WTBA Foundations Training Program

I find the standing meditation to be very hard. I know it’s an important part of my training but my mind seems to combat me when I start. I even got a little nauseous on the first week we did it. It’s been getting easier and I finally started enjoying it at week 4. Today was the first day I actually convinced myself to do some on my own rather than just following along with the lesson.

This is reassuring for me to hear , I am at Qi gong 5 and bumping into resistance and pain in my shoulder that seems to continue into the day, thinking to hold for 10 min again instead of 15 until I build up strength . Or persevere ? What are your thoughts Eli ( Im finding that any pain becomes a resistance and excuse for me to step out of routine and fully engaging)
i think that this is all part of my finding a way that works ( I’ve just finished week 7 and will go through it again before moving on ) rather then feeling like I need to move fast to the next level 😊👌

If it's giving you pain through out the day from doing your Qigong then you'll want to really double check that your shoulders are holding the correct structure, as holding for a long time with a rounded shoulder for example could cause this.
Another thing could be that there is a big weakness in a muscle, so figuring out what muscle that is and strengthening is with a resistance band might help also.

I will look at a resistance band , I can see how my shoulders are rounded in the practice
Thankyou for this information Eli

Hi Tracey, just wondering how you were doing with your shoulder? I too have a shoulder problem and would be interested to hear. I have found that my shoulder pain strips away like layers of an onion skin the more I relax (which can be painful). I realise now that most of my pain seems to come more from my neck and traps being tense.

Hi John ,Eli's comment made me aware of my posture and take responsibility , I was able to notice that I had been falling into my shoulders ,I decided to give my self permission to slow down , I noticed that 6 minutes a day was ok for a while , then over the last 3 weeks have bulid up in ingrements now 12-14minutes , I can hold for longer each day ,when the pain comes I see this as an indication to breath , adjust to be sure im in my sweet spot , I check my back and scan for any other tension,then if I continue to feel pain i will lower my hands withen a minute or 2 , The awarness and permission to pace myself and use the time to become aware of my body posture and breath is transfermational on so many levels ,and i have found not thinking has a big impact on how long i be still, when I just breath time zips by xx Much love Tracey [also I ocasionally I where a posture brace ,it pulls my sholders back, seems to be working wonders ,

Hi Tracey, glad to hear you're making progress. I know what you mean about reducing standing time and taking it slow. I try to add a minute a week - in doing so I endure a new minute of discomfort, but also I gain that little bit more pleasant and enjoyable time before that new minute of discomfort begins. Concentrating on my breathing stops me from dwelling on this unpleasantness.

It seems there is a fine line between careful practice and overdoing it which we need to find for ourselves. My shoulder pain is gradually diminishing as a result of Qigong standing and the Bagua Teacups exercise. I notice I am sleeping better and when I wake up I am more relaxed than usual.

Keep up the good work.