Just Breathe!
What are we up to today? Both Jan and I are discussing our backgrounds and philosophies of life. As we engage in our conversation, it occurred to us that you may be interested in some of the information we have been sharing. The following is a short review of our discussion. We hope that you find it helpful as you go through your life today and this week.
This week, we wanted to emphasize the breath of life and the continuous movement of the body. As we have grown older, we have realized that physical exercise and breath regulations are essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. To that end, we encourage everyone we know to find a type of exercise and breathing techniques that they can do daily and will be of great worth to them. This will increase your self-esteem and make you feel strong and happy every day.
We both have extensive knowledge and practice in physical education, sports, health, martial arts, Tai Chi, Qigong, breathing regulations, movement, and the building of the mind, body, and spirit for health and wellness. This has been a lifelong pursuit for us, and we encourage all others to do the same.
This week we worked on a special Qigong breathing and movement exercise routine known as Baduan Jin. It is also known as the “eight brocades.” These are eight exercises that literally anyone can do even if you need to perform them sitting down. You work slow steady breaths with slow easy exercises. If you complete all of the movements to the best of your ability, you will get a great workout, and you will feel wonderful afterwards. If you are interested, please go to the video section and watch our video entitled “Baduan Jin Exercises – Moving Breathing Exercises”. Follow along with us and learn how to perform the “Eight Brocades.” We are certain it will be a wonderful experience for you!
The benefits of Baduan Jin Exercises will help you work toward self-healing, self-control, the proper way of breathing, concentration, and timing and balance. You should practice where there is a peaceful atmosphere. Remember as you breathe, feel the movements and be aware of your breathing. Be calm and don’t rush the breath with your movements. Otherwise, you will not profit from it.
Most of all don’t judge yourself or compare yourself to others. What you do is sufficient as long as you continue to make progress.
Grand Master Martin T. Buell, head and founder of Universal Kempo Karate Schools Association, has instructed us in the art of breathing for many years. As he did so he taught us this gem of wisdom: “Life is the breath. The breath is life. Without the breath, we die. So, breathe and live.”
Enjoy the learning!
Be Fit, Be Strong, Stay Alive!
