TREE QI
From a qigong perspective, trees are considered guardians of the earth—they transform environmental toxins into clean, fresh air. In short, they are the filters of the planet. Also, as with everything from a Daoist viewpoint, trees contain and radiate energy. If you’ve ever spent an afternoon in the shade of a tree, leaned your back up against one for a rest, walked through a forest, or even gazed at a tree out a window, you’ve probably experienced the distinctly rejuvenating and healing energy of trees.
When we engage with trees in a conscious way, with intention and awareness, we open to a powerful vibration and exchange of energy.
Qigong with pine trees is traditionally said to be extremely cleansing, especially if the tree is higher up on a hill or a mountain. Willow trees are grounding, poplars vibrate with the metal (lungs) element, apple trees are thought to be helpful for balancing the fire (heart) element. We have abundant opportunity to practice qigong with the wonderful cedar tree—long known by First Nations to have healing power.
Since June is late spring and early summer we will work with a tree focus. In qigong the liver, the yin organ associated with the spring season and the element wood, is known as the Tree of Life—rooting into the earth (yin) at the same time it reaches for the sky (yang). A lovely balance, like the balance of yin and yang energies in spring, grounding and balancing our energy before we move into the warmer, more active, yang energies of summer.
I invite you to come out and experience some Tree Qi. We will work with the Tree of Life (liver) meridian or energy pathway, to open up energy blocks and move stagnant energy, allowing life to flow through us. In addition to using the tree as a focus and reflecting their nourishment in our mindful movements, in each class we will also do qigong with the energy of trees—a traditional and absolutely peaceful, rejuvenating, and soothing practice.
Root down into what nourishes and supports you and reach for the sky to grow and blossom in whatever way feels absolutely perfect for you on this natural and incredible journey. When life seems to get busy, it is even more important to commit to your practice—to move and breathe with the natural flow of your deepest self.
Lao Tzu said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
I’ll see you outside to create some natural, flowing space in your body and your life.
Namaste,
Sandra
© Sandra Tonn