I started practising Zhineng Qigong because of the difficult problems I had with my shoulders. I was working as a teacher and sometimes my shoulders hurt so bad that I could not write on the white board. I had to start using a overhead projector just so that I could rest my hand on the projector while writing. I went to the doctor and he prescribed physiotherapy, massage and all the things they usually try for pain patients such as myself. One day I decided to try a course in tai chi in Hangö Summer University. But they did not offer any courses in tai chi that year. Instead the offered a course in Zhineng Qigong, so I attended that instead.
Stiffness Gradually Improved
When I attended my first course, my shoulders were so stiff that I could not raise my hands over my head. I could not move my arms to the sides or behind my body. During the course I noticed that I reacted in the same way as I had reacted when having acupuncture treatments. So I thought to myself that if this gives me the same result as acupuncture, then I would rather do simple exercises than have someone stick needles into me. I also noticed what an efficient relaxation exercise this is. Suddenly I could feel muscle tensions releasing without even knowing that I had relaxed that muscle.
I attended more courses and after a while I managed to gather a practice group in Hangö. The physical improvement was gradual, and could hardly be noticed from one day to the next. Suddenly I would realize that I could do movements I had not managed before. Now my body is much softer and more flexible. I also notice that my stamina has improved.
Practising Zhineng Qigong Improves Stamina
A few years ago, my husband and I were hiking up a mountain in Norway. His stamina is better than mine, and after a while I was so out of breath that I had to ask him to go on without me. I sat down on a rock to wait for him. In order to pass the time in a sensible way, I practised a little La Qi. After practising for a while, I got up and started walking again. I walked all the way to the summit without any problems. My husband was very surprised when I showed up. After that experience, I have started to use La Qi when things are difficult. It always works well.
Calmer and Mentally Stronger
I also notice positive mental effects from practising Qigong. I have never been an impetuous person, but I still feel I am better at keeping my calm now than before. I cannot remember when I last felt irritated or sad. On the other hand, I am now better at expressing myself when I feel something is not right, instead of just keeping quiet and pretending that nothing happened.
By practising Qigong, I have realized that we can be our own worst enemies through negative thinking. The negative feeling you get then can be really destructive. As soon as you think that you cannot do it, you have given in. This is something that Zhineng Qigong has taught me. I used this insight, for example, when we were out riding our bikes in the hilly terrain of Mölle. When the uphill slopes were starting to feel tough, I just thought to myself that I can manage a little more – and suddenly we had reached our destination.
Personal Development Using Zhineng Qigong
I practise Zhineng Qigong because it makes me feel good. Physically, my flexibility is on a whole different level than if I would not practise. Mentally, I can manage much more than I would otherwise. Many more courses followed after my first one and during the last year I have attended both the Autumn Course and the Summer Course. I like the fact that I can continue furthering my personal development by practising Zhineng Qigong.
Mona Nyström-Hansen