The art of slow change for crafting a vibrant and purposeful life
We're almost a month into the new year, and in Australia, January is usually all about the summer holidays. It's that time when you lose track of the days, soaking up the warmth with loved ones, and just embracing that easygoing vibe. But as February approaches, you start to sense the impending return to the daily grind – school's back, and the year is picking up speed.
After a month of a summer sabbatical and an amazing adventure exploring southern India, I've got to be honest – getting back into the groove of everyday life was initially a bit of a challenge. Are you feeling it too?
Prioritise and prosper…
Soaking up that glorious break and basking in the freedom of travel was an absolute joy. After a while of no ties, schedule or routine though I get this itch in my spirit, a yearning for a bit of structure. The whole "no-schedule, come-what-may" vibe was refreshing, but there's this part of me that's ready for the year ahead.
It's like, after a month of spontaneity and embracing the unknown, there's this comforting feeling that creeps in when I start weaving my way back into the rhythm of morning rituals. I notice that when I get grounded its easy to be crystal clear on the things I want to champion in the upcoming months.
Ultimately there’s two things outside of my loved ones that are priorities for me:
Caring for my sacred vessel (did you see my recent Insta post on the body as a tabernacle?)
Embodying more of my true and authentic self - through growing, learning and evolving.
Rediscovering Balance and Bliss
So, touchdown on home turf and guess what topped my to-do list? Quality time with my bae and giving some love to my fur bebes.
After avoiding emails and tuning out the business buzz for an entire month, re-engaging with the hustle was undeniably demanding my attention. However, I simply couldn't bring myself to do it. I was on a mission for slow mornings, cozying up with my partner, cat whispering, battling the wild jungle that is my veggie garden, feeling the beachy vibes with sand between my toes, and giving my body a salty hug from the ocean. Because sometimes, you just gotta prioritize the patting of cats and the taming of veggie jungles, you know? 🌿🐾🏖️
After all of my being felt more grounded I sensed the call to revive my morning rituals, but with a twist this year—I'm taking it up a notch. Now, you might assume my mornings are all about Qigong every day, given my vibe, and yes, I adore Qigong. However, my love extends far and wide because I realize the multifaceted layers of my being crave a holistic embrace. There’s been times in my life when I would religiously practice an hour or more of Qigong every morning, I’m not there anymore.
Here’s what my morning routine and rituals looks like for 2024:
Muscle building weight training
Morning reading
Incense burning
Biomechanics training
Qigong
Yin-esque yoga / myofascial release
Hydration with salt and minerals
Shen Gong & Neigong
Bush walks
Tending the veggie garden
Prayer
Slow coffee
Every morning some of the above… I mix it up depending on what I’m feeling like, while at the same time being aware of anything I’m avoiding.
“Day by day what you choose, what you think and what you do, is what you become.”
Service, learning and growing
I've found that jumping back into my morning routine and rituals has really grounded and inspired me for the year ahead. We need to be really clear about what we're aiming for (i.e: what we’re seeking to become ⬆️), so we can make those everyday choices that guide us toward the people, places, and situations aligning with our vision.
If someone's aiming to be healthier, it could be as simple as committing to regularly and persistently incorporating some of the morning routines and rituals from my list. That way, the vision for a healthier lifestyle can really start to blossom.
Perhaps there's a need for some study or learning. For instance, if Qigong is unfamiliar territory, dedicating time to understand its basics and fundamentals can significantly amplify the benefits and effects of your practice.
For me personally the philosophy and practice of Qigong will always be the cornerstone for my service and contribution to the world. This year, I'm stepping up my in-person Qigong Foundations Teacher Trainings, expanding to more cities across Australia. It's thrilling yet a bit nerve-wracking at the same time! It truly feels like we're on the verge of a Qigong renaissance. I consistently receive messages and emails from folks looking for classes, so I'm eager to see more individuals out there sharing, teaching, and spreading the practice of Qigong. To bring my vision to life, I need to step out of my comfort zone and be visible to all those who want to learn how to teach Qigong!
I am always finding myself drawn to learn about other complementary therapies and ways to help myself and guide others in their healing. I’ve been interested in the biological science of Germanic Healing Knowledge/New Medicine (GNM) for a while now, learning bits and bobs here and there, this year I’ve committed to a formal Practitioner Training so I can really understand the modality more deeply and apply the principles to enhance my self-healing.
To me, Qigong embodies a lifestyle; it goes beyond mere postures, movements, and breath-work, though these are crucial elements. Qigong represents the alchemy of body, mind, and spirit, and there are numerous modalities for us to explore on our journey to becoming alchemists.
What are you growing towards for the year ahead? What areas of your life are you seeking to transform? What are you planning to learn, formally or informally?
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