LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Body Works: Moving Meditations |
by Gregory Myers |
I began my practice of meditation over twenty years ago while in college. An off and on again sort of thing with me, but I've pretty much stuck with it all these years. My favorite reference for meditation is the classic and simple, How to Meditate by Lawrence LeShan. Another excellent reference is Meditation: The First and Last Freedom, compiled by Swami Deva Wadud. About the same time I began exploring yoga, first by reading a few how-to books, then taking a class when in graduate school. Once more, another "on again-off again" affair, but I've pretty much stuck with that through the years, too. Then in 1995, I was introduced to Crane Style Qi Gong. Well, zing went the strings of my heart! Qi Gong loosely translates from the Chinese as "energy work" or "energy practice." It is a broad category of healing techniques encompassing massage, energy healing, and moving meditations including tai ch'i, kung fu, other martial arts, and the recently outlawed form of Falun Gong. My first exposure to Crane Style Qi Gong, created by Master Heming Pan, was through Chan Zhang, an instructor at the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Columbia, Maryland. Chan, a diminutive woman, is a classically trained violinist who began the study herself to heal congenital heart disease. When Chan walks into a roomyou FEEL her presence. She is a delightful woman, devoted to spreading Qi Gong throughout the world. As she sees it, "Once everybody is doing Qi Gong, we will end all wars." By the way, her heart condition has healed. There are different schools or styles of Qi Gong, and many instructors feel it best to not blend different styles. First Level Crane Style incorporates slow, graceful movements coupled with deep breathing. These are divided into five sets or sequences of movements involving the torso, arms, head, and legs. The focus in this first level is to stretch the muscles and tendons of the body so as to facilitate the movement of qi (the universal life force) through the meridians or qi channels. In my own experience, I have found qi gong to be very effective in warding off asthmatic episodes (I was diagnosed with adult onset asthma about five years ago). When I begin to feel "wheezy," I simply find the time and space to practice qi gong, and in the hour's time it usually takes, my lungs are breathing normally! Qi Gong is great for relieving most stress induced imbalances. This past November I had the wonderful fortune of beginning the study of Svaroopa Yoga with one of Rehoboth's local yoga instructors. This form of yoga is simple, gentle, and for meextremely therapeutic. The focus in this yoga style is to begin focusing each session at the base of the spine (the coccyx or tail bone) and slowly work up through the sacrum, lumbar (lower spine), thorax (rib cage), then head and neck. While my study and practice of yoga has been sporadic at times, I find this gentle and meditative approach to be thoroughly engaging! At times, following a session, I feel so relaxed and openI'm amazed my body isn't actually dissolving into the air (but then again, perhaps it is!). Not only do I feel the lengthening of my muscles through assuming the postures or asanas, but I truly feel the lengthening of my breath and mind. Locally, Andrea Winward is the director of the "Yoga Studio," and she offers a variety of yoga experiences (for all levels of yoga practitioners) along with Instructors Kim Abplanalp and Brian Mann. There are a wide range of moving meditations: labyrinth walks, tai ch'i, kung fu (as well as other martial arts), trance dancing, drumming circles, and even some athletic activities such as swimming, kayaking, runningall are effective means of focusing the mind (as a means to broaden it!), while moving the body through a variety of movements. The goal in each of these is to broaden the mind, deepen the breath, and destress the Self. Looking for a new way to decompress after a long day of work, try one of these moving meditations! Finally, in case you haven't heard, I moved to New Mexico at the end of the summer. I want to keep in touch, so watch for my new column, The Zuni Chronicles. Until then, be well, reiki blessings to all! |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 13, Sept. 17, 1999 |