Nature is the best Qi Gong teacher. In fact, the study of Qi Gong is essentially the study of nature itself.
At its core, Qi Gong helps us to cultivate the innate wisdom that exists in the natural world. Since nature has many different parts, there are numerous lessons for us to learn.
In Lee’s classes, he often talks about how each person is a microcosm of the world around us. In other words, each season and element in nature has a corresponding energy within ourselves. When we listen carefully, we can learn how to harness the qualities of nature in order to fully experience its many wonderful gifts.
During the Spring Solstice, the world is delicately balanced between Yin and Yang energy. For one glorious day, the seasons of winter and spring share Earth in perfect harmony, each contributing its unique qualities. This post will explore how we, as humans, can do the same within ourselves.
The Transition from Winter to Spring
The Spring Equinox marks the transition from winter to spring.
In terms of Earth’s cosmic positioning, the Spring Equinox is the point at which the equator is directly facing the sun, meaning the northern and southern hemispheres are receiving the same amount of sunlight. For this reason, the day and the night are exactly the same length during the Spring Equinox.
In Qi Gong, the winter is associated with Yin energy. In nature, Yin energy also corresponds with night, darkness, cold, and rest.
Naturally, the winter is a time in which the days are shorter, temperatures are lower, and creatures are inclined to seek shelter and spend more time sleeping. If you find yourself going to bed earlier during the winter months, it’s a clear sign that you’re already in tune with the energy of the season.
Spring is the season of transformation and rebirth. Although summer is still several months away, the days start to become longer and the temperature becomes warmer. By the time summer arrives, the world will look dramatically different than it did during the depths of winter. Long days, radiant sunshine, and busy creatures are all indicative of the Yang energy that is alive and vibrant throughout all parts of nature.
The Spring Equinox is a rare moment when Yin and Yang energies are perfectly balanced on our planet’s surface. Night and day, cold and warmth, rest and activity are each manifesting equally in the natural world.
In Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong, the season of Spring is associated with the Wood Element, which embodies the qualities of strength (Yang) and flexibility (Yin). When combined, Yin and Yang blend together to create resilience, creativity, and balance.
How to Balance Yin and Yang in Your Life
The balance between Yin and Yang occurs naturally in nature. For billions of years, the summer has balanced winter, day has balanced night, and hot has balanced cold. The earth has certainly changed over time, but it always gravitates towards balance.
Even though we’re a part of nature, we sometimes allow our own Yin and Yang energies to fall out of balance with one another. However, the lessons of nature and Qi Gong are always there to help us regain inner harmony.
The Spring Equinox reminds us to look inward and reflect on the expression of Yin and Yang in our own personal lives.
Within humans, Yin energy is often expressed through resting, relaxing, listening, and receiving. In last week’s post, we explored how Yin energy is essential for helping us cultivate healthy relationships and staying connected with our own truth. When Yin energy is depleted, it can become difficult to stay emotionally intelligent or care for our own personal needs.
Yang energy is usually expressed through taking action, speaking, and doing. Yang energy drives us to follow through with our intentions and create change in the world around us. Without it, it’s difficult to manifest our truths and create positive impact.
Just as nature requires both Yin and Yang energies to flourish, so do we.
A person who has a Yang imbalance may have a tendency to overwork themselves, forget to rest, and neglect their own emotional needs.
Someone who has a Yin imbalance might be complacent, fail to follow through with their intentions, and not know how to speak their mind.
Cultivating balance requires thoughtful self-reflection and empathy. Sometimes, asking yourself certain questions can help reveal your own internal balance of Yin and Yang.
Having a healthy balance of Yin and Yang energy leads to both physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as loving relationships with others. Of course, finding complete balance is a lifelong pursuit in which Qi Gong can help.
Internal balance and harmony is also an important part of maintaining a strong immune system and staying healthy.
Pre-Recorded Qi Gong for a Strong Immune System Online Workshop
At Holden QiGong, we have a special, pre-recorded workshop called Qi Gong for a Strong Immune System.
In this workshop, you will learn a variety of powerful practices to strengthen your “Wei Qi” energy in order to boost your immune system and protect yourself from harmful energies.
In addition to traditional Qi Gong exercises, Lee also shares acupressure techniques and meditation practices that each have an important role when it comes to cultivating resiliency. Click on the banner below to learn more about how Qi Gong can help boost your immune system and provide you with more inner power.