“Look for a distant target and lock your eyes onto it.”
I picked a distant green object and focused diligently.
“Put your feet firmly together, consciously feel the ground beneath you and bend your right leg high up into your other leg” says Si Fu, Mr Tarcisius Chin, a very well respected and beloved member of the Rotary Club Of Petaling Jaya and a practitioner of Qigong for over 30 years.
Felling all flamingo-like, I do as I’m told. After all Si Fu is 83 years old and as fit as a fiddle. I could definitely learn a thing or two from him!
“Slowly clasp your hands together and stretch your arms upwards as far as possible. Do NOT take your eyes off your chosen target, then breathe deeply’ continues Si Fu.
To my amazement especially with my normal lack of coordination, I was able to stand perfectly still and execute the pose with minimal difficulty and for a long period of time. Thus was my introduction into the mystical world of Qigong. A world that I never paid much attention to before. After attending just three sessions, I have a renewed respect and deep appreciation for this ancient Chinese art form that has been passed down through countless generations.
In short Qigong is an exercise that aims to build the immune system and strengthens the body through a series of slow moves. The most important aspect is the deep breathing techniques implemented while maneuvering these precise movements. It can almost be considered as a ‘self-healing tool using a moving form of meditation.’ The deep connection and appreciation given to nature, the universe and other human beings around us was another impressive aspect for me. With congested highways, work and continuous chores being our daily routine, it is easy to ignore the powerful energy and beauty that nature has provided all around us. I feel that Qigong, in its slow and calculated movements forces you to take a step back and harness this energy. As simple as this may sound, the healing force of nature through natural elements around us cannot be underestimated.
Breathing is also something that comes naturally to us but many of us do not realise that we do not breathe effectively as we normally use one nasal cavity more than the other. Qigong teaches you the art of breathing deeply and effortlessly which I now believe is an essential tool in preserving our body and internal organs in the long run. Even the spirit of camaraderie among those present was delightful and infectious. It was apparent that the continuous practice of Qigong results in a peaceful mind, healthy and energised body and a calm spirit that is more capable of dealing with daily stresses and diseases. I would advise anyone who is looking for a form of simple and natural self-healing or just overall wellness to try out Qigong. From the onset the benefits are apparent. There is a deep self-awareness and calm that Qigong magically evokes which somehow grounds us and makes us appreciate our body and surroundings so much more which helps in our quest for a better quality of life.
For those who are interested in trying out Qi Gong you may join the weekly public sessions held every Saturday at 8am at the open park at SS24/1, Taman Megah, 47400 Petaling Jaya (behind the Supermum Bakery). Thank you Si Fu Tarcisius Chin for this wonderful introduction!
Written by,
Usha Gopalan
Past President 2019/20
