The Garden Within

This practice is perfect for grounding yourself and aligning with your intentions, whether before or after a workout. It helps you reconnect with your inner self by harmonising the yin of the Earth with the yang of the heavens. The phrase "Yi Dao Qi Dao," meaning "where our attention goes, energy flows," serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of focused intention.

Picture a majestic pine tree, its roots anchoring deeply into the earth, grounding it with unwavering strength. Now envision its towering top, stretching high into the heavens, reaching for infinite possibilities. I often visualise the vast skies, but feel free to go beyond—after all, we are all connected to the infinite source.

Take a moment to tune into your body—notice how it responds and how its alignment subtly shifts with this awareness.

Now, picture how leaves expand and grow. Let this imagery guide your shoulders to relax, allowing your body to loosen and flow naturally. Envision the earth's energy rising up from the ground, traveling through the bubbling spring point in your feet. As this energy ascends, you may notice sensations like tingling or warmth moving upward to your core. I like to imagine this as a bowl-shaped garden within me, a space where my inner garden thrives.

Now, shift your focus to the towering crown of a majestic pine tree, reaching gracefully toward the sky and soaking in the sunlight. Envision the energy from above flowing gently through the crown of your head, invigorating and nourishing you. I often imagine the energy from the sky feeding my inner garden, perfectly complementing the grounding energy of the earth, creating a serene and harmonious balance.

When it rains, I like to picture the skies tenderly watering my garden. While some may view rain in a negative light, I see it as a gift, nurturing growth and renewal.

Pause for a moment and feel the harmonious balance of yin and yang flowing.

Stand still, embrace the stillness, and connect with the energy as you learn to channel and harness its flow.

Everyone’s journey is unique, and what works for one might not resonate with another. Explore your own path and discover the methods that help you flourish in your Tai Chi or Qi Gong practice.

Things to Keep in Mind

Emotions often lie hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be acknowledged. When I uncover these dormant feelings, I choose not to sink into despair but instead honor them with compassion. I visualise gently cracking open the protective shell around the emotion, allowing it to emerge. Then, I take the time to sit with it, nurturing and comforting my inner child. This simple yet powerful practice feels deeply healing, as if I am offering unconditional care to the wounded parts of myself—much like a compassionate parent would.

We hope you enjoy this heartfelt glimpse we’ve created just for you!