PRACTICE IN ACTION
Learning Qi Gong, Tai Ji and meditation (all or any of these disciplines) requires will and perseverance only. In my process I learned that we have great resistance to these practices because they lead us to a path that may be fearful for us but that it will be unavoidable at some point: the path of self-discovery, of acknowledgement or remembrance.
The moment we decide we are ready we can do it, in or outside a monastic environment, it does not matter at all, and our teacher will be there for us. It may be more difficult for some, as some of us have really a great resistance, but in the end what is important is that it is a possibility for all.
If you have read the descriptions offered in this site about Daoist Arts (Tai Ji, Qi Gong and Daoist meditation), you may have observed that in spite of being different, they have a central component: meditation and flow of Qi, and a core objective: empower you, remind you the strenght and the power we have as mind, body and -most of all- Spirit. The practice is the training leading us to manifesting our inner wisdom.
..."Flowing water never becomes stale" - Chinese medicine proverb.
"When water is still, it is like a mirror,
reflecting the beard and the eyebrows. It gives the accuracy of the
water-level, and the philosopher makes it his model. And if water thus derives
lucidity from stillness, how much more the faculties of the mind? The mind of
the Sage being in repose becomes the mirror of the universe, the speculum of
all creation." - Zhuang Zi.
"Dao in the world is like a river going down the
valley to the ocean. "- Lao Zi.
Qi Gong, Tai Ji and meditation are flexible and dynamic practices. Once you feel them you can adjust your practice to your needs and your time availability. They are disciplines that are not much about studying, but about pure practice, created to be felt. And they are perfectly compatible with other practices that help you in your process, such as reciting mantras, dancing, chanting, making music, sports, or what ever you prefer and find useful and inspiring.
Qi Gong and meditation are the main practices that helped me heal the illnesses and disorders I suffered from, as they are the ones that I implemented from the beginning to the end of my stay in the temple, however, practiced diligently, Tai Ji has the same potential. Each one of them catalize and consolidate the healing process that you are leading. Practicing outside the temple, Tai Ji has helped me to delve into the practice of meditation and release emotions, it has conditioned my body and solved physical issues, and has tought me that I should never limit myself in any way.