Aetherous

Why are you practicing this type of stuff if you're not ready for awakening? The fear and tension of not allowing yourself to awaken can be a cause of many problems. Just let it go and trust. By the way: yes you really should have a teacher.

Nice! Vortex, you rock.

The only problem with this is that things don't always work out as we think they should. Reality is: she doesn't need to learn anything...and she most likely won't. Anyway, good luck with the situation.

I once read that the snow phenomenon was just indicative of an overabundance of white blood cells. Can't find a link to that info right now...

I definitely think so, as long as you keep it in perspective. If you're a martial artist, you shouldn't skimp on your physical training just to practice qigong. It's an addition to your training. Which may be too much for someone to practice... I think you pretty much can't go wrong with dantien breathing. It accomplishes all aspects. Everyone should do it, and I should do more of it.

Yes, it makes me not want to come here. That's probably a good thing. I used the orange because it's good energy for people dealing with sex issues...which seems to be a stumbling block for many on the path (so many topics are about retention, etc).

Things used to be so clear, in black and white. Now everything is dull, and I'm feeling rather blue.

It could just be me, but the vibe here kinda sucks. Maybe it's the colors.

If I were you I'd just do the baptism. There is no effect on your child, and also it will make your mom happy...so why not?

If people want a relaxation effect to make their practice more effective, hold off drinking for a month to save up for a Stress Eraser. Gives you a much deeper relaxation with positive side effects, instead of all the negative ones associated with booze. IMO, having more than 2 beers (even that is pushing it) and practicing qigong is asking for health problems. That is just how I feel.

Tao Bums, In a few hours it will be Valentine's Day. I'd like to wish you all a happy one, and if you don't yet have a valentine, this will remind you that spring is coming and it'd be good to start looking for someone!!

Do you practice in the evening? If so, try doing it just in the morning (if you really feel the need to play with dreaming). I've noticed that if I do breathing practices in the evening, I have really deep sleep with no dreams.

I got his Hand Seals book from the daoist magic site in the mail yesterday. Not really happy with it, although maybe someone else would be. It really lacks the depth and understanding I was looking for...

Yes, it can...

Vortex said, That is totally a good deal. It's basically the same price as taking a vacation anywhere (hotels are usually 100 bucks)...except that you are learning Taoist stuff at the same time. So, the expenses are completely justified. They also need to know that some people will never be respectful, no matter how much time and effort you've put into what you teach. Oh well.

It's funny how harshly total strangers are judged by people here.

Maybe the mudra was just what you needed at the time, and the lady simply gave its power a boost by giving you her energy. Maybe you don't need it anymore. Who knows man.

"...words of wisdom: let it be"

Hope things improve 4 u.

That's what I mean, as well. People who practice, experience real (meaning it's not only their subjective experience, but could be tested objectively) physical (chemical) sensations. But like I said, you might want to be a little bit more specific about what type of sensations or experiences...

No, I meant physically real. But maybe we're talking about different things. What specific experiences are you referring to?

What if your rivers have already run from the oceans overflowing, and you just want to dredge them? That's what the purpose of these exercises are for...otherwise we might as well just constantly do dan tien work. But that's kind of limiting... Oh, you're saying that the GC involves moving energy through each of the 12 meridians? That would suck. I thought it was much simpler...

Rainbow, I don't have any...they are kind of expensive! You can get basically the same result just by looking at the picture, since it's the mind's perception of the shape which causes the energetic effect.

Cat, I think the egg shape does have an effect. These are called "energy eggs", which you simply set in your house. It relies solely on the shape's effect on the mind.