Internal Alchemy or Nei Dan starts when we can refine the raw Qi built in Qi Gong and get it deep into the cells of the body so the cells in turn can start producing the energy needed to touch upon and nourish our truer nature. Nourish it until our nature and later our soul is established as the reference point for who we are.

 Nei Gong is the process of internal, physical and mental change that we need to move through to even touch the fringes of Nei Dan or Alchemical practices.

 Qi Gong is one of the tools we use to move through this process. We start with this tool.

 Taiji is a complimentary practice to the above.

  Gong is a quality established over a long period of time until it becomes an intrinsic part of who you are.

The results of a authentic Qi Gong practice are tangible. We set up the correct circumstances grounded in body mechanics and qualities of mind.

A key skill in the internal arts is your ability to step back from the clutter of your mind. An effective way to be able to do this is to establish an anchor ( a bio-magnetic field) at the base of the body, “The Lower Dan Tian”, where the mind can gravitate into. Hence the first step is to build the Dan Tian. Your only concern at the beginning is to build the Dan Tien. Once the Dan Tian has been built more Qi can start to circulate through the body. Think of Qi as the fluid of the mind.  The quality of your mind and character impacts your Qi the Qi in turn impacts the the body.

Qi Gong and Nei Gong will make you more robust. More sensitive but not more fragile. However as your levels of Qi go up any distortions we all ready have will be magnified. We must therefore dedicate time to purge, nourish and regulate.

 The process of Qi Gong:

  • Alignment / Build the frame

  • Release unnecessary tension

  • Open the joints and body

  • Allow the Qi to sink

  • Awaken the Lower Dan Tian (Awareness, Centre of Gravity, Breath)

  • Consolidate the Qi in the Lower Dan Tian

  • Mobilise the Qi

  • Open the channels through pressure

  • Create neutrality in the mind (equal attention & energy)

Classes 2024.

Location: Woolwich Common

Time:  Sunday mornings. 9:00-11:00

Contact via text :

 

 

About the teacher
Sebastian met his first Taiji and Qi Gong teacher 20 years ago and his second and most influential teacher six years ago.  Fortunately both teachers had the clarity to see Taiji and Qi Gong as an art for spiritual alignment and self cultivation.  It is through daily practice with his current teachers’ school (LotusNeiGong.com) that the deeper aspects of these arts are starting to manifest.  The ability to release the feet and touch upon vertical power in Taiji and the ability to work with the field of the Lower Dan Tian to circulate, build and consolidate Qi in Qi Gong.

 

太极拳 = Taijiquan 

Meaning of term is ‘extreme singularity boxing’ which is a term not easily translated into English. It is a philosophical term referring to the manner in which a space or mass can be harmonised until it has only a single point of potential or focus. Everything around and not of this point is in harmony and essentially non-potential. The result is the emergence of perfect existence of Yin and Yang. 

So, if we were to actually interpret this term into English rather than looking for literal word by word translations it is actually quite easy. Taijiquan should be called – ‘Yin Yang Harmony Boxing’ or something along those lines. Most current English translations of the name do not really capture the meaning of the term in my opinion.

The term Tai does not simply mean the most extreme or ‘greatest’ but also can be used with a connotation of slightly too much. The idea being that harmony is taken to its extreme and then slightly beyond that which should be possible until the singular point of Ji produces Yin and Yang. This is understood as within Daoist cosmology, it is clearly stated that Taiji produces Yin and Yang.

Ji suggests the main upright pillar and crossbeam structure of the inside of a roof. The idea being, that the main upright aspect of the roof support is perfectly aligned to a singular point so that the rest of the roof may sit with no effort, simply under the force of gravity in balance without falling down.

The final part – Quan is the result of the previous two characters. It is a causation chain. So, by realising extreme singularity and harmony of Yin and Yang, the effective ‘boxing’ of Taiji is manifest. Without the correct attainments of Yin and Yang, there is no causation and so Taiji boxing is not achieved.

Some will read this and scoff at it; stating that such-high minded concepts are nothing to do with martial arts. Perhaps? Or perhaps Taiji may take a person deeper than simply combat?  -Damo Mitchell