This spring’s course in Hangö was popular. We have been active in Hangö for several years, and many are curious about Zhineng Qigong after seeing the positive effects of the method on family members and friends. In Hangö there are already some married couples who support each other in practising qigong. After this course, the city of Hangö has three more qigong couples.
The course was well appreciated by both new and repeating students. The new students specifically mentioned that they appreciated the individual feedback they got in the course. The repeating students appreciated the opportunity to charge up on qi, but were also happy to improve the quality of their movements as well as their motivation to practise. It was clear that the motivation was high in the next week’s group practice in Hangö. All the new students from the course joined the group and we had to move to a bigger room in order to accommodate everybody.
From the participants comments:
Less Stiff and Better Movements
“I suffer from osteoarthritis and I have, among other things, had problems with my back. I never liked exercising, but I like Qigong. Many things have improved since I started to practise Qigong. My back used to be stiff, but it isn’t any longer. I can control my hands better and I manage the movements better all the time.”
Feel Much Better
“This was my fourth basic course and my third year. I can’t live without this. Every course has been really important. Monday evenings when we have group practice, are also really important. I feel really good thanks to Qigong.”
“I was in bad shape last autumn when I attended my first basic course and then the Autumn Course. The latter gave me so much and Qigong has helped me a lot.”
Support in Taking Care of Oneself
“For me, Qigong has been a great support in taking care of myself. I used to get many different treatments but I would rather do something myself to improve my situation. A course like this is not expensive in comparison to the amounts one can spend on treatments. Attending a course improves my motivation to practise. It is good to have someone else at home who also practises.”
Help for Lumbago and Bad Hips
“This is my fourth course. I have suffered from lumbago and problems in my hips. My relaxation is better now, especially in my arms. This has been a good course. I have had many “eureka moments” regarding small mistakes I used to make.”
Charged up with Qi
“Qigong is good for me. I always want to repeat courses. Now I have been tired in my daily life and in this course I have charged up with Qi.”
Kinder
“I think Qigong has made me a little kinder.”
Improved Neck and Shoulders
“This is my first course. I feel a bit ambivalent still, but my neck and shoulders actually feel better. I will keep this up.”
Clear, Concentrated and Improved Posture
“I joined 3-4 years ago. Now I have attended two basic courses in close succession and it has really given me a lot. As I sit here, I keep a Qigong posture, something I haven’t managed before. Why have I not understood this earlier: it is possible to attend more than one basic course each semester! I’m used to practising in the evening, but now I have started to practise in the morning too. I feel it makes me clear and concentrated all day. I feel really motivated to practise.”
Found Calm and Peace
“Last year was tough for me. My friend asked me to join this course. I have also read about Qigong in the local newspaper, but I couldn’t join the course earlier. I want relaxation, peace and calm. I feel tired, but I have found calm and peace. This morning I was sweating heavily, even though we did really small movements. That was probably a good thing.”
Calm Body
“I have problems in my back and hips. Now my body feels calm and I will continue doing this. My attitude towards Qigong is positive.”
No Need for Pain Medication
“I keep my lesser ailments in check by practising. I haven’t needed pain medication in many years. Earlier I had to take pain killers when my legs grew tired and started aching. I don’t think about that or other small things that have improved. When they disappear, I don’t think about them any more. In general I feel better than before both physically and mentally, even though I don’t feel done by any means. I keep improving my ability to choose my own path without having to think about other people’s opinions, but I still overthink things sometimes. I will keep doing this, still after 5 ½ years since my first basic course.”
Improved Motivation
“I have attended some courses but I have been lazy to practise at home. Now I feel I have had a boost and I feel more motivated to practise.”
The Value of Group Practice
“I greatly value our practise group. Going there is a good habit which calms me down and doing the same thing every week is good. Joining this course was good for me.”
“It is good to have a group where I can get support.”
Comments on the Course and Course Structure
“I joined the lecture last autumn. This has been a positive course and I will join the Monday group practice.”
“I’m usually a little sceptical towards things I haven’t done before. Now my attitude is much more positive. I plan to continue doing this and I will join the group.”
“I joined the course when I heard that my husband had registered for it. I think it is good to share experiences like this within the family. What I have especially appreciated in the course was the individual help that is part of the course approach.”
Teacher:
Jeanette Heidenberg