The Women Warriors

[RawMahdiyah]

I had been guided (perhaps the only reasoning behind attending college <wink>) to a seperate campus this fall, to sit-in a Philosophy of Healing class. This experience was truly remarkable, and after the first class, witnessing the videos (on Near Death experiences, Ancient Healing arts, and the like) and participating in passionate discussions/centemplation, I was quick to return the following week; till completion.
As we had guest speakers, the intimate class learnt a lot. One of these beautiful guest teachers (named John Cole) came in to teach us about Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan) and Taoist Arts. Upon moving to the states Tai Chi has (also ironically) become a 'new' wellness self-discipline and has made its way into my life, along with many beautiful sacred practices (all of which originates in the gifts of Life Force Energy=Love). After much discussion, viewing one of his class videos-where we witnessed the amazing power (and I do not use this word lightly) of Qi (Chi, Ki, Orgone, Prana etc.), seeing personal photos of Qi Light energy captured right before our eyes (the energy, like a light haze, was clearly structured in the shape/motion of helix/spirals!); John then taught us a simple (yet amazing) Exercise.
Yi Quan Qi Gong is a breath and energy exercise promoting free flow of energy in the body. It serves as a powerful technique to gather Qi for personal development/boosting. The following is as I remember and practice, and like any body work, intuitive connection and reflection guides one into deeper awareness.

*Start by standing up and grounding yourself (connecting to the middle of the earth and being present with the Most High-this exercise naturally helps one to be further grounded). It is imprtant to start with bringing ones awareness to the body. Stand naturally at ease and watch the flow of breath. Where are you breathing from? Often one will notice that we have become shallow breathers, starting the breath in the lungs. The natural way to breath (as babies do) is to breath deep causing the stomach to rise. When you breath IN the stomach should rise, not the other way around. Notice where the tension is, and relax to allow deeper breathing. To help move the "stuck"energy from where it is (ie. if you breathing starting from the lungs) use the palm of your hands, and with intention, slowly move the energy down as you breath to the stomach area. For some this may take a while, but time is not relevant, and intention is most definately the causitive force behind all that we DO. Once you are breathing naturally, remain here for a few seconds/minutes, breathing calmly and deep. Hands rest naturally at the side.
To be in-line with flow of energy (Sky to Earth) we were taught to learn (as you will see Tai Chi practice done) to stand with the root chakra tucked under. To find this stance, place both hands on your waist below the hip bone and push your lower body (naturally bending the knees) down into a rounded-almost-sitting position. This in-itself strengthens the connection and increases energy flow. The discipline of holding this stance is amazing (although "tricky" at times=Burnig thighs!), but well rewarding like all practices.
There are three main energy "storehouses" or areas up the truck (main part) of the body. The first (hara) and most important is located just below the navel (then two distanced above that). Start by placing your hands here and collecting Qi (energy). Practice to move and control the energy in the palm of your hands like a ball. Do this for a few seconds, expanding and building it. As you breathe in collect the energy in your palms expanding the ball, and bringing them together each time as you breathe out. This is very "real" and very fun ( I have often expanded this ball to the size of the universe and beyond with intention and practice). This is very useful in healing. Start to move your hands up from the hara point, to the middle of your body, increasing this Qi ball. Slowly expand the energy into your forearms, upper arms, and eventually your whole body.
Now, bring your hands back to the hara center and prepare for connection to the Heavenly Sky. Raise your arms slightly above your head, and hold the Qi ball (not to large) there for a few seconds. Slowly bring this ball of light energy down over (the front of) your body. Visualize this ball of light energy penetrating into each chakra as it passes. You should still be in the stance as mentioned above (try to relax and keep this connection, the more the base is tucked under the greater your practice will be. Often we learn a lot about ourself under disciplines-what part of your body is aching? Weak? Strong? Intent on soothing these areas out to limit distraction, you will get better & grow). Once you get to the base/root chakra, bring your arms up stretched out to the sides back into a ball above your head. Hold it there seeing the light, and again bring it slowly infront of you sending energy to each part of your self. Repeat this as much as you want. After a few times, bring the arms back up to form a larger ball in your hands, this time higher above your head. Connect this Qi ball to The Most High, and hold it there for as long as possible recieving/visualizing light and energy flowing down and gathering in your hands. Bring this energy in your hands again down in front of your body, slowly, sending energy this time to all the chakras from the front all the way to the back of your body. Make sure to spend time at each part as long as needed, clearing and strengthening each. You will begin to connect and learn about the condition of your chakras. Which one do you stay at the longest/needs more balancing, etc? Take your time and repeat this, connecting this Qi ball to the Heavenly Sky and bringing it down to meet you. (In class we did each, slightly above and higher above the head, about four times only and still gained major benifits). On the last return down over the front of your body, place your hands back at the hara center (after any energy work one should return their energy to this spot or with the Almighty in intention). Remain here for a few sec/min. bringing consciousness to Grounding Earth.
Then when ready, spread arms out to the side and in a downward sweeping motion gather energy from deep in the earth into your palms, and slowly raise your hands-palm up. As you raise your hands in front of your body, naturally turn your hands over together so that your palms are facing the sky (you should be around your face by this point). As your palms turn and faces the sky, keep raising them up over your head in a sweeping motion. Visiualize your hands painting the sky and all around you with a bright rainbow. Bringing your hands back down sweeping this rainbow into the ground, and picking up energy form the ground in exchange. Reapeat by raising your hands, turning palms and sweeping the sky and world with a rainbow. Do this as much as you want. Smile.
When ready, return your palms back up with the energy from the Deep Earth to wherever you feel to place them on the front (truck) of your body (wherever you place them is meaningfull). Eventually return your hands (palm over palm) back to the hara center. Remain here, still in stance, for a few minutes in meditation.
When ready stand-up and notice how straight, errect, clear and balanced your energy is. You have connected your Higher self to the Heaven and Lower self to the Earth...feels like a continuous stretch and centeredness often experienced after meditation, prayer, yoga etc. You are filled with life, light, and great love.

Learning about Qi entails entering the flow with your senses attuned to perceiving what is around you and within you. Like a good meditatio, one does not remember beginning or ending because the present is made eternal.
Go forth and spread this Qi.



RawMahdiyah
_________________
"Cast down what is in your right hand. It will swallow up what they have wrought. Verily they have wrought only a sorcerer's stratagem; and a sorcerer does not succeed (no matter) from whatsoever (skilled group) he may come." (Quran-20:69)