27 Nov Small Changes Bring Health in 20 Minutes a Day
Today’s blog is written by someone special to me, but more importantly, the person who inspired my 100-day meditation. I hope his story sparks an idea for change or growth in your life like it did in mine.
I am a philosopher by nature. And I have no explanation why.
Maybe it’s my astrological destiny (Sagittarian). Or possibly it’s some evolutionary bi-product of an innate coping mechanism. Or simply, it could be my own way of attempting to understand this sometimes complex, confusing and confounding journey called life. Crazy.
Whatever the reason, I’ve gathered a collection of axioms I believe to be true. I keep them stored tidily away in my philosophical travel bag that follows me every step of the way. And when the need arises, I open the bag, sort through this pile of philosophical meanderings and find the one that fits.
One such “truth” that has served me over the years is the realization that everyone has something. By something, I mean issues or problems or dilemmas. Whatever the name we wish to assign, it still comes down to the premise we all have something.
And if we’re fortunate to live long enough, sooner or later one or more of these “somethings” will cross our path. I’m no exception.
Four years ago one of the somethings bared its teeth and proceeded to firmly sink them into my behind. For about three of these years it did not let go. It was an uphill battle on a downward slope to think, to function, to live.
Since then I’ve managed to regain much of what I feared gone thanks to the miraculous work of those at Four Winds and the amazing healing power of herbal medicine. While the worst (I hope) is behind me, I’m not so dumb to think the next something isn’t laying in the bushes in wait.
Enter Qi Gong (chee gung). One hundred and twenty-two days ago I added this daily practice of Chinese energy healing to my life.
The “why” is simple. I want to live. Healthy and strong. Happy and long. And in my heart of hearts I know it’s possible through obvious lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, etc…) integrated with my new BF – Qi Gong.
Funny name. Great results.
You might ask, “Where’s the evidence, Sherlock?” Elementary, dear Watson.
My vitals from a recent check-up looked like this: Heart rate 72, BP 128/82 and temperature 98.6. No big shake until I compare it with my norms: Heart rate 80, BP all over the map and temperature 96.8. For the record, I’ve never had a body temp spot on with the norm.
It doesn’t stop there. On a physiological level, I’ve noticed improved sleep patterns, a decrease in digestive dysfunction, less anxiety, better circulation, improved skin color, fewer allergy-related headaches and there’s talk of decreasing my daily dosage of a required medication.
Physical improvements have been evident as well, including better balance, fewer body aches and wonder of wonders, an increased appetite that’s allowed me to add six much-needed pounds to my six-foot, two-inch frame.
And it’s all been so simple. Not easy, but simple. Not easy, because there are days where my heart isn’t always in it. There are days where my knees creak and my mind is cranky.
Over four months straight of waking each day, and regardless of my being or circumstance or mood, I’ve dedicated 20 minutes each day to the practice.
Twenty minutes. That still leaves 1,420 minutes each day to do what needs to be done.
As I asked Mo, “If we can’t dedicate 20 minutes to our health every day, what does that say about us?”
Note: The writer, Ken Kreiker, started his Qi Gong practice with Master Chen’s Tai Chi Qi Gong 18 Movements DVD, available at www.wudangchen.com.
