THE HELIX NEBULA

William Brock

Singer/Songwriter

 

Sutra On Full Awareness Of Breathing

Twenty five hundred years ago Buddah instructed his followers on this method of being fully aware of breathing.

This is how you practice.

Breathing in, I know that I am breathing in. And breathing out, I know that I am breathing out.

Breathing in with a long breath, I am aware that I am breathing in with a long Breath. And breathing out with a ling breath, I am aware that I am breathing out with a long breath.

Breathing in with a short breath, I am aware that I am breathing in with a short breath. And breathing out with a short breath, I am aware that I am breathing out with a short breath.

I am breathing in and I am aware of my whole body. I am breathing out and I am aware of my whole body.

I am breathing in and making my whole body calm and at peace. I am breathing out and making my whole body calm and at peace.

I am breathing in and feeling joyful. I am breathing out and feeling joyful. I am breathing in and feeling happy. I am breathing out and feeling happy.

I am breathing in and I am aware of the activities of my mind. I am breathing out and I am aware of the activities of my mind.

I am breathing in and making the activities of my mind calm and at peace. I am breathing out and making the activities of my mind calm and at peace.

I am breathing in and am aware of my mind. I am breathing out and am aware of tmy mind.

I am breathing in and making my mind happy and at peace. I am breathing out and making my mind happy and at peace.

I am breathing in and concentrating my mind. I am breathing out and concentrating my mind. I am breathing in and liberating my mind. I am breathing out and liberating my mind.

I am breathing in and observing the impermanent nature of all dharmas. I am breathing out and observing the impermanent nature of all dharmas.

I am breathing in and observing the fading of all dharmas. I am breathing out in and observing the fading of all dharmas.

I am breathing in and contemplating liberation. I am breathing out and contemplating liberation.

I am breathing in and contemplating letting go. I am breathing out and contemplating letting go.

One practices like this.

What Is Qigong

The word Qigong (Chi Kung) is made up of two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced chee and is usually translated to mean the life force or vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe.

The second word, Gong, pronounced gung, means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, Qigong (Chi Kung) means cultivating energy, it is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality.

Qigong is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intentions.

Qigong practices can be classified as martial, medical, or spiritual. All styles have three things in common: they all involve a posture, (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus. Some practices increase the Qi; others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit Qi to help heal others. Practices vary from the soft internal styles to the external, vigorous styles. However, the slow gentle movements of most Qigong forms can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged and can be practiced by all age groups.

Qigong is a highly effective health care practice. Many health care professionals recommend Qigong as an important form of alternative complementary medicine.

Qigong creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of traditional exercise programs. Most exercises do not involve the meridian system used in acupuncture nor do they emphasize the importance of adding mind intent and breathing techniques to physical movements. When these dimensions are added, the benefits of exercise increase exponentially.

The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions.

Those who maintain a consistent practice of Qigong find that it helps one regain a youthful vitality, maintain health even into old age and helps speed recovery from illness. Western scientific research confirms that Qigong reduces hypertension and the incidence of falling in the aged population. One of the more important long-term effects is that Qigong reestablishes the body/mind/soul connection.

People do Qigong to maintain health, heal their bodies, calm their minds, and reconnect with their spirit.

When these three aspects of our being are integrated, it encourages a positive outlook on life and helps eliminate harmful attitudes and behaviors. It also creates a balanced life style, which brings greater harmony, stability, and enjoyment

Qigong's great appeal is that everyone can benefit, regardless of ability, age, belief system or life circumstances.

Anyone can enrich their lives by adding Qigong to their daily routine. Children learning to channel their energy and develop increased concentration; office workers learning Qigong to reduce stress; seniors participating in gentle movements to enhance balance and their quality of life; caregivers embracing a practice to develop their ability to help others, anyone.

When beginners ask, "What is the most important aspect of practicing Qigong?" The answer is always..."just do it