Yin/Yang in Qigong
By Peter Deadman
The interaction of yin and yang is an almost omnipresent theme in Qigong. This involves not only the dynamics of individual exercises but also realising one’s overall practice in a useful and meaningful way. On the basis of the yin/yang pairs ›nourishing and moving‹, ›internal and external‹, ›softness and strength‹ and ›contraction and expansion‹, Peter Deadman explains what things we should be mindful of in order to align our training with our current life situa- tion and hence achieve a harmonious balance. As is customary, both the yin and yang aspects have their place; the goal is to bring them into balance.
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»With the elastic equanimity of a cherry stalk«
Reflections on Taijiquan and Chinese calligraphy
By Karin Zhang
In the previous issue Michael DeMarco took on the identity of the court painter Yang Mingbin to highlight similarities between Taijiquan and Chinese calligraphy. Now Karin Zhang takes a different perspective on the same theme to show that both these paths evolve from larger movements to smaller ones, and precision in the external form is seen as a precondition for letting the movements arise from the inside. The structure of the horse-riding stance is reflected in the basic calligraphic element of heng – the (almost) vertical stroke with distinctive ends. Both require a dynamic supporting posture and create the foundation for further process.
Giving your best, without intention, in the midst of crises
Dao, meditation and movement
By Manfred Folkers
Continual practice of meditative methods such as Taijiquan, Qigong and Zazen promotes abilities like deceleration and mindfulness. Manfred Folkers draws on his own developmental path to show how this practice intensifies one’s own connection with life and encourages one to investigate more deeply the current state and perspectives for our way of life. Moreover, our arts can help us to participate in the coming life upheavals with courage, empathy and integrity. To this end he presents eight points for discussion, corresponding to the Buddhist »noble eightfold path«, which offer support for leaving the false path of the growth economy.
Connecting Earth and Heaven
Uprightness and rooting in Taijiquan
By Frieder Anders
Uprightness and rooting are key terms in Taijiquan. They arise through the interaction with gravity and ground reaction force and form the basis for typical Taiji power development. Frieder Anders explains how, in his view, true rooting can only be achieved when the body weight rests on one foot and hence the axes of body and leg correspond. In this situation ground reaction force can be used as the basis for inner strength.
The precious power of the forest
Recharging the batteries with Qigong in nature
By Burghart and Im Joon Büssing
There is a long tradition of Qigong exercises in which we absorb Qi specifically from nature. Working on the basis of recent scientific findings, Asian forest bathing and Daoyin Yangsheng Gong, Im Joon and Burghart Büssing have developed a specific exercise method that is particularly suited for practicing in woods/forests. Thanks to this health-promoting environment, it increases the ability of a practitioner to regulate and regenerate one’s own organism. It can intensify our connection with nature and bring us into harmony with cosmic processes.
Event:
International Push Hands Meeting Prague
9. – 11. September 2022
By Al Scott