Encouragement to continue on the path....
Originally Posted by
_William_
I have never gotten much mileage out of energy leading meditations like "microcosmic orbit". I seem to always end up feeling spaced out, and more uncomfortable, uptight than before I started. A feeling of ungroundedness that I can't relieve no matter what, so I don't do them anymore. Too bad, because I feel there is much validity to the practice.
Deep, slow abdominal breathing works best for me, for alleviating stress and focusing the mind. To that end, I feel it works marvellously(sp?). Chris Jurak has written a lot on the forums about how it balances the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system, among other things.
Don't give up just yet, William... I would encourage you to seek out a Shifu who has extensive knowledge about Qi Gong... rather than try it for yourself, find a Shifu who can guide you in what you are either doing right or wrong...
You are right... there is much validity to the practice...
I said that to help you become curious about it again, so you would be encouraged to keep trying the path... it is there to be found if you seek it... don't give up... find an instructor, and a knowledgable Shifu who can show you what you might be doing wrong, or what you might be doing right.....
FG
"Life is beautiful" and "Be honest with yourself and train harder." -- Shifu Shi Yan Ming, 34th Generation Shaolin Temple Fighting Monk