Maybe you agree with the dogs.

The classics say that dawn is the best time to practice Qigong. I absolutely agree.  And not just because it’s written in the classics, but because over the past 16 years, I’ve tried it all.

At the turn of the century (I love saying that), I went through a phase where I practiced Qigong at midnight every night.   The classics say that midnight is the 2nd best time to practice.  Midnight was certainly a good time to practice.

But not as good as dawn.

I’ve also experimented with practicing at odd times — early afternoons, evenings, late mornings. All of them were okay.  Not as good as midnight. 

And definitely not as good as dawn.

I’ve even experimented with (gasp) practicing at noon even though the classics say that it’s a  no-no.   (For those who are curious, the energy at noon just doesn’t feel good.  So chalk another one up for the classics.)

Time and again, I kept coming back to dawn.  I just feels like the best bang for my Qigong buck.  A student recently asked my why it’s so great practicing at down.  Here are my reasons.

Why I Practice at Dawn

1. Dawn is a magical time of day.  The world is still asleep (including the dogs!).  Cars aren’t driving. Humans aren’t bustling. The birds are just waking up.   And the light is absolutely incredible. 

2. It’s cooler.  In Florida, this is a big deal if you’re going to practice outside from May to October.  Once the sun comes up, it immediately starts getting hot.  I practice outside 365 days a year, so the earlier the better.

3. The energy is awesome. The classics say that the energy is better at dawn.  And my experience confirms it.  The energy is softer somehow.  And purer.  And awesomer.

4. The whole day is better. When I practice at dawn, I finish my session as the rest of the world is waking up.  I can think of no better way to start my day.  As I finish, I can feel the full potential of the day ahead of me.   And I’ve got the energy and the motivation to fully embrace it.

5. I can practice again later.  This applies to a morning practice in general, but I feel that it works even better if I practice at dawn.  Because I’ve started my day right, because I’ve got plenty of energy, I’m more likely to practice again in the afternoon or evening.  I have that option.  If I only practice in the evenings, I don’t get that option.  So if you’re looking to increase your dosage of Qigong, practicing at dawn is a good way to do it.

But I’m a Night Owl!

I understand that it’s not easy for some people to practice at dawn.  “I’m a night owl,” or “I’m not a morning person,” are common excuses. But they are just that — excuses.  I know because I’ve used them myself.

Once upon a time, I was anything but a morning person.  I was a night owl.  For years.  I felt most productive and alive at night.  By contrast, I felt sluggish and dull in the morning, even with lots of coffee.

Now it’s the opposite.  I feel more alive in the morning, even without coffee.  This morning, I drank water before practicing.  Nothing else.  When you sleep well and wake up early, you don’t need coffee to feel alive.

And that’s part of the problem, isn’t it?  You’re just not sleeping particularly well.  So it’s no wonder that you’re not a morning person.

Sleepy Time

Night owls are out of rhythm with the cosmos.  Our bodies were designed to be awake at dawn.  For hundreds of thousands of years, our ancestors got up at or before dawn. When we stay up late and wake up late, we go against the natural rhythms of the cosmos.

If you stay up late, especially if you use electronics, then your body gets confusing signals.  It doesn’t get a chance to unwind properly.  The light stimulates the eyes, which stimulates the deeper parts of the brain, and your internal clock gets thrown off. So when you finally go to sleep, you don’t sleep deeply.

And this happens to many people every night, for years.

They say that one hour before midnight is worth two after.  I don’t know if that’s true or not.  Honestly, I don’t concern myself with what time I go to bed.  I only concern myself with what time I get up.  And if I constantly get up early, then my body tells me to go to bed earlier.  Simple. 

30 Dawns

For some of you, this challenge will be easy.  But for some of you, it will be a big deal.  Here’s the challenge: Practice at dawn for 30 days in a row. (If you’re new to Qigong, then start with my free downloads, as well as this page on the best Qigong exercise every, called Lifting The Sky.)

If you can manage it, then I think you’ll see why I practice at dawn.  Or, if after 30 days you’re still miserable, then at least you’ll have bragging rights.   “Sifu, I tried your stupid dawn challenge, and it was awful!”

What say ye?  Are you going to try practicing at dawn?  Or do you already do it?  Keep the discussion going in the comments section below!

Zenfully yours,
Sifu Anthony

Sifu Anthony Korahais used Qigong to overcome clinical depression, aching low-back pain, chronic bronchitis, and a heart murmur. He is the founder and director of the Flowing Zen Center in Gainesville, Florida, and an internationally recognized teacher in the world of energy arts. To contact Sifu Anthony directly, click here.

Saturday

Can you learn to enhance your body’s self-healing ability? Is it possible to reduce stress, have more energy, rely less on drugs, eliminate pain, get sick less often, sleep better, live longer, and generally lead a happier life?  And can it all be learned in one weekend?

The answer is yes!  I’m Sifu Anthony, and I used these techniques to heal myself of a serious case of clinical depression, aching low-back pain, chronic bronchitis, a weak immune system, a heart murmur, and more.  My students have used the same techniques to heal themselves of an amazing variety of issues.  Read about their amazing results here.

People are raving about the results they get with Flowing Zen for one good reason — because it works.  Flowing Zen is powerful medicine.  That’s why doctors, nurses, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and therapists all send their patients to me.  And the best part is that it’s easy to learn, requires zero athleticism, and can be practiced in only 15 minutes a day. 

Watch this short video to get a taste:

You will learn to…

Who teaches the workshop?

I do.  I’m Sifu Anthony, the founder of the Flowing Zen Center in Gainesville, FL.  I’m also the Chief Instructor certified by Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit, an internationally recognized healer and bestselling author.  I live in Gainesville with my awesome wife, Dr. Akemi Borjas Korahais, but I teach all over the world. To contact me directly, click here.

Where is the workshop?

Unity Church of Jacksonville
634 Lomax St., (use church side entrance from May St.)
Jacksonville, FL 32204
unityjax.com

What time is the workshop?

The workshop starts at 9:00am. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

What should I wear?

Wear something comfortable. Flat-soled shoes or sneakers are recommended.

What about eating?

We will take a 2-hour break for lunch. Bring your own lunch, or find a nearby restaurant.

Do I need to register?

Yes.  Spaces are limited.  My teaching philosophy is to give personal attention to each student, to learn every student’s name, and take full responsibility for everything that happens in the room.

How do I register?

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we are full, we are full!

Only 14 (of 30) Spaces Left!

reg 150.00
now 99.00

Reserve My Spot

Imagine an entire week of Qigong in a cool, tropical mountain paradise where the temperature stays between 60-80 degrees all year round.  Imagine being fed 3 delicious meals every day, plus snacks, fruit, tea, and coffee to your heart’s content. Imagine traveling to crystal clear mountain rivers, hot springs, local markets, or just lazing around in a hammock.

Why Go To Costa Rica?

Don’t miss this trip. Watch this wonderful video taken at the Blue Mountain retreat center in Costa Rica, and hear what students have to say:

The Blue Mountain Retreat Center

The Blue Mountain is an amazing place. Visiting it should be on your list of things to do before you die. When you leave the Blue Mountain, you will count the days until your return. It’s that special.

The Blue Mountain is run with great attention to detail, from the fresh cut flowers in the rooms, to the exquisite food preparation, to the friendly smiles of the staff. This creates an ideal learning environment where you can let go of all your cares and concerns, and just enjoy.

The Center is built around the Temple of Learning, which is higher up the mountain. This beautiful indoor/outdoor space is where the seminars are held. If you are accustomed to doing Qigong indoors, just wait until you practice in the open air with a million-dollar view of the mountains.

At the bottom of the hill is the Maloka Hall where we eat our meals, socialize, grab snacks, and relax. Fresh fruit, snacks, coffee, and tea are available here between (and during!) meals. There is a beautiful fire pit in the center of the Maloka, where people relax in the evening. The evenings a great opportunity to chat with me, Dr. Akemi, or with other students. As my teacher often says, some of his best lessons were learned while sipping tea with his Sifu. The Maloka provides you with this opportunity every evening.

The sleeping rooms vary in size, luxury, and type. Please see below for descriptions of each one.

Traveling to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is extremely tourist friendly, especially for Americans. Although you do need a passport, you don’t need a visa. Flights to San Jose International are easy to find.

Most locals in Costa Rica speak some English, but you’ll have a bilingual guide the entire time, so it doesn’t matter. Once at the Blue Mountain Retreat Center, there will be lots of English speakers.

Costa Rica is very cheap when compared to the U.S. You won’t be paying for meals while on the Blue Mountain, but everywhere else, you can get a delicious meal for much less than you would pay in the States. You can also buy cheap goods at the duty free shops on the way back.

Programs & Dates

Course Dates: July 20-27, 2013

Daily Schedule: The sun rises early in Costa Rica, and it’s easy to become a morning person. Breakfast is served at 8:00am, but coffee is available as early as 6:00am.

Training starts at 9:00am in the amazing Temple of Learning, with a breathtaking view of the mountains in front, and a genuine 15th Century Chinese statue behind. At 11:00am, we take a 30-minute snack break in one of the beautiful gardens. Training resumes at 11:30, and continues until 1:00pm. Then we walk down through the gorgeous path filled with flowers to enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by dessert.

In the afternoons, you’re free to nap, lounge, get a massage, or take a walk along the river. At 4:30pm, snacks (tea, coffee, fruit, yoghurt) are served. Dinner is at 7:00pm in the Maloka. After dessert, choose to sit around the indoor fire, socialize with your new friends in paradise, or go back to your room for a rest.

Arrival Info: We recommend that you plan to arrive on the 19th.  For a small fee, you can go sightseeing (the Volcano is spectacular), and stay over in a beautiful hotel in San Jose (roughly $100 for a room, which you can share with others).  Then you can relax and catch the bus to the mountain the next day.  Otherwise, you need to arrive before noon on the 20th at San Jose International in order to catch the bus.

Day 1 – Medical Qigong

Day 2 – Vitality Qigong

Day 3 – Intellectual Qigong

Day 4 – Martial Qigong

Day 5 – Spiritual Qigong

Day 6 – Tour Day

Packages

The price for all packages includes everything except airfare. Prices range from $1099 for a dorm room to $1899 for a luxury, private suite. All packages include:

There are several different housing options. The price varies depending on the housing that you choose. If you need to arrange a payment plan, then please contact me directly.

Suites (Quetzales)

(Click on the images to enlarge)

These large, luminous suites have a private bathroom, a spacious, covered terrace (with a hammock), and a spectacular view of the mountains. World-class comfort at an affordable price. Perfect for couples. A roommate will be arranged if you need one.

Click below to make a $400, non-refundable (except emergencies) deposit on one of the above rooms (double or single).  After making the deposit, please contact Sifu Anthony directly to arrange a payment plan.

Wooden Houses (Tangaras)

(Click on the images to enlarge)

Comfortable, charming little wooden houses for single or double occupancy. These have an attached bathroom, and a small terrace with a panoramic view. A roommate will be arranged if you need one.

Nature Lover “Tent”

(Click on the images to enlarge)

Large, colonial-style, permanent “tents” in the primal forest, complete with electricity, private bathroom, hot shower, and toilet. A roommate will be arranged if you need one.

Dormitory

(Click on the images to enlarge)

The dormitory is located up on the wooden mezzanine of the Temple of Learning. There are shared bathrooms and hot showers downstairs. Bathrooms and dorms are segregated by gender. Bring your own sleeping bag and a sense of adventure. (The temperature never drops below 60 degrees, but a sleeping bag is helpful.)

Click below to make a $400, non-refundable (except emergencies) deposit on one of the above rooms (double or single). After making the deposit, please contact Sifu Anthony directly to arrange a payment plan.

Non-refundable Deposit
$400
Make Deposit

Other Info

Arrival

We recommend that you plan to arrive on July 19th.  For a small fee, you can go sightseeing (the Volcano is spectacular), and stay over in a beautiful hotel in San Jose (roughly $100 for a room, which you can share with others).  Then you can relax and catch the bus to the mountain the next day.  Otherwise, you need to arrive before 12:30pm on the 20th at San Jose International in order to catch the bus.  If you miss the bus, you’ll have to pay for a taxi to the retreat center, which is roughly $200.

Departure

Plan to depart on the 27th after 2:00pm.  The bus ride from the retreat center is about 4-5 hours, and we typically leave at 7am.  If your flight is too early, you won’t catch it.  You can stay overnight in San Jose if you like, or just schedule your after 2:00pm. 

What to bring

The climate on the mountain is basically springtime all year round.  The temperature fluctuates from about 55F at night to about 79F during the day.  That being said, you should bring the following:

• Flashlight
• Clean Shoes (for the Temple)
• All-Terrain Shoes (for getting around)
• Binoculars (if you like birdwatching)
• Warm clothing (you’ll need a sweater at night and in the mornings)
• Layers
• Comfortable clothes for training
• A valid passport (must be valid for 6 months AFTER your entry date)
• A prepaid return ticket.
• Camera
• Sleeping bag (dorm only)

What about Internet?

There is an Internet room at the retreat.  For a small fee, you can plug in a laptop, or use their computer to check email.  Unfortunately, iPads will not work here.

Mobile Phones

If you have international roaming, your mobile phone may work on the mountain.  Last year, I bought an international Text Messaging package for about $10.  This allowed me to send and receive texts while on the mountain.  I did not use my telephone at all.

You can also purchase a local SIMM card to put in your phone.  Akemi and I bought a local phone + a SIMM card for about $30 last year.  It worked great.  If you want to do this, you need to buy the SIMM card BEFORE you leave the airport.  Contact me for details.

Other Phones

Otherwise, you can use the phone in the common room for a small fee.  If someone needs to call you there, the number is:

(506) 27425278

Water

The water on the mountain is as clean as you’ll ever drink.  It comes directly from a nearby spring, and it is run through several filters.  It is also tested regularly for microbes.  In nearly 10 years of operation, they have never had any kind of problem with the water.

What about coffee?

There is delicious coffee and tea freely available from 6am to 6pm.

What’s the schedule?

Breakfast is at 8am.  The classes are usually from 9am to 1pm, with a coffee/tea/snack break at 11am.  Lunch is after the class.  The afternoon is open for hiking, practicing, socializing, or trips. 

Massages

There will be therapeutic massages available at the retreat center.  There is a schedule, and you just sign up.  They cost $70-85 per hour, which is a good price for what yo uget.

Laundry

If necessary, you can have someone wash your clothing for a small fee.  It usually takes 24 hours to have it all washed and returned.

Costa Rica

The country is a democratic republic. Under the 1949 constitution, all citizens are guaranteed equality before the law, the right to own property, the right of petition and assembly, freedom of speech, and the right of habeas corpus. A unique feature of Costa Rica is that it does not have an army. Costa Ricans decided there would be less chance for dictator coups without one, and so it has become a global model of democracy. During the last 50 years, the money that would have gone into the military has been spent on education. The country has one of the highest literacy rates in the world.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Sifu Anthony directly.

The Alexander Technique is a powerful method to help humans to perform at their full potential.  AT gives us practical knowledge of principles that govern human movement and coordination.  Through AT, we develop the ability to redirect excessive tension into useful energy.  We regain deep structural support and enhanced contact with our surroundings.

The Alexander Technique teaches us to be relaxed and ready, soft and strong, light and substantial, firm and flexible, awake to ourselves and to the world.

Why Learn AT?

We are designed for movement.  Whether hammering a nail, riding a horse, working at a computer, or singing an aria, we possess an inherent capacity to move naturally.  Naturalness encourages ease, flexibility, power, and expressiveness.  Unwittingly, we often interfere with this natural design.  Energy, delight, and grace give way to effort, tension, and fatigue. 

Who Learns AT?

Students generally fall into three categories:

Who is the teacher?

Kathy Sarra is passionate about helping people to reach their full potential.  She is an ATI certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, and has taught  workshops in North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Florida.  As an adjunct professor at the University of Florida, she serves as the Alexander Technique production coach for the Theater department.  Since 2006, she has been studying Flowing Zen with Sifu Anthony, and is one of his few, trusted assistant instructors.

Where is the workshop?

The workshop will be held at the Flowing Zen Studio, located in the Timber Village shopping center on the corner of NW 39th Avenue and 51st Street. The studio is located directly behind Dave’s BBQ. Click here for directions.

What time is the workshop?

The workshop starts at 10:00am. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Complimentary teas are available in the studio.

What should I wear?

Work-out type clothing and flat-soled shoes or sneakers are recommended.

Do I need to register?

Yes.  Spaces are limited.  We give personal attention to each student, so class size is intentionally kept small.

How do I register?

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we are full, we are full!

Cost: 49.00
Spaces Left: 13 (of 15)

Add to Cart

Qigong and Tai Chi

An easy, 3-hour workshop that will change your life forever.

Can you boost your body’s self-healing ability? Is it possible to relieve stress, have more energy, rely less on drugs, eliminate pain, get sick less often, sleep better, live longer, and generally lead a happier life?  And can it all be learned in one weekend?

The answer is yes!  I’m Sifu Anthony, and I used these techniques to heal myself of a serious case of clinical depression, aching low-back pain, chronic bronchitis, a weak immune system, a heart murmur, and more.  And my students have used the same techniques to heal themselves of an amazing variety of issues. 

People are raving about the results they get with Flowing Zen for one good reason — because it works.  Flowing Zen is powerful medicine.  That’s why doctors, nurses, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and therapists all send their patients to me.  And the best part is that it’s easy to learn, requires zero athleticism, and can be practiced in only 15 minutes a day. 

Only 59.00

Reserve My Spot

Watch this short video to get a taste:

You will learn to…

Who teaches the workshop?

I do.  I’m Sifu Anthony, the founder of the Flowing Zen Center in Gainesville, FL.  I’m also the Chief Instructor certified by Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit, an internationally recognized healer and bestselling author.  I live in Gainesville with my awesome wife, Dr. Akemi Borjas Korahais, but I teach all over the world. To contact me directly, click here.

Where is the workshop?

The workshop will be held at the Flowing Zen Studio, located in the Timber Village shopping center on the corner of NW 39th Avenue and 51st Street. The studio is located directly behind Dave’s BBQ. Click here for directions

What should I wear?

Just wear something comfortable. Flat-soled shoes or sneakers are recommended.

What about eating?

There are several restaurants within walking distance to the studio.

What if I’m traveling from out of town?

The Best Western Gateway Grand is the closest and nicest hotel. It is 3.6 miles from the studio.

When is the workshop?

The workshop is offered monthly.  Please see the very top of the page (in black) for the next class date.

How do I register?

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Your credit will not expire, but if the workshop fills up, then you’ll need to wait until next month.

Only 59.00

Reserve My Spot

Does the same cross-training premise hold true with Qigong? I’m not just talking about incorporating Qigong into your Western training routine.  That’s a no-brainer. Athletes who incorporate Qigong will see huge gains, even if they’re already using cutting-edge cross-training methods. 

No, what I’m talking about is cross-training within Qigong.

In a previous article, I talked about the 5 Categories of Qigong.  If you haven’t read that article, then you might want to go read it now.  But if you don’t have time, I’ll sum it up.  Basically, there are many different Qigong techniques, and they all fall into 5 categories:

My premise here is similar to the premise used in Western fitness training:  By training simultaneously in more than one category of Qigong, you’ll get more benefit than if you train in just one category.  Based on my experience teaching thousands of students, this premise seems to be true. 

Actually, it’s a conclusion, not a premise.  I didn’t start with an idea, and then experiment to see if it was true.  The other way around.  I came to this conclusion about Qigong cross-training after years of experimenting and observing.  

Let me be clear that this concept of cross-training in Qigong is a modern one.  You won’t find this concept in the classics.  As far as I know, I’m the only one using this terminology.  But I find it useful, and maybe you will too.

THE LEGACY OF PAST MASTERS

An ancient drawing of Lifting The Sky (remastered)

Remember — past masters didn’t typically know all 5 categories of Qigong.  I’m lucky in that regard because  I learned them all.  Historically speaking, this was rare.

Past masters also didn’t teach very many students.   They taught a handful of disciples in their entire life.  I, on the other hand, have taught thousands.  This is significant because  teaching has helped me to deepen my understand of Qigong in countless ways. 

Let me be clear about something:  I am not suggesting that I’m better than  past masters.  It’s true that, compared to some modern “masters,” I’m practically a superhero.  But that’s not because I’m amazing; it’s because they are so unbelievably bad. 

But compared to past masters, I’m just a little boy. All of the available evidence suggests that the past masters were incredibly powerful.  They didn’t have access to as much information as I do, and they weren’t able to deepen their understanding through teaching as I have done, but they made up for those disadvantages with practice.  Lots and lots of practice.  And less Facebook. 

Past masters were undoubtedly powerful, but were they efficient?  This is where I think I may have an edge.  Without meaning to sound cocky, I honestly think that I may be more efficient than past masters.  And it’s not just me.  You can be more efficient too. 

The secret?  Qigong cross-training.

A CLOSER LOOK AT QIGONG CROSS-TRAINING

Let’s take a closer look at how this works.  Pretend that Suzie wants to heal herself from a serious digestive disorder. (Actually, this is based on a real case, but I changed her name and altered the details for the sake of explanation.)  Suzie is a committed student, and she practices exercises like Lifting The Sky and Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow every day for 15 minutes.  (Good for you, Suzie!)

An example of a Warrior Qigong technique.

These techniques fall into the category of Medical Qigong. In this hypothetical situation, Suzie will get good results. Based on her age, her health history, and the severity of her digestive disorder, I estimated that it would probably take Suzie about 2 years to get rid of it completely.  This is pretty good considering it’s a so-called “incurable” disorder.  Let’s not forget that Qigong works holistically, so she’ll also get all kinds of other health benefits along the way.

There’s no question that Medical Qigong is the best choice for her.  If there’s pain anywhere, then you should be doing Medical Qigong.  Period.  For example, if you are in pain, but you only practice Warrior Qigong, then you may actually aggravate your pain. So if Suzie had to choose only one type of Qigong, then she chose right with Medical Qigong. 

Luckily, Suzie has an excellent instructor who not only knows all 5 Levels of Qigong, but is also witty and handsome.  So she doesn’t have to limit herself to one type of Qigong.  She can cross-train.

Let’s say that, instead of just doing Medical Qigong for 2 years, Suzie adds some Warrior Qigong exercises to her routine.  Will that aggravate her pain? 

If she weren’t cross-training with Medical Qigong, then yes.  But with cross-training, no, it won’t aggravate her pain.  More importantly, she’ll heal much, much faster thanks to the synergistic combination of Warrior + Medical Qigong.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

If I’m honest — and I’m always honest with my students — I have to admit that I don’t know exactly how it works.  I have my theories.  But they are just that — theories.

How it works is just a theory, but that it works is not.  I’ve seen way too much evidence in myself and my students.  It works.  I know that much for sure.

Just for fun, let’s speculate about how it works.   In Suzie’s case, Warrior Qigong probably injected more energy (Qi) into her system. Medical Qigong also injects energy, but not nearly as much.

Medical Qigong focuses on circulating the energy (rather than building it) because it follows the principles of Chinese Medicine.  According to these principles, pain is caused by blockages in the energy system.  If you inject too much energy too soon, then you actually put pressure on those blockages (just like adding pressure to clogged pipes).  This is why Warrior Qigong, by itself, is a bad choice for healing pain — because the injection of energy can put pressure on existing blockages.

An example of Intellectual Qigong

But when you combine the energy-injecting aspect of Warrior Qigong with the energy-circulating aspect of Medical Qigong, something magical happens (as if Qigong wasn’t already magical enough).  There seems to be a synergy that is formed by the combination.  The increased energy from Warrior Qigong is somehow able to clear the blockages rather than just press against them.  And when the blockages clear, Suzie gets rid of her pain.

Are you ready for the really amazing part?  By cross-training, Suzie will not only get rid of her disorder faster, but she’ll also develop Internal Power.  (What is internal power?  That’s a subject for a future article, but suffice it to say that it gives you speed, strength, stamina, and fortitude that can be used for martial arts, sports, or daily life.)

In other words, Suzie got double the results in half the time.

DOUBLE RESULTS, HALF THE TIME

An example of Vitality Qigong called Three Levels to Earth

Remember earlier when I said that I was more efficient than past masters?  Hopefully, that statement is starting to make more sense.  Can you see how Suzie became more efficient once she combined Medical Qigong with Warrior Qigong?

Let’s take a closer look.  For the sake of analysis, let’s say that Suzie practices 500 times per year (i.e. once every day, and twice some days). If she had done only Medical Qigong, then it would have taken her about 2 years to fix her disorder.  In other words, it would have take her 1000 sessions of Medical Qigong to heal her problem.

But instead of doing only Medical Qigong, Suzie practiced Warrior Qigong at the same time.  Just for convenience, let’s say that she split her time equally between the two.  So each year, she did 250 sessions of Medical Qigong, and 250 sessions of Warrior Qigong.   So the total number or practice sessions was the same as the previous example.

In this 2nd scenario, she would heal her digestive disorder in 1 year rather than 2.  So that’s twice as fast, which is already pretty amazing. But wait! There’s more!

After 2 years of this cross-training, she would also develop a lot of internal power.  How much internal power?  Are you ready to be wowed? Suzie would have roughly the same level of Internal Power as someone training only Warrior Qigong for 2 years.

Can you see the incredible efficiency here?  Not only is Suzie healing faster, but she’s also developing internal power at the same time!   So she’s getting better results in every way. 

A DOUBLE MAJOR

How far can we go with this?  Can we cross-train in all 5 types?  We can, but I’m not yet sure where the sweet spot is. I think there’s a point of diminishing returns.  Based on my experience, I would say that the best results will come from focusing on 2 categories at a time.

Think of it like having a double major in college.  You can take courses in other subjects, but most of your courses will be connected to one of your majors.  The same should apply with Qigong Cross-Training.

So if you have access to multiple categories of Qigong, then my advice is to choose 2 majors rather than just 1.  Which two should you choose?  Well, unless you are very advanced (and thus don’t really need my advice), I suggest that you always pick Medical Qigong as one of the Majors.  For your 2nd Major, choose whatever excites you the most.  If it excites you, if you enjoy it, then you’ll practice it more.  That’s good enough reason in and of itself.

If, for example, you’re already doing Tai Chi from another teacher, then you should add Medical Qigong to your routine.  Depending on how you practice it, Tai Chi is either in the Vitality or Warrior category.  It’s definitely not Medical Qigong even though people practice it for health.  If you add Medical Qigong, then you’ll see huge health benefits in a relatively short period of time.

But if you’ve already learned Medical Qigong from me (like Lifting The Sky and Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow), then you can choose one of the other 4 categories as your 2nd major.  Does the idea of boosting creativity excite you?  Then add Intellectual Qigong.  Do you enjoy working on strength and flexibility?  Then add Vitality Qigong?  Are you a deeply spiritual person?  Then add Spiritual Qigong.  

WHAT’S YOUR EXPERIENCE?

Do you have some experience with Qigong cross-training?  If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts below. Remember, this is a community, not a one-way street.  Posting a comment is easy! Don’t be shy.  

Zenfully yours,
Sifu Anthony

Sifu Anthony Korahais used Qigong to overcome clinical depression, aching low-back pain, chronic bronchitis, and a heart murmur. He is the founder and director of the Flowing Zen Center in Gainesville, Florida, and an internationally recognized teacher in the world of energy arts. To contact Sifu Anthony directly, click here.

Note:  I wrote this post yesterday, but didn’t get a chance to publish it until today.  And that’s so totally and completely appropriate for this post.  Read on to find out why.

“Sifu, what do you do all day?” a student recently asked me.  “After all, you only teach a few hours in the evenings.  Do you have another job?”

I’m sure she meant well.  But I actually laughed out loud in response.  If I had been sipping a glass of milk, I would have surely snarfed it up. 

You see, the question sounds so preposterous to a small business owner that it’s hard to know where to begin.

It’s true.  I teach in the evenings.  I currently teach 10 classes per week (not including my monthly 101 workshop, or my other workshops).  Not long ago, I taught 16 classes per week, but thanks to my wonderful assistant instructors, I’ve dropped down to 10.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking.  Even 16 classes per week probably doesn’t seem like a lot to you.   That’s only 16 hours per week!  So what’s the big deal? 

Well, if teaching were the only thing I did all day, then it wouldn’t be a big deal!  Teaching every evening is the most rewarding part of my job.  It’s why I do what I do.  But teaching is only about 20% of what I do.

The beautiful Flowing Zen studio in Gainesville, FL

I wish I could just show up, teach, and then go home.  That would be AWESOME.  But being a small business owner is much more complicated than that.  It’s complicated even if you run an Internet business, let alone a brick-and-mortar business like mine.

(For those who’ve never been to my studio, you should know that my wife and I have a shared business.  Her acupuncture clinic is directly connected to the Flowing Zen studio.  So it’s really 2 businesses.)

Click here to see more pictures of our beautiful studio.

A Small-Business Kind Of Morning

So what the heck do I do all day?  Well, here’s a typical example.  Before noon today, I….

That’s just between 9am and 12pm.  And that doesn’t include personal stuff, like walking the dogs or practicing Qigong (is that business or personal?). Of course, I’ll be busy with lord-only-knows-what this afternoon before I start teaching at 5pm. I’ll get home around 8pm, eat dinner, spend some time with my wife and the dogs, and hopefully do a little work on my book.  Maybe I’ll even get a chance to read a little.  But I’ll probably answer a few emails before bed, just to get a jump on tomorrow.

Save Your Community

Why do I, and so many other small business owners work so hard?  The answer might surprise you.  You probably think we do it because we get to be our own boss (that has advantages and disadvantages, or because we get to share in the profits if the business is successful (or the losses if it’s not). 

But that’s not what motivates us.  I think I probably speak for most small business owners when I say that what motivates us through all the long days and nights is community.

My wife and I are known in the community as  healers.  That’s our mission — to empower people to heal their own bodies and minds.  We’ve had a big impact on countless lives.  

But did you also know that we have a big impact on the community?  The Andersonville Study of Retail Economics found that locally owned businesses generate 70 percent more local economic impact per square foot than chain stores.  Take that, McDonalds!

Small Businesses Matter

Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. If you don’t understand how that works, let me explain it to you.

Those mysterious job creators that you often hear about in politics?  That’s us.  Small businesses create real jobs for real people.  My wife and I employ 6 people, not including us.  Actually, we provide 8 total jobs for the community because, rather than take 2 jobs away from others, my wife and I created jobs for ourselves.

(By the way, if 6 employees doesn’t sound like a lot — well then you won’t mind taking care of payroll next month will you!)

The money that you spend at our business gets recirculated right back into the community. And not only through the jobs that we’ve created. We also spend a lot of our money (both personal and professional) in the community — on bookkeepers, restaurants, accountants, local farmers, etc.  Because we value small businesses, we choose to spend our money on them.

That recirculation of money is hugely important.  It’s what keeps local communities thriving.  It’s what keeps YOUR community thriving.

Support Small Business Owners…with Hugs

So the next time you see me in class and wonder what I do all day, and why I do it  — well, now you have a clearer picture.  And the same goes for my wife.  And for all the small business owners in your local community.  In fact, the next time you see a small business owner, why don’t you just give them a hug. 

Seriously.  They deserve it. And they probably need it.

Most Americans don’t know the first thing about how small businesses work, or why they’re so important.  And that’s okay.  Most of the time. 

But a hug never hurts.

Do you own a small business?  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.  Don’t be shy.  We’re all family here.

Zenfully yours,
Sifu Anthony

Sifu Anthony Korahais used Qigong to overcome clinical depression, aching low-back pain, chronic bronchitis, and a heart murmur. He is the founder and director of the Flowing Zen Center in Gainesville, Florida, and an internationally recognized teacher in the world of energy arts. To contact Sifu Anthony directly, click here.

Unfortunately, Qigong can’t clean the garage (although it may give you the energy to do so).  But it can certainly do more than just heal.  Much more. 

What if I said that Qigong is terrific for building strength, and that it can be used to increase intelligence, boost memory, and help with creative thinking?  What if I also told you that Qigong can be used to improve your cash flow, or that it is also great for building stamina, speed, and internal power?  And what if, in addition to all of this, I said that Qigong is excellent for cultivating the spirit?

“Sifu Anthony,” you’d probably say,  “How can one art possibly do so many different things?” 

And my answer would be simple: It can’t! Don’t be ridiculous!

The Qigong Umbrella

It’s true that one art can’t do all those things.  But Qigong isn’t really one art.  It’s actually a combination of dozens of arts!

Actually, the word Qigong is a modern, umbrella term for a slew of ancient Chinese energy arts.  If we went back in time and spoke with past masters, they might not even recognize the term Qigong.  Some masters might have called their art Neigong, which means “The Art of Internal Cultivation”.  Others might have called it by the name of the technique itself, like One Finger Shooting Zen.  But for convenience, we use the term Qigong for all of these arts because they all involve the  cultivation (gong) of our internal energy (qi).  And we all love convenience, don’t we?

Historically, all of these arts would still fit into five different categories:

The 5 Categories:

As I said, the common theme in all of these arts is that they all involve the cultivation of internal energy (or qi).  But the question is — how do these arts cultivate the energy?   And I’m not just talking about the techniques, but also the specific results you might get from practicing them.

A rough analogy would be Western fitness training.  There are countless different techniques — like heavy lifting, sprinting, isometric stretching, situps, etc.  Different athletes cultivate their fitness in different directions according to what they need. 

Just like you can cultivate the human muscular and cardiovascular systems in different directions for different needs, you can also cultivate the human energy system in different directions for different needs.  If you are lucky enough to know all five categories of Qigong (or lucky enough to know someone who can teach them to you, *wink wink*) then there’s a huge spectrum of possible benefits.  It all depends on what direction you want to go with your energy.  But the sky is the limit.  (Actually, the sky is not the limit; your mind is the limit.  But that’s a subject for another blog post.)

Okay, let’s define each of the 5 categories so that you’ve got a better idea what we’re talking about.

Medical Qigong

Lifting the Sky

These techniques are specifically designed to heal all kinds of pain and illness. If you have, for example, low-back pain, depression, or a digestive problem,  then Medical Qigong is for you. Lifting The Sky and Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow are two examples of Medical Qigong. 

Vitality Qigong

Three Levels to Earth

This category focuses on strength, flexibility, fitness, longevity, and (surprise!) overall vitality.  If you want to be able to touch your toes, or you want to build strength, or you just want to live longer (and better), then Vitality Qigong is a good choice. Techniques like Three Levels to Earth, Old Monk Takes Off Shoe, and Dancing Fairies are good examples. 

Intellectual Qigong

Nourishing Kidneys

This category covers a lot of ground — from boosting intelligence and memory, to helping with  decision-making, to improving your luck (yes, you read that right).  The word “intellectual” isn’t quite right, but it’s the best translation I’ve got.  Sometimes, it’s called Confucian Qigong because it was treasured by the Confucian scholars.  This category incorporates a lot of subtle techniques, like Focusing on One, or Positive Visualization.  But it also includes dynamic techniques like Nourishing Kidneys and Separating Water.

Warrior Qigong

The Horse Stance

Warriors and martial artists need speed, agility, stamina, and internal power.  This was especially true in the old days of life-or-death combat.  Courage, mental clarity, and grace under pressure were also of prime importance.  Today, Warrior Qigong is beneficial not just for martial artists and soldiers, but also for competitive athletes. Examples of Warrior Qigong are The Three Circle Stance, One Finger Shooting Zen, The Horse Stance, and Lifting Water.  (Many teachers call this category Martial Qigong.  That’s a fair translation, but I like my translation better.)  

Spiritual Qigong

Sinew Metamorphosis

These techniques are great for — wait for it — spiritual cultivation!  In order to cultivate the spirit, you need a clear mind, and your energy flow must be relatively smooth.  It’s important to understand that “spiritual” does not mean “religious”.  So these techniques can be used by anyone, regardless of their religious or cultural background.  Examples of Spiritual Qigong are Flowing Stillness, Sinew Metamorphosis, and of course Sitting Meditation. 

Vegas

In the past, most masters were lucky to learn just 1 of the categories.  To learn 2-3 categories would be like winning lotto.  To learn all five would be like winning lotto, then taking the winnings, going to Vegas, betting the entire sum on one spin of the roulette wheel, and winning (while sipping free cocktails, of course).

I’m extremely lucky to have not only learned, but practiced all 5 Categories of Qigong for years.  Historically speaking, this is a rare thing. (I’m referring to the rare situation of a master learning all 5 categories, not that it was rare for masters to practice.  Duh.)

Many masters only learned 2 levels.  We still see that in the modern era.  For example, lots of Tai Chi masters mainly know Warrior Qigong, plus a few Vitality Qigong exercises for flexibility.  This is ironic because, typically, they’re teaching Tai Chi for health.  

Obviously, it works better than nothing.  People get decent health benefits from practicing Tai Chi this way. But their results would be much, much better if they practiced Medical Qigong instead. 

Master Pranksters

It’s good to remember just how secretive these arts were throughout most of history.  Not only was there no Internet back then (gasp!), but books on the subject were impossible to find.  And if you did manage to find one (for which you likely paid a small fortune, like the price of eating dinner at Disney World), you might not be able to decipher it.  That’s because these books was intentionally cryptic.

For example, a classical text on the Small Universe might tell you to send the energy from Dantian, to Huiyin, to Lingtai, to Baihui, and then down to Tan Zhong.  But even if knew where those energy points were (remember, no Google!), and even if you already knew HOW to move qi in your body (remember, no YouTube!), you probably wouldn’t have done enough preliminary Qigong to have ENOUGH  qi to successfully do the technique.  That’s because the ancient texts were not meant to be teaching manuals.

Now that I think about it, I’m not sure who those texts were for.  Basically, unless you already had the skill being described, the texts were relatively useless.  So who were they for?  Were the past masters just pranksters, recording techniques for posterity, but doing it in a way that posterity couldn’t understand unless they already knew the techniques?   I mean, it’s ironic that those who could actually decipher the techniques were the ones who didn’t need to!

Anyway, my point is that you couldn’t just do some Googling or YouTubing, buy a few books, or sign up for an online course in order to learn all 5 categories.  The information just wasn’t available.  Today, it would be like trying to find information on the AT&T website about how to contact an actual human being for customer service.  Impossible!

Qigong Cross-Training

In my next article, I’ll talk why it’s so helpful for us to practice more than one category of Qigong at a time (and not necessarily in order).  I call this Qigong Cross-Training.  In the meantime, post your comments and questions below.  And if you haven’t already gotten your free downloads, then go ahead and grab them here.  That will put you on my email list, which will also keep you updated about my upcoming book.  Don’t worry — my book will NOT be cryptic like the ancient texts.  It will even include videos and audios! 

Zenfully yours,
Sifu Anthony

Sifu Anthony Korahais used Qigong to overcome clinical depression, aching low-back pain, chronic bronchitis, and a heart murmur. He is the founder and director of the Flowing Zen Center in Gainesville, Florida, and an internationally recognized teacher in the world of energy arts. To contact Sifu Anthony directly, click here.

Hopefully, you would tell me to get lost.  If not, if you would blindly follow a teacher no matter what — well then I’m not the teacher for you.  I want to teach free-thinking human beings, not drones. 

Faith is important when learning Qigong (I’ll explain why later).  But it’s certainly not blind faith.  Here’s a quote that sums up my philosophy on faith:

This is my approach to teaching. It’s the only piece of dogma that you’ll find in my school. In other words, if anything I say doesn’t agree with you, then go find something that does.  I mean it.  I just want people to be happy and healthy. Although I’m a passionate believer in the effectiveness of Flowing Zen, maybe it’s not for you.

But maybe what I say resonates with you.  Maybe you’re ready to give Qigong a shot.  Maybe you even want to learn from me.

If so,  then you should follow my instructions.   Follow because I’m considered an expert in the field.  Follow because I’ve gotten great results for myself, and because I’m able to reproduce those results in my students.  Most importantly, follow because you believe that I can help you to do the same.

That’s the kind of faith that is important for learning Qigong.

Healthy Skepticism

Maybe you want to learn Qigong, but you’re still a bit skeptical. You don’t know if you believe in this stuff.  To the skeptics out there, I have this to say:

Good for you! 

I was skeptical in the beginning, and believe it or not (see what I did there?), I want you to be skeptical too!   Just make sure that you’re what is known as a “healthy skeptic”.

If you’re a healthy skeptic, then you are filled with curiosity.  You want to know about things.  You are willing to explore, and experiment.  And you enjoy getting clear answers about whether or not something works.

But if you’ve already made up your mind without doing any investigating, then you’re not a healthy skeptic.  You’re dogmatic. It’s your choice, but please don’t pretend that this  scientific. It’s not. 

Bad Science

Science should be about inquiry, investigation, and experimentation.  And that’s exactly what the ancient Chinese masters have been doing for thousands of years – investigating and experimenting with the art of energy cultivation for health, vitality, and spirituality.

So let’s agree to something:  If you don’t follow my instructions, and if you don’t practice daily for about 15 minutes, then you aren’t allowed to say that this stuff doesn’t work.  Okay?

Years ago, I was talking with a woman about Qigong.   “Oh, that stuff doesn’t work,” she said to me (not knowing who I was).  When I inquired further, I found out that she had never tried the art, hadn’t done any research, and hadn’t really given it much thought.  And yet, somehow, she was able to conclude that the art doesn’t work!

In other words,  a woman with zero experience in Qigong was trying to tell me (of all people) that the art she has no experience in doesn’t work. 

That is not healthy skepticism.  That is not science.  That’s dogma.

The Qigong Experiment

At this point in my teaching career, I’ve got a strong reputation for getting powerful results in students.  So it may be tempting to just follow me based on my reputation.  But I’m specifically asking you to resist that temptation.

My reputation is well deserved, but you don’t know that yet.  And you won’t know it until you run the Qigong experiment on yourself.  Then you’ll know based on your own, direct experience. 

If you want to run the Qigong experiment on yourself, then it makes sense to follow an expert’s instructions.  It’s really that simple.  Follow his or her instructions sincerely, and find out whether or not this stuff works.  (Just make sure it’s a good teacher because that is a critical part of the experiment.)

My upcoming book will be a great chance for people to put Flowing Zen to the test.  Does it work?  Well, if you follow my instructions, you’ll find out!

Drop me a comment below if you have questions. And if you’re interested in my upcoming book, then make sure to get on my mailing list.  You’ll get a bunch of free stuff in the process too.  Sign up here.

Zenfully yours,
Sifu Anthony

Sifu Anthony Korahais used Qigong to overcome clinical depression, aching low-back pain, chronic bronchitis, and a heart murmur. He is the founder and director of the Flowing Zen Center in Gainesville, Florida, and an internationally recognized teacher in the world of energy arts. To contact Sifu Anthony directly, click here.

Mammogram Madness

Let’s take a good look at mammograms.  Are they really a form of preventative medicine?   Do they prevent cancer?

No.  A mammogram – by definition – is not preventative medicine.  A mammogram is a diagnostic tool, just like a blood test or an x-ray. It helps doctors to diagnose a problem or disease.  But it does not help doctors to TREAT the disease.

Sure, an early diagnosis can help doctors to treat cancer more easily.  This is exactly what happened with my wife.  Had they not caught her ovarian cancer early, then she might have died. 

Interestingly, it was an acupuncture physician, not a Western doctor, who first diagnosed my wife’s cancer.  There were no machines used for the initial diagnosis.  In fact, when MDs first looked at her case, they didn’t find any cancer.  It was only later, when the tumor got bigger, that they were able to confirm what the acupuncturist had already diagnosed.

Here’s something that will blow your mind:  Even though the acupuncturist was able to catch my wife’s cancer long before Western medicine, it was still considered late by Chinese medical standards. With Chinese medicine (which includes Qigong and acupuncture), if there’s a tumor, even if you catch it early, then you’ve already failed to prevent the disease.

Suddenly Catching Cancer

Two months before a 62-year-old woman is diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer  — did she have cancer?

Many Americans would say “no”.  People act as if cancer pops out of nowhere.   But it doesn’t.  You don’t suddenly catch cancer.  It takes years to develop.

By the time you can diagnose someone with cancer, the body has already been sick for a long time.  Diagnostic tests like mammograms can only find cancer cells when there are already billions of them.  And even then, it’s considered an “early” diagnosis.   But it’s not early.  It’s late.

We All Have Cancer

We all get “cancer” many times in our life.  All of us.  Including me. But you’ll never find a tumor in my body, no matter how often you screen me.  That’s because I practice Qigong, which keeps my immune system is strong.

Cancer is basically a failure of the immune system to deal with mutating cells.  A strong immune system naturally takes care of mutating cells.   If your immune system is strong, it will naturally keep the number of mutated  cells low — so low that there’s nothing to find!

If your immune system is weak, and if it stays that way for years, then eventually tumors may develop. But this takes years.  In other words, the disease process is active long before any tumors develop.

Stopping it Early

Preventative medicine, especially Chinese medicine, aims to catch the disease process early in its development. So mammograms definitely don’t qualify as  prevention.  Even if mammograms somehow shrank tumors (they don’t, of course), they STILL could not be considered preventative medicine.  In that case, if they magically dissolved tumors, mammograms would be called CURATIVE medicine, not preventative medicine.

See the difference?  If the disease has developed far enough for it to be diagnosed with a mammogram, then we haven’t prevented anything. We’ve merely identified it. And even if we can treat the disease, it’s still inferior to preventing it.

The Value of Prevention

What can you do to prevent illness and disease? There’s one important thing you can do.  And you can start doing it immediately:  Start recognizing the value of prevention.

You’ll need to be a free thinker to do this.  The modern medical system doesn’t talk about health; it talks about disease.  If you get sucked into their paradigm, you’ll never value prevention. 

Money talks.  If you’re not willing to spend money on something, then you probably don’t value it.  And the irony is that, with this mindset, you’re going to pay MORE in the long run.  And you’re also going to get less for your money.

I would gladly pay more for preventative medicine.  I mean, I hate being sick.  So if staying healthy actually cost more money in the long run, I would gladly pay it.

But staying healthy is cheaper than getting sick.  Much cheaper.

Many people have trouble spending a few hundred dollars on something invisible like prevention.  But once something breaks, they’ll spend a fortune.  How much does it cost to treat cancer?  It depends on the cancer and the treatment, but certainly, we would measure the cost in tens of thousands of dollars, right?  In many cases, it can cost hundreds of thousands. 

Meanwhile, the orthodox treatments for cancer are absolutely awful.  Surgery is a shock to the system that depresses the immune system, and the antibiotics kill the intestinal flora (which is an integral part of the immune system).  Chemotherapy, which poisons the rapidly-growing cancer cells, also poisons rapidly-growing cells in the intestines, the bone marrow, and the organs.  Radiation, which destroys cancer cells directly, also destroys other cells and creates massive toxicity in the body.

I’ll stick with prevention, thankyouverymuch.  I value my health, so I’ll do whatever it takes to keep it.  If Qigong cost $900/month, I would gladly pay it because it keeps me healthy.  Wouldn’t you pay that much to avoid the awfulness of cancer treatments? Or what about all the other stuff you end up preventing by practicing Qigong?

Once you start valuing prevention, once you start acting like an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then it’s a no-brainer to pay $100/month for something like Qigong (or even $400/month for something like acupuncture).  And when you consider that Qigong basically pays for itself, then the decision becomes even easier.

So what are you waiting for? 

Zenfully yours,
Sifu Anthony

Sifu Anthony Korahais used Qigong to overcome clinical depression, aching low-back pain, chronic bronchitis, and a heart murmur. He is the founder and director of the Flowing Zen Center in Gainesville, Florida, and an internationally recognized teacher in the world of energy arts. To contact Sifu Anthony directly, click here.