For The Love Of Bod
Solar Body Qigong, Paradigm-Shifting Experience
What is a solar body?!?
Last week I spent five full days engaged in a variety of solar body practices that included movement, breathing, visualization and observation - all with the intention of connecting with my body on a deeper level (more yummy details in future posts).
I’ve certainly come to believe after decades of research and experimenting that our lives are what we’ve chosen. From the many religions I’ve studied and the couple I’ve practiced, to spirituality, science, philosophy and more, nothing else makes sense - we choose our life experiences.
Suffice it to say, that also means that the condition of our bodies is the sum of our choices, too. Yes, I know, there’s genetics, the environment, and more that impact our physical condition, but I’ve also discovered that we don’t have to surrender to these outside influences. As the age of our bodies increase, it seems like our options decrease. Nope. We actually have a choice in the matter.
I haven’t always felt this way. So, what changed my thinking?
I started attending classes at a local Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi center in August of 2024. The changes I’ve experienced in my body over the last 10 months are unbelievable. I was totally blind-sided, never expected these kinds of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual shifts!
At that time, I was informed my by integrated medical provider that my chi was low. Chi or qi means “air,” “breath,” or “energy” in Chinese. I was simply looking for a way to increase my energy after a long stint of trying to figure out how to address some health issues.
Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi and Brain Education, started in 1980, in a park in Korea, where Ilchi Lee shared a set of healing exercises with a stroke patient. Others became interested and this practice, which is based on Sundo, a traditional Korean system of mind-body training, combined with other Eastern disciplines, has changed the lives of countless folks, of all ages, around the world.
More recently, I signed up to participate in Solar Body Qigong training, designed to turn on the three switches of our healing mode - feeling your body heat, controlling your breathing, and observing your body and mind. It’s offered as one of there intermediate trainings.
When I learned about this training, it was recommended as a way to better understand and manage challenges with my spine. That’s all I needed to hear to peak my curiosity and delve into the what, why, and how of this training.
I also discovered Lee’s book, The Solar Body: The Secret To Natural Healing. Got it the day before training started, and set a goal to read several pages every morning before heading out for the training.
I was beside myself giggly to “restore my natural healing power and create my own health and happiness like the sun that shines on its own.”
How could I resist learning more about how to better manage the challenges with my body condition, AND find out how to restore my natural healing power, AND dabble in anything that has to do with the sun (I’m such a child of the light, love me some sun); sign me up, this experience delivered!
The day after our training ended, I decided to continue with a private energy balancing/healing session with the instructor, Senior Master ChungSuk, who has been a healer and instructor with Body & Brain for forty years. His approach is focused, to the point, and no nonsense, and the way he exudes love and joy hugged my soul.
My body is still a bit fatigued and sore from the class, and the pressure points that he worked on during my private session are still a bit tender, but the results are undeniable.
I’m stronger, more flexible, and more connected to my body than I’ve ever been. My ability to observe my body, not just seeing the outside differently, but my deeper connection to the inside of my body (my organs and how my body ‘feels’), and my overall ability to be more observant has been fine tuned. I’m calmer and more grounded. And, I’m certain that some of those years of mileage on this beautiful, miraculous body have been reversed.
I’m so grateful for this experience, both the training and the personal energy balancing/healing session. Everything feels different, in the most beautiful way. I was totally open to the experience and can’t wait to further digest what I learned. And, I’m committed to incorporating a combo of the techniques, movements, and approaches into my daily practice.
From body tapping, to the most simple but challenging movements, to breathing practices, to meditation, and more, I’ve got SO many options as I reflect on which ones to experiment with and incorporate. I can certainly alter, switch and swap out regularly to keep it challenging and fresh, but I’m committed to a “practice.”
We have way more control over the condition of our mind, body and spirit than we realize.
I want to spend the rest of time on this amazing planet, in this imperfect and miraculous body I call my home, radiating love, joy, and gratitude, and living a vibrant life filled with vitality and purpose. After exploring the Solar Body Method, I’m convinced that it will continue to play a major role in helping me do all of this, and more, regardless of my lifespan!
“There is a life-force within your soul, seek that life . There is a gem in the mountain of your body, seek that mine. O traveler, if you are in search of that, don't look outside, look inside yourself and seek that.” - Rumi
Anything resonate with you in today’s post? Curious about how embodied development could change your story? Message me below or leave a comment with your thoughts, questions, or your own “second act” story. And if you’re craving more support, inquire about a complimentary ‘get to know you’ session. Your next chapter can start right now, the next move is yours!