for a moment of peace
Happy Veteran’s Day.
I’ve had an irritable stomach since last night, so I laid horizontal for most of the morning. I’m so grateful I have the holiday, and the gift of time, to rest. I don't take this lightly, especially on a day like today.
Peace and security in the world hang on a thread. Knowing that it can be ripped away at the burst of any rippling conflict, we remember those who have served and fought to secure our freedom. Today’s movement practice is dedicated to their sacrifice and our collective ability to bolster greater peace.
Move: Ji Ben Gung, or basic practice, is a movement concept in Qigong that is less of a distinct set of moves, and more of a foundational stance that other martial arts movements build upon. This one fluid movement consists of four relative energies that can be adapted based on the circumstances we find ourselves in, which are always evolving:
Peng (掤) ‘Ward-Off’ (expanding)
Lu (履) ‘Roll-Back’ (letting go)
Ji (擠) ‘Press’ (establishing boundaries)
An (按) ‘Push’ (grounding power)
I’ll try to dedicate future movement meditations to explain what each of these four energies means. For now, simply use Ji Ben Gung to orient toward awareness. It really helped calm my inner chatter (and upset stomach) today!
Note that the music is timed so that you turn to the other side with the phrase, “let it go”. It forces one to slow down, which suited my pace for today.
Meditate: Practice presence by directing attention to breath and sensation.
Breathe it in. Let it out. Breathe it in. Let it go.
Message: Full presence brings peace.
Music Credit:
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