“You should face east when practicing qigong!!”
If you’ve been doing qigong for a while, then you’ve probably heard this from a teacher or two. Or perhaps you read it in a book along with some other crazy qigong rules (like the no-sex rule).
Or maybe you heard that you should face south instead of east. I mean, one of my teachers even told me to face north!
Well, which is it? Or does it even matter?
That’s the subject of today’s Walk & Talk. I’ll discuss the importance of the direction you face while practicing qigong. I’ll also give you a simple way to make sure you’re always facing the right direction during a qigong session, no matter where you are!
From the heart, Sifu Anthony
Another fun, interesting and beautifully-paced blog. Thank you!
One quick question – you did a piece on one-finger walking qigong which was very useful. Is there anything that can be practiced when movement is not possible? Like many people I spend far too much time driving, or sitting around waiting for buses and trains. It seems a shame not to use it.
Thanks once again! I really hope that your journey is going well, and bringing you everything you need right now.
Driving is a tricky one. Square Breathing can work, but only if you have some experience with it. The danger is that you may zone out a bit, which is dangerous when driving.
You can use One Finger Zen while driving. Have you tried it?
And you can certainly use Square Breathing while waiting for the bus.
I talk about Square Breathing here: https://flowingzen.com/18513/protect-yourself-from-energy-vampires-with-these-mindfulness-tools/
Great Walk & Talk blog! Thank you.
Good to have confirmed what I’ve been doing.
I’ll always try to be outdoors, and face the most “Zen” / tranquil, beautiful spot, while not have sun, wind, mosquitos or ants bug me.
But .. “students” have also already corrected me. In my mom’s senior complex they often ask me to volunteer lead a scheduled class instead of popping in Qigong DVDs. So first time I made the mistake to say: “I’ll stand here so that y’all can face the trees in the garden.” Response: We prefer to face the wall; too much glare facing outside.
Hope you had an awesome Qigong session with that ocean view.
Glare can certainly be a problem. But during an actual session, the eyes should be closed or half-closed anyway. Tell that to your students!
I know video blogs are popular, but I sat down to read this having put some music on…. Also, video is great when it’s needed to demonstrate a practical skill (like the superb Q101 & 102 lessons) but of the vblogs I’ve seen, the majority are mainly talking.
Your written blogs were so good and it would be a shame if the balance is going to switch away from them to these.
I agree wholeheartedly!!! I prefer reading to listening. I can read even a long blog in just a few minutes, but if the video is 11 or 17 or 22 minutes long, you kind of have to devote that time. I also space out while listening, which doesn’t happen when reading. Love you Sifu Anthony!!!
I don’t disagree with you, Lisa and Colin. In fact, I’m a lot like you. I prefer to read things.
Here’s where I’m at: I’m focusing on writing my book rather than blog posts. I’m a slow writer, so I only seem to have the energy for one, not both.
We’re working on creating transcripts for the video blogs which would at least give you something to scan quickly. Subtitles are another possibility.
When the book is done, I’ll go back to writing blog posts for a while. Many topics just can’t be covered with a video blog anyway.
I’m so glad I watched this video. I love the format, especially as I know you’re on the road. I get to enjoy your travels!
This comes up in other practices I’ve learned— it’s good to hear that my decision to go my own way may not just be my own stubbornness!
I always face forward. That way I don’t get a crick in my neck.
Ha! Perfect!
I live in the village of Uki. I often face the north to gather Qi Hugging the tree. I assume stance of nursing the Tiger Cubs & release them to the south. I ‘m a little confused when it comes to polarity points with form & there meaning. I am slowly learning from a book which doesn’t detail compass points & how vital they are. I have a Bag-ua circle in my backyard with compass points balanced. I am currently in healing which drew me toward Tai Chi & form. Since having to move away from my Teacher….Sydney Peng. I’ve had to rely on books video’s which has drawn me to a solo education. However i do understand you can obtain a certain level of guidance with intuition education & focus. Anthony it would be greatly appreciated
if you could guide me toward any reading material on the above matter because i understand any disruptive Qi could impede my training. Cheers
Richard
Hi Richard. I think you would benefit from my online courses. Books and videos are good for knowledge, but online learning is a totally different animal.
These two articles will explain why:
https://flowingzen.com/20305/how-i-respond-when-people-say-qigong-cannot-be-learned-online/
https://flowingzen.com/18127/reasons-why-qigong-can-totally-be-learned-online/
But seriously, I always look facing the largest amount of open sky. Inside I used to face a bare wall, because the view was calmer. Now, inside I face a window. This is one of those little (personal) rules.
Hi Sifu Anthony
Would it be possible to have a transcript of the video blogs underneath for those of us who cannot access them for any reason eg, lack of data/connection/technology/privacy. Myself, for example, I am currently supervising students. I can read from a screen but cannot put in earphones. This would also allow your readers to quickly scan for the important info if they are limited on time.
Thank you
Donna
Yes, this is something I’d like to provide in the future.
I realised that Donna has actually voiced part of what I felt in my message above, but in a much more eloquent way.
I was frustrated when I tried this vblog the other night because I had a poor connection so couldn’t even watch the video.
Standing back to consider, these videos are of course really interesting and an insight into the journey you’re on. I’m guessing they’re also a welcome change for you since you’ve been producing the written blogs for a long time now .
I love these walk and talk videos. I’ve never been to USA and it is fantastic to see such amazing views and beautiful scenery whilst listening to your Qigong advice. Thank you so much for showing me around some of your country’s beauty spots. I also enjoy seeing your dog, he looks a great companion for your adventures together. Can we have a walk and talk on overcoming plateaus please. I am on my second time through 101 and beginning to feel that I am not making so much progress as last year.
Glad you’re enjoying them. I like that idea of talking about plateaus. I’ll see what I can do!
Master Paul Dong in his 1984 book suggested facing North, because of the Earths magnetic pull, also to practice between 11am and 1pm when this pull was strongest. Just another idea for the mix.
Yep. I have that book. And I learned from one of his students many many moons ago. 🙂
so i can stop facing the bedroom cupboard now and face my window instead.
thanks
Hello Anthony,
Any progress on using qigong to make you celibate and saintly? Or working on the set?
Thank you,
Antonio Restivo II
In the words of Saint Augustine, “God, grant me chastity and continence…but not yet.”