Embracing Upright Qi

Becoming stuck in negativity leads to sadness and depression thereby suppressing the flow of qi. Work to develop greater acceptance and embrace what is happening, rather than wallowing in what is not. Clearly and gently verbalize bothersome feelings to the right people or share them in a journal. Let go of such feelings so they don’t build up and cause imbalance of the heartmind. Throughout this process acknowledge inner-knowingness and be authentic to self and others, as misrepresenting oneself leads to a continual buildup of stagnant qi.

Once feelings have been released, the re-writing of your story becomes a distinct possibility. Positivity is further enhanced by getting out and enjoying life. Dance for the sheer pleasure of it, give yourself big internal hugs, smell the roses and sing with the birds. Engage in internal exercises such as Yoga, Nia dance, Pilates, Taiji and Qigong. Draw forth an inner smile by gently lifting the corners of the mouth to raise the vibration throughout mind, body and spirit. Or spray lavender oil in the air to calm the mind or make a big pot of chamomile tea and pour it into a bath, then light a candle and soak to your heart’s content. This is how to ensure that upright qi – the real power of the body – is flowing throughout every aspect of being.

Seek out professionals who help their clients discover their true inner story, set forth a path toward deeper insight and those that honor the wholeness of being. Listen carefully to their advice and at the same time remember the holistic medicine adage that “the patient is the doctor” as each person knows innately what they need.

The bottom-line is that it is all about creating balance in your life. This might mean getting to bed and rising early, establishing work-life balance, while having fun and carving out time for rest and relaxation. Find good friends and be a good friend. Maintaining a fit physical body is another key, as a strong body leads to a resilient mind. Moreover, taking deep breaths throughout the day fills the body with effervescent upright qi.

Do the very best you can and if things don’t go so smoothly just pick yourself up and start anew. It’s never too late to work toward releasing energetic blockages and restoring free flow of vital energy. This is the way of Chinese medicine, always has been and always will be. We have so much to learn from these ancient ways. There is no time like the present to integrate its precepts into your life.v