Have you ever felt the desire for a “do over” or “fresh start,” or to “wash away your cares”? Daily, we take in information, requests, changes and the unexpected, and many times our mental and physical reservoirs just keep packing things in with little time to fully process or comprehend, let alone decompress and let go of those dozens of messages that occupied our thoughts throughout the day.
What can you do simply to prevent thoughts and information from mentally and physically piling up and blocking your creative and energetic flow? Good news! There are several things you can do to facilitate this. One of my favorites is doing a “full body cleanse.” This requires active, disciplined participation of mind and body. It comes from my Qigong practice, as guided by Jeff Primack of Supreme Science Qigong Foundation. The word Qigong means “energy flow” or “working with the energy of life.”
This exercise is to improve the flow of Qi and remove blockages along the body. First, the exercise opens with a gesture of receiving Qi (energy) with palms facing up. The arms rise upward from the shoulder and the palms “pass through the Qi.” At the top you spiral, expand and look to the sky with gratitude. This marks a key moment in the practice. “Pressing” on Qi, we ask for and receive a gift from the divine source. During the descent along the front of the body we employ visualization of light or a waterfall cleansing us. Heat and pulsation follows your mind down, and out the soles of your feet. Yes! It’s that good.
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” – Nikola Tesla
PREPARATION: Choose a space to do this practice where you won’t have distractions or be disturbed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for grounding. Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, arms at your sides, palms open (fingers separated) and facing each other. Now, bring hands out to side, palms facing up. Keep a nice bend in the elbow. Take a moment to feel the energy connection between your arms.
INHALE: Lift your arms from your shoulders without moving from the elbow. Hands and arms move straight up until they get to chest. Now arc arms up overhead. As you raise your arms, think as though your hands are moving through a mist. Slower movements are better—you can gather energy more effectively. When moving past the chest make sure your arms are rounded to “scoop” the energy upward. Round shape allows you to contain the energy before using it to move out.
EXHALE: Relax the shoulders and spiral upwards using small circular motions from the shoulders that move the entire arm, gathering the Qi, three times.
INHALE: Expand space between palms and gently look up 45 degrees. When you expand your hands, make a slight wrist adjustment to stimulate Qi. When you lean back, it is minimal. Don’t compress your neck too far back. Notice that the arms are “rounded” and not in a V shape. You can choose to make this movement sacred by being in a state of mind to receive the energy as a blessing washing over you (encouraged).
EXHALE: Bend at elbows, bend knees and root down solid. Head is level once again, and look out to the horizon.
INHALE: Raise hands a few inches. “Press” on Qi and focus your mind.
LONG EXHALE: Begin by focusing attention at the crown of your head. As you slowly lower the hands, visualize the Qi is washing your face, chest and downward over your entire body. See the area where the light hits your body “crackling and burning” any stress you might have inside you. It is also important to “press on Qi” while lowering. Follow it down with your mind. See it blast out the soles of your feet. When your mind reaches your feet, they will feel hot and pulse with blood and Qi. That is how you know the exercise is working!
Finish by spiraling the hands at the sides, as in the opening posture, three times. Close your eyes and think about connecting with the center of the earth. Feel the earth’s internal energy rise up to meet the energy you’ve gathered in your palms. You will feel its vibration. Hold to the practice you just did and let the results carry you through your day with grace and peace, knowing you can handle whatever comes your way with greater ease.
“The energy of the mind is the essence of life.” – Aristotle
