By Paul Cavel, Posted March 2009

You can begin your practice well, stay present throughout opening and nourishing your body, generate a lot of chi and, then, throw most of the benefits away by finishing badly.

Here’s what you can do to bring more energy from your practice and into your life:

1. As you finish your practice session, begin storing the chi you have generated.
2. Completely relax and let go so your nerves can absorb and integrate the practice experience.
3. Transit slowly and smoothly into your activities for the day.

When your practice routine is finished either stand or sit with the body open, not collapsed, and in proper alignment. Once this is achieved try to keep both body and mind still. Let go of all your muscles as much as possible and close your eyes.

Consciously release the nervous system—relaxing your eyes and your feet will help.  Make sure that your breath becomes regular and smooth, without strain. Let your nerves absorb the changes that have occurred during your practice so you lock in the experience in your body’s memory.

Drop your mind and your chi down into the lower tantien. Let your mind stay there for a few minutes gathering your chi.

Store your chi in the lower tantien by relaxing the energy in the belly and letting it sink into the lower tantien.

Let go of any thoughts or feelings until you become very calm and quiet.

Stay here for as long as you can or want to.

When you transition from practising to other activities make sure you do so in a smooth and gentle way, avoiding any sudden impulse or movement of the mind or body. Do not suddenly jump up to answer the telephone (they will call back later if it is important), or let your mind jump to the work that needs doing (creating a stress response in your nerves). Remain clam and slowly transit, spending a couple of minutes going from stillness to the regular pace of life. In this way you can take your practice into your daily life and relax into it.

Some people think of it as “I do my practice and now I’m in this relaxed space” and, conversely, “I’m in doing my usual activities and now I’m stressed out,” but actually the aim is to take the relaxed, smooth space of your practice into your daily life.

Good luck & happy practising,
Paul

Any physical and/or energetic exercise can carry risks. Do not attempt these exercises if you have any physical, emotional or mental conditions that may make you susceptible to injury.

© 2009 Paul Cavel—All rights reserved.
Copying or distributing any portion of this article without written consent is prohibited.