Qigong with Cris Caivano: March 31 - April 6, 2025
What Happens in the Brain, Does’t Stay in the Brain
It’s now 5:15 PM Monday and my internet and cable service has finally been restored after a total power outage early Sunday morning. As soon as I realized what was going on yesterday, I drove to the top of a nearby hill where I was able to pick up just enough signal to log onto Zoom with my phone. From there I could explain the situation to those who were looking forward to doing Qigong, and instead found me sitting in my car. This unexpected change in the day’s plans was stressful; nothing makes me crazier than when technical problems occur just as I’m getting ready to teach. However, it also presented an excellent opportunity for me to “practice what I preach.” It reminded me of one of my favorite take-aways from the Harvard Medical School “Science of Qigong” conference last year: “What happens in the brain doesn’t stay in the brain; what happens in the body doesn’t stay in the body.”
When we experience stress, it isn’t simply emotional upset, it cascades throughout our highly integrated bodymind. The fight/flight/freeze response to stress is a powerful feedback system that immediately effects our blood pressure, digestion, reaction time, immune system, memory, and ability to think straight. When the stressor is temporary and somewhat under our control-- as mine was yesterday-- we can deal with it: take some deep breaths, shake it out, go for a walk, etc. However, when stress becomes a life-long habitual response to challenge, uncertainty, or lack of control, we must take steps to address it to preserve our wellbeing. We do that each time we practice Qigong.
Here’s how I transformed my stressful morning into a healthier energy flow yesterday: I spent the entire day enjoying the beautiful weather as I weeded and raked the heck out of the yard. I did some “silk reeling” exercises whenever I felt my back or shoulders tightening, and finished the day with Tao Yin stretches on the floor. Being in nature and moving my body was enough to dispel the stress I was feeling. Basically, my body relaxed enough that my mind eventually got the picture, and I let go of my frustration and worry. I also realized how addicted I have become to my morning coffee and “White Lotus”, but that’s another story.
Schedule Notes:
TO THOSE WHO REGISTERED for STRENGTH TRAINING QIGONG STYLE: It was pointed out that because I had to resend the videos several times, you may have overlooked the fact that there are two, distinct videos. The first records the workshop itself. The second video is a 20-minute workout routine that I put together so you can practice on your own. Remember, you must download these videos to view and save them to your computer.
If you practice with the video 3X a week you’ll feel results by mid to late April. No pressure, but I would love to follow up with you over the next few weeks to see how it’s going. Please drop me a line and keep me posted on your progress.
April schedule for free, live, in-person/ Zoom Qigong at Millbrook Library: Fridays April 11 and 25, 10-11 AM. Open to all, and beginner friendly! Please contact millbrooklibrary.org to register and receive the link if you are joining on Zoom. Once you register, you will receive biweekly email reminders for future classes, too.
Free, in-person “Qi Gong for Spring” workshop: Saturday, April 5, 10:30-12 at the Hotchkiss Library, Sharon CT. Space is limited, so please register early by calling the library: (860) 364-5041