Three Components of Qigong

Fierce Qigong is a focused healing modality intended to lead the practitioner to freedom from past limitations. There are three components of Fierce Qigong which may be described in general as exercise, meditation, and fierce intent. The exercise and meditation components are an inherent part of qigong and of other healing movement practices such as hatha yoga.

The distinguishing feature of qigong, when compared to the other healing movements, is the gentleness and ease with which the movements are performed. Qigong can be practiced by almost anyone regardless of age or physical limitations. Young children practice qigong and seniors in their nineties practice qigong. Kung fu masters in the Shaolin Temple in China practice qigong, and people recovering from serious injury practice qigong.

The distinguishing feature of Fierce Qigong, when compared to other qigong practices, is the fierce intent, which may be thought of as an unwavering resolve to be mindful during the movements, which are called wudao.

        Form and posture

The form of the moves, though simple and easy have evolved through centuries of practice and even though there is room for differences in style, wholesale modifications carry the risk of losing the promised benefits.

Posture is important in that the energy channels should be open and free of obstructions. In general, a straight spine should be maintained when standing and sitting.

       Mindfulness

It is important to pay attention to the movements of the body through space as the exercises are performed. Paying close attention, without judging your performance, and without striving to change the way things are is the essence of mindful qigong. I was taught that if it isn’t mindful, it isn’t qigong.

       Intent

Intent is important when making any change in our lives and qigong is about making change. Jack LaLane said that if we aren’t getting better, then we’re getting worse. I believe he was right. Nothing stays the same and that includes our health and happiness. Make intentional positive changes in your life or your life is going to go downhill.

Intent is another name for the goal you want to achieve. It can be something easily identifiable and measurable like losing weight or it can be something like shaking the blues during the dark days of winter.

Intent does not violate the mindfulness creed to not strive to change the way things are. Striving to change something implies that you have assumed responsibility for the change. Holding an intent in your heart while you perform a qigong routine is simply a signal of your heart’s desire and the agent responsible for manifesting the change is qigong, not you.