great, thank you!

My views have softened a bit over the years. Just try to incorporate the exercises into your daily routine. Start with whichever ones feel good, and build from there. The habit is the most important thing.

There are different directions. Sifu Yang Jing Ming says that the Fire Path moves qi up the back (Du) and down the front (Ren). This is the standard Small Universe (Microcosmic Orbit) discussed in this article.

The Wind Path is the reverse direction: qi is drawn up the front of the body and sent down the back. Sifu Yang says this method is more cooling and is often used for grounding, calming the mind, or circulating excess heat from the upper body.

I’m so sorry to hear that you are also a survivor of “Gary”. I have spoken to several victims, but I know that there are others out there as well. Please let me know if I can support you somehow.

Warren,
I was also a victim of this “Gary”. I heard rumors about other victims and a specific story about a woman he abused as they travelled with Sifu Wong several years ago. Anthony’s brave article helped me understand and see how bad it has been. Even though I wanted to just forget it, being silent serves de abuser. I don’t know Anthony, but I know we are talking about the same person who does not even use his real name but an alias.

Shame the abuser, not the victims, nor those who help them (us).

Thank you for taking the time to reply. This makes sense, I suppose I will just keep practicing on the daily and let things develop as they are intended to. The note on potential dantian discovery following weight loss is interesting, and something I’ll be able to test eventually, as I continue to improve my health. You have an interesting site, I’ll try to stop by when I have time and maybe study with you if I feel the call to do so.

-Derek

Hi Derek. Finding dantian takes a long time. It takes even longer for men for some reason. And it’s not just time, but correct practice that you need. If you can feel qi, then you’re already on the right track. You need to circulate it, clear blockages, and then actively consolidate it at dantian.

As for belly size, dantian will still sit in roughly the same spot relative to your organs and spine. The belly itself is mostly adipose tissue and will simply create layers on top of that. I have heard students say that it’s easier to connect with dantian after losing some of that belly fat, but I can’t confirm that.