Program Development
My spiritual path started with my emigration to the USA. There I was introduced to yoga and meditation for the first time. I took up Hatha Yoga, attended various classes and practiced almost every day. After discovering Paramahansa Yogananda I stayed for retreats in Encenitas California where I was taught some new exercises. Upon returning to Austria I started training in Kinesiology in Graz, Austria. The new knowledge helped me keep my children and myself healthy for years to come.
Since I had gone back to my former job as a teacher I decided to do some of the exercises with my students in elementary school. Every morning we spend the first ten to fifteen minutes to go through a program that I had designed especially for them and which enabled them to not only feel good about themselves but also jump started their mind. Test results and love of learning soared to new heights. Parents requested to get to know the exercises as well and practiced them together with their children at home.
After being transferred from elementary to secondary school I ended up in a situation that was tough. In order to survive this new teaching situation I practiced various exercises and meditated every morning. Years later during my studies in the United States I discovered Falun Dafa exercises (Falun Gong) which I taught myself with pictures from the web. After a year I met a group in Mainz, Germany and was able to learn some more details and the philosophy behind it.
About two years ago after some turmoil in my relationship left me feeling powerless and far from content which prompted my health to deteriorate. I turned to the web for help and got some online training in QiGong. It took me a while to learn the exercises. Gradually I started to put together a program that combined the new exercises with many of the things that I had learned throughout my life. Faithfully practicing it every day I had to change things again and again until I was satisfied with my new creation.
My youngest son after seeing my newly developed program told me that I had done what Bruce Lee many years ago did. He took the view that traditional martial art techniques were too rigid and formalistic to be practical. Lee decided to develop a system with an emphasis on practicability, flexibility, speed and efficiency. Lee emphasized what he called “The Style of no Style”. I remembered that once when researching Tai Chi on the web I discovered a branch of Tai Chi that called itself the no style.
My new and unique program ultimately is not a matter of petty rigid techniques but of highly developed spirituality and physique. Learn the exercises, listen to your body and feel your way into maybe doing things differently or incorporating other movements that feel good to your body. Remember that there are no good or bad exercises; your performance of them is either good, better or best. The only authority in regard to your vitality and health is your own body. It will tell you what is good for you. Do not forget that thoughts create your reality; learn to trust your own feelings and listen to your body.
Program Basics
Energy is the basis for a fulfilled life. It provides body and mind with strength, connects us to our soul and helps us create joy, love, and harmony in life. Our body is an amazing tool that enables us to support its self-healing powers with exercise, breathing and healthy nutrition. Tai Chi tells us that if there is harmony in our movements there is also harmony in our mind.
Common benefit
The smooth flow of Chi throughout our body strengthens our immune system, teaches internal relaxation and coordinates body, mind, breath, and energy flow. The exercises help us to detoxify the body, improve blood circulation, release blockages, increase energy, restore vitality, and therefore promote longevity and our general well-being. At the same time we are able to balance our emotions, clear awareness and rediscover our intuition and creativity. Part 1 and 2 for the morning are geared towards strengthening and harmonizing the energy in our body. Part 3 for the evening will balance us and help to relax and calm down.
Breathing
As important as the smooth, slow and harmonious movements is breathing. Breathing lets us feel alive. External energy becomes internal energy. Be attentive with your breathing because it connects – as without so within. If the movement is extending parts of your body breathe in, if it contracts breathe out. This enables you to keep a slow pace. After you learned the exercises and know the sequence you might want to close your eyes because it keeps your attention focused on how your body feels.
Program Overview
The program consists of 3 parts. Part 1 has the focus to activate most acupressure points and meridians (there is no graphic because you can easily find that on the web) and ends with some of the most important exercises from QiGong and Tai Chi.
The exercises in Part 2 are grouped in threes with the same focus. This way it is easier to remember the sequence. After each group of three we hold the hands about 2 inches apart over the navel. Wpmen have the left hand on the outside, men the right one. This anchors the new energy in our body. After a short while the hands go down and form a circle. Palms face upward and rest above each other. The hands form the Dhyana Mudra which represents the spiritual power of the fire which transforms all impurities. It is a calming gesture of meditation that forms the perfect balance between body, mind and soul and is at the same time also a symbol for peace and inner strength.
Part 3 shows slow meditative movements which decrease stress and calm and harmonize the energy field at the end of the day. They bring your focus back to yourself and help you relax and unwind.
Posture
We stand completely relaxed with legs apart. Knees are always slightly bent as are the arms. Fingers slightly spread but relaxed. This posture enhances the flow of energy. Stretched arms and legs block the flow. The pelvis controls movement and is the basis for vital energy. The spine is the energy generator.
Demo
Energy Connection offers an easy to learn program for activating your energy by using knowledge and wisdom of eastern traditions. The program consists of 3 parts with movements from QiGong, TaiChi, Yoga, Falun Gong and Kinesiology woven into a holistic format which activates and enhances our body’s energy, creates a better flow and harmonizes it.
Slow and uninhibited flow of Qi in our body strengthens the immune system, balances emotions, decreases feelings of stress and inner restlessness and creates harmony and flexibility in body and mind. Because of this we experience clearer more focused awareness which in turn opens the gateway to intuition and creativity.
Movements like this not only enhance your body’s energy but at the same time your mind’s. Therefore it is perfect for stressed employees, world travelers, seniors who want to stay healthy, and for all people who strive for joie de vivre and mental clarity.
Detail from the energy exercise program: