Classes Archives: Shen Qigong classes from 2023

• The exercises involve the Shen, that finer quality of Qi that is connected to our consciousness, our Mind, our Higher Self.
• They are used to increase the vibration of the Shen, and the awareness of self, the Qi of our body and mind.
• They can increase awareness of other as our awareness is expanded beyond our physical body.
• Finally, they can be used to gain access to our Higher Self so that we can have meaningful dialogue and receive guidance.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.01.19

Spiritual Qigong – working with the consciousness

• Not so basic – Wuji and the connections to the heavens and the earth.
• Using the Fire Path position and working with Du Mai.
• Using the Water Path position and working with Chong Mai.
• Shen Qigong exercise 3 using the Fire Path position.
• Shen Qigong exercise 3 using the Water Path position.
• Closure.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.01.26

Fire and Water

Tongue positions for Shen Qigong

• Shen Qigong exercise 1 using the Fire Path position.
• Shen Qigong exercise 1 using the Water Path position.
• Shen Qigong exercise 3 using the Water Path position.
• Closure.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.02.02

• Why do I feel unsteady when changing the
  tongue position?
• Exercise 3 – both tongue positions.
• Switching tongue positions.
• Exercise 4 – focus.
• Exercise 4 – closure.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.02.09

• Opening the Kua in the neck and spine.
• Four Shen exercise 2 using the breath.
• Exercise 2 as Neigong.
• Four Shen exercise 1 using the breath.
• Exercise 1 as Neigong.
• Four Shen exercise 3 using the breath.
• Exercise 3 as Neigong.
• Closure.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.02.16

Working with colour

• The Shen Qigong are used to expand awareness of Qi in order to experience it as fully as possible.
• This experience of Qi is then translated, by the Yi, into something that we can understand.
• That translation can be into tangible sensations, sight, smell, taste, sound, or a mixture of these.
• As well as the tangible sensations, most practitioners will have a dominant sense (sight, smell, taste, or sound).
• In this lesson we are using methods that can increase awareness of colour/images.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.02.23

Using a range of Shen Qigong to:

• Continuing to work with colour and vision.
• Working with all the senses.
• Awareness beyond the physical body.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.03.02

Expanding awareness and perception

• Sensitivity: Textures and shapes in the Qi.
• Shen section from Connecting Heaven and Earth: Using Du Mai, or Chong Mai.
• Awareness of the changes/enhancements to the Qi.
• Palms to Infinity: from the Ten Shen Treasures.
• Discerning the Yin meridians from the Yang (in the arms).
• Discerning the Three Burning Spaces: Actively and Passively.
• Connecting the Heavens and the Earth: Awareness of distance and quality.
• Separating the Heavens and the Earth: Awareness of distance and quality.
• Seeing Qi: Projecting from the fingers.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.03.09

• Shen Ex 1 – Inner journey. Using Du Mai and observing the colours, the perceived Internal volume/size. Noting the feelings and experiences.
• Shen Ex 2 – Inner journey: Using Du Mai and observing the colours, the perceived external volume/size. Noting the feelings and experiences.
• Shen Ex 3: Using Chong Mai. Observing shapes and patterns in our energy field.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.03.16

Pushing back the boundaries

• Connecting the Heavens and the Earth (10 Shen Treasures).
• Separating the Heavens and the Earth (10 Shen Treasures).
• Palms to Infinity (10 Shen Treasures).
• Drawing Down the Heavens (10 Shen Treasures).
• Awareness of colour, texture and shape.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.03.23

• Separating the Heavens and the Earth.
• Connecting the Heavens and the Earth.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth: Focus on expanding by raising the Shen and sinking the Qi.
• Q&A: Dealing with stuck Qi at the Upper Back Kua and on Du Mai at Big Bone.
• Palms to Infinity.
• Fingers to Infinity.
• Du Mai Pump: Allowing the Qi to lead the physical movement.
• Closing.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.03.30

As a result of the amazing feedback from last week’s class we are:

• Continuing to explore the Du Mai Pump. Initially guiding the Qi and then following it.
• Refining the Internal process of Drawing Down from the Heavens. Using the Yi to begin with and then (hopefully) getting it to cede control to the Shen.

Shen Qigong works with the consciousness, increasing perception and awareness of our link with the Tao. It is very well described as inner alchemy because the practitioner is constantly refining their ability, their awareness and their understanding. These are advanced Qigong and there is no quick route but the journey, although sometimes frustrating, is an amazing adventure.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.04.06

A question of pressure

A few of you have asked me about the slight pressure that is felt at the Third Eye when practicing these Shen Qigong. This made me ask why it was only at this location that they were experiencing this when this “pressure” is also present on other points. In this Shen Qigong lesson we  start with two of these and gradually include others.

Discerning the pressure and its direction using the following: –

• Kidney 1 (in both feet) and Du Mai 20: Wuji and the connection to the heavens and the earth.
• Kidney 1 (alternating), Du Mai 20, and Heart Governor 8: Holding a Ball in Front of the shoulder.
• Kidney 1, Du Mai 20, Heart Governor 8, Yamen and the Third Eye: The Four Shen exercise 3.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.04.13

Building our awareness of the different qualities of Qi in the meridians.

Earth

• Twisting the Waist and Pushing the Palms, from the Shibashi.
• Holding up a Single Hand, from the Ba Duan Jin.
• Harmonizing Stomach and Spleen, from the Ten Fundamental Treasures.

Water

• Hold the Feet to Strengthen the Kidneys, from the Ba Duan Jin.
• Hold the Toes to Strengthen the Kidneys, from the Ten Fundamental Treasures.
• The Commencement, from the Shibashi.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.04.20

Building our awareness of the different qualities of Qi in the meridians.

• The Four Shen Qigong exercise 3.

Wood

• Punching with Outstretched Arms, from the Shibashi.

Metal

• Lung, from the Five Taoist Yin.

Metal & Wood

• The Wise Owl Looks Backward, from the Ba Duan Jin.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.04.27

Building our awareness of the different qualities of Qi in the meridians.

Fire – Heart & Small Intestine meridians

• Circle the Arms to Part the Clouds, from the Shibashi.
• Turning to Gaze at the Moon, from the Shibashi.

Fire – Heart Governor & Triple Warmer meridians

• Turning to Gaze at the Moon, from the Shibashi.
• Holding a Ball in Front of the Shoulder, from the Shibashi.

Water – Kidney meridian

• Catching a Ball (A.K.A. the Billowing Sail), from the Embroidered Brocade.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.05.04

Building our awareness of the different qualities of Qi in the meridians.

• The Four Shen Qigong – exercise 1.
• Listening to the Yin meridians and the Yang meridians in the arms.
• Circulating the Qi of the Yin and Yang meridians of the arms.
• Awareness of the flow, or a quality that is being carried in the flow.
• The Sun and the Moon, from the Embroidered Brocade: Guidance and awareness of the Qi in all the Yin and all the Yang meridians.
• Passive Qigong: Using the Yi to Guide the Qi in all the Yin and all the Yang meridians while having tangible feedback.
• Switching the awareness from the Leg Yin to the Leg Yang and back.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.05.11

Increasing awareness of Qi. The expansion and contraction experienced during Qigong.

• Exercise 1 from the Four Shen Qigong. Practiced slowly without using the breath.
• Palms to Infinity, from the Ten Shen Treasures.
• Holding up a Single Hand, from the Ba Duan Jin.
• Drawing Down from the Heavens, from the Ten Shen Treasures.
• Following the Qi, the body following rather than guiding. Looking at the Qigong called Drawing the Taiji.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.05.18

Each of the Five Elements has its own qualities. Each has a different essence, different flavour, texture, colour and smell. These, if you are listening to your Qi become more apparent.

Each of us has a dominant sense when working with Qi. Yours may be tactile, it may be colour. In this lesson were are working with taste and smell.

• The Four Shen exercise 3.
• Metal: The Wise Owl Looks Backward. From the Ba Duan Jin.
• Water: The Commencement. From the Shibashi.
• Wood: Holding the Fists Tightly and Staring with Glaring Eyes. From the Ten Fundamental Treasures.
• Fire: Circle the Arms to Part the Clouds. From the Shibashi.
• Earth: Spleen. From the Five Taoist Yin.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.06.01

Shen Qigong – Increasing awareness and perception of Qi

Continuing to work with the Five Elements

• The Four Shen Qigong: Exercise 1.
• Primary Fire: Circle the Arms to Part the Clouds.
• Secondary Fire: Pushing to the Diagonals.
• Earth: Harmonizing Stomach and Spleen.
• Metal: Broaden the Chest.
• Water: The Commencement.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.06.08

The Four Shen Qigong

• Exercise 1: The choice of using Du Mai, or Chong Mai.
• Exercise 2: The choice of using Du Mai, or Chong Mai.
• Exercise 3: Using Chong Mai.
• Exercise 4.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.06.15

The Four Shen Qigong

• Exercise 4.
• Exercise 3: Using Chong Mai Vessel.
• Awareness of the collateral between Yamen and the Third Eye.
• Holding a Ball in Front of the Shoulder: Awareness of the overall impact of this Qigong and how it manifests through our senses.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.06.22

Spiritual Qigong

• Awareness of and enhancement of the connection of the heavens, man and earth.
• Awareness of the Dantien and of Mingmen.
• Awareness of the shared space of Du Mai, Ren Mai and Chong Mai.
• Extending the awareness beyond the physical body.
• Connecting the Heavens and the Earth.
• Separating the Heavens and the Earth.
• Palms to Infinity.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.06.29

• Four Shen: Option of Exercise 1, or 2.
• Four Shen: Exercise 3.
• Ten Shen Treasures: Fingers to Infinity.
• Ten Shen Treasures: Separating the Heavens and the Earth.
• Ten Shen Treasures: Separating the Heavens and the Earth.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.07.06

Using all of our senses.

In this lesson we are targeting the way that Qi manifests as taste, smell and colour. We are making use of the Controlling Cycle of the Five Elements as we do so and using a range of commonly practiced Qigong.

• The Four Shen: Exercise 3.
• Secondary Fire: Turning to Gaze at the Moon.
• Primary Fire: Turning to Gaze at the Moon.
• Metal: The Wise Owl Looks Backward, from the Ba Duan Jin.
• Wood: Painting Rainbows, from the Shibashi.
• Earth: Spleen, from the Five Taoist Yin.
• Water: The Commencement, from the Shibashi.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.07.13

Q&A

• Why does the focus needs to be so accurate?
• What are the differences between Meridian Qi and Vessels Qi?

Examples worked with in this lesson

• Circle the Arms to Part the Clouds.
• The Doe-eyed Cow Turns to Look at the Moon.
• Spleen Qigong (the Five Taoist Yin).
• Holding up a Single Hand (Ba Duan Jin).
• Circulating the Qi along Du Mai and Ren Mai.
• The Du Mai Pump (Ten Shen Treasures).
• Circulating the Qi along Chong Mai and Ren Mai.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.07.20

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

The Extraordinary Meridians are also known as the Eight Exceptional Vessels. These Vessels act as reservoirs of the Qi and they are accessed via the Master Points and the Coupled Points.

In this lesson we are concentrating on the Master Points that are located on the forearms and the hands while listening for any effects to the feet.

• Change the Sinews.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth.
• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 1.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.07.27

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• Change the Sinews – Utilising the Master Points in the hands and arms.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth- Utilising the Master Points in the hands and arms.
• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 1 – Utilising the Master Points in the hands and arms.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.08.03

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

The Extraordinary Meridians are also known as the Eight Exceptional Vessels. These Vessels act as reservoirs of the Qi and they are accessed via the Master Points and the Coupled Points.

In this lesson we are concentrating on the Master Points that are located on the forearms and the hands while listening for any effects to the feet.

• Working with all 8 Master Points.
• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 1 – Honing the focus on all the Master Points.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth- Honing the focus on all the Master Points.
• Change the Sinews – Utilising the Master Points in the hands and arms while increasing awareness of the impact on the Coupled Points in the feet.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.08.10

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• Working with all 8 Master Points.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth- focusing on the Master Points while listening to the Coupled Points.
• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 1 – focusing on the Master Points while listening to the Coupled Points.
• Change the Sinews – focusing on the Master Points in the hands and arms while increasing awareness of their Coupled Points.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.08.24

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• Q&A about being “connected” during Qigong.
• Example exercises that help you understand what it means to be connected to the Qi.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth – focusing on the Master Points while listening to the Coupled Points.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth – focusing on the Master Points while listening to the overall effect.
• Change the Sinews – triggering the Coupled Points and listening to the effects.
• Triggering the points passively.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.09.07

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 2. Using the Water Path tongue position.
• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 1. Using the Water Path tongue position.
• Comparing the Internal difference between these two Qigong.
• Listening to the Qi.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.09.14

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 2. Using the Water Path tongue position.
• Change the Sinews – triggering the Coupled Points and listening to the effects.
• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 1. Using the Fire Path tongue position.
• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 1. Using the Water Path tongue position.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.09.21

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• Going over the location of the Master / Coupled points on the wrists and hands.
• The need for accuracy and how the hand / arm positions aid this.
• Awareness required with each change of trigger.
• Change the Sinews – triggering the Coupled Points and listening to the effects.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth. Using all 8 Master points.
• Awareness of the Vessels.
• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 1. Using the Fire Path tongue position.
• Calming the Yi (getting the brain out of the way).

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.09.28

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• The Exceptional Vessels exercise 1.
• The Exceptional Vessels exercise 2.
• Practicing using the methodology of Neigong.
• Practice exercises for listening.
• Listening to the Qi of the Vessels.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.10.12

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

Listening to your Qi before, during and after practice. Using some of the tools and methods that can be employed to assist listening and having awareness the effects of: –

• Opening the Cervical Kua.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth: Focusing on each of the Master points and having awareness of changes in the Qi in the associated Vessel.
• Change the Sinews: Focusing on the Master points in the hands and arms while having awareness of changes in the Qi in the associated Vessels (via Master and Coupled).
• Passively triggering the Master points.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.10.19

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

Listening to your Qi before, during and after practice. Using some of the tools and methods that can be employed to assist listening and having awareness the effects of: –

• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 1.
• The Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 2.
• The Du Mai Pump.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.10.26

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

Listening to your Qi before, during and after practice. Using some of the tools and methods that can be employed to assist listening and having awareness the effects of: –

• Change the Sinews: Working with each pair of Master points in the forearms and hands while listening to each pair of Coupled points in the feet.
• Change the Sinews: Working with each pair of Master points in the forearms and hands, triggering the Coupled points in the feet and listening to the effect on the Vessels.
• Change the Sinews: Working with one Master point in the forearms and hands while listening to diagonally opposite Coupled point in the feet.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth: Working with each pair of Master points in the forearms and hands while listening to each pair of Coupled points in the feet.
• Enhancing any weaker awareness of these connections.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.11.02

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• Q&A: Tongue positions. Using the Fire Path position and the Water Path position.
• Water Path: Chong Mai section of the Exceptional Vessels exercise 2.
• Water Path: Chong Mai section of the Exceptional Vessels exercise 1.
• Fire Path: Du Mai Pump.
• Exceptional Vessels exercise 2: Switching between the Fire Path and the Water Path and noting the Internal difference.
• Exceptional Vessels exercise 1: Switching between the Fire Path and the Water Path and noting the Internal difference
• Change the Sinews.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.11.09

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• Q&A: Functions and benefits of Du Mai and Ren Mai.
• Change the Sinews: Working with the four Master Points in the forearms and hands.
• Awareness of around and inside the (physical) body.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth: Taking your time. Using a mixture of Active and Passive Qigong.
• Working with an individual pairing (Master & Coupled) and building up the awareness of both Vessels.
• Change the Sinews: Taking your time. Using a mixture of Active and Passive Qigong.
• Triggering the Master (& Coupled) points passively. 

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.11.16

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• Q&A: Functions and benefits of Chong Mai.
• Q&A: Where to listen (using physical landmarks) for the Qi in the Extraordinary Meridians.
• Change the Sinews: Listening to Yin Wei Mai and Yang Wei Mai. Awareness of around and inside the (physical) body.
• Using physical stimulation: Switching between Yin Wei Mai and Yang Wei Mai.
• Using Passive Qigong: Switching between Yin Wei Mai and Yang Wei Mai.
• How a different mind set changes what you are working with.
• Eight Exceptional Vessels exercise 2: Using the Water Path.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth: Working with the Shen.

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.11.23

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

• Du Mai & Ren Mai: Microcosmic Orbit using the Fire Path position.
• Chong Mai – Ren Mai Orbit using the Water Path position.
• Methods used to gain awareness of these orbits.
• Macrocosmic Orbit. Attention on the Extraordinary Meridians.
• The connection between the heavens and the earth: Using the Fire Path, then the Water Path. 

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.11.30

Working with Fire & Water

• Change the Sinews using the Fire Path position.
• Change the Sinews using the Water Path position.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth using the Fire Path position.
• Connecting Heaven and Earth using the Water Path position
• Seeing colour.
• The Du Mai Pump: With the choice of doing this as an Active, or Passive, Qigong.
• Pressing Palms in Calmness. 

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.12.07

Working with Fire & Water

• The Du Mai Pump: With the Fire Path position. As an Active, then Passive, Qigong.
• The Du Mai Pump: With the Water Path position. As an Active, then Passive, Qigong.
• Shen Qigong exercise 3: With the Fire Path position.
• Shen Qigong exercise 3: With the Water Path position
• Listening to the effects on the Third Eye, with awareness of other (seeing with the mind’s eye). 
  Gently closing the Chakras. 

Shen Qigong Classes: 2023.12.21

Working with the Extraordinary Meridians

Listening as each Vessel is accessed

• Connecting Heaven and Earth.
• Exceptional Vessels exercise 1.
• Exceptional Vessels exercise 2.
• Change the Sinews.