WHAT FEELS INTUITIVLEY RIGHT FOR YOU ?

Larry “Opening the Door of Life” on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont

An article about intuitive eating in today’s New York Times explains how severe food restrictions imposed by weight loss diets often create a black and white mindset where small lapses lead to big binges, and even weight gain. I could relate: as dancer I suffered from body judgement and shame for years--no way would I ever resemble a sylph, not with my genetic blueprint. However, that didn’t stop me from forcing myself to conform to diets and exercises that weren’t right for me, body or spirit.

Today, I know that intuitive movement is just important as intuitive eating. Strict exercise regimes can feel as unnatural and forced as diets and often lead to discouragement or even injury.  There is no one-size-fits-all way to get fit, healthy, and comfortable in your skin.  Happily, Qigong shows us that moving intuitively, gently, and with deep awareness of what feels right, brings real and sustainable improvement. Centuries of history back this up.

Both in our Qigong class and elsewhere I encourage you to take “tastes” of new exercises. Notice how they feel. Then modify, modify, modify. Perhaps adjust the “recipe” by moving more slowly, or smaller.  If something feels intuitively great, then help yourself to as much as you want! Enjoy it! Think of Qigong as a vast buffet of energizing and healthy treats to enjoy whenever you have a craving to feel really good.