Written By: Elly Burgonio
Emotions are part of the human system, and it’s something we inevitably have as humans and what separates us from most of the other beings in this world. However, it is not always sure that we know precisely how to deal with them when they come. It can also sometimes affect one’s daily life when it becomes too much for someone to handle.
So, how can Qigong be beneficial when it comes to dealing with our emotions?
Let me share an excellent example as it happened to me fairly recently. For a few weeks, I felt devastated and have been grieving because of my dog’s passing. However, what I went through wasn’t just an emotional loss. I miss the presence of my dog so much that I feel the physical manifestation of his absence. I found myself waking up at past 3 AM every morning since then.
According to the organ clock in Chinese medicine, 3 AM to 5 AM is associated with the lungs. This is because the lungs hold the emotions of grief and sadness, and the Metal Element represents it. So waking up in that hour can mean imbalances in the lungs. I have also noticed that my lungs have not been doing very well, as I have mild asthma, and it’s been having attacks lately. These started happening when I was under a lot of pressure and needed to meet deadlines.
The stress combined with my grief took a toll on my health, but I know many people counting on me as well, so escaping the world is not a choice. Instead, I had to hold up for myself and everyone else.
With my knowledge of Qigong, I used it as a tool to help me deal with my loss. I prioritized my daily Qigong practice focusing on the metal element Zhan Zhuang, as it’s proven to be beneficial to the lungs. I gradually increased the duration of my practice as suggested by my teacher, Sky Yang. Slowly, I started to feel better. I don’t get as many asthma attacks; I slept better and no longer waker up at 3 AM; I have come in balance with my grief.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that we’ll suppress or ignore our emotions. We still have to face it, feel what we need to feel, and open ourselves to the fact that we are not going to be okay every single day, and that’s okay.
Qigong gives us the tools so that no matter what happens to us, we can still hold onto our power gracefully, especially when we think we cannot hold up for ourselves.
Before we rely on anything or anyone else, we must first trust and believe in ourselves because once we do, then our energies can respond to us more effectively. Maybe some days are not easy, but always remember that healing is not about the destination; it’s about the journey.
Qigong helped me deal with my emotions and the physical and external manifestations connected to them. That is one reason that inspires me to keep practicing regularly and keep learning about it more profoundly. That very reason is why I share this practice with more people, to tap into that inner strength and get guidance through Qigong.
I believe that Qigong can help us a lot, along with a simple choiceー, to have an open heart, for ourselves, for our practice, and then eventually for others and thus allow us to connect with the world better.
If you’re interested to learn more about the healing art of Qigong, visit https://qiyoga.life/qigong-training/ and subscribe to our blog to get our best content in your inbox.