I have felt stuck and isolated. It helps to hear your words. I relate. I find hope and encouragement in them. We're all in this alone... together. I look forward to hearing more. 😊🙏💞
Important points you’ve raised here, Sifu. Thank you! I’ve finally found the presence I’ve craved so long through daily watercolor painting. It helps to watch the colors flow and make something beautiful. But also yes! I’m not moving my body, except for my walks. It may be time after a long haitus to find my way back to Qigong.
Deeply resonate with this post and so grateful to read this blog and the upcoming posts <3 Qigong is definitely one of my things, and walking/napping/existing with my dog, being in the forest, waterfalls, smelling the ocean.. Finding the beauty in these things amidst the chaos everywhere. It is definitely not a mindset issue! That is being completely out of resonance with what is happening in the collective. It is happening AND tending to ourselves, our sacred bodies & nervous systems, and bringing this gentleness to our communities, is essential to bring this so much needing change. Again, thank you for this post!
Thank you for this beautiful reflection. Yes to qigong, to dogs, to forest and ocean medicine—and to tending our bodies as sacred. I’m so glad this resonated.
Thanks, Sifu Anthony for sharing your thoughts, feelings and ways to cope with the insane world. I also find tai chi, qigong, walking, being outdoors and enjoying the company of a pet to be helpful. I feel lighter, at least for a while, until my “next dose.”
This is just what I needed today. I have been so tired the last few weeks. Groggy when I wake up and seemingly in a fog most of the day. I was thinking I was practicing too much and today thought I would take a step back. But I have been very afraid lately. Terrified almost. My husband and I get Social Security as well as our pensions. My grandsons are part Philippino with a Spanish last name. I know it's irrational, but I fear for their safety. I will continue my practice with the thought that there I can find solace!
I appreciate how you offer your insights and teaching here without a paywall. I am enjoying your writing as someone fairly new to tai chi and qi gong, and just purchased the Kindle version of your book. 🙏
Thank you for saying that, Jen! I’m new to Substack but I plan to keep writing and sharing here for free. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the book. Don’t forget the bonus online course!
Thanks for all you're sharing, Sifu. I'm currently reading a fairly famous book for book club by Kristen Hannah. It's called The Women.
I mention it because it talks a lot about PTSD And just today as I was reading it for literally the third time I realized that one of the points it made is that having community can be hugely valuable to people as they navigate the next phase of life. I think this sub stack could be play an important role to create community in a way that's different from other Flowing Zen communities. Thanks for bringing us in and letting us share.
Totally! Community helps us to co-regulate. It tells our nervous system that we don't have to do it all alone. I'm hoping to build a new community here, one that is independent of Facebook.
It seems much like the way you teach your qi gong by encouraging softening, relaxing and just being present (however it feels at that moment to be present). Not chasing, not fighting, not worrying. Just accepting and that’s where the magic can happen.
I have felt stuck and isolated. It helps to hear your words. I relate. I find hope and encouragement in them. We're all in this alone... together. I look forward to hearing more. 😊🙏💞
You may be isolated but you’re not alone. More coming soon!
Important points you’ve raised here, Sifu. Thank you! I’ve finally found the presence I’ve craved so long through daily watercolor painting. It helps to watch the colors flow and make something beautiful. But also yes! I’m not moving my body, except for my walks. It may be time after a long haitus to find my way back to Qigong.
I think you know the way back to qigong. It's not a long journey, and I'm sure that qigong will be very happy to see you again!
Deeply resonate with this post and so grateful to read this blog and the upcoming posts <3 Qigong is definitely one of my things, and walking/napping/existing with my dog, being in the forest, waterfalls, smelling the ocean.. Finding the beauty in these things amidst the chaos everywhere. It is definitely not a mindset issue! That is being completely out of resonance with what is happening in the collective. It is happening AND tending to ourselves, our sacred bodies & nervous systems, and bringing this gentleness to our communities, is essential to bring this so much needing change. Again, thank you for this post!
Thank you for this beautiful reflection. Yes to qigong, to dogs, to forest and ocean medicine—and to tending our bodies as sacred. I’m so glad this resonated.
Thanks, Sifu Anthony for sharing your thoughts, feelings and ways to cope with the insane world. I also find tai chi, qigong, walking, being outdoors and enjoying the company of a pet to be helpful. I feel lighter, at least for a while, until my “next dose.”
Those sound like good things, Joanne! I think we all need a heavier dose of medicines these days!
Thank you for this. The dread is real and it's okay to feel that way and use it as a tool to make changes for yourself!
Exactly. It's okay – and normal – to feel dread. And if you can, it's also okay to find a thing that helps.
Y E S!!!!!
yes yes yes. all the yes.
the weight, the dread. it's real.
dissociation and spiritual pybass is not wisdom.
I personally, LOVE to hear victim blaming NAMED. just sayin'
move, breathe,
"have a thing"
Thank you for reminding me that there are also people who NEED to be reminded about victim blaming.
This is just what I needed today. I have been so tired the last few weeks. Groggy when I wake up and seemingly in a fog most of the day. I was thinking I was practicing too much and today thought I would take a step back. But I have been very afraid lately. Terrified almost. My husband and I get Social Security as well as our pensions. My grandsons are part Philippino with a Spanish last name. I know it's irrational, but I fear for their safety. I will continue my practice with the thought that there I can find solace!
I appreciate how you offer your insights and teaching here without a paywall. I am enjoying your writing as someone fairly new to tai chi and qi gong, and just purchased the Kindle version of your book. 🙏
Thank you for saying that, Jen! I’m new to Substack but I plan to keep writing and sharing here for free. I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the book. Don’t forget the bonus online course!
Thank you. This really resonated!
Thanks for all you're sharing, Sifu. I'm currently reading a fairly famous book for book club by Kristen Hannah. It's called The Women.
I mention it because it talks a lot about PTSD And just today as I was reading it for literally the third time I realized that one of the points it made is that having community can be hugely valuable to people as they navigate the next phase of life. I think this sub stack could be play an important role to create community in a way that's different from other Flowing Zen communities. Thanks for bringing us in and letting us share.
Totally! Community helps us to co-regulate. It tells our nervous system that we don't have to do it all alone. I'm hoping to build a new community here, one that is independent of Facebook.
So much wisdom pouring out 👌🏻
Thanks! Maybe wisdom is what happens when we fully admit that we don't have it all figured out?
It seems much like the way you teach your qi gong by encouraging softening, relaxing and just being present (however it feels at that moment to be present). Not chasing, not fighting, not worrying. Just accepting and that’s where the magic can happen.