Thrice Daily

Looking forward to getting back to this thread. I’ve given myself rather a lot of work to do over the next month so it’s taking up almost all possible time. Until then here are some exercises to keep things loose bit of nice Qigong in there as well splendid…

I’m wondering what are your; Experiences with Yi Jin Jing? Other trainings you find compatible? Recommendations for practice? Resources you might recommend? and anything else on the subject. I’ve been practicing for a while and I don’t really dig around online for information as I’m pretty happy with the set I’m using. I’d be interested to read what you guys thing though, those who have experience. Also I think it could be a brilliant thread for people to be introduced to the practice as it’s such a solid approach and base to work out from and return to when needed. Thankyou 🙏

If this is a simulation it’s massive isn’t it?

@Sir Darius the Clairvoyent have you chilled yet?

A few questions to get the juices flowing and a bit of inspiration if you want to jump on this thread. The more the merrier. What does your weekly training cycle look like? Do you practice everyday? Do you practice after certain activities? Do you practice before certain activities? Why? When do you practice, morning , noon , night, how does this fit why does it work for you? What is the wisdom in your routine, can you share any tricks, tips, insights etc that you have gathered over the years? Do’s Donts, Tips for beginners? Or more intermediates? Or any other little tweaks ? or profound, that spring to mind about your daily/weekly (even monthly or yearly )practice routine, Either now? Or over the years previous? Or maybe even what you are planning to do?

I would be interested to know how Yijinjing affects Motor Units - firing rates ,,, And my specific question would be , could exercises like Yijinjing sets (typical martial ones let’s say) off the the loss of Motor Units. This video suggests that by age 70 we could have lost 40% of days units [and no way to get them back] So we are not talking muscle size per se, we are talking about the motor units that fire them, for strength power swiftness and precision. I wonder if studies have been done to ascertain what this sort of intensity and repetitious stretching, contracting and relaxing exercises does for the central nervous system and specifically the preservation of more motor units for later on in life??? I figure study on the effect of later arts that still hold true to the Yijinjing principles may be of use in answering this question with at least some accuracy. I hope so I’d really like if someone could chime in with some empirical data …

I really don’t mind , but I would rather you focused on Yijinjing , there is a lot to be said about it, here are some of the places I’d like to take the thread the people, the places and the practices of early practitioners mainly earlier on from year 600 ad onwards (before can be interesting too though) Taiji, I-Chaun, Hsing-I, Bagua, all deserve their own threads in my opinion so I’m more interested in keeping to Yijinjing as much as possible,,, however offshoots, hybridisations and earlier imaginings , roots/commonalities are still welcome here. Although it would be good to see something more obscure than typical if you wanna mention other arts. Practice experience , hints, tips, tricks, dos and donts, pros and cons. Comparisons with other practices, suggested adjunct exercises, complimentary exercises to Yijinjing etc etc , subjective experience insights , that would be brilliant, if you had experience just jump in with a comment and keep it going? that’s about it really, where it came from, who practiced it and how, then how modern folk practice it, understand it. Yijinjing , anything to offer on the subject at all you’re free to offer. And if in disagreement to points that’s great ok, just try to keep it about the YJJ History - Notable Characters - Theory or Practice… hope that helps 👍

i don't mind to be honest, we can form mountains out of rock if we drip enough water on them.

I don’t know why you express opinions as truth, it really damages your reputation on here. Magnets exist in the earth, in fact it’s quite possible the entire earths core is magnetic Copper Coils only for electricity???, explain lightening I get what you are saying, nothing happens in life without oxygen i get it the universe wouldn’t function without. same could be said about the Color red, or cheese. it’s a shame you you have to get judgey here and it doesn’t seem to matter when people put you right. We have to make room for other peoples opinions for equanimity harmony, sanity… very important. So I’m not going to tell you about the human body creating electricity, (many it will illustrate a bigger point for you) you’ll have to find that research yourself. It’s a pity I’m a very amiable person. But you seem to prefer vexation to conversation. Also you’re the only person that seems to not want to delve into the subject of Yijinjing here. It’s a better I bet your would bring significance and have good contribution here if you helped it grow , best regards 🙏

Not totally. It’s easier though to be more energetically sensitive with less food I’ve found. I think a lot is down to simple blood flow and how much easier it circulates though to aid focus and concentration especially to the brain. Fasting is great, but I think not with Yijinjing practice

I don’t know I think you are leaving a lot on the tables talking about chi in terms of oxygen I find it a bit ridiculous when I think about what we know about electrons now. How neurons work and the electrical and magnetic forces that are at work on the planet, in the planet, on our bodies and in our bodies… We know there are electrical impulses firing. I know oxygen is important but you are very much missing the point that these old legends (and modern understandin) leverage as cold plain facts. Visualisation for example.it’s not a modern invention… you must realise, the mind doesn’t think in words, it thinks in pictures… The memory works that way, the senses give us input and lock us into our nervous system. A nervous system so incredible it cannot even distinguish reality from a visualisation (if the visualisation is absorbing enough) the nervous system will totally change … So you see it is thought and intention that has power to guide chi just as much as oxygen and food… I don’t know why you want to reduce it all to breathing. It’s important but only a part of the picture. There is some much beyond the focus off breath. I’ve found the real profound experiences tend to happen when breath is actually completely forgotten about… Oxygen is great but remember it’s really the Stars (and possibly the black holes) that power the universe… plus oxygen is just one on our periodic table even here. So much more to it. I do commend your dedication to it though , I really do…

My mind is a micro chasm!

You didn’t read my last post clearly enough. Please reread it slowly and get back to me , 🙏 Then more pictures 🗡

Wow that’s awesome. I can draw from my experience and see if I can resolve the some good checkpoints ,, You know one springs to mind. It’s funny what you find in Taoism that seems unrelated and one simple daily practice can change some massive dramatically. im thinking about social anxiety and associated issues deeply rooted and anchored to nervous system , how to shift? A really powerful way I started to change was when I started using the book Chi Self Massage… One lesson in there is, Draw Tear From Eye Simply staring at my thumb every day around 5-8 inches from my nose,,, but no blinking, like burning concentration. wow it was like eating a red hot chilli pepper 😂 but really… I think this takes a deep effect in nervous system and retraining eyes is a massive portal to the changes you seek. There are so many reasons but I can’t really have time to list right now. Still that book I mentioned , if you order it you want be sorry. A lot of what you are going through is deeply anchored in the body. As it is for all of us. This book delivers a great understanding of this. but better it gives practical easy exercises we can do through the day to stabilise real results a few minutes at the time. there are other eye exercises in there too. I learned all the exercises and I consider it a Bible. I studied massage and imo no book does what this does. It’s simple common sense once you know it but regular massage addresses none of it. Funny old world isn’t it. The burning eyeballs tear trick is great. I promise after you will keep eye contact and even while you’re doing it your whole physiology will change MASSIVELY Gawd Darn It!!!!! ps both eyes have to water though or it doesn’t count, good luck my friend, speak soon. And pm any time 👍

Knew that would get your attention. Ward is to Draw ✍️ ⚔️

Existence is a completed movie, We just think we are in the middle of it. the moment is just like the laser light hitting a dvd disc as it spins. We are completely completing completed completion… Word backwards is Drow

Another interesting Figure of Songshan is Ge Xuan, the grand uncle of one of my favourite characters so far, Ge Hong... He was kicking around the mountains possibly earlier than anyone else in recorded history, apart from the legend / myth character Yin Xi.. Anyway here is a video with a bit of nice history... Regarding exercise Ge Xuan is said to be the originator of; "Five Animal Frolics" (五禽戏, Wuqinxi): A series of exercises mimicking the movements of animals. Ge Xuan is believed to have refined these exercises to focus on internal qi cultivation. "Nine Bends of the Yellow River" (黄河九曲): Movements symbolizing the winding flow of the Yellow River, used to enhance qi circulation and calm the mind. "Drawing the Bow to Shoot the Eagle" (引弓射雕): A posture designed to strengthen the back, regulate breathing, and open the chest. I'm certain it's hard to say for sure though, it was 164–244 CE Ge Xuan's methods likely included biqi (闭气), or "breath-holding," to concentrate qi in specific areas. (This is a new term for me today in Chinese although I have used the technique before and do use it is some of the Yijinjing form I'm currently practicing) Just looking at breath for a moment I though to include this quick summery, although more general and not specific to YJJ, still interesting to see the history of these well known to modern readers techniques for ingesting, circulating, breath / qi... Daoist Breath Circulation Practices: From the Tang to the Song Dynasty Tang Dynasty (618–907) During the Tang Dynasty, Daoist meditation practices underwent significant developments, incorporating Buddhist influences and the teachings of various schools. In particular, the 8th century saw the composition of important texts that shaped Daoist practices, including breath circulation methods. Sima Chengzhen’s Fuqi Jingyi Lun (730) Sima Chengzhen (647–735), a prominent Daoist of the Shangqing School, wrote the Fuqi Jingyi Lun (Essay on the Essential Meaning of Breath Ingestion) in 730. This text combines traditional Chinese physical techniques with Buddhist-inspired meditation (guan), focusing on purification and longevity. The text is divided into nine sections, with one of the key ideas being the practice of "ingesting breath" or fuqi. In this practice, practitioners absorb Qi (vital energy) instead of food, using techniques like visualization and internal guidance to circulate and store Qi in their body. Initially, practitioners would abstain from eating grains and instead "ingest Qi" by visualizing the rising sun and guiding the Qi through the body’s organs. Although this process can initially weaken the body, over time it is believed to purify the practitioner and lead to greater vitality and spiritual realization, with the ultimate goal of becoming a "zhenren" or "Perfected One" after nine years of practice. The Taiqing Xingqi Fu and Other Methods Another important text, the Taiqing Xingqi Fu (Great Clarity Talisman for Facilitating Qi Circulation), offers detailed guidance on breath circulation. It explains two primary methods of circulating Qi: Xingqi (Circulating Qi) – This method involves directing the Qi to specific areas of the body, such as the brain or areas of illness. Inner Vision – By focusing inwardly, practitioners can "see" the flow of Qi through the body's organs and guide it mentally. This method distinguishes itself from ordinary imagination by emphasizing a deeper, more controlled visualization. Further texts, such as the Yanling Xiansheng Ji Xinjiu Fuqi Jing (745), explore advanced techniques, including using the will to guide the Qi to specific areas of the body and holding it there to heal ailments. Song Dynasty (960–1279) Daoist breath circulation practices continued to evolve during the Song Dynasty, with new techniques and interpretations emerging. Master Ning’s Breath Circulation Method One notable development during this time was the Ning Xiansheng Daoyin Fa (Master Ning’s Gymnastic Method), attributed to Master Ning, a legendary figure said to have served the Yellow Emperor. His method included a series of exercises inspired by the movements and breath of various animals, such as the toad, tortoise, wild goose, and dragon. These exercises involved rhythmic breathing, breath retention, and body movements, each designed to guide and circulate Qi through the body. For example, the "Dragon Procedure of Circulating the Breath" involved bowing the head, holding the breath, and using hand movements to massage the body. This method, like others in Ning’s system, was believed to have powerful benefits, including enhancing the practitioner’s ability to withstand extreme conditions, such as going into fire without burning. Guiding and Refining the Breath Later texts, such as Ceng Cao’s Taijing Daoyin Yangsheng Jing (12th century), emphasized the importance of guiding the breath (xingqi) to control internal energy and the role of physical exercises (daoyin) in managing the external body. These practices were seen as complementary, with xingqi controlling the internal Qi flow and daoyin promoting external health through physical movement. @ChiDragon largely correct in most regard, but do you do much visualization? if at all?

I know

I Am The Tao.

Get exactly what you are saying here, or somewhere close. Let me share a few points and see if on track, WHO: Those you surround yourself with may take on a different flavour the more you practice. Certainly I found I became more sensitive to swearing and outlandish and reckless behaviour (pubs, night clubs) the more I practiced, so may lose friends and be viewed differently. Are you comfortable around people or stuck in judgements or the feeling of being judged to an unhealthy extreme? WHAT: Daily routine can change that much it can edge other things out of life you may not notice at first as being nurturing but sometime after you may notice things are missing. What you focus on can be great but it can take focus away from other things, family, dating , mating, relating, perhaps your practices make you less inclined to let go of the new routines leading to being dominated by tasks that you would otherwise have freedom from. Can you stabilise the practice or is the schedule and duration time of practices all over the place? WHY: Your very reason for life can change pretty quickly with a powerful daily practice, this can be good in the beginning but how likely is it that it will stabilise, will it be something that can really stay, reasons for starting might change, the why might change, can you keep up with the practices and can the practices keep up with your life, it's a new balancing act of priorities and reasons for doing/not doing the things you do. Is it clear you are having consistent results due to your practice, can you even tell? WHERE: You could find the whole environment you live in is suddenly not nurturing , it could be seen as toxic, or perhaps not, perhaps your qigong gives you a new lease of life and you start to socialise more, what does this lifestyle look like, does it support your practice or are you now in a loop of 2 steps forward and three steps back.. Is your environment supporting you? HOW: The way you do things can change, the practices can change, teachers can change.. What can be good for one time in life may not be good for another time in life, how do you gauge this early on. It is not easy. You learn different ways to practice even the same thing, there are many effects, many healings, this can go on for many years, often times it is hard to pin point the exact practices hat have the specific effects you notice... IMHO The key here is consistency, when you do the same thing daily or week in week out, it very easy to move variables in and out , up and down and you will get to know much much more, this can help with confusion, especially for those prone to trying loads of stuff , and changing up routine too often to really track = What suits and what doesn't? IF: Doubt can bring all sorts of problems, we have ego that can seriously hold us back, a bit can be good, a healthy ego I think is great (you don't want a fragile one that's for sure) but in practice it can be tough, it took me years to get out of my own way and I still am , in my own way and learning, very much still a beginner in this. Early on though it was more of an issue. I was a person doing a practice. Now more of a practice being done by a person.. but work in progress always, be humble in strong foundation of basics, EVERYDAY, imo of course (gratitude is everything is key, always in good place to practice then because no fear can dwell in a place where gratitude is abundant). BUT: This leads me to another thing. Maybe it is all too much, and the other areas of life need work. Maybe we are not integrated enough and that is why it feels as though the practices are not really helping totally, but more partially. While part of this is understanding we cant grow in all areas at the same time, I think it is also possible to foster a certain sense of understanding when it comes to balance. I really got a hook into this with myself by looking at the Classic 7 Chakra system, but in a very down to earth way, no need to talk about energy and centres, it can all be more matter of fact than that, grounding and relatable, It was Covey's book, "7 habits of highly effective people" that helped there. Each one actually is paired with a chakra, it must be on purpose, but I drew the conclusion myself while reading it, amazed, it always stayed with me to an extent... On a more base level I will say this.. Unless we live as a Monk I feel it is important not to neglect the lower centres, Developing the upper centres is fine, but I have found too much visualization, meditation on the heart centre, loving kindness, metta etc, is a great path but returning to "the world" can be hard, for me personally I have to have the lower centres, switched on, If not I'm unhappy in society.. Another quick point while I'm there, some practices can stimulate visions, and certain experiences that may be difficult to contain, for example practices associated with the third eye region and visualization based exercises. I can imagine people could get lost in these experiences to a detriment. I believe it is good to have practices to help bring you out of this, basic foundational , say practices to help calm the system rather that over stimulate it. Anapana, simple natural breath, for example, or practices devoid of extra added attention, or intention to "change" something, this is not always a great way to go early on, to thinking "you" are changing something, its an easy trap, it's a simply yet challenging task , being with the change, with time though it certainly gets easier. (walking with nature helps, and lots of air squats [or squats with thick band] if required ) WHEN: more practice can lead to more growth but you can become more recluse and less available to others. How do you weigh up your time in worldly affairs and time in practice...??? If you are a householder with family, business and many responsibilities your practice time will be very different to you , being free, on your own to live in the mountain wow, very different, ideal for practice, to be a ~true master. Both extremes I would like, to add, i'd find highly rewarding, and most things in between Fuk, Luk, Sau... ps , final note, if I am stuck in one spot, I turn to fengshui and kua numbers (carrying a simple yet trusty compass), but to be open to change, and to go when the feeling takes you, wow that is your fortune and that is your way... Bon Chance. Oh and last but not least ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR GUT!!! Or at least try to your hearts content...

Hello again, in the true spirit of being Thrice Daily, I’ve decided to start a 3rd thread to be active on, on the regular… It really could be a good long lasting one , should you Daobums be willing to share. We may even wake up some of those sleepy Daobums of old. Cor we might get lucky you never know. But whether you’re a hidden master, a Qigong maverick or a slick beginner, I’m sure you got a gem or two to share… Some ideas tower your whistle. Focus Points what you’ve noticed works how it’s changed? What are your mainstays? What do you wish you knew at the start? What made biggest difference when you added it? What change could you recommend to make a difference? What surprised you the most? What benefits surprised you? oh I’m sure I could keep going with questions but I bet you have your unique perspectives on the history, sunburst, practice of Qigong. Would love to know you’re thoughts, especially you older Masters. Audio Recordings and videos from other masters too. Maybe you saved some as they were such great gems…. Share the links if you have great interviews of old masters, old video and audio. The older the better. Let’s make this a long lasting and quality thread , that can become a stand alone resource for us, and serious students approaching these precious approaches to health, wealth and longevity… Greeting to you Qigong Brothers and Sisters… Lets dig into the archives and see what we can bring to light💡 🙏

“If you don’t use it you lose it “

About daily routine, principles of Taoism, and the daily practice of Tai Chi or any exercise if the rest of the days,, devoid of the principals you know it might actually be quite useless, you know I realized for example taking a short walk. Even 3 or 4 times a day if only for 10 minutes or so you know that's a principle isn't it? moving joints don't rust moving water doesn't stagnate. But if that's missing from your life and you're not taking few walks a day, but you're trying to do a practice staying in the house and not getting out then this could actually be really poor for your health,, and I think when you look at the day like that, It begins to open up new Horizons to think of a day as a complete qigong with different parts of it that support and flow and build upon each other, really different parts of the day that can connect and nurture each other sometimes in beneficial sequences, and I think many of us have interesting things to share on the topic. I'd love to read some of your thoughts on it , if I was not clear enough at the start of the post. I just thought I'd write this (I actually spoke it into Google translate on a walk) because I think it's a very interesting subject in itself. Looking at the principles and daily routine and you know how you make it fit with your life. Overlooked and precious perspective I think. If there is even a single fly it the ointment, there is a chance the benefits of the ointment could be lost (food quality/quantity and sleep duration being most significant imo) I guess whatever principles you choose it may look quite different in your routine and different quality of outcomes perhaps… MOUNTAIN LAKE HOME 🏡

I’ll be back later to write more. At least try to do 30 minutes before bed researching and I’ll share what I find. im beginning to realise, there are quite a few interesting ways to do detective work into the history of Yijinjing and noteworthy linkages. Im on it, have a great day

Do you guys try to sneak a bit of Qigong at unlikely time, whilst brushing teeth, driving , standing in line at the shop??? What are your go too moves that help you drop anchor into the moment, in your shorter bursts of training throughout the day