Spring Equinox is a great time to be reminded of how intrinsically connected we are with the changing seasons. Buddhism and Daoism teach us how to live in harmony with nature; we are nature.
Daoist Qi Gong exercises keep us in tune with the subtle changes in nature throughout the year. These ancient therapeutic practices have been passed down from teacher to student for millennia. Originating in a time when there were fewer distractions from our true nature, these exercises are available today to get us back to ourselves. See below for how to learn more.
It’s easy in the world we live in to dip into lots of different wellbeing methods, or learn a bit about many different ancient cultures’ teachings, as well as ‘new’ teachings based on ancient methods. There is so much information available to us now that it can become overwhelming. Our high pressured, fit-it-all-in culture of busyness can force us into searching out the next quick fix for our anxiety about fitting it all in! The problem with this consumerist mode of collecting as many different snippets of wellbeing advice as possible is that we only get a surface understanding of any of it. Attending a weekend course, or a day course, or even an hour’s class here and there will help you feel great in that time, but if you haven’t been taught the foundations or the inner grounding needed to fully understand how to continue healing, stay safe, and not harm others, the benefits are easily lost.
Of course, Buddhism is just one of the ancient wisdoms in the world. However, the difference with Buddhism is it’s the only teaching about living peacefully in the world that understands and accepts all of the different beliefs and religions in the world, and considers them as part of the whole cosmos in it’s teaching. It’s the only one that encapsulates the entire universe (as well as other universes). It’s also the only one that teaches anyone who wants to learn how to end suffering for themselves and not cause suffering for others.
Our world is so very complicated and full of clutter, that unless you have an authentic Buddhism teacher with a direct lineage back to the original teachings, there are lots of things that you might not know are part of Buddhist teaching, and it’s easy to misunderstand some of the teachings too. It’s extremely rare to be fortunate enough to find such a teacher, and I am grateful to have met mine 22 years ago. I have been learning about Buddhism alongside Qi Gong, Meditation, Acupressure, Daoism, etc. I’m still learning, because there is so much to learn and understand and let go of. Please don’t believe anyone who says they’re Enlightened or know everything about an ancient wisdom. This is the ego talking, and completely misses the point of these teachings.
The Buddha that we know, the founder of Buddhism as it’s known today, was ‘only’ born about 2600 years ago. But he was not the first Buddha (person who achieved Enlightenment). In fact, he had three predecessors. They were alive aeons before Gautama Buddha. The path to Enlightenment and away from suffering, has been known for many, many aeons. It’s something anyone can achieve.
The trouble is, it’s part of being human to get caught up in our feelings and get attached to things, which creates problems when we get stuck on them and refuse to let things come and go. Because we live in what’s known in Buddhism as Samsara (the cycle of living and dying), we attach to what we feel emotionally and what we experience with our senses. This limits us and causes suffering. Unless we’re brave enough to look deeper at our thoughts, beliefs and behaviours, we’ll continue to suffer and be stuck.
I rarely talk about Buddhism when I’m teaching Qi Gong, Meditation, or Acupressure, and so on, or in my daily life, unless someone is interested or has misunderstood something about it. It’s how I view, and live in the world, but it’s a peaceful, inner practice. I’m sharing a bit of information here just for anyone who’s interested in understanding a deeper way to feel peaceful in the world.
Now back to what I can teach you…
Qigong practices have developed over the millennia with many influences, meaning there are thousands of forms (sets of exercises that make up a whole practice) and even different variations of exercises within forms. Influences include Buddhism, Kung Fu, Daoism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the local environment. The fundamental purpose of Qi Gong is to strengthen and transform your vital and subtle energy to enhance your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. I teach many different forms, often depending on the needs of each individual. There are Qi Gong exercises specifically for women’s health needs, for clearing blockages in the meridians of the body, for strengthening different internal organs, for improving the digestive system, breathing, lowering blood pressure, and lots and lots more.
Please see my page on Qi Gong to learn more, including why it’s so beneficial for neurodivergent people.
Anyone interested in connecting with nature and learning ancient Daoist Qi Gong exercises, or any other therapeutic Qi Gong, please fill in the contact form below and let me know when you are available for an online consultation to learn more or set up classes.
Restore Balance 
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