Life Happens: Adjust

On a recent trip to one of my favorite small towns in Colorado, I entered a cute little shop before going on my hike. I talked to the clerk about body cream and various teas. Then I stepped toward the counter to pay for these items. Unbeknownst to me, the owner’s dog had settled at my feet, so when I tried to move, I careened sideways and hit my head on a metal rod in the display case.

I crashed to the concrete floor and blood ran from my wound. Never before had this happened to me. I’m very conscientious of practicing and teaching moves to improve balance, but there was nothing I could do in this instance. It’s the perfect example of an accident.

Lee Holden, my master teacher, often teaches near the end of a practice to place our hands over our belly and rub down our left and up our right to store the energy we’ve cultivated. Is this hokey? I believe not. I had the needed reserves during this emergency, and it was for me an ah-ha moment! When I needed something extra in the tank, it was there.

I had also practiced deep breathing to calm my central nervous system and to get microcirculation to my extremities, so I was stronger and more resilient. Dazed but aware, I was quickly helped by four ladies. I had the mental clarity to get checked out by a first-aid professional and not to go on my hike. I was relaxed and calm. I was even able to see some humor in the situation. I was civil with the owner, who drove me to the clinic and offered to let me stay in her home if I needed to. She was very kind and I will no doubt visit her shop again.

I experienced a real application of Qi Gong in a stressful life circumstance. When I needed to have my heart, mind, and body in balance and resilient, they were. It’s one of the many reasons I’ll keep practicing Qi Gong. 

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