Alive...

Besides being the title to a very good book, I love the message of this statement. To me, it implies that if you are not TRULY aware of your breath, are you TRULY living? If we can not appreciate the gentle, pure nature of a slow deep breath, then how can we completely appreciate the more complex stimuli available in life?

Qigong versus Tai Chi breathing...

Qigong (Energy Work) principals are designed to create an environment of deep internal focus and awareness. Allowing the body, mind and spirit to meld together through slow, gentle movement and breathing patterns. These exercises can range from very simple to complex but they are all focused on delving deeper into ourselves. Frequently, in Qigong training, we are taught to connect breath and movement into a seamless flowing rhythm while listening to our internal energy as it weaves its way through our bodies. At higher levels, movement becomes less necessary as we become more aware of our Qi and are able to move it through our bodies without the need for the physical stimulation of flowing gestures.

Traditionally, in Tai Chi, the breath is handled differently. In my training, I have been taught to have a relaxed, gentle breath that is independent of the Tai Chi form movements. Like two leaves flowing down a river, your movement and breath are independent of each other but moving in the same direction. At first, learning the physical movements is choppy, forced and lets just say "less than rhythmic" ;-) As one becomes more comfortable with the physical movements and coordinations, they become more fluid and relaxed in their form practice. Trying to focus on both physical movements and breathing at the same time is a very daunting task. We tend to hold our breath (especially when learning something new) thus creating tension and blockages of energy within the body. I feel this is why the high level teachers I have trained with recommend focusing on the physical movements and simply maintaining a relaxed breath independent of the movements. Trying to "force" the breath and movement connection will only serve to frustrate and complicate your training. Looking into the Dao for inspiration, never force, only allow what is there to be... Appreciate your awareness of breath and movement then let them find each other...

Like the two leaves flowing down the river, eventually, they will end up in the same still water, together, relaxed and smiling.

Happy breathing!