QiGong For Anxiety (And Better Breathing)

By Courtney Alex Aldor

In this video, I’m sharing one of my favorite practices for releasing and shedding energy because in the Fall season, it’s time for us to focus on the energy of release! There’s been a lot of talk about anxiety lately, and what is anxiety… but the energy of holding too much? When one is anxious, there’s a pressure that builds from inside, a holding of “stuff” from the past, so that it feels like there’s no room for anything else. What do we have to do when that happens? Create space. Actually, we want to create space all the time. To release both “good” and “bad” experiences is healthy, so we can make room for more. All too often, we hold on to what was once the perfect relationship, and thus create it again and again. Or perhaps hold on to a past wound and then end up trying to protect ourselves from the same story all too often. Both of these patterns blocks us from experiencing what is fresh and new, from growing new buds in the springtime! And what happens in nature every spring? A plant or tree generally gets bigger, more resilient, maybe even produces more fruit than it ever did before.

This practice also has the benefit of clearing the lungs. This brings not just new breath into the body, but also inspiration. And it has the added bonus of loosening up a tight chest so it feels like a self-massage! This is all too necessary for those of us who sit down a lot, work on computers, phones, and other screens. To do this, simply inhale and allow your arms to be lifted, imagining a neutral golden Earth-colored energy rising beneath them. Then, bend the knees, twist to one side, exhale and release. Toss aside what you no longer need. Repeat often. Enjoy! -