We started the autumn semester in Finland in the same way as we have done for many years: with a weekend course in Hold qi up in Hangö’s old Butter Magazine on Finland’s southern tip. Many of the course’s participants had attended the course many times before, but we also had some beginners joining the course. The weather was beautiful and we got to enjoy some sunny summer weather both days, although the wind grew stronger on Sunday afternoon. One of the participants expressed their gratitude for the wind: otherwise we would not remember that we had been in Hangö. Those who had previously participated in our courses in Hangö know that it’s always windy here.
Some of the participants admitted that they belong to the strange group of people who know that practising qigong is good for us, but who also know that a good habit requires the support they get when they repeat the course with others.
Comments by the course participants themselves:
Improved mobility
“My neck has improved and the range of movement in my shoulders has improved.”
“Something has happened in my feet during this course, I do not really know what yet.”
“One time when I had back pain, qigong helped me.”
A good method
“After my first course, I noticed that qigong is useful in many different situations.”
“Practising qigong is a good start to the day.”
“Practising in the middle of the day calms me down.”
“When I practise in the evening, I always sleep well.”
“If you practise patiently, the results come gradually.”
“I understand what is best for me: to do these qigong exercises.”
“As long as know what I’m doing, I will not stop practising.”
“Qigong is always a good tool for me, although I’m a bit lazy when it comes to practising.”
Peace of mind and stress-free
“Before I came to this course, I was stressed and aggressive, now I’m happy again.”
“I was mentally in bad shape before I started practising qigong four years ago. I have received much help from this.”
“In recent times I have been worried and had problems with my mind. Whenever I join a course I get a lot of support, I find my center again and get help with depression.”
“The greatest reward I have got from practising qigong has been peace of mind. It is a big deal for me.”
Improved strength, happiness, joy and maturity
“Now I have the energy to go on one-and-a-half-hour walks, it feels good. I can do water aerobics for an hour and no longer need to sleep during the day. My physiotherapists are amazed at my progress, that I am in better shape every time I come to treatment.”
“The mental parts are so important, I’ve been happy.”
“I am happy that I started practising qigong five years ago. Then, life was so tiring. Now I’ve grown so much.”
Teacher:
Jeanette Heidenberg