Inner, Outer, and Lineage Qi
Mark Polit is a WWS certified 1st and 2nd Set Dayan Qigong (DYQG) instructor
In our practice of Dayan Qigong (DYQG) over the years, we may gradually notice the movement of qi within the body. We might experience qi ascending or descending, heat in our palms, or a visceral sense of connection to heaven and earth. Eventually we become more in sync with how the warm-ups, stretching and DYQG movements promote the flow of qi. Likewise, we may notice how the intricacies in the Form affect the flow of qi in our bodies.
Cultivating sensitivity to environmental qi can also be fun. When I worked in state government, I would sometimes walk to the State Capitol, which has a large park behind it, and find a nice tree to do the Form with. Most days, I was too busy for that trek, so I tried the parking lot (Meh!) Then I realized that the lobby area outside my office had enough space for me to do the Form in. So, one evening after everyone else left the office, I settled into the lobby and started to practice. The qi in the lobby was so distasteful, I only made it through Movement 3, Close Wings (where the Laogongs sweep down gathering qi to give to the Lower Dantien) before I had to stop. Remembering Grand Master Yang Meijun’s admonition not to do qigong next to a dumpster, I realized that I did not want to exchange qi with the depressing, distressing energy lingering in the lobby.—Choose where you practice carefully.
Shortly afterwards, I visited the secluded Montgomery Grove, with lots of old growth redwoods. I was looking forward to this outing because of my blooming sensitivity to environmental qi. As I walked through the forest, I was perplexed that I had only an average experience of the qi from those powerful trees. I found a clearing where I could do the Form. After a few warm-ups, I stood in Movement #1, Starting Form. My awareness sank into my body. I relaxed my eyes and tuned into my presence between heaven and earth. Suddenly there it was, clear and strong all around me. The qi of the forest in all its glory. I gained a new appreciation for the Form!
One day at Wen Wu School, when I was asked for the first time to lead practice at the end of class, I felt confident in doing so because I had been holding down a corner position for a couple years and I had helped lead classes outside the school. I thought, “This is easy, I’ll just do my thing like I usually do.”
I started leading the Form like I usually do. However, I started to feel uncomfortable, like something wasn’t quite right. The discomfort grew quickly, until I heard a voice. It was like there was another mind in the room. It clearly directed me, “Don’t do your thing, do my thing.” I became aware of an energy in the room connected to that mind. I adjusted my movements to follow that qi through the rest of the Form. The next couple times I led the Form, I looked for that energy and followed it, until it became natural. I asked a teacher about this experience, and she said, “It was the Goose.” “Ok,” I thought. “Well, that is something to contemplate!”
For some years after that I considered the nature of this independent “mind” and energy. Reflecting on my experiences of it, I recognized in this qi the constant virtues handed down by the lineage: virtues such as unselfishness, loyalty, right conduct, reverence, and truthfulness.
Fast forward several years to the 2023 First Set Teacher Training graduation ceremony. All the students lined up to demonstrate the Form in front of the honored guests. As we progressed through the Form, I became aware of a qi that was independent of us but supporting us and guiding us in our movements. I was truly relieved that we were getting outside help. And the demonstration went beautifully. That experience sealed the deal for me. I came to view this qi as the qi of the lineage. And the qi of the lineage is a virtuous qi. My experience is that by practicing the Form and connecting with this qi, we can cultivate the virtues.
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Mark Polit is a WWS certified 1st and 2nd Set Dayan Qigong (DYQG) instructor, who has been practicing since 2009. Pre-pandemic, he taught modified warm-ups and qigong movements at a senior center, nursing home, and assisted living facility in Oakland and Emeryville. He currently teaches both the First and Second Set Dayan Qigong at Wen Wu School and adapted warm-ups, acupressure massage, and Shibashi Qigong routines for a varied clientele at the Fountain Project Health and Wellness Center in Richmond. Mark studied 50 years with a Siddha Meditation master and brings that grounding to the practice of Dayan Qigong.