Meditation

Meditation is Qi Gong, energy work. Meditation is a form of exercise which works and develops the hidden potentials of the human body by following natural rules. It regulates and strengthens the human body by a special way of training, bringing the mind and the body to a higher level of harmony.

For this reason, throughout the practice of Meditation, the mind is trained to be in total control, giving orders to muscles, tendons, bones and internal organs so that they can work together orderly and smoothly according to our will.

Meditation leads to empowered living; positive intent, natural breathing all help to open, release and energise the power of the parasympathetic system to rejuvenate and restore you in a comprehensive, sustainable way.
The Chinese believe that as well as the body being made up of individual organs, the organs interact with each other on an holistic level connecting all the energies and functions of the internal organs. Contemporary physics has a parallel idea of the universe in Quantum Physics. Traditional Chinese Medicine works on the principle that if a particular organ is in poor condition, one should never look at it in isolation, but at the whole body to find the cause – for it is the root of the problem that interests them.
This philosophy contends that flowing throughout the body is what is known as ‘Qi’ or energy, which runs along a complex series of channels, known as meridians, these channels closely relate to the nervous and vascular systems, connecting all parts of the body. Qi then is found at the molecular level of the body’s system.
When Qi runs throughout the body freely, the body is said to be functioning at its optimum condition. However if there are any blockages in the system or the flow is weak, then the body becomes ill. In this theory of how the body works, the body needs to be in harmony in order to work at its best. This does not just relate to the physical body, but to the mind as well.
Meditation looks at the health structure of the body internally and externally. The exercises practised train balance, centredness and body awareness, helping to calm the mind and develop the health and full utilisation of the body. This leads to an understanding of oneself. The exercises can then be applied to everyday living, helping bring balance, awareness and sensitivity to both the mind and the body, creating improved health and well being.

The practice of meditation places emphasis on the development of certain life-style principles. Of particular importance is the development of balance. In interpreting the teachings of meditation tension and stress are expressions of imbalance. Therefore the cultivation of improved balance within the mind and body has an influence on reducing stress.

The practice of meditation has many levels for development and is relevant to people of all ages, enabling and facilitating the body’s ability to nurture, heal and strengthen itself.

Throughout the practice of meditation and Qigong, the whole body has to relax and sink. You have to learn how to be fully relaxed. First of all, the joints in the body will have to be loosened right through to the tips of the fingers. It is only through relaxation that it is possible to fully assimilate your energy.

It could be said that meditation training enables the mind intent to give orders to the body to make good use of our own hidden abilities. In other words, the signals from our brain and the movements of our body have reached the stage of automation or unity. To achieve this, our whole body will have to be relaxed and loosened.

The UKTQF has a syllabus dedicated to the Health and Well Being, which encompasses all aspects of meditation, meditation practices are also found in each of the Internal Martial Art Syllabus.

The UKTQF will be teaching seminars in Buddha Palm this year. Buddha Palm meditation is a profound and yet relatively simple Meditation meditation practice that develops and refines inner Qi strength. In Buddha Palm meditation we work from a seated position developing a calm and focused mind, we activate, strengthen and harmonise the body’s energy centres. Through gentle rocking, twining of the hands, and energy massage, we enhance and enliven our inner life force and self-healing mechanisms.

Via the principles of interconnectedness, which are the basis of Meditation Practice, we may dedicate the best of who we are to the world around us, and to our loved ones, family and friends.

This practice is ideal for anyone wishing to heal, and replenish Qi reserves. Through centring, calming, with the development of compassion and with full body awareness, we may be fully present to ourselves, and to others.