February 24, 2018

SILENCE and the GOLDEN TURTLE

Each each of the year’s seasons in qigong has an associated yin organ, yang organ, element, colour, and body tissue. In our winter practice we’ve been working with the kidneys, bladder, the element of water, a deep blue colour, bones, and body fluids.

Each season’s organ also resonates with a body sense. For winter/kidney the sense organ is ears. I always remember this because ears are sort of kidney shaped, and also because I love the silence that comes with a deep, restorative winter practice. Lao Tzu said, “Silence is a source of great strength.”

This week we will listen in to the kidney to find deep inner peace through silence, sound, and strength. We will delve deeper into Ming Men, the gate of life located between the kidneys. We will also make good use of all the reverse (kidney) breathing we’ve been practicing when I introduce you to the Golden Turtle.

The Golden Turtle posture is from the Iron Shirt Qigong practice and is extremely nourishing and strengthening for the kidneys and adrenal glands. It is also a very grounding (rooting) posture and will energize the fascia of the legs and back and strengthen the spine. When I do the Golden Turtle, which I do most mornings, I feel my vitality. I feel like a strong and powerful person—physically, energetically, and emotionally. I feel aligned with the longevity and peacefulness of the silent turtle.

Namaste,
Sandra