Mastering Qi (Chi)

In their book "Mastering Chi: Strength from Movement" Hua-Ching Ni with his sons Dr. Daoshing Ni and Dr. Maoshing Ni offer many good justifications (if anyone needs any at this point) and many clear explanations of the specific value of "gentle, rhythmic movement" to a person's general health. They offer responses to many common questions people ask regarding Qi Gong (or Chi Kung or Chi Gong as they spell it). I have paraphrased Master Ni's work much in the past. His writings are the foundation of much of my own Taoist book learning. Below are some quotes and paraphrases from "Mastering Chi."

Some quotes from the book by Masters Hua-Ching Ni:

"In doing T'ai Chi movement and in living our lives, our goal is to be healthy and normal. Nothing special, just normal. The movement in T'ai Chi practice is a constant, healthy flow, not an erratic flow that is subnormal or abnormal."

"Our goal is to fully achieve ourselves while living within the inescapable network of worldly life"

"(In practicing T'ai Chi or Chi Gong) the internal and external elements of movement are not really separate."

Master Ni and his sons have devoted their lives and careers to practicing and teaching Taoist arts and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). They often remind students that the best way to have good success in improving your circulation, balance, strength and qi flow is by practicing gentle, rhythmic movements regularly. Learning from a teacher who can help you find optimal postures and techniques is ideal, but one can also find may videos and texts on the subject in any media.

I would like to help each of the people who are reading this message in achieving their movement goals. And mental health and spiritual cultivation directly result from regular physical practices such as the Ni family and I teach.

Please don't hesitate to let me know how you are enjoying and learning from these weekly messages. I sometimes feel like I am sending these words and ideas into the "void." I appreciate your response to my messages as well as your attendance at my classes.

Sincerely,
Sifu Mark Angel