Thinking About Quitting Life Purpose: Qigong Teacher

[Thought Art]

Hey Everyone,

Over the past few years I have been studying Qigong and teaching. I have been teaching in person and online.

- 1320 You tube subs

- 25 person Email list I just build

- Sold my first high ticket coaching offer which I finish a week from now.

What interested me and inspired me to practice Qigong was the concept of polyvagal theory and mind body connection. My practice of Qigong has greatly benefitted my life and I think it's a really great practice. It combines meditation, stretching, movement, breathing, visualization, etc. It think it's a great practice and I will continue to do it for myself.

But, recently I was thinking about creating an Instagram and beginning to promote their and continuing to create some mini courses.

The problem is, I think there are problems in Qigong theory. I think there are a lot of strengths as well. But, for example in 5 Element theory there is this idea that emotions are stored in certain organs, and they have these very intricate associated with organs, seasons, emotions, etc. Which is an interesting model and I think value can come from this.

But, I don't think emotions are stored in organs. I really don't. I have been open to exploring and integrating Western Science and Qigong theory, much like is continuing to happen with practices like Yoga. But, Qigong is different. Qigong is really built on this idea of "Qi" which means many things but, largely that there is a life force energy. This to me IS obviously true. What is the difference between a dead person and an alive person is that there is some sort of "energy" even if that is a collection of internal processes and homeostatic influences. 

I just, I hit this wall today. I realized that, maybe teaching this isn't the path for me. I think the practice is great and can help a lot of people. But, I started to feel the epistemic burden that I want what I share when it comes to health advice to be holistic, and accurate.

There is a practice is Qigong for example called healing sounds that relates certain organs with emotions, sounds like "shhhh" or "haaa". Which, is obviously not true. But, from a subjective perspective, and in some research these practices have shown to help improve sleep, and quality of life, etc.

 

At the end of the day, not system is perfect. Psychology, pharmaceuticals, the DSM, Qigong, TCM, etc all have strengths and weaknesses.

But, yeah.. I invested a lot into this and I think I helped a lot of people. I just don't know if I can fully commit to teaching it anymore and, maybe it's time to start something new.

But, I am getting close to 30 years old now. This sucks honestly. 

But, I created a small following, an email list, I learned a lot about marketing funnels, writing newsletters, coaching, creating courses, etc. So, I am not walking away empty handed.

I just don't know... if teaching Qigong "theory" is really aligned with truth. But, I also feel that it's not possible to create a business based on truth.

So, I don't know what to do. Time to contemplate.

[Thought Art]

I also realized maybe I hate social media. I get stressed out using Instagram and I don't enjoy it. 

Obviously, nothing I build is going to be easy, and I am getting older. So, I really don't know.

I want material success. I felt like I went through the spiritual stuff and now I find it all sort of common place like I've answered everything.

Now, it's about money, finding an enjoyable way to do it. Yoga, Qigong, Meditation.... I just think most people will never succeed full time in this. 

Maybe, I am mediocre. I don't know.

[Thought Art]

My mind is more sober. I've been meditating, journaling and doing breathwork in the morning. Qigong helps as well. 

I just, I am realizing that I know so little about reality. 

I don't want to teach concepts that aren't true. 

I will continue to practice Qigong because I love how it feels, and It's really changed my life. 

But, I just don't know.

I think I am realizing I still have so many questions about Qigong, science, TCM, breathwork, Yoga, Meditation, Psychology, health, what is true or false... That, to identify and only teach one system is trapping to my mind. That I need to be able to freely question each of these things. I can't do that if I am too close to any one system. And, maybe these things are things I will only do in private. As, as private pursuit.

Edited March 12 by Thought Art

[Grateful Dead]

I took a three-month Qi Gong course myself two years ago, and it was extremely helpful from a practical perspective, even though I didn't learn much about the theoretical aspects there.

I still laugh about the fact that I didn't even really know how to stand properly before. And the practical things I learned are still so present in everything I do. For example, I'm currently taking tango lessons, and I notice how the things I learned in Qi Gong are helping me to dance more smoothly. 

Perhaps you should focus more on teaching the practical aspects of Qi Gong in a class. If I remember correctly, no one in my class was really interested in the theory. But we were fascinated by the practical effects on our everyday lives. 

And of course, it's good to know the theory so you can give qualified answers when questions arise, but I think most people don't want to hear about emotions in organs if they don't know what it's for. Hope this helps a little..

[Thought Art]

@Grateful Dead Hi thanks for your response. I think my issue is I’m thinking there is no emotions in organs. 
 

I’m a bit confused. Maybe, I just need to be honest with my audience? And I can develop the brand? Hmm

[The Renaissance Man]

@Thought Art It may be helpful to remind yourself why you and people do Qigong in the first place.

I doubt the reason for them doing Qigong is to do Qigong "accurately". It's probably to feel better, to be happier, and so on. Can you help them feeling better or with whatever their actual purpose is? You clearly seem very inspired by Qigong, despite not agreeing with some notions within it. If that's the only reason for quitting, I don't think it's a good one.

I think being honest with your audience is the right thing to do. It will give you peace of mind, and show you they probably don't care about the specifics, as long as they make progress toward their goals. But I don't know the relationship you've built with them, so I'm speculating.

Working with clients is also a benefit in and of itslef: it will provide a ton of insight for all the questions you are uncertain about. It can really speedrun your progress, because now you're observing the principles at work on 10-100 people, instead of just yourself.

In regards to your brand, if Qigong is still a major part of it and you want to leverage that name, then go for it as long as you think it suits you. But remember that people are also having lots of success creating personal brands, where they don't fit in a specific niche and they become successful and known with their names alone. This is to say that what you need in order to have success is: a market in need, their attention, and a solution to sell them. That's it! Think about it. Qigong or your name, likely doesn't make much of a difference.

[Thought Art]

@The Renaissance Man True, there is ALOT of value in Qigong. The old maps, offer value too. I can teach Qigong in a truthful and modern way.

I think that I need to continue figuring out my approach to this field. 

Edited March 12 by Thought Art

[Elliott]

2 hours ago, Thought Art said:

@Grateful Dead 
 

I’m a bit confused. Maybe, I just need to be honest with my audience? And I can develop the brand? Hmm

Perhaps, just a simple re-frame about your business?

Maybe instead of 'teaching Qigong', 'teaching Qigong practices'? And just teach what you agree with.

I assume it would require operating in a large metropolitan area to be profitable.

[Thought Art]

@Elliott I teach online 

[Thought Art]

Frankly, I may need to move on. I’m confused. 

[Elliott]

1 minute ago, Thought Art said:

Frankly, I may need to move on. I’m confused. 

You can always take a break too.

[Thought Art]

@Elliott Yeah, I think I'll finish my beta program with this client and then take a break.

[Thought Art]

I think this is then end of a chapter. But, what comes next I don't know. 

I realized that social media and marketing online just aren't for me.

I am not feeling well today. Something has to change in my life I think.

I am thinking a lot of Leo's advice, or how I am applying it doesn't work for me. 

Maybe, the life purpose course and escaping wage slavery got me all fucked up because now I know what some people can achieve but, maybe not me?

Edited March 12 by Thought Art

[Leo Gura]

First, good for you for having the integrity and self-awareness to admit this to yourself.

Next, there is a new opportunity here for you to invent your own better, more truthful system or set of teachings.

[Thought Art]

@Leo Gura I’m confused as fuck what I’m doing next. 
 

I mean, I’m not stupid. Or at least completely stupid at all times 

Qigong is a fantastic exercise with many benefits. The feeling of the energy is very real. 
 

But, the healing sounds practice? The associated with certain organs and movements? I don’t buy it. 

I get benefit from Qigong and acupressure. But, these aren’t like “hard” sciences or practices. Which, makes sense due to their traditional and “holistic” nature. 
 

But, like who am I to “create a more truthful system”. 
 

I sort of just want to get out of poverty. I honestly just want happiness, fulfilment and success and a feeling of alignment and integrity with what I am doing. I wanna be creative too. 
 

I like practicing Qigong and recording the videos. It’s super peaceful, relaxing and feels good. People I teach in person love the classes and get a lot of benefit from them: improve sleep, pain, etc… 

But, it’s these ancient maps and certain system like “healing sounds” even though it feels really really good. Does it really associate with the Organ?? Or is it just a nice purging and tonifying breathing and mindfulness practice. 
 

I am by no means throwing “Qi” in the trash. It’s a useful philosophical tool and subjective experience. But, idk.

Edited March 12 by Thought Art

[Staples]

12 minutes ago, Thought Art said:

@Leo Gura I’m confused as fuck what I’m doing next. 

Throw out the Qigong book, and write a better one.

Forget about success and money, focus on being effective and doing things well and accurately for the sake of it. Money should be a secondary priority to effectiveness.

[Thought Art]

@Staples That’s easy to say. But, putting in tonnés of work and having to work a 9-5 on top of that? No way. Money has to be considered. 
 

I am not throwing out all of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or Qigong theory. But, certain claims like in all fields don’t make sense even to like normal people.

Edited March 13 by Thought Art

[Leo Gura]

35 minutes ago, Thought Art said:

@Leo Gura I’m confused as fuck what I’m doing next. 

That's where all good inventions come from. You have not know what to do. This is very good.

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But, like who am I to “create a more truthful system”. 

You are Truth itself!

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I sort of just want to get out of poverty. I honestly just want happiness, fulfilment and success and a feeling of alignment and integrity with what I am doing. I wanna be creative too.

I understand. You can't aim for perfection just yet. You gotta settle for "good enough". Maybe Qigong is not truth, but it's good enough for now?

You also don't have to present Qigong as truth. You can present it as a set visualizations done by Universal Mind / Self in order to improve itself and reach towards God.

I could create a course wherein my students visualize a personal demon who sleeps in their lap and loves them. Is it true?? You are a MIND. You are using imagination all the time to nagivate reality! Scientists imagine atoms. Is it true? It's all MIND! The question is, does it produce the desired results?

You don't need to involve stories about organs if you don't want to. Just come up with some alternative technique for doing the same thing, or even some better thing.

Edited March 13 by Leo Gura

[Thought Art]

@Leo Gura I am not sure what you mean by the visualization thing exactly. Qigong is more of an exercise. 
 

 

[Thought Art]

@Leo Gura I don’t know man. I’m all fucked up over here. 
 

Is this true? Is that true?  Am I deceiving myself? 
 

I need some rest, a digital detox and some time with a journal. 
 

I feel it in my heart I wanna teach stress and energy management, Qigong, Breathwork, acupressure. 

Edited March 13 by Thought Art