Thanks for your reply and advice. I have been trying to follow through on your suggestions and have noticed some relief but still continue to have the ringing sensation.
Regardless of the tinnitus, I have experienced numerous other benefits in a relatively short time. As a chronic sufferer of sinusitis, I have long suffered from frequent headaches. My headaches have practically disappeared since I began practicing Spring Forest Qigong. This relief coincided with extremely high pollen counts in my area. My energy level is much higher and more balanced and my libido has increased (so much so that my wife accused me of taking Viagra) since I started SFQ. Finally, I am much less irritable and more patient with my loved ones and co-workers.
Given these benefits, I am very excited about continuing and refining my Qigong practice. In that vein, I would like some advice in several areas. First, I have a lot of difficulty in staying awake or focused during the small universe meditation. I fall asleep or lose focus very quickly. I have greater success when I do the meditation right after the Active exercises. Unfortunately, I don’t always have the time to do the two together. Any suggestions? I hope that I can have greater success with the tinnitus if I can improve my focus during meditation.
Second, I feel like I am missing something with the Joining of Yin & Yang exercise. I have practiced Tae Kwon Do for several decades and have been exposed to energy exercises and Tai Chi exercises during this practice. As a result, I am very adept at feeling energy in my hands and have a great sense of the energy ball during the Joining of Yin & Yang exercise. Unfortunately, I have the impression that there is nothing beyond the energy ball in doing this exercise and lose focus. What, if anything, am I missing?
Third, I have a natural tendency to add exercises or steps during my Qigong exercises. For example, I move my neck in an opposite circular direction after the dolphin the neck Qi harvesting exercise. I have been taught to do “slurping dog” and “pigeon picking up seeds” neck exercises and one naturally follows the other for me. Additionally, I sometimes do a “soft” Tae Kwon Do form (a slow moving energy form) after my Qigong exercises. I have also thought about adding “nose” between the third eye and throat steps of Small Universe. Are such additions harmful or counter-productive?
Finally, my visualization of nose and forehead includes my sinus cavities during the Seven Steps of New Life exercise. Is that OK?
Thanks in advance for being a resource in furthering my Qigong practice.
