I'm in a state of delirium when I wake up feeling like I'm in the tropics, yet, staring at the UK canals; however, being a sunshine babe, you'll never hear me complain about high temps anywhere, which the media dubbed as a heatwave. For me, it was simply a pleasant surprise for the end of April into May, and I hope many more days like that are in store.
We'd been chugging around the Leicester area over a period and moored a short walk from Aylestone Meadows – endless acres of woodlands, which were perfect for me to do some Qigong.
I've been deepening my Qigong studies, and one of the topics that fascinates me is fascia, the connective tissues that hold our organs together.
When I look at images of fascia, it has a gel-like consistency that's elastic and stretchy. However, this elasticity reduces with age and hardens and becomes more plastic-like. A lack of movement accelerates that process, so this motivates me to consciously do these precise movements to help my fascia become more malleable.
Although many different modalities of fitness help to lubricate the joints, tendons, and muscles, my preference is Qigong because it's like biohacking wisdom, and the benefits are tangible from filling my organs with air and opening up the energy channels.
This Tiger Qigong from the 5 Element Qigong is associated with the metal element and is connected to the lungs, which are where the emotion of grief is stored. So these movements are my self-care for grief, which causes tightness in the chest.
Also, I spend long hours sitting by the computer, and even though I practise getting up to move around at frequent intervals, it doesn't eliminate stiffness and sensations of tightness in my chest, because I might unconsciously slouch, which then constricts my breathing.
Sometimes I do all the other four movements (dragon, leopard, snake, and the crane) together as a flow, and at other times I find it effective to tune into my body (which is constantly communicating), and I can sense specific areas that are being restricted.
So, doing this not only helps with the physical posture but also balances the organs internally for harmony and better energy flow, hence the term Qi Gong, qi meaning energy, and gong meaning the skilful use.
Imagine doing a full-body workout with no equipment, just some simple moves that you can master over time? It's amazing.
Some days my flexibility and strength change, which I can observe when I take photos, and even more when I do videos. However, it's not about how flexible or deep into the poses I can go; it's more of being in the present and understanding the principles of the movement.
Mindfulness, breathing, and meditation are involved for that mind, body, and spirit connection. A beautiful, safe, and peaceful way for some neuro-hacking that helps to stimulate my brain, enough to maintain a sense of calm, and this is a good way to keep my mind stimulated and focused.
Happy Monday, peeps. Let's be mindful in everything we do. :)
All the images and the video belong to me.
My blog frequently features my minimalist lifestyle and adventures while living on my narrowboat.”
Irie love,
Milly
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