Free Sample
The Purple Guide to Learning Qigong in 10 Days
A no-nonsense beginner's plan to learn the fundamentals of Qigong, feel the difference in your body, and decide if it's worth continuing — in just ten days.
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: First Day
Welcome to day one. Let's be clear about what we're doing here: you're not signing up for a new identity, you're not buying a wardrobe, and you're not committing to a lifelong practice. You're setting aside about twenty minutes today to try something your body hasn't done before, and to see what happens next. Think of it like tasting a new vegetable. You don't need to know its entire farming history before you take a bite.
Qigong, simply put, is a practice of slow, deliberate movement and breathing that originated in China. The word breaks down into "qi," which is often translated as vital energy or life force, and "gong" which means skill or work. You can think of "qi" as the sensation of aliveness you feel when you're awake and healthy, and "gong" as the practice of cultivating that sensation. Today, you won't be moving any mysterious forces. You'll be moving your body and paying attention to how it feels. That's the whole game.
Your first session happens in three parts. The total time is about fifteen minutes, plus a few minutes to settle in and finish. You can do this in your living room, in a quiet office, or in a park. All you need is enough space to take two big steps in any direction, and clothing that doesn't pinch your stomach or shoulders.
Before you start, find a spot and stand there for a moment. Take your shoes off if you can.