On holiday recently, I had the chance to do paddle boarding. I love being on the water and love kayaking and thought, this can’t be too different, so was excited to try!
Starting gradually, with a kneeled approach, I was surprised at how even that felt a bit wobbly and I was unsure how I was going to take to this. Asking my husband to hold the board whilst I tried to stand, I thought there’s no way I can do this - I felt unstable, unsafe…my mind was screaming at me to get off!
Going back to the kneeled approach, I went out onto the lake feeling a bit deflated that I was unable to do it ‘properly’ and when everyone else made it look so easy!
However, it didn’t take long before I started to feel more stable - it felt like my brain and body had now connected to the motion of the water underneath the board. So, that being the case, I tried to stand once more. A bit wobbly, but knowing I was safe in the shallow water…I did it!
And that was it – I was paddle boarding out onto the lake, feeling more stable and, my mind having calmed down, I was feeling safe once more and able to enjoy the experience.
And this is what any new practice can feel like. That feeling of uncertainty, maybe a feeling that it’s not for you…and you may give up. Or, like I did, you may persevere that bit longer until your mind and body connect once more to this new experience.
This is what Tai Chi Qigong may feel like to many. Qigong is often quite different to forms of movement therapy people have tried before. To those observing, it may seem like very little is happening. When trying it initially, it may feel strange or awkward; you may feel tense and so the energy is unable to flow freely. However, for those who allow themselves that time to connect to the art of Qigong, it’s a very different experience. Giving ourselves the time for our body and mind to connect – to become calm, so it can restore and rebalance.
And this is what we’re doing with Tai Chi Qigong – performing movements with awareness. Awareness of our body and our breath, so we can cultivate our chi (energy) for our health and wellness.
If you want to try something different, come join us at Energise Studio on Tuesdays at 5.15pm and allow yourself to enjoy this ancient healing practice.