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Joined: Oct 2007
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Hi - I just received Spring Forest Qigong last week and reviewed the materials this weekend....but I have a question...
Instructions say not to shower/bathe within 30 minutes after doing the exercises....does this apply to the "sitting meditation" or just the "active exercises"?
I want to do the sitting meditation first thing in the morning, but I would need to get in the shower (and eat/drink) very soon after doing the meditation.
Any suggestions?
Sheila
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 474 Likes: 1
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Quote:
Hi - I just received Spring Forest Qigong last week and reviewed the materials this weekend....but I have a question...
Instructions say not to shower/bathe within 30 minutes after doing the exercises....does this apply to the "sitting meditation" or just the "active exercises"?
I want to do the sitting meditation first thing in the morning, but I would need to get in the shower (and eat/drink) very soon after doing the meditation.
Any suggestions?
Sheila
Well, first welcome to the Spring Forest!
And second, this is a great question and I am very interested in more definitive answer. I too often have a similar dilemna. I think it applies to both.
However, one of the things I like about Spring Forest Qigong and Chunyi Lin's whole approach is how forgiving it is. It is what first attracted me to this form after years of doing others and what keeps me enthused and inspired.
So, remember the basic principle of "there is no bad way to do SFQ: there is only 'good, better best'!"
This is so important because so much of the time, so many of us an so much of our culture always says "we must be the best", "we must do our best" etc. And sometimes we think that to " do our best", must mean that if we can't do what we know to be best, then either we should even try or we feel discouraged etc.
What has been helping me with issues such as your question, is I just remember, "good, better, best". So, it might be best to have that half hour window after practice before showering, eating, going to the bathroom etc. But it is still good (enough) to still have a consistent practice every day and then have to shower, go to the bathroom, eat right after. It generally will not hurt you, but the benefit will be somewhat lessened. And it can even be better (i.e than just "good") to at least wait 10 minutes or 5 or or 15 or whatever you can afford.
And this is what I love about Master Lin's approach: it is so forgiving and flexible. And as in so many success modalities, one can still have a goal or desired outcome to improve at some point ( a 6 month goal, a 1 year goal a 10 year goal etc) and get closer to "best".
Hope that helps a bit.
In any case, I look forward to a more precise answer from Shawn or someone "senior" to me (I have only been practicing SFQ for two years).
I look forward to sharing our success and progress in the future.
We are indeed all "born healers" (thanks Master Lin)!
How cool is that!?!
blessings,
Steve
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Great response....what you've said makes alot of sense. Like I said, this is my first week. I've only tried the active exercise once...I followed along with the video.
Problem I had was a very bad backache while standing to do the exercise. Of course, back problems is one of the reasons I am doing SFQ...so how do I deal with the backache while my goal is to eliminate the backache? Does that make sense?
I have every confidence that SFQ DOES work and WILL work for me, so I don't want to find myself getting discouraged because of the back pain.
Any suggestions?
Sheila
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Joined: Jan 2008
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I am also new to Spring Forest Qigong. Unfortunately, I have not been consistent with my exercises. The first couple times I had upper back, shoulder and neck pain while standing. I was only able to do 10 minutes, very discouraging and I kind of stopped the exercises and have been listening to the Spring Forest paraliminals at bedtime. I am having a hard time visualizing and concentrating. When I exercise or meditate I am having a hard time letting my mind go. I like to be in control and can't seem to let go.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am very excited and hopeful this will assist me in my life.
Thank you
Daniela
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,195 Likes: 4
Learning Strategies Member
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Learning Strategies Member
Joined: Oct 2001
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Aloha... shestiles: IF you have to eat, then eat. If you need to have a fluid adjustment, do so. If you need to shower so the people at home, the commute, and work are willing to be near you, then by all means do so. good, better, best. In these instances I'd recommend taking your time - not rushing off to the bathroom right after the meditation. Need to use the bathroom? Okay, just bring the energy from your lower dantain up to your heart area during the process, then back down when done. Keep the water for showering and washering your hands warm. We would rather not chill ourselves at this time. eat warm or room temperature food at this time is possible...once again, steering clear of cold things right away after deep meditation. shakurav: Jeez - I'm feeling old with that "senior" comment.  Danib: some of your "weaker links can come up as you do the experiences. Just like riding a bike, a dance, or skateboard move for the first time, you end up using more muscles than you need throughout most of the experience until you reax and become more aware of what is going on in your body in regards to what you're doing compared to what you want to do. You can acknowledge your body's signals, relax, and bring your focus back to the breath/movement/sound. The discomfort or tightness in the area can leave immediately or after a couple minutes, days, months...keep giving it that opportunity through these energy balancing exercises. As for "When I exercise or meditate I am having a hard time letting my mind go. I like to be in control and can't seem to let go," Great. These exercises and mediations are set up to focus it. The active exercises are easier because they have physical movements that gives you one more avenue to occupy a busy mind. So use your focus/consciousness to focus on the aspects of the Spring Forest exercises/mediations: breathing, movement, visualization, and sound. Much Love, Shawn Much Love, Shawn
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Thank you Shawn,
Do you have any recommendations (schedule) for using the Spring Forest Paraliminals. I have both CDs and few of the other paraliminals. I would like to listen to them. I think my main problem is I have alot of issues I would like to resolve and I am bouncing around to different cd's and not concentrating on one. Inpatient I guess.
Faith & Confidence (mostly use at bedtime)
Consistent Practice (haven't started yet)
Deep Relaxation
New Behavior Generator
Living The Law of Attraction
Perfect Health
Prosperity
Self Esteem Supercharger
Instantaneous Personal Magnetism
Sales Leap
Also, I live in the twin cities area and was wondering if there are any group session (exercise/meditation) classes south of the river.
Thanks
Daniela
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Joined: May 2007
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Quote:
Great response....what you've said makes alot of sense. Like I said, this is my first week. I've only tried the active exercise once...I followed along with the video.
Problem I had was a very bad backache while standing to do the exercise. Of course, back problems is one of the reasons I am doing SFQ...so how do I deal with the backache while my goal is to eliminate the backache? Does that make sense?
I have every confidence that SFQ DOES work and WILL work for me, so I don't want to find myself getting discouraged because of the back pain.
Any suggestions?
Sheila
LOL I have the same issues. I have seen improvements over the past year.
For myself I have noticed that I carry a lot of emotional tension in my shoulders and back and it causes my back muscles to tighten up and of course cause pain. It is MUCH better now than what it used to be, I used to have to practice the first three exercises flat on my back now I can do them all standing.
What has helped me is some simple back stretches to loosen the muscles before starting my Qigong practice and I visualize the Qi flowing up and down the tough spots in my back. This really helps. And working on issues that cause tension to build up in my back in the first place and let it go.
JEFF
Without desire there is tranquility. And in this way all things would be at peace. -Lao Tzu
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 474 Likes: 1
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See I knew Shawn would have some good answers! And Shawn, if you think you feel old now, well just wait... You ain't seen nothing yet! Also, for those who have any problems standing up and are still looking for improvement, again, always remember the "good, better, best" principle: Chunyi Lin says right up front on the recordings, that you can do any of the SFQ exercises or meditations either standing, sitting or lying down. So it is still good to do them lying down. Better to do them sitting up and best is to do them standing. And then just watch the great gradualt process of healing! The trick with qigong is to let the energy flow however it needs to. And it eventually finds its way to do what you need to get to the next level. So trust the process! I love the SFQ Paraliminals and they are the ones I use most now. Don't get me wrong; I still like the other Paraliminals, but the deeper I get into SFQ the more that is what I want to focus on. I still use the other Paraliminals sometimes, often also to help me focus on SFQ! But the 10 Minute Supercharger is still an invaluable tool for a quick boost when tired in the middle of the day!
blessings,
Steve
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Thanks everyone! This is day 3 for me with SFQ and I feel wonderful! I did do a little of the active exercises this morning standing up, for about 10 minutes and like I said, I feel great - the back pain was minimal. I've done "Small Universe" twice now and I love it! I'm glad you all mentioned the paraliminals, because truthfully, I had forgotten about them. I was so caught up in the exercises and meditations that I didn't think about them. I will definitely listen to one tonight.
Have a great day!
Sheila
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