Hi Claire,
That's an impressive schedule! Bottom line, you are doing positive work, and addressing different aspects of self. That is important work. You are also spending the time it takes to see progress, or feel the effects of doing that work. Not very many people make that kind of commitment. You do receive benefit from what you are doing with qigong...it would, of course, be better if given its own time and focus. :-) I assume you knew I would say that! Perhaps, it is a matter of levels of experience or benefit, and looking at the big picture regarding what you are doing for yourself with your different interests. All I can do is tell you what I get from qigong, from a big picture sense. It is up to you to discern whether or not you are covering all the bases, and what level of success you are having , relative to the methods used. I use qigong for physical work/exercise. The aspect of qigong that makes it different than other modes of exercise, are things unique to Chinese systems of movement/exercise. I speak generally here, taking in account the wide range of qigong systems, gung fu, tai chi, etc., and aspects they share in common. Smooth, continuous motion, coordinated movement(whole body), and non movement/absolute stillness(static posture or meditation). The absolute stillness/meditation, etc., can of course be found in and from other sources/systems. None of these three things are simple accomplishments, although simple concepts. Slow, continous motion is like meditation in motion. Coordinated movement is an ultimate physical expression of self to feel. Absolute stillness is related to the qigong meditations. Non movement or movement. I like how it is separated, and the level of how each can be felt. I don't see this in many other alternative practices. I see broken movement, uncoordinated movement, and no prolonged stillness. Two other very important factors are healing and spiritual energy. Healing is very specific to SFQ. It is possible to pursue "health" in many systems. SFQ is incredibly specific in addressing health, and, also healing others. This is unique. If you ever have health issues, SFQ is very important to spend time in. If you ever want to do healing work on someone else, I don't care what mode, SFQ is priceless, and will improve whatever you are doing. Spirituality can exist on it's own ,separate from qigong work. You can draw on many different sources. Spiritual work is also important. Transformation of one's soul, or raising the vibration of self. It so happens that SFQ involves spiritual healing work and also transformation through meditation. You can bring your spiritual preference into the system, or use suggested sources, like the 'master's energy'. Working with spiritual energy is as real as working with emotional and physical energy. If you think of healing and transforming self, they are all involved.
SFQ can get very focused in this area, if one chooses to pursue it. Specifically gathering spiritual energy, and working with it, to heal self and others, or transform self. It is hard to give a simple answer to your question, without mentioning these things!!! If I look at your current program of self work, which I am noT totally informed about (centerpoint and curves, yoga...), although I have a respectful viewpoint, I would look at the level of physical exercise, in regards to sophistication, the element of spiritual growth and transformation, and the aspect of healing, healing energy, and healing work. It would be easy to practice alot of worthy systems/methods, and perhaps miss the boat on a few important things, or possibly experience them at a higher level through a specific way. Don't count out qigong. Keep your foot in the door. At some point, take the time to immerse yourself in some aspect of it to see what it is. It doesn't have to be a broad program. One meaningful movement or non movement for a longer period of time, with no distractions. Perhaps gathering spiritual energy. Keep up the work, I think it's great. You are doing positive work. Energetically speaking, it all helps, and makes a difference.
