This morning this Granmama was babysitting the three visiting grandchildren.
The morning was filled with activities that included roller skating and rollerblading, play dough building, Jenga games, magnetic puzzles and more kid-focused activities. “But,” I told them all as our day began, “At 10am we will all stop what we are doing and join my friends Chris and Parisa for our half hour Qi Club group energy exercise!”
“What’s that?” They asked in unison. “Its a bit like dancing with energy,” I smiled as I told them just that little bit. And they seemed to be genuinely intrigued and I hoped they would be excited to learn more.
All three grands, ages 4, 6, and 9, are currently taking gymnastics and tumbling classes so they had a little bit of an idea of what to expect in terms of a group movement activity. Chris and Parisa Shelton are my friends and Qi Gong teachers. Last year I completed my first level Qi Gong Teacher training and it was one of the best things that happened for me in 2022.
“Qi Club” a recurring and regular online event held by the Sheltons, has been a part of my life for more than a year now. I try hard not to miss any of the 4 times a week live zoom qi gong classes as they have been a wonderful addition to my daily life. Chris and Parisa are fun and funny, but also effective teachers and I learn new things all the time in class, about Qi Gong and Chinese medicine.
“Ooh PUPPETS!” My middle granddaughter squealed as class began. I knew they’d love that tradition of the first couple of minutes of Qi Club characters that introduce today’s instructor. Today that was Chris. Then the music shifted and the class proper began. I was happy to find all three, even the youngest child, were engaged and following the all movements and directions. They talked a fair amount during class, asking me questions. There was a lot of giggling during Chris’ favorite exercise of “Shaking the Tree.”
The reason, though, I bring you the story today was something that happened mid-class with our 9 year old grandson, Theodore, known to the family as a wonderful and most sensitive boy. Chris had just a minute before changed to the heart clearing movement when I noticed Theodore looking at me rather than the laptop screen. His movement, that had earlier been quite childlike and energetic, slowed down significantly and became smooth and steady. He blinked a few times and kept looking at me. I could see liquid in his eyes and sense a big shift in his energy.
“Granmama, for some reason…tears are coming out of my eyes.” He wiped a drop or two away and was looking to me for reassurance. Of course I gave it to him with a warm hug.
It was only after that sweet little surprise and hug that Chris remarked to the class that “The heart is the Emperor of all the body’s organs.” By extension, all of the emotions we hold within and then release from our physical form have to go through the heart first. With this simple rhythmic motion of the Qi Gong heart movement, my sweet grandson was releasing some pent up emotion he may not have had any idea his body was ready to let go.
Energy healing methods like Qi Gong can sometimes seem too easy or too “woo woo” to believe. But this simple story of our family Qi Club moment with a visible physical result, is a reminder that energy work is very real indeed. Chris often says that “Qi Gong is a simple practice that can bring profound results.”
If you are interested in adding Qi Gong to your mindfulness, health or well-being, Check out Chris and Parisa Shelton’s Qi Club by following this link. Maybe I’ll see you there! (You can also follow them on YouTube.
