The Importance of a daily sitting practice

[Thought Art]

So, over the recent months my main focus has been on the practice of Qigong. Which a great practice for the facets that it works on. However, during this time my basic sitting practice was done less frequently as I was focused on yoga and Qigong as I am working on developing a healthier overall body by improve Qi flow and removing stress and tension from the body. I had also fallen into some traps of complacency and distratraction at times. Not for Qigong, but for my other practices. I find I do Qigong pretty much everyday usually 2-3 times a day without problem as I enjoy it so much and am seeing the benefit. Me and my roommate do Qigong all the time... it's pretty amazing. After my recent talk with Nahm I have been returning to my 20 minute sitting practice in the morning before I do Qigong and I have to say they are both incredibly important as they work different aspects of the human experience.

If you aren't sitting for 20 minutes daily... START!! 

The relaxation and clarity I am getting is really really great. I especially enjoy using the Qigong mindfulness practices during the sitting practice. 

I think taking time everyday to come into your body and the present moment is really important. I was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and have long struggled with power and difficult emotions. Sometimes I still do. So for me a practice like this is really important as I am still learning about myself and to train my mind.

Right now my morning routine consists of

1. Water first thing

2. A short walk

3. 20 minutes mindfulness meditation

4. 25 minutes Journaling

5. 20-30 minutes Qigong

I am very glad to be sitting first thing in the morning again. I find the combination of these practices allows you plenty of time to be with your awareness, your thoughts and to release tension in the body. No phones, email, youtube, etc until this practice is complete! for me anyway.

I use the mindfulness practice to come home, relax and scan the body, to calm the mind, note feelings, thoughts as they arrise and to do mindfulness technique I have learned.

When I journal I move through a series of different journaling exercises used to increase my awareness, reflect on the day previous, write out to do lists, and do affirmations or just let my mind wonder. As Nahm says "Coming home to grand central station"

I do different Qigong exercises depending on how my body is feeling. Some days I do Qigong for spinal health, other days for better breathing, hips, or for more esoteric practices like Microcosmic orbit, 5 elements or three treasures.

Mindfulness is an ongoing process for me as I am developing a system that works. I have years of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts so for me to take time to sit, calm and train the mind then address my thoughts with various journaling exercises I am picking up from self help books and then doing either Qigong or yoga to address body tension I see as really important daily practice, or to have elements of these practices throughout your week.

Edited September 24, 2021 by Thought Art

[Consilience]

This is an awesome breakdown man. Couldn’t agree more about spending time hanging out with awareness; not sure if anything matches the silence, stillness, and space of formal meditation. Thank you for sharing your routine. ? 

Any Qigong youtube channels you’d recommend? 

Edited September 24, 2021 by Consilience

[Thought Art]

Right now I am releasing short Qigong routines for beginners as I finish up my teacher training program 

Yeah. Don't underestimate the simplicity of a basic sitting practice.

Qigong synergies really well with it for sure as well.

Will be releasing Qigong for 10 minute Better Breathing tomorrow morning I believe. 

Edited September 24, 2021 by Thought Art

[Heaven]

@Thought Art Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed your vid and think about trying it out.

Well done?