There’s a reason some places are better than others for recharging your body and mind. When you’re in the right space, it’s easier to let go of stress, find your center, and cultivate nourishing energy. So, it’s a good idea to pay attention to where you choose to practice Qi Gong.
This article provides actionable tips you can use to create the most ideal setting for your Qi Gong practice.
Chinese Medicine and Qi Gong teach us that every environment has a unique energy. As humans, we are sensitive to the various energies we encounter on a daily basis. This means our environments have such an impact on our overall well-being.
Practicing Qi Gong or meditation can actually heighten your awareness and receptivity. This can enable you to become extra sensitive to the energy around you. Lee teaches students that when we attune our minds to the world around us, we’re much more capable of harnessing the gifts that the universe has to offer. So, it’s not difficult to see that the right environment can really support your personal Qi Gong practice.
If you’re practicing Qi Gong in a peaceful, beautiful setting, it’s obviously easier to connect to the energy you’re seeking to cultivate. This doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to enjoy a wonderful Qi Gong session when you’re in a loud or hectic environment. Rather, it will probably just be a bit more difficult.
In general, the elements of an environment determine its energy. For example, in a garden, the plants, fresh air, soil, and perhaps the soothing sounds of a wind chime influence the energy that's present. These elements combine to create calming and nourishing energy.
Each environment's energy is also influenced by past experiences. Places you’ve created precious memories with family or loved ones have a special energetic quality. Other places like work, school, or places you go to relax also have their own, distinct energy.
Understanding your environment's energetic qualities will help you cultivate a relaxing and rejuvenating personal wellness space.
As we alluded to earlier, when you’re surrounded by natural beauty, it’s easier to connect to the elemental energy within you.
Lee recommends bringing a part of the Five Elements into your home. The Five Elements consist of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. Last week’s blog shares a few simple tips to help with this task. Even having just a couple of items in your indoor space, like a potted plant or a candle, can make a big difference in your environment.
Establishing an outdoor practice can be very beneficial if you have a yard or access to a nearby park. This allows you to step outside on beautiful days to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine as you practice. On colder days or days that you’re feeling more internal, you can stay in your indoor practice space. If possible, Lee recommends having both an indoor and outdoor practice space.
Lee also recommends displaying artwork in your home or personal space that soothes and inspires you. This can include paintings, photos, sculptures, or other forms of art. Whatever you choose, just make sure it reflects the energetic qualities you’re seeking to cultivate.
Artwork can also be a wonderful way to incorporate the Five Elements into your home. Nature-themed artwork invites the energy of nature into your home. When you put up imagery that reflects nature, you bring nature’s energy into your home. Become your own photographer and snap a few pictures the next time you’re outdoors. Then, have them printed and framed. Alternatively, purchase a painting that embodies the energetic qualities of nature you’d like in your home.
Artwork displaying calligraphy or beautiful handwriting is also a great choice. Some Qi Gong practitioners even prefer to display Buddhist or Taoist quotes of their favorite intentions.
Establishing a simple ritual to mark the beginning and end of your practice can be a wonderful addition to your session.
There are many different ways to start and end your practice, so finding a ritual that works well for you is important. You can create whatever ritual you choose. Just make sure it's something you'll enjoy doing. For example, start a kettle of tea, ring a small chime, or recite your intentions quietly or aloud before you begin your practice. Doing these things helps you return to the present moment and shifts your attention to your practice.
Establishing a simple ritual for the beginning and end of your practice is not only a good idea, but it’s an important habit to keep, especially if you do other things in your practice space on a regular basis. For example, if your practice space is also your living room, a ritual helps shift the energy from “the living room” to “your practice space.” This may feel like a small act, but the subtle shift in energy will help.
When you practice Qi Gong consistently in your personal wellness space, the energy from your practice culminates there. This makes it easier for you to quickly drop into a deep practice during each session. Over time, you’ll establish a stronger and stronger connection with your personal practice environment.
It’s important to note that although it’s great to practice in an ideal environment, any practice is better than no practice at all. In other words, you should never skip a practice session just because you don’t have the perfect space available at any given moment.
If you’re interested in learning more about Qi Gong or strengthening your existing practice, check out our upcoming 5-Day Qi Challenge.
Want to start a Qi Gong practice or reinvigorate your existing one?
Our upcoming 5-Day Qi Gong Challenge is the perfect way to achieve both. It only takes about 20 minutes a day, and by the end, of the Challenge you’ll feel energized, invigorated, and stress-free. Plus, it’s also a great opportunity to connect with a thriving community of like-minded practitioners seeking to improve their health naturally.
Click on the banner below to discover how Qi Gong can help you feel emotionally centered, release stress, and cultivate energy.
