I woke this morning with an abnormal amount of noise in my head. Various interactions from past days, still unresolved, perhaps complicated by the general increase of societal pressures. As I began to journal I was quickly grateful that this is not my normal waking state. Since journaling was not relieving the noise I decided to move into my morning Qi Gong practice.
Indecision arose to tease me. Should I practice indoors or practice along Sligo Creek. Where was Joann when I needed her? She's in Florida co-leading a women's meditation retreat. The choice was mine alone. Part of me just wanted to go somewhere and get pancakes - again not my normal morning process. Definitely I was in need of Qi cultivation, more so than usual and tossing obstacles in my path.
Anyone who has practiced Qi Gong or sitting meditation knows that practicing with others enhances the experience. Without my favorite practice partner I knew I had to head to Sligo Creek. The gently flowing water has a resonant effect on my being. I have read and experienced that practicing near flowing water helps the internal Qi to move through the meridians. Arriving at the creek, I began my practice. Indecision, distracting thoughts and the pursuit of pancakes continued to haunt me.
Gathering Qi with Nourishing the Bone Marrow exercise, I began to hold thoughts of gratitude as I gently moved. Grateful for Takoma Park, for America, for my wife and my teachers. Still the thoughts drifted beyond my choice. Continuing with my regular warm-ups I hoped for relief andquiet as silence seemed so far away. Slowly the discipline developed over decades began to balance the distortion. Sensing I needed to cultivate my yin energy I began Moon Light Qi Gong, a form developed by Master Nianzu Li. In the fourth movement, aptly titled Yearning, I noticed my attention was focusing, my mind quieting. I continued to practice, then took a slow walk along the creek.
I am grateful for the discipline that carries me when present, lost, alone or with others. Life is very precious.