When stressed or emotionally upset, I need a change of viewpoint. I recognize the emotion, name it, calm it in body, mind and spirit. Yesterday I had the experience of being obsessed about making a decision, so we went outdoors to do our Qi Gong practice by Sligo Creek. After shaking, scooping, earthly and heavenly circles, we did all of Sunlight Qi Gong, my favorite long form. Then my husband and I walked in opposite directions. I found myself walking alone up a steep hill, still pondering my decision. Suddenly, I turned around, walked backward and found an entirely new perspective! The view from this height, looking down into a branch of the creek, reminded me of ‘Honey Creek’ in the Shenandoah Mountains, a refuge for me for over 25 years. My mind, body and emotions were transformed in a second. The energy in my head moved to my heart. I felt open, free, flooded with fond memories of walks near my beloved creek near Old Rag Mountain. The insight came to me that whichever way I decided to go, I had many options. I was a free woman.

Several exercises we have been teaching in our Zoom Qi Gong classes on Saturdays are very useful for gaining this “change of viewpoint” when we need it. Inviting the Temple Gong allows the entire body to shift from right to left, to touch the shoulder with one hand and gently tap the kidney with the other, then reverse, setting up a rhythm. Especially when our eyes shift from far right to far left, we actually see ourselves, our body and our environment from a different perspective. Yin and Yang become one.

Try walking backwards or Inviting the Temple Gong the next time you need a ‘change of viewpoint’!