Qigong is practiced in the internal and external habits that mold us, shaping the outward expression of our lives. Our bodies, like nature, grow from the inside out. Thus, we practice cultivating our qi in our body, organs and the wisdom mind, building the spirit temple in the heart every day. We become soft, supple, strong and responsive, full of vital life force, and become our own alchemists as we transform energy in the body. In turn, we come more in tune with elements within us and within existence, thus we come in to harmony with ourselves and the universe. With practice, it comes with ease.Qigong is used to develop vital energy (qi). Using the physical aspect gives roots to raise the spiritual practice.

The Great Nothingness

In the Taoist (Daoist) view of the existence, all things originate from the Tao and return to the Tao. Wu-chi (Wuji) is the conception of origin of all things (Other cultures call it primordial waters, or the "emptiness" from where all of creation came).

This flow is transformational change. Change is that which sets in motion the coming and going of things, divination, a way to see that change. The Wu-Chi diagram shows the process of the becoming into existence (creation). Creation and dissolution exist simultaneously (yin/yang). If one is constructing a cabin, he is deconstructing a tree, a simultaneous process, a "transformation" in energy/shape/perception.

If we understand the underlying nature of change (transformation), we will know what has occurred in the past, what will come into the future, and how fit into the scheme of Now.

All things come from (and lead back to) the Wu-Chi-limitless (or the Tao), and the cycle repeats itself. Wu-chi is a state of stillness, in which all things are undifferentiated from the origin and the source of life. The Tao-te ching (Daodejing) describes it as "to enter the Nameless Gate" and "wander in the expanse of wu-chi (wuji)."

Posture

First we regulate the body in the Wuji Posture, "The Great Nothingness," in body and mind; The Invisible midpoint in between the Ying & Yang Polarities. Tongue to palate, roots closed, close eyes, calm heart. Spine straight, shoulders relaxed, loosen the body, crown to heavens, tail bone relaxed. Muscles relaxed. Allow your mind to become free of thought.

Three Dandians

The Taiji Pole

The Taiji Pole (TJP) energy field is at the inner core in the center of the body, cylindrical in shape, it resonates from the crown in the Upper Dantian and the roots of the Lower Dantian, flowing from the Governing Vessel as a Sea of (+) energy and from the Conception Vessel as a Sea of (-) energy exiting the Dantian.

The TJP is a pulsating field of white light, an energetic field that allows the physical incarnation of the consciousness to take place, as the positive pole energies resonates with the Solar energy and the negative pole resonate with the magnetism energies of the earth.

Standing Meditation is a posture that sinks the Qi, creating a hollow under the balls of the feet and the armpits, allowing Qi absorption from the environment.

Standing Meditation is a posture that sinks the Qi, creating a hollow under the balls of the feet and the armpits, allowing Qi absorption from the environment.

Wuji/Wu Chi in Qigong Meditation

Wuji as the Great Nothingness. Wuji describes a midpoint between the polarities of Yin and Yang. Wuji can be discussed both in terms of the physical as well as the mental state,and the philosophical duality of Yin/Yang, that theoretical point of balance, comprising an almost indivisible point where the differentiation between Yin and Yang becomes infinitesimal.

Wuji in Qigong meditation describes a learned meditation state and an awakening point, this invisible point between the yin/yang polarities. Having achieved this meditative state, in effortless posture, the Qigong practitioner has attained the ability to keep thoughts pure and harmonious without emotional disturbance; The Great Nothingness in body and mind.

Taiji Pole (TJP) Cultivation

Visualize the TJP as cylindrical in shape from the crown down through the trunk to the tail bone. Visualize this energetic field as a radiant pulsating field of bright pure white light. This "energetic field" allows the physical incarnation of the consciousness to expand and take place. This energy is expressed in our Qigong & Tai Chi forms, as well as other energy practices.

Feel the yang (+) charge of the Governing Vessel running along the back (mouth to tail bone), infusing with the Universal Qi. Feel the yin (-) charge of the Conception Vessel running along the front (mouth to tail bone), infusing with the Earth Qi. Simultaneously, feel these as Sea of Energy, exiting from the Middle Dantian (Heart Fire/Imperial Fire/Middle Burner).

Within the TJP, runs up and down the Central Channel (cooperating with the Nervous System). Simultaneously, facilitate downward migration of spirit (Shen) from GV 20 (Baihui); residing in the Spiritual Valley (Shen Gu) of the Upper Dantian. All the while, moving the Generating Qi upwards from the Lower elixir field. Both meet at the furnace, of the Solar Plexus (Huang Tin), a center point of the Yin/Yang positions of polarity.

Allow the 3rd eye (Yin tang) to open where the Embryonic Spiritual Being (Shen Tai) will be conceived (on the path of Enlightenment) with the opening of the 3rd eye.

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Stephanie Harper has worked in the mental health and holistic health fields for over 15 years. She is a behavioral health outreach specialist, author, trainer and teacher. She is a local pioneer implementing mindfulness evidence-based programs for individuals in trauma centered atmospheres, mental health clinics, drug rehabilitation facilities, detention centers and elementary schools. She is an advocate within her BH role in Medicaid to promote Mindfulness based practices and provides guidance and volunteer programs. Stephanie has worked with programs and grants such as Get FIT WV to promote community based Tai Chi by training the teachers.

Reprinted from Qi Journal, Summer 2018