Over a decade ago, I discovered Qi Gong DVDs as a gentle way to keep moving. I wasn’t looking for a fix or a cure — just something that fit into my days and felt doable.
What Qi Gong Is
Qi Gong (pronounced “Chee Gung”) is an ancient practice of slow, deliberate movements paired with deep breathing and gentle stretches. On the DVDs I used, Lee Holden guides exercises that can be done standing, sitting, or even with a chair for support. The movements flow steadily, encouraging calm focus and easy attention to the body, which made the practice approachable even on low-energy days.
How It Works in Daily Life
I started with Holden’s Beginner Qi Gong DVD, picking segments that matched my energy for the day. Even just a few minutes of movement left me feeling centered and more aware of my body. Later, I tried Qi Gong for Stronger Joints and Bones, which breaks exercises into short, manageable segments. I could pick what I wanted to focus on, rather than doing everything at once, and the flowing exercises quickly became a small, calming ritual.
Some sequences focus on the spine, neck, wrists, or hips, while others combine movements for the whole body. Even simple stretches and slow rotations felt surprisingly grounding. Over time, I noticed better balance and steadier movement — not dramatic changes, but enough to make daily tasks feel a bit easier.
Small Moments That Stick
Holden often films in quiet outdoor settings, and the backdrop adds something unspoken to the practice. A duck paddles past while the sun glints off the water. Leaves drift down and swirl in a gentle current. A bird calls in the distance, just as he demonstrates a slow rotation of the shoulders. These small touches don’t distract — they anchor attention, letting the body move while the mind relaxes.
I’ve done the exercises sitting in a sunny corner of my living room, with the morning light on the floorboards, and it has a similar effect. The gentle, deliberate motions feel slightly different depending on where I practice, but always steadying.
Why I Keep Returning
Qi Gong became more than exercise. It’s a quiet way to pause, focus, and move with intention. Sitting, standing, or leaning on a chair, the DVDs let me move at my pace without strain or pressure. It’s an everyday reminder that even gentle, small movements can matter.
I share this simply as reflection on something that has been useful to me. It’s not a prescription, a guarantee, or a replacement for guidance from a doctor. It’s a tool I’ve found practical, accessible, and calming — a way to keep moving without overdoing it.
This gentle, mindful approach to movement is part of a broader way I’ve learned to move at a different pace in daily life. I explore that experience in Moving at a Different Pace, reflecting on how slowing down and listening to my body has quietly shaped my routines.
Photo credit: Pixabay | Trimatiks