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ChiKungPlay

I consider myself a Tai Chi / Chi Kung wayfarer...

way�far�er
n.

    One who travels, especially on foot. 

Traveling slowly, on foot, taking in the local sights and sounds, I often happen upon fellow travellers. Our paths meet, and we walk a few days together before we part company and continue our individual journeys.

During AYE2004, I had the good fortune to play Chi Kung with other conference participants. Some of us played in the morning under the tents, others played in the evening. I walked away with several treasures:

• A couple of the players told me about a particular pain or discomfort vanishing after a Chi Kung session. One of the players had experienced pain daily for two years. I can recall several times in the past players telling me how pain disappeared soon after beginning Chi Kung or Tai Chi practice. I am always amazed when I hear this. How can waving one's arms or shifting one's body while breathing help one heal? The movements are so soft, and appear so ordinary.
• I noticed how the bodies were consistently communicating to the players. Some bodies were kinaesthetically shouting at their stewards, others quietly buzzed.
• I learned that I am capable of early rising for Chi Kung and Tai Chi. Usually I play at night.
• Two players described how the calmness of the early morning play carried over into the mid-morning and then into the afternoon. Again I puzzle, how can the calming effects of Chi Kung play be so immediate?

I would appreciate hearing directly from the participants or observers any impressions and take-aways from the Chi Kung play. I would also be grateful to anyone willing to elaborate on the observations I made above.

IraWeinstein Nov 15, 2004

Again I puzzle, how can the calming effects of Chi Kung play be so immediate?

These experiences have happened to me often enough that I just accept them.

I used some of our practice at 0415 today. I was having problems sleeping. I finally found a place where I was "clenching" muscles. I went there, relaxed them, and went back to sleep. DonGray 2004.11.16

Your 'playing' had a big impact on me. It gave me the opportunity to try something new, without pressure or need to be 'good'. You were easy and fun to work/play with. This 'play' also gave me a peak into how such practice might help me to feel better physically. I have been in email contact with a coach... we are now playing phone tag.

Anyway, I want to publicly say "Thanks". DianeGibson

(PS I couldn't find your email address anywhere on this site. Would you be willing to send me a message, so we can discuss further?)