Many hopeful but also some slightly worried participants showed up at this year’s Winter Course Training. The reason for the concern was the same as the reason why some had extra high hopes for the course. Due to the restrictions during the pandemic, this was the first time in two years that we arranged this course.
Several participants had noticed that despite a lot of support from the online training, they still felt a little worse than before the pandemic. Some had also found it challenging to keep the training going at home. Therefore, some of them were a little worried, despite their experience that the qi-field provides a lot of support. They weren’t entirely sure that they would be able to cope with the training.
During the course, it became clear that the participants coped very well with the training. This was noticeable both during the training and from the pleasant and convivial atmosphere during the breaks. The more hours of the course went by, the more people looked satisfied and happy. Of course, getting a lot of qi and seeing old friends lifts the mood several notches.
The most frequently recurring topic of conversation during the course was that many were looking forward to the Winter Course, which we are now going to start up again. Many wanted to see old friends again but also meet new friends in Karlskoga.
Below are some of the participant’s comments.
“I have not been able to maintain the same level during the pandemic as before the pandemic. When we had a lot of courses, you built yourself up well. Now I don’t feel as strong, have to sleep half an hour longer, etc. During this course, I feel like I have replenished qi in my whole body and head. It feels really good. I am looking forward to the Winter Course and hope many people sign up for it.”
“I’ve been training quite poorly lately due to moving houses. So I thought about not joining the course, but then I thought that even if I can’t exercise and just sit on a chair, I will get more qi in the qi-field. I am happily surprised because it has gone like a dance. Despite my poor training before, I managed well here. For the first time, my wish was fulfilled immediately. I have been troubled with chest pain so I wished that pain would go away. And for the first time, it happened immediately! It was an amazing experience. I’ve been training online at home, and what I’ve really missed are corrections. I got great corrections. The qi-field has been amazing, and thanks to everyone who has been involved.”
“I want to thank you for a really good set-up of this course, it was a little different compared to how it used to be before the pandemic. There has been a slower escalation of the training. Everyone has been friendly and helpful. It has been a great victory for me to be able to train all day. In my everyday life at home, I am on sick leave for chronic migraines and exhaustion. I work 10 hours a week but it takes all my energy to do so. Being up all day is not something I even consider when I’m at home. I called my sister yesterday, and she said
- Did you train 7 hours a day?
- Yes, I replied.
- But you’ve laid down sometimes, haven’t you?
- No.
- But you have been sitting and training?
- No.
- But you have lowered your hands down at times, haven’t you?
- No.
It’s like magic! It has been great meeting everyone. I have really missed this.”
“I have been a little worried about this course. I’ve been doing my training at home and stuff, but I’ve had problems and pain in my knee. So I was worried about the squat. It has exceeded all expectations, great actually. It has been nice, I got my knees together better, an no pain. I have also been worried about Three Centre Merge. My knee has been bubbling, cracking, and sizzling, but suddenly it was completely silent. Something happened in my knee suddenly. An exciting course. Very nice!”
“I also have high hopes for the Winter Course. It has been a very good course, thanks for that! I also think it has been nice to travel away from home to join a course. The home has become an office for me because I have been working at home so much. Leaving home and going on a course has allowed me to let go of my work completely, which has been nice. I have noticed that I have had more pain in my body during the pandemic. I’ve been practicing Qigong during the pandemic, but it’s become a bit more on and off compared to before. So I will try to plan better so I can get more Qigong into my daily life from now on.”
“I am deeply grateful for this course. I really needed it. This morning I went to the course and was surprised by how much flexibility I had in my legs and how energetic I felt. It was a difference from how it usually is. During the pandemic, I was involved in a bicycle accident and got a few injuries here and there. During the course, many things have happened to my face and neck. I’ve been thinking for a few months that I should practice more Shenxin, but now I will. I feel like that’s what I need right now.”
“I have also been looking forward to a physical course. In August I injured my shoulder. It has gradually gotten a little better, but I felt the injury a lot in all exercises. During the course it has worked a lot on my shoulder, and it feels much better in all exercises. This was exactly my goal, so I am very satisfied. Thanks for a great course!”
“I think it has been a great course, this course usually is. I think it gives a very good push forward during a difficult time of the year. It was two years ago that we had this course last time, just before we stopped physical courses again. Before that course I had been a bit up and down mentally and got a great boost after that course. I like this course a lot and really hope for the Winter Course and that we will all see each other there.”
Teacher:
Herbjörn Wilhelmsen