King Kabalabhati

I got to say this description clarified things somewhat, or at least it put most things I've already read about the S-M in one well-articulated post. And for sure it didn't make me any less interested in attending a workshop or two

This was interesting, it's from SFQ's home page: Frances Gaik, Psy. D., Psychologist, Oak Brook, Illinois, Author of: "A Preliminary Study Applying Spring Forest Qigong to Depression as an Alternative and Complementary Treatment" "Extremely effective in the treatment of depression, including bipolar subjects." Of coure this is just one doctor's opinion but it sounds convincing.

Hmm maybe I should start a thread "The King's personal progress in healing & romance?"

If marijuana does the trick I would choose it over synthetics/opiates anytime. Then again I prefer not to smoke any more after years and years of regular use. I just quit altogether about half a year ago and have no desire to start again.. So that tells you something about the nature of the reefer dependency when compared to harder medicine. No physical withdrawal, and once your body/mind fully realizes it's not really good to use weed, quitting is easy as 123.

This thread lit up my interest so I ordered the "Gift of the Tao" DVD and would have bought the Kindle version of the book but the Kindle reader application did not support OSX 10.4. so I either have to get a Kindle, a new Mac or the paperback. Let's see now..

I hear you on the food tolerance thing. As the body gets more healthy it seems to develop more sensitivity towards food.

It really helps if you have a friend or two who you share this understanding with. Then it's less of a problem to relate to the levels more "ordinary" people move at. I'm in the music business and while I don't have many friends who actually cultivate (I do have one), most of them are interested in Qigong and the Tao and like to talk about "deeper" or more abstract levels of being. Even my record company boss does yoga and borrowed my copy of "Magus of Java" I currently have a girlfriend who doesn't believe in any "esoteric" stuff. It's no problem, we can very well relate on those levels we both know and share. I appreciate her straight forwardness and her earthy warmth

I used to feel much more isolated from the "common" people when I was only starting out cultivation. Practicing SFQ has helped me be more open and less judgmental. I think it depends on the practice, but if you're on the healer's path then it doesn't make much sense if the practice makes you feel you don't want to contaminate your energy by hanging around the regular folks I'm not saying there's a problem with isolating yourself if that is your path. Even if you plan to be a healer amongst the people it's good to have periods of solitude where you can refine your Qi and spirit.

I suggest you choose one system/tradition to follow either on your own from books, or much better, from a teacher. When asking a question like this on a forum you may get many different responses from people who follow different traditions. If you intend to simply meditate then you dont need all the information, you just need to do what the teacher / master says. Visualisation is favored by some schools while others don't involve it at all. It certainly is not necessary for Qi development and spiritual refinement but finding a real teacher most probably is.

I've had no side effects I could surely connect to Qigong. Only nice effects like pronounced feelings of relaxation, radiant health and lovingkindness Some emotional reactions along the way like sadness and angry outbursts may or may not have been due to practice. I think as long as you're not perfectly healthy the Qi will hide deeper inside every now and then to do the healing and that's when you get tired. And unless really sick there will follow a period of more outward action when you're feeling more energetic.

Hi TWIV, I agree.

OK thanks! These 2 cents could be worth 50 bucks!

I sure hope you keep another Europe workshop in the (near) future.. Meanwhile looking to get the book for pre-study.

All these controversies aside, the Tao itself still remains "the Tao that cannot be described".. So let those who are interested go on with the arguments

But to even more constructive, I suggest you try a full-spectrum light near you (Mac) computer. Lessens eye fatigue and feeds your brain some beneficial frequencies.

Guess you'll have to get a Mac.

A "weak Yin male" would be probably considered "a predominantly Vata man" in Ayurveda. But do your own research on things, it's all very easy to find on the net and in books. Vasant Lad has written some very clear manuals on Ayurveda and how to evaluate and balance your doshic condition. Panchakarma is a purification process involving several ayrvedic treatments.

Yes this is a good approach and something simple to do for yourself. But much raw food, if you're as vata as you seem to be, is not a very good idea. Constipation, gas and bloating are all vata symptoms, just as most of the other physical/mental symptoms you've described on this forum. So go for a long term vata balancing diet and do things that warm, ground and relax you. Get a panchakarma treatment if possible, that should speed up the process considerably. edit: oh yeah, DON'T do long fasts if vata is your problem, this will aggravate it even further. A few days monofast on Kitchari or similar cleansing and nutritive food is a much better alternative.

The Male Deer not being one of the worst for sure, IM humble E

I agree the "active exercices" of sexual kung fu seem to be potential trouble. It's especially "unnatural" to stop ejaculating entirely after a long period of "wasting away". It's better to first become a more balanced and less horny individual through proper diet, exercise and meditation. Then you can just listen to your body's needs / your teacher's advice for the optimal frequency of emission.

So make a plan to go to Europe then? Things are a bit less "polarized" in many countries here it seems.

I'm currently fasting every Tuesday for 36 hours. Nothing special bout Tuesday, it's just practical for me This is my fourth week and it seems to get easier. Today there's been no headache nor nausea. Steady energy levels. The first couple of tuesday I experienced emotional sensitivity and something like a more open heart. Today it's not as pronounced but there's still a special feeling. I fast with only water and herb teas. I recommend this approach as training for longer fasts and it's also detoxing if you do it longer than 24 hours since that is when the toxins start moving. Gives a nice perspective to food too. Today I'm baking cookies for the kids to make it a bit more challenging

Yo, just bought some full spectrum light bulbs in da house.. Three 35 watters. At first they seemed a bit too bright and white but now the light does feel cheerful and somehow stimulating. Kind of makes it easier to rise and shine in these times of darkness here in the North. I appreciate if someone has info (or warnings) concerning this kind of lighting.

I build on SFQ, tonic herbs like ashwagandha, sexual kungfu (regulated emission) and sufficient sleep. Some things that probably drain me somewhat are irregular routines, stress, caffeine and occasional lack of sleep because of my work.

A 7 day dry fast earns my utmost respect, sir.