I'm writing this post while at a Qigong workshop at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. There are a number of centers for holistic learning throughout the US, especially on the coasts (Omega, Kripalu- east coast and Esalen- west coast) and they are great places to explore new things, eat healthy, locally sourced foods and immerse yourself in a weekend or week-long transformation experience. They offer everything from yoga to the high trapeze (which I once did- terrifying and exhilarating!).
FYI Qigong is an ancient Chinese movement healing practice, the precursor to Tai Chi. "Qigong opens the flow of energy in meridians used in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. It enhances our ability to feel the Life Force underlying the physical world and to deepen our communication with it.... It is a mind-body-spirit practice that improves one's mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound, and focused intent" (nqa.org).
But I'd like to write about qigong another time when I can do it justice after processing the weekend and doing the practice for a while. Right now I'm interested in the phenomenon of curiosity which leads us to explore new experiences. I've been thinking about the attributes I most admire in people and have noticed that those who live creative lives seem to be continuously expanding themselves by leaving their comfort zones and venturing into new territory. They seem to always ask themselves "what if?".
It's amazing to land in a community of strangers all mustering the courage to try something new and to witness the evolution, individually and collectively, over the course of a weekend. And a place like this attracts seekers of all kinds. But everyone really is seeking in their own ways-- looking for meaning beyond everyday reality. And I believe all people are creative in different ways; ever pushing the boundaries of who we are and making ourselves new. It seems to be a human impulse.
And then there's the question of whether or not a 5,000 year old practice has any relevance in the 21st century world. After all, we are so much more advanced-- we know so much more than was known then. But my big insight is that when you strip away the trappings of progress, we are/were all still human beings searching for understanding, health and wellness. And in a world where things are flying at us at break-neck speed, it's nice to take a beat, peel back the complexities.and get a few new perspectives.
So take the leap to Live and Learn about ever new ways to Mind Your Body. It's pretty exciting.
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