I've really enjoyed this book and wanted to share a review with you. Lily of the Valley Carnie has written an informative and enlightening book on the study and practice of Chi Gung (Qigong) a 4000 year old oriental art of energy manipulation that promotes benefits like improved health, healing, flexibility, endurance, intuition and overall well-being. Plus, I love the cover art... pine trees against a purple/orange sunset with a sliver of the moon showing... awesome.
The first part of her book covers the fundamental principles and concepts needed for a training program in Chi Gung and includes topics like: Nei Dan vs Wei Dan training; Meridians and Cavities; the principles of Yin and Yang; the philosophy of the Five Elements; the Regulation on Mind, Body and Breath; and the Fire, Wind, and Water Paths of Chi Circulation. In addition, she presents a series of Chi familiarization exercises that provide a foundation for the exploration to follow.
In a departure from other Chi Gung books I've read, hers is arranged in a very right-brained fashion. You can open her book to virtually any page and find a lesson, exercise or discussion on Chi dealing with a specific topic such as focusing your awareness to enhance your sense of smell, or increasing your ability to feel the differences of colors, or becoming aware of your body movements and internal tensions while fly-fishing.
I love the way she encourages Chi Gung training in a wide variety of situations and this is what I feel sets it apart from other Chi Gung books. Since Chi is indeed a universal energy then one should be able to sense and apply it everywhere and Ms Carnie shows how you can bring the awareness of Chi to all manner of activities even reading a book or flying a kite. I like the way she encourages you to learn to apply Chi Gung to whatever activity you are engaged in (such as yoga, meditation, hiking, jogging) making the practice of Chi Gung an expression of you and your Art, whatever that may be.
The other thing I really like is the way she encourages the spirit of play when practicing Chi Gung. Since the flow of Chi through the body is hindered by tension and stress then being too serious in your training is a guaranteed way of limiting your potential. Ms Carnie recommends a fun approach to training that allows an awareness of the nuances and subtleties of Chi flow to develop naturally.
She teaches in a conversational way that is both informational and fun and I highly recommend it.
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