Qi or chi refinement The method and principles relating to the refinement of qi differ from person to person, with a variety of training exercises designed to suit personal life situations Qi is life energy which flows through all living things as well as nature. Gong is the work you put in.

Dynamic qigong is exercise and is the most practiced method, passive qigong is tranquil and includes meditation, visualisation and precise breathing methods. Here the focus is on a clear and tranquil state of no-mind wih a deeper connection and harmony with nature. Qi training may include a wide range of exercises designed to boost or increase energy flow, regenerate, repair and rejuvenate bad, negetive, lost or dissipated energy. Here the emphasis is on connection to the dao, to harmonise with nature and gain a clearer understanding of the universal qi. There are at least 7 major sources of qi:-

breath qi (respiration); food qi (from your diet);original qi (inherited from parents); internal qi (emanates inside the body); external qi (qi emanating from outside the body); nutritive qi (flowing through the meridians); and protective qi (energy barrier against external pernicious influences and pathogens. Qi or chi energy circulation. Breathing, shaking, meditation, joint alignment, pressure, muscle changes, heat, light, love all contribute towards inner spiritual growth with an increase of energy resulting, a heightened sense of awareness with more focus on the here and now. Anger, resentment, fear, pain are alchemically transformed using the body-mind, mind-body, deep-mind, celestial, astral and etheric planes which govern most of who we are and who we think we are. These are three methods of building the body's energy field:-

a) Through deep breathing methods b) By moving the mind through the body using a deep intention. c) By increasing the blood and lymphatic fluid circulation through the gentle pressure changes created by the the contant lifting and sinking of the body with it's gentle movements. Qi / Chi movement

Taiji is an advanced method of qi movement however there are also wudang and shaolin (north and south qigong) styles, some harder to practice than others. Different training exercises are implemeted to allow for imparting the fastest and most efficient method in the shortest possible time thereby allowing for each persons own practice routine to guide and determine the result.

Inner listening is a vital aspect to the training. There are interesting methods designed to create a meditative and quiet approach to 'mind' and a control of one's emotions - A state of 'no mind' or emptiness which allows deep internal processes to occur. Inner listening is a vital aspect to this method of training.

While in "theory" practicing martial arts of whatever 'style' is meant to:

- path the way to a heightened state of awareness - produce a calm approach to life, a philosophical and spiritual introspection - a reduction of ego related distractions - a way free of body/mind earthly appetites

This is not always the case and many side affects may occur if incorrectly instructed- distress, (unbalanced emotions, ego, feeling of misguided power may result). Nothing is guaranteed without patience, persistence and constant practice of meditation, a pure heart and struggle with ego related distractions.

A state of remembering is important - what the sufis refer to as Zikr.

The effect of lifetime training especially where guided by an experienced teacher can open the doors of perception to an inner reality.

Listening to subtle body, muscle, pressure, joint and pain sensations, the student is guided constantly within to a point where mind stops and oneness with existence is deeply experienced.

To experience stillness during activity is a heightened state of awareness which trains us to be still even in the most extreme situations.