1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:04,920 All right, let's dive deep into the world of kugong today. 2 00:00:04,920 --> 00:00:05,720 Sounds great. 3 00:00:05,720 --> 00:00:07,680 It seems like it's everywhere these days. 4 00:00:07,680 --> 00:00:10,760 Everyone's talking about it, but what is it really all about? 5 00:00:10,760 --> 00:00:11,320 Right. 6 00:00:11,320 --> 00:00:14,560 We're going to find out using an interview with kugong expert 7 00:00:14,560 --> 00:00:16,200 Ken Cohen as our guide. 8 00:00:16,200 --> 00:00:16,920 Awesome. 9 00:00:16,920 --> 00:00:18,360 And get this. 10 00:00:18,360 --> 00:00:22,880 This goes way beyond simple breathing exercises. 11 00:00:22,880 --> 00:00:29,920 We're talking ancient practices, poetry, even modern science. 12 00:00:29,920 --> 00:00:31,840 You're going to be surprised how they all connect. 13 00:00:31,840 --> 00:00:32,340 I'm ready. 14 00:00:32,340 --> 00:00:35,760 By the end of this deep dive, you'll not only understand kugong, 15 00:00:35,760 --> 00:00:38,400 but maybe even feel inspired to give it a try yourself. 16 00:00:38,400 --> 00:00:39,000 I like it. 17 00:00:39,000 --> 00:00:40,000 So first things first. 18 00:00:40,000 --> 00:00:40,500 Sure. 19 00:00:40,500 --> 00:00:42,280 What exactly is kugong? 20 00:00:42,280 --> 00:00:44,960 Well, the term kugong is actually relatively new. 21 00:00:44,960 --> 00:00:45,560 Oh, really? 22 00:00:45,560 --> 00:00:46,060 Yeah. 23 00:00:46,060 --> 00:00:49,200 It only started being used after the 1950s in China. 24 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:49,840 Wow. 25 00:00:49,840 --> 00:00:51,280 So it's not as ancient as I thought. 26 00:00:51,280 --> 00:00:51,880 Exactly. 27 00:00:51,880 --> 00:00:53,880 Before that, it was called yangsheng. 28 00:00:53,880 --> 00:00:55,280 Yangsheng. 29 00:00:55,280 --> 00:00:56,920 Which means nurturing life. 30 00:00:56,920 --> 00:00:58,480 Ah, I like that. 31 00:00:58,480 --> 00:01:00,800 Kind of gives you a much more well-rounded picture, 32 00:01:00,800 --> 00:01:01,880 don't you think? 33 00:01:01,880 --> 00:01:02,380 Yeah. 34 00:01:02,380 --> 00:01:05,120 Nurturing life definitely has a more holistic feel to it. 35 00:01:05,120 --> 00:01:05,620 Right. 36 00:01:05,620 --> 00:01:08,920 So why did the name change? 37 00:01:08,920 --> 00:01:10,680 It's a pretty fascinating story, actually. 38 00:01:10,680 --> 00:01:11,320 OK. 39 00:01:11,320 --> 00:01:12,000 I'm listening. 40 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:14,640 It was a strategic move during the Communist Revolution 41 00:01:14,640 --> 00:01:15,460 in China. 42 00:01:15,460 --> 00:01:16,080 Oh, wow. 43 00:01:16,080 --> 00:01:20,520 Leaders like the renowned acupuncturist, Kui Jin. 44 00:01:20,520 --> 00:01:23,040 They knew how valuable these ancient practices were. 45 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:23,680 Makes sense. 46 00:01:23,680 --> 00:01:27,480 But to protect them during this turbulent time, 47 00:01:27,480 --> 00:01:29,000 they decided to rebrand them. 48 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:29,840 Interesting. 49 00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:32,440 They called them qigong and focused on their potential 50 00:01:32,440 --> 00:01:33,920 to boost national health. 51 00:01:33,920 --> 00:01:35,160 That's actually really clever. 52 00:01:35,160 --> 00:01:37,360 It was a way to make sure these practices survived. 53 00:01:37,360 --> 00:01:41,040 So using this newer framework of qigong, 54 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:43,280 how would Ken Cohen define it? 55 00:01:43,280 --> 00:01:45,540 He describes qigong as the art and science 56 00:01:45,540 --> 00:01:49,600 of using posture, movement, breathing, and meditation 57 00:01:49,600 --> 00:01:53,680 to refine, gather, and circulate what he calls the life force. 58 00:01:53,680 --> 00:01:54,180 OK. 59 00:01:54,180 --> 00:01:56,240 So this life force, is that basically just 60 00:01:56,240 --> 00:01:57,520 another word for energy? 61 00:01:57,520 --> 00:02:00,200 It's a bit more nuanced than just energy. 62 00:02:00,200 --> 00:02:01,800 Think about it this way. 63 00:02:01,800 --> 00:02:03,400 Have you ever walked into a forest 64 00:02:03,400 --> 00:02:05,640 and just felt this incredible sense 65 00:02:05,640 --> 00:02:07,400 of aliveness and connection? 66 00:02:07,400 --> 00:02:08,360 Oh, yeah, totally. 67 00:02:08,360 --> 00:02:10,160 That's key, too. 68 00:02:10,160 --> 00:02:13,200 It's this vital energetic presence 69 00:02:13,200 --> 00:02:15,600 that flows through everything, not just us. 70 00:02:15,600 --> 00:02:18,480 OK, so it's not just about the energy inside us, 71 00:02:18,480 --> 00:02:21,600 but this interconnected energy that flows through everything. 72 00:02:21,600 --> 00:02:22,760 Precisely. 73 00:02:22,760 --> 00:02:24,740 Ken Cohen uses a beautiful example 74 00:02:24,740 --> 00:02:26,280 from a classic Chinese poem. 75 00:02:26,280 --> 00:02:27,440 All right, let's hear it. 76 00:02:27,440 --> 00:02:30,200 To illustrate this. 77 00:02:30,200 --> 00:02:34,440 A thousand mountains, not a bird. 78 00:02:34,440 --> 00:02:38,400 10,000 trails, not a footprint. 79 00:02:38,400 --> 00:02:42,040 Alone in a boat, an old man in a straw raincoat, 80 00:02:42,040 --> 00:02:43,680 fishing through the cold river snow. 81 00:02:43,680 --> 00:02:45,800 Wow, that imagery is powerful. 82 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:49,360 Even in that stillness, there's this very real sense of key. 83 00:02:49,360 --> 00:02:51,520 He reminds me of those times when I feel completely 84 00:02:51,520 --> 00:02:52,520 absorbed in nature. 85 00:02:52,520 --> 00:02:53,020 Exactly. 86 00:02:53,020 --> 00:02:54,880 I'm part of something much bigger than myself. 87 00:02:54,880 --> 00:02:57,880 Right, and that feeling, that sense of interconnectedness, 88 00:02:57,880 --> 00:03:00,040 that's a key part of what Qigong cultivates. 89 00:03:00,040 --> 00:03:01,800 So it's not just about physical fitness. 90 00:03:01,800 --> 00:03:02,360 No, it's not. 91 00:03:02,360 --> 00:03:05,520 It's more about bringing your mind, body, and spirit 92 00:03:05,520 --> 00:03:06,240 into harmony. 93 00:03:06,240 --> 00:03:07,000 Exactly. 94 00:03:07,000 --> 00:03:08,480 It's a holistic practice. 95 00:03:08,480 --> 00:03:10,020 That actually reminds me of this time 96 00:03:10,020 --> 00:03:12,100 I got injured doing Tai Chi. 97 00:03:12,100 --> 00:03:13,560 I kind of underestimated it. 98 00:03:13,560 --> 00:03:18,160 I thought it was a soft art, and I pushed myself too hard, 99 00:03:18,160 --> 00:03:19,720 and I ended up hurting myself. 100 00:03:19,720 --> 00:03:21,120 That's a common misunderstanding. 101 00:03:21,120 --> 00:03:22,800 Is it? 102 00:03:22,800 --> 00:03:26,880 Qigong is about using minimal effort, not weakness. 103 00:03:26,880 --> 00:03:27,760 OK. 104 00:03:27,760 --> 00:03:30,280 It actually complements vigorous exercise. 105 00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:30,880 I see. 106 00:03:30,880 --> 00:03:31,680 Doesn't replace it. 107 00:03:31,680 --> 00:03:32,760 OK. 108 00:03:32,760 --> 00:03:35,040 There's this Chinese saying that Ken Cohen highlights. 109 00:03:35,040 --> 00:03:35,760 Obviously. 110 00:03:35,760 --> 00:03:38,840 It says, while the outside becomes strong, 111 00:03:38,840 --> 00:03:41,880 the inside dries up in rots. 112 00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:45,560 So it's about balancing internal and external health. 113 00:03:45,560 --> 00:03:46,600 That makes a lot of sense. 114 00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:48,120 Yeah, you can't just focus on one. 115 00:03:48,120 --> 00:03:50,000 It's like only focusing on building muscle 116 00:03:50,000 --> 00:03:53,120 without considering your diet or mental well-being. 117 00:03:53,120 --> 00:03:54,120 It's a good analogy. 118 00:03:54,120 --> 00:03:56,240 You might look strong on the outside, 119 00:03:56,240 --> 00:03:58,320 but you're neglecting your inner health. 120 00:03:58,320 --> 00:03:59,320 Exactly. 121 00:03:59,320 --> 00:04:02,040 And it's important to remember that in ancient China, 122 00:04:02,040 --> 00:04:04,400 the people who practiced Qigong also 123 00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:07,120 lived very physically active lives. 124 00:04:07,120 --> 00:04:08,160 Oh, that's true. 125 00:04:08,160 --> 00:04:08,800 Farmers. 126 00:04:08,800 --> 00:04:09,520 Right. 127 00:04:09,520 --> 00:04:10,480 Laborers. 128 00:04:10,480 --> 00:04:11,000 Yeah. 129 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:12,120 Martial artists. 130 00:04:12,120 --> 00:04:13,080 They needed both. 131 00:04:13,080 --> 00:04:13,800 They did. 132 00:04:13,800 --> 00:04:15,480 In our modern lifestyle, though, we 133 00:04:15,480 --> 00:04:17,960 spend so much time sitting on that we 134 00:04:17,960 --> 00:04:20,600 need to be more intentional about incorporating 135 00:04:20,600 --> 00:04:23,040 Qigong along with exercise. 136 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:25,080 It's like we have to consciously make that effort 137 00:04:25,080 --> 00:04:26,080 to balance it out. 138 00:04:26,080 --> 00:04:26,760 Exactly. 139 00:04:26,760 --> 00:04:29,080 Now, I'm curious about Ken Cohen's own journey 140 00:04:29,080 --> 00:04:29,720 with Qigong. 141 00:04:29,720 --> 00:04:30,240 Sure. 142 00:04:30,240 --> 00:04:32,480 Did he have any teachers who really 143 00:04:32,480 --> 00:04:35,960 shaped his understanding of the practice? 144 00:04:35,960 --> 00:04:37,960 He mentioned several influential teachers 145 00:04:37,960 --> 00:04:39,040 in the interview. 146 00:04:39,040 --> 00:04:42,440 But one that really stands out is Dr. Huang Hong Kong. 147 00:04:42,440 --> 00:04:43,680 Dr. Huang Hong Kong. 148 00:04:43,680 --> 00:04:44,640 Yes. 149 00:04:44,640 --> 00:04:47,560 He was a Taoist abbot with an incredible life story. 150 00:04:47,560 --> 00:04:48,840 Wow. 151 00:04:48,840 --> 00:04:53,600 He had this amazing depth of knowledge from a bygone era. 152 00:04:53,600 --> 00:04:56,120 And he truly embodied the teachings he passed on. 153 00:04:56,120 --> 00:04:58,400 I can only imagine what it must have been like to learn 154 00:04:58,400 --> 00:04:59,600 from someone like that. 155 00:04:59,600 --> 00:05:01,280 It was truly special. 156 00:05:01,280 --> 00:05:03,080 He had this amazing depth of knowledge. 157 00:05:03,080 --> 00:05:05,520 So what was one of the most valuable lessons Ken 158 00:05:05,520 --> 00:05:06,760 Cohen learned from him? 159 00:05:06,760 --> 00:05:09,360 One that really resonated with me was about alignment. 160 00:05:09,360 --> 00:05:09,920 Alignment. 161 00:05:09,920 --> 00:05:10,440 Yeah. 162 00:05:10,440 --> 00:05:12,880 Not just physical alignment and the Qigong postures, 163 00:05:12,880 --> 00:05:16,160 but alignment between your intention and your actions. 164 00:05:16,160 --> 00:05:19,280 Dr. Huang emphasized that every movement 165 00:05:19,280 --> 00:05:20,640 should have a purpose. 166 00:05:20,640 --> 00:05:23,200 It should be done with mindful awareness. 167 00:05:23,200 --> 00:05:23,720 I like that. 168 00:05:23,720 --> 00:05:25,240 Every single movement. 169 00:05:25,240 --> 00:05:26,280 That makes sense. 170 00:05:26,280 --> 00:05:28,000 You know, it's like when you're learning a new skill. 171 00:05:28,000 --> 00:05:28,520 Exactly. 172 00:05:28,520 --> 00:05:31,200 Like if your intention and actions aren't aligned, 173 00:05:31,200 --> 00:05:32,640 you're not going to get very far. 174 00:05:32,640 --> 00:05:33,000 Right. 175 00:05:33,000 --> 00:05:34,120 Have you ever noticed that? 176 00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:35,000 Oh, absolutely. 177 00:05:35,000 --> 00:05:36,520 Whether it's playing an instrument 178 00:05:36,520 --> 00:05:40,200 or learning a new sport, that alignment is key. 179 00:05:40,200 --> 00:05:43,480 And in Qigong, it's about aligning your mind, body, 180 00:05:43,480 --> 00:05:46,680 and spirit to cultivate that life force we were talking 181 00:05:46,680 --> 00:05:47,040 about. 182 00:05:47,040 --> 00:05:47,760 Yeah, exactly. 183 00:05:47,760 --> 00:05:49,280 So now for the question that I think 184 00:05:49,280 --> 00:05:51,040 is on a lot of people's minds. 185 00:05:51,040 --> 00:05:51,640 Go ahead. 186 00:05:51,640 --> 00:05:54,440 Can Qigong really help with healing? 187 00:05:54,440 --> 00:05:56,440 This is where things get really interesting. 188 00:05:56,440 --> 00:05:57,640 OK, call me more. 189 00:05:57,640 --> 00:06:00,680 Western science is actually finally catching up 190 00:06:00,680 --> 00:06:03,800 to what Qigong practitioners have known for centuries. 191 00:06:03,800 --> 00:06:04,280 Really? 192 00:06:04,280 --> 00:06:06,040 There was a very recent study published 193 00:06:06,040 --> 00:06:09,080 in the Journal of the American Medical Association 194 00:06:09,080 --> 00:06:13,760 that showed that Tai Chi, which is a related practice to Qigong, 195 00:06:13,760 --> 00:06:16,160 actually improved cognitive function in people 196 00:06:16,160 --> 00:06:18,960 with type 2 diabetes even more effectively 197 00:06:18,960 --> 00:06:20,520 than conventional exercise. 198 00:06:20,520 --> 00:06:22,960 Wow, that's incredible. 199 00:06:22,960 --> 00:06:26,880 Are there other studies that support this idea of Qigong 200 00:06:26,880 --> 00:06:28,440 as a healing modality? 201 00:06:28,440 --> 00:06:29,480 Absolutely. 202 00:06:29,480 --> 00:06:31,160 There is a growing body of evidence 203 00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:34,400 showing that Qigong can be beneficial for a wide range 204 00:06:34,400 --> 00:06:35,120 of conditions. 205 00:06:35,120 --> 00:06:36,120 OK, like what? 206 00:06:36,120 --> 00:06:38,480 It can help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. 207 00:06:38,480 --> 00:06:38,960 Wow. 208 00:06:38,960 --> 00:06:41,320 Improve respiratory health and digestion. 209 00:06:41,320 --> 00:06:44,160 It's even shown promise in boosting circulation, 210 00:06:44,160 --> 00:06:47,480 enhancing cognitive function, and even promoting longevity. 211 00:06:47,480 --> 00:06:48,480 That's amazing. 212 00:06:48,480 --> 00:06:50,240 It sounds like Qigong has the potential 213 00:06:50,240 --> 00:06:52,600 to benefit almost every system in the bottle. 214 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:53,720 That's the beauty of it. 215 00:06:53,720 --> 00:06:55,000 It's a holistic practice. 216 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:57,600 And Ken Kouen himself is a testament to that. 217 00:06:57,600 --> 00:06:58,280 Absolutely. 218 00:06:58,280 --> 00:07:01,920 At 70 years old, he feels younger and stronger than ever. 219 00:07:01,920 --> 00:07:03,280 That's inspiring. 220 00:07:03,280 --> 00:07:08,600 And he attributes this vitality to his lifelong Qigong 221 00:07:08,600 --> 00:07:09,920 and Tai Chi practice. 222 00:07:09,920 --> 00:07:11,360 That's incredible. 223 00:07:11,360 --> 00:07:15,360 But I have to admit, all this talk about Yi and intention, 224 00:07:15,360 --> 00:07:17,440 it sounds very esoteric to me. 225 00:07:17,440 --> 00:07:18,040 I understand. 226 00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:19,000 Let's break it down a bit. 227 00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:19,520 OK, see? 228 00:07:19,520 --> 00:07:21,080 Yi simply means intention. 229 00:07:21,080 --> 00:07:23,600 OK, so it's not as complicated as it sounds? 230 00:07:23,600 --> 00:07:24,240 Not really. 231 00:07:24,240 --> 00:07:24,740 Yeah. 232 00:07:24,740 --> 00:07:28,080 Qigong teaches you to cultivate mental focus. 233 00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:28,580 OK. 234 00:07:28,580 --> 00:07:31,040 To align your mind with your body's movements. 235 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:31,540 I see. 236 00:07:31,540 --> 00:07:32,800 There's a saying in Qigong. 237 00:07:32,800 --> 00:07:33,300 What is it? 238 00:07:33,300 --> 00:07:35,440 Where the Yi goes, the Qi flows. 239 00:07:35,440 --> 00:07:37,800 So you're saying that our thoughts and intentions can 240 00:07:37,800 --> 00:07:40,720 actually influence the flow of Qi in our bodies. 241 00:07:40,720 --> 00:07:41,400 Exactly. 242 00:07:41,400 --> 00:07:42,520 It's a powerful concept. 243 00:07:42,520 --> 00:07:43,280 Wow. 244 00:07:43,280 --> 00:07:45,680 Can you give an example of how that works in practice? 245 00:07:45,680 --> 00:07:46,600 Sure. 246 00:07:46,600 --> 00:07:49,240 Try bringing your attention to your palm right now. 247 00:07:49,240 --> 00:07:49,760 OK. 248 00:07:49,760 --> 00:07:51,000 As you focus your mind there. 249 00:07:51,000 --> 00:07:51,560 I am doing it. 250 00:07:51,560 --> 00:07:55,440 You might start to notice a subtle shift in sensation. 251 00:07:55,440 --> 00:07:57,320 Maybe some warmth or tingling. 252 00:07:57,320 --> 00:07:58,200 That's wild. 253 00:07:58,200 --> 00:08:02,120 So that's my intention directing Qi to my palm. 254 00:08:02,120 --> 00:08:02,800 Slicely. 255 00:08:02,800 --> 00:08:03,800 This is fascinating. 256 00:08:03,800 --> 00:08:05,720 But it sounds like Qigong isn't just 257 00:08:05,720 --> 00:08:08,080 about this focused intentional practice. 258 00:08:08,080 --> 00:08:08,600 You're right. 259 00:08:08,600 --> 00:08:09,760 There's another side to it. 260 00:08:09,760 --> 00:08:10,360 What's that? 261 00:08:10,360 --> 00:08:13,480 It's about cultivating a state of emptiness as well. 262 00:08:13,480 --> 00:08:14,360 Emptiness. 263 00:08:14,360 --> 00:08:15,080 Yeah. 264 00:08:15,080 --> 00:08:17,840 Qao is called this Wu way or non-action. 265 00:08:17,840 --> 00:08:18,360 OK. 266 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:21,840 It's about finding that balance between focused effort. 267 00:08:21,840 --> 00:08:22,560 I see. 268 00:08:22,560 --> 00:08:23,880 An effortless being. 269 00:08:23,880 --> 00:08:24,380 OK. 270 00:08:24,380 --> 00:08:28,720 So we're talking about both directing Qi with intention 271 00:08:28,720 --> 00:08:30,640 and cultivating emptiness. 272 00:08:30,640 --> 00:08:31,280 Exactly. 273 00:08:31,280 --> 00:08:33,240 They might seem contradictory, but they're 274 00:08:33,240 --> 00:08:35,600 both essential aspects of Qigong. 275 00:08:35,600 --> 00:08:37,560 This is making my head spin a little. 276 00:08:37,560 --> 00:08:38,800 It's a lot to take in. 277 00:08:38,800 --> 00:08:39,920 But in a good way. 278 00:08:39,920 --> 00:08:40,420 Good. 279 00:08:40,420 --> 00:08:42,960 We'll delve deeper into those seemingly opposite ideas 280 00:08:42,960 --> 00:08:43,600 a little later. 281 00:08:43,600 --> 00:08:44,120 OK. 282 00:08:44,120 --> 00:08:47,200 And how they actually work together in Qigong practice. 283 00:08:47,200 --> 00:08:48,240 Sounds good to me. 284 00:08:48,240 --> 00:08:51,840 But for now, let's focus on the concept of Yi 285 00:08:51,840 --> 00:08:53,960 and how it plays a role in healing. 286 00:08:53,960 --> 00:08:54,840 All right. 287 00:08:54,840 --> 00:08:56,000 I'm ready when you are. 288 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:56,880 OK, let's do it. 289 00:08:56,880 --> 00:08:58,200 This is starting to make sense. 290 00:08:58,200 --> 00:08:59,080 Great. 291 00:08:59,080 --> 00:08:59,760 What about you? 292 00:08:59,760 --> 00:09:00,960 Yeah, definitely. 293 00:09:00,960 --> 00:09:02,360 I'm really getting into this. 294 00:09:02,360 --> 00:09:02,840 All right. 295 00:09:02,840 --> 00:09:03,680 Let's keep going. 296 00:09:03,680 --> 00:09:04,280 Sounds good. 297 00:09:04,280 --> 00:09:06,800 You know, thinking about intention and all that, 298 00:09:06,800 --> 00:09:10,640 it makes me wonder how that plays a role in healing. 299 00:09:10,640 --> 00:09:11,140 Yeah. 300 00:09:11,140 --> 00:09:12,920 Specifically, you know? 301 00:09:12,920 --> 00:09:13,420 Yeah. 302 00:09:13,420 --> 00:09:16,520 Is it like directing Qi to a specific place in your body 303 00:09:16,520 --> 00:09:17,600 that needs it? 304 00:09:17,600 --> 00:09:18,680 That's a great question. 305 00:09:18,680 --> 00:09:21,000 And you're actually on the right track with that. 306 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:21,640 Really? 307 00:09:21,640 --> 00:09:24,280 Imagine if you had a cut on your hand. 308 00:09:24,280 --> 00:09:27,600 You can use Qigong to visualize healing energy 309 00:09:27,600 --> 00:09:30,080 flowing to that cut. 310 00:09:30,080 --> 00:09:32,720 And that can actually enhance your body's natural healing 311 00:09:32,720 --> 00:09:33,480 process. 312 00:09:33,480 --> 00:09:36,000 So it's almost like giving your body's own healing power 313 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:36,920 a boost. 314 00:09:36,920 --> 00:09:37,920 Precisely. 315 00:09:37,920 --> 00:09:40,440 It's about working with your body's natural wisdom, 316 00:09:40,440 --> 00:09:41,240 not against it. 317 00:09:41,240 --> 00:09:42,440 OK, that makes sense. 318 00:09:42,440 --> 00:09:44,640 Now remember how we were talking about cultivating emptiness? 319 00:09:44,640 --> 00:09:46,680 Yeah, along with that focused intention. 320 00:09:46,680 --> 00:09:47,360 Exactly. 321 00:09:47,360 --> 00:09:48,120 Yeah. 322 00:09:48,120 --> 00:09:50,840 There are actually two really beautiful terms 323 00:09:50,840 --> 00:09:53,480 from ancient Taoist texts that describe 324 00:09:53,480 --> 00:09:54,800 this state of emptiness. 325 00:09:54,800 --> 00:09:56,760 Ooh, I like beautiful terms. 326 00:09:56,760 --> 00:09:57,640 Let's hear them. 327 00:09:57,640 --> 00:10:00,200 All right, the first one is Xinzai. 328 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:01,240 Xinzai. 329 00:10:01,240 --> 00:10:02,760 Which means fasting of the mind. 330 00:10:02,760 --> 00:10:04,320 Fasting of the mind. 331 00:10:04,320 --> 00:10:04,920 I like that. 332 00:10:04,920 --> 00:10:06,080 It's a great concept, right? 333 00:10:06,080 --> 00:10:07,760 Yeah, it sounds like a much needed break 334 00:10:07,760 --> 00:10:10,560 from all the mental chatter we deal with all the time. 335 00:10:10,560 --> 00:10:11,160 Exactly. 336 00:10:11,160 --> 00:10:14,600 It's about quieting all those thoughts and worries 337 00:10:14,600 --> 00:10:16,640 to create space for inner stillness. 338 00:10:16,640 --> 00:10:18,400 Wow, I love that. 339 00:10:18,400 --> 00:10:21,480 And the second term is Zuowang. 340 00:10:21,480 --> 00:10:22,840 Zuowang. 341 00:10:22,840 --> 00:10:24,960 It means sitting and forgetting. 342 00:10:24,960 --> 00:10:25,680 Wow. 343 00:10:25,680 --> 00:10:29,440 And it describes this state where your mind just dissolves, 344 00:10:29,440 --> 00:10:31,440 completely free from any distractions. 345 00:10:31,440 --> 00:10:33,240 That sounds incredibly peaceful. 346 00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:34,040 It is. 347 00:10:34,040 --> 00:10:35,240 It's a beautiful state. 348 00:10:35,240 --> 00:10:37,880 But probably pretty hard to actually achieve. 349 00:10:37,880 --> 00:10:39,440 You're telling me. 350 00:10:39,440 --> 00:10:40,640 It takes practice. 351 00:10:40,640 --> 00:10:41,240 Yeah. 352 00:10:41,240 --> 00:10:42,600 Patience. 353 00:10:42,600 --> 00:10:45,480 There are no quick fixes when it comes to this stuff. 354 00:10:45,480 --> 00:10:47,360 Yeah, that makes sense. 355 00:10:47,360 --> 00:10:49,400 But the rewards sound pretty amazing. 356 00:10:49,400 --> 00:10:50,280 Oh, they are. 357 00:10:50,280 --> 00:10:52,200 It's a worthwhile journey for sure. 358 00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:54,680 This makes me think about a question we got from a listener 359 00:10:54,680 --> 00:10:55,720 named Paula. 360 00:10:55,720 --> 00:10:56,840 OK, what did Paula ask? 361 00:10:56,840 --> 00:11:00,800 She was struggling with the idea of egolessness in Qigong. 362 00:11:00,800 --> 00:11:01,920 Yeah. 363 00:11:01,920 --> 00:11:06,600 She asks, how do you actually achieve that feeling 364 00:11:06,600 --> 00:11:08,960 of egolessness in Qigong? 365 00:11:08,960 --> 00:11:10,320 That is a great question. 366 00:11:10,320 --> 00:11:10,840 Right. 367 00:11:10,840 --> 00:11:13,360 It really gets to the heart of Qigong. 368 00:11:13,360 --> 00:11:16,320 And it's not about erasing your ego completely. 369 00:11:16,320 --> 00:11:19,840 I see more about transcending its limitations. 370 00:11:19,840 --> 00:11:24,880 Recognizing that who you think you are isn't all of who you are. 371 00:11:24,880 --> 00:11:26,760 It's easier said than done, though, right? 372 00:11:26,760 --> 00:11:27,280 For sure. 373 00:11:27,280 --> 00:11:27,600 Yeah. 374 00:11:27,600 --> 00:11:30,440 It's definitely a journey, not a destination, 375 00:11:30,440 --> 00:11:32,840 to illustrate the nature of the self a little bit better. 376 00:11:32,840 --> 00:11:33,360 OK. 377 00:11:33,360 --> 00:11:35,520 Ken Cohen shared a powerful analogy 378 00:11:35,520 --> 00:11:38,240 from the Indian philosopher Shankara. 379 00:11:38,240 --> 00:11:39,560 OK, let's hear it. 380 00:11:39,560 --> 00:11:44,160 He said, just as a sword cannot cut itself, 381 00:11:44,160 --> 00:11:47,200 nor a fire burn itself, so the subject cannot be 382 00:11:47,200 --> 00:11:49,040 the object of its own knowledge. 383 00:11:49,040 --> 00:11:50,520 Whoa. 384 00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:51,320 It's deep, right? 385 00:11:51,320 --> 00:11:52,600 That is deep. 386 00:11:52,600 --> 00:11:54,840 It sounds like we're almost trying to grasp something 387 00:11:54,840 --> 00:11:56,160 that can't be grasped. 388 00:11:56,160 --> 00:11:57,720 In a way, yes. 389 00:11:57,720 --> 00:12:01,080 It's about learning to trust the unknown, 390 00:12:01,080 --> 00:12:03,800 to surrender to the mystery of who we are. 391 00:12:03,800 --> 00:12:04,360 I like that. 392 00:12:04,360 --> 00:12:06,480 Beyond all our thoughts and labels. 393 00:12:06,480 --> 00:12:08,720 OK, my head is spinning a little bit, but in a good way. 394 00:12:08,720 --> 00:12:09,080 Good. 395 00:12:09,080 --> 00:12:09,560 Look, Len. 396 00:12:09,560 --> 00:12:11,200 I'm curious about the Dantians now. 397 00:12:11,200 --> 00:12:12,000 The Dantians? 398 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:13,920 Yeah, those energy centers in Qigong? 399 00:12:13,920 --> 00:12:14,520 Oh, yeah. 400 00:12:14,520 --> 00:12:17,200 Can you clarify a little bit about where they are, 401 00:12:17,200 --> 00:12:18,000 what they mean? 402 00:12:18,000 --> 00:12:21,120 The Dantians are basically areas within the body 403 00:12:21,120 --> 00:12:25,680 that have this greater capacity to store and move Qigong. 404 00:12:25,680 --> 00:12:26,280 OK. 405 00:12:26,280 --> 00:12:27,520 Now, they're exact locations. 406 00:12:27,520 --> 00:12:27,880 Yeah. 407 00:12:27,880 --> 00:12:29,080 They can vary a little, depending 408 00:12:29,080 --> 00:12:31,600 on the specific school of Qigong you're looking at. 409 00:12:31,600 --> 00:12:35,760 But the three classical Dantians are pretty consistent 410 00:12:35,760 --> 00:12:37,600 across most traditions. 411 00:12:37,600 --> 00:12:39,440 OK, so let's start with the basics. 412 00:12:39,440 --> 00:12:39,960 All right. 413 00:12:39,960 --> 00:12:41,560 Where are these Dantians? 414 00:12:41,560 --> 00:12:44,640 So the upper Dantian is located between your eyebrows. 415 00:12:44,640 --> 00:12:45,440 OK. 416 00:12:45,440 --> 00:12:47,400 It's often called the third eye. 417 00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:48,640 Oh, yeah, I've heard of that. 418 00:12:48,640 --> 00:12:52,400 It's associated with shen, which means spirit or mind. 419 00:12:52,400 --> 00:12:56,200 So it's considered the center of intuition, wisdom, 420 00:12:56,200 --> 00:12:57,240 spiritual connection. 421 00:12:57,240 --> 00:13:00,120 So when people talk about gut feelings, 422 00:13:00,120 --> 00:13:02,840 maybe they're really coming from this upper Dantian. 423 00:13:02,840 --> 00:13:04,360 That's an interesting way to look at it. 424 00:13:04,360 --> 00:13:05,040 What about the other ones? 425 00:13:05,040 --> 00:13:07,800 OK, so next we have the middle Dantian. 426 00:13:07,800 --> 00:13:08,640 The middle Dantian. 427 00:13:08,640 --> 00:13:10,480 Located in the heart and chest area. 428 00:13:10,480 --> 00:13:11,000 OK. 429 00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:14,000 And this one's connected to Qi, the life force itself. 430 00:13:14,000 --> 00:13:14,840 Right. 431 00:13:14,840 --> 00:13:17,640 And it's thought to play a role in breathing, 432 00:13:17,640 --> 00:13:19,640 emotional balance, and love. 433 00:13:19,640 --> 00:13:22,960 So all those surges of emotion we feel in our chest, 434 00:13:22,960 --> 00:13:25,120 that's the middle Dantian reacting. 435 00:13:25,120 --> 00:13:25,680 Exactly. 436 00:13:25,680 --> 00:13:27,440 And then there's one more, right? 437 00:13:27,440 --> 00:13:28,080 Right. 438 00:13:28,080 --> 00:13:29,040 The lower Dantian. 439 00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:30,040 The lower Dantian. 440 00:13:30,040 --> 00:13:32,720 Which is located about three inches below the navel. 441 00:13:32,720 --> 00:13:33,120 OK. 442 00:13:33,120 --> 00:13:34,600 This is the one most people think of 443 00:13:34,600 --> 00:13:35,920 when they hear the word Dantian. 444 00:13:35,920 --> 00:13:36,440 Yeah. 445 00:13:36,440 --> 00:13:38,960 And this one's associated with jing. 446 00:13:38,960 --> 00:13:39,480 Jing. 447 00:13:39,480 --> 00:13:42,200 Which is our vital essence or primal energy. 448 00:13:42,200 --> 00:13:44,840 So if the upper Dantian is like the mind, 449 00:13:44,840 --> 00:13:47,640 and the middle Dantian is like the heart, 450 00:13:47,640 --> 00:13:51,880 the lower Dantian is like our raw kind of instinctual energy. 451 00:13:51,880 --> 00:13:52,760 Yeah, you got it. 452 00:13:52,760 --> 00:13:54,840 It's also connected to reproductive energy. 453 00:13:54,840 --> 00:13:55,360 Oh, OK. 454 00:13:55,360 --> 00:13:56,960 Vitality and grounding. 455 00:13:56,960 --> 00:14:01,160 So each Dantian represents a different aspect of our being. 456 00:14:01,160 --> 00:14:02,280 Yeah, you could say that. 457 00:14:02,280 --> 00:14:03,480 This is so interesting. 458 00:14:03,480 --> 00:14:03,800 It is. 459 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:05,080 It's a fascinating concept. 460 00:14:05,080 --> 00:14:06,600 But how does this all connect back 461 00:14:06,600 --> 00:14:08,960 to our everyday experience? 462 00:14:08,960 --> 00:14:10,440 Think about it. 463 00:14:10,440 --> 00:14:12,600 Have you ever noticed how you just get a gut 464 00:14:12,600 --> 00:14:13,720 feeling about something? 465 00:14:13,720 --> 00:14:14,280 Oh, yeah. 466 00:14:14,280 --> 00:14:14,800 All the time? 467 00:14:14,800 --> 00:14:16,880 Well, that's your lower Dantian at work. 468 00:14:16,880 --> 00:14:17,680 Really? 469 00:14:17,680 --> 00:14:21,520 Or when you feel tension or tightness in your chest. 470 00:14:21,520 --> 00:14:23,920 That's your middle Dantian being affected 471 00:14:23,920 --> 00:14:25,440 by stress or emotions. 472 00:14:25,440 --> 00:14:26,560 Wow. 473 00:14:26,560 --> 00:14:27,960 I never thought about it that way. 474 00:14:27,960 --> 00:14:29,840 Or how about that tension you get in your forehead? 475 00:14:29,840 --> 00:14:30,240 Yeah. 476 00:14:30,240 --> 00:14:32,120 When you're trying to focus really hard on something. 477 00:14:32,120 --> 00:14:32,640 Yeah. 478 00:14:32,640 --> 00:14:36,240 That's your upper Dantian struggling to find clarity. 479 00:14:36,240 --> 00:14:37,880 This is starting to click for me. 480 00:14:37,880 --> 00:14:41,400 So we're not just talking about these abstract energy centers, 481 00:14:41,400 --> 00:14:44,440 but something that we can actually feel in our bodies. 482 00:14:44,440 --> 00:14:45,240 Exactly. 483 00:14:45,240 --> 00:14:45,880 That's amazing. 484 00:14:45,880 --> 00:14:49,600 And by becoming more aware of these sensations, 485 00:14:49,600 --> 00:14:52,960 we can actually start to work with our Dantians 486 00:14:52,960 --> 00:14:54,240 to enhance our well-being. 487 00:14:54,240 --> 00:14:56,480 So it's not just about understanding it. 488 00:14:56,480 --> 00:14:59,320 It's about actually using this knowledge 489 00:14:59,320 --> 00:15:00,440 to make a difference. 490 00:15:00,440 --> 00:15:02,680 For example, if you're feeling anxious, 491 00:15:02,680 --> 00:15:05,120 Qigong breathing techniques can actually 492 00:15:05,120 --> 00:15:11,160 help calm your middle Dantian and restore emotional balance. 493 00:15:11,160 --> 00:15:11,960 That's so cool. 494 00:15:11,960 --> 00:15:14,520 I'm definitely seeing the practical applications now. 495 00:15:14,520 --> 00:15:18,080 But you mentioned earlier that different Qigong systems 496 00:15:18,080 --> 00:15:20,480 might interpret the Dantians a little bit differently. 497 00:15:20,480 --> 00:15:20,960 Oh, yeah. 498 00:15:20,960 --> 00:15:21,360 That's true. 499 00:15:21,360 --> 00:15:22,480 Can you talk about that a little more? 500 00:15:22,480 --> 00:15:23,200 Sure. 501 00:15:23,200 --> 00:15:25,560 Some traditions actually view the Dantians 502 00:15:25,560 --> 00:15:27,920 as horizontally aligned. 503 00:15:27,920 --> 00:15:28,640 Horizontally. 504 00:15:28,640 --> 00:15:29,800 Rather than vertically. 505 00:15:29,800 --> 00:15:30,560 Interesting. 506 00:15:30,560 --> 00:15:32,760 And the specific techniques for working with them 507 00:15:32,760 --> 00:15:34,000 will also vary. 508 00:15:34,000 --> 00:15:34,600 Makes sense. 509 00:15:34,600 --> 00:15:35,720 Depending on the lineage. 510 00:15:35,720 --> 00:15:36,240 Right. 511 00:15:36,240 --> 00:15:39,640 But the fundamental principle remains the same. 512 00:15:39,640 --> 00:15:41,480 They're powerful energy centers that we 513 00:15:41,480 --> 00:15:42,640 can learn to cultivate. 514 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:43,960 Through Qigong practice. 515 00:15:43,960 --> 00:15:44,600 Exactly. 516 00:15:44,600 --> 00:15:48,040 So it's not about finding the one right interpretation. 517 00:15:48,040 --> 00:15:48,880 No, not at all. 518 00:15:48,880 --> 00:15:52,360 It's about understanding the core concept. 519 00:15:52,360 --> 00:15:55,120 And finding the practices that resonate with you. 520 00:15:55,120 --> 00:15:56,200 Precisely. 521 00:15:56,200 --> 00:15:58,920 And remember, Qigong is a journey of continuous learning 522 00:15:58,920 --> 00:16:00,080 and discovery. 523 00:16:00,080 --> 00:16:01,240 That's a good reminder. 524 00:16:01,240 --> 00:16:03,840 You know, I was thinking about Tan Kohen's story 525 00:16:03,840 --> 00:16:07,320 about meeting his teacher, Dr. Huang Hong Kong. 526 00:16:07,320 --> 00:16:07,800 Oh, yeah. 527 00:16:07,800 --> 00:16:08,640 In the bookstore. 528 00:16:08,640 --> 00:16:08,920 Yeah. 529 00:16:08,920 --> 00:16:10,440 It was like something out of a movie. 530 00:16:10,440 --> 00:16:11,120 It really was. 531 00:16:11,120 --> 00:16:13,320 This chance encounter that turned into this life changing 532 00:16:13,320 --> 00:16:14,000 mentorship. 533 00:16:14,000 --> 00:16:14,480 Yeah. 534 00:16:14,480 --> 00:16:17,200 And it speaks to the power of finding teachers who really 535 00:16:17,200 --> 00:16:19,000 embody the principles they teach. 536 00:16:19,000 --> 00:16:20,200 Exactly. 537 00:16:20,200 --> 00:16:22,640 Dr. Huang wasn't just a master of Qigong. 538 00:16:22,640 --> 00:16:26,880 He was also a man of great integrity and compassion. 539 00:16:26,880 --> 00:16:29,400 It sounds like Ken Kohen really learned those qualities 540 00:16:29,400 --> 00:16:29,920 from him. 541 00:16:29,920 --> 00:16:31,240 Oh, he did. 542 00:16:31,240 --> 00:16:34,320 It's so inspiring to see that lineage being passed down. 543 00:16:34,320 --> 00:16:37,960 It really highlights the importance of mentorship. 544 00:16:37,960 --> 00:16:40,080 Yeah, having someone to guide you along the way. 545 00:16:40,080 --> 00:16:41,040 Exactly. 546 00:16:41,040 --> 00:16:43,480 Having that support can make all the difference. 547 00:16:43,480 --> 00:16:44,840 This makes me wonder. 548 00:16:44,840 --> 00:16:45,480 What's that? 549 00:16:45,480 --> 00:16:48,600 Is there a way for our listeners to experience 550 00:16:48,600 --> 00:16:50,120 that kind of mentorship? 551 00:16:50,120 --> 00:16:52,080 Hmm, that's a good question. 552 00:16:52,080 --> 00:16:54,920 Even if they don't have a Qigong master living down the street. 553 00:16:54,920 --> 00:16:55,520 Right. 554 00:16:55,520 --> 00:16:55,800 Yeah. 555 00:16:55,800 --> 00:16:57,680 I think there are definitely ways to cultivate 556 00:16:57,680 --> 00:17:01,280 that sense of connection and guidance even from afar. 557 00:17:01,280 --> 00:17:02,680 How so? 558 00:17:02,680 --> 00:17:05,360 Well, Ken Kohen's books and online resources 559 00:17:05,360 --> 00:17:07,040 are a fantastic place to start. 560 00:17:07,040 --> 00:17:07,600 OK. 561 00:17:07,600 --> 00:17:12,240 He's really good at making these ancient practices accessible 562 00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:13,360 to a modern audience. 563 00:17:13,360 --> 00:17:16,280 Yeah, and there are so many other Qigong teachers 564 00:17:16,280 --> 00:17:17,680 and communities out there. 565 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:18,440 That's true. 566 00:17:18,440 --> 00:17:20,280 Both online and in person. 567 00:17:20,280 --> 00:17:22,280 Yeah, you just have to find what works for you. 568 00:17:22,280 --> 00:17:24,240 It's all about finding what resonates with you. 569 00:17:24,240 --> 00:17:25,040 Exactly. 570 00:17:25,040 --> 00:17:27,560 It's a good reminder that we're not alone on this journey. 571 00:17:27,560 --> 00:17:31,600 You know, speaking of community, it makes me think about how 572 00:17:31,600 --> 00:17:35,040 we can actually view the Dantians, 573 00:17:35,040 --> 00:17:38,520 not just as these individual energy centers in our bodies, 574 00:17:38,520 --> 00:17:42,280 but as like points of connection within this larger 575 00:17:42,280 --> 00:17:45,680 energetic network that extends beyond ourselves. 576 00:17:45,680 --> 00:17:47,800 Whoa, OK, now we're going next level. 577 00:17:47,800 --> 00:17:48,080 Right. 578 00:17:48,080 --> 00:17:50,040 So we're not just connected to our own energy. 579 00:17:50,040 --> 00:17:50,320 Yeah. 580 00:17:50,320 --> 00:17:51,680 We're connected to the energy of others. 581 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:52,400 Exactly. 582 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:55,320 It's like we're all nodes in this vast web of energy. 583 00:17:55,320 --> 00:17:56,280 I love that image. 584 00:17:56,280 --> 00:18:00,240 And our Dantians are like these portals or gateways 585 00:18:00,240 --> 00:18:03,720 that allow us to tap into this interconnected network. 586 00:18:03,720 --> 00:18:07,800 This makes me think about those times when you meet someone 587 00:18:07,800 --> 00:18:10,680 and you just feel this instant connection. 588 00:18:10,680 --> 00:18:11,000 Right. 589 00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:13,200 Like there's an energetic spark between you. 590 00:18:13,200 --> 00:18:14,280 Precisely. 591 00:18:14,280 --> 00:18:15,760 And this interconnectedness. 592 00:18:15,760 --> 00:18:16,120 Yeah. 593 00:18:16,120 --> 00:18:18,200 It's not just some mystical idea. 594 00:18:18,200 --> 00:18:18,720 Right. 595 00:18:18,720 --> 00:18:21,720 It's supported by scientific principles 596 00:18:21,720 --> 00:18:23,360 like quantum entanglement. 597 00:18:23,360 --> 00:18:25,040 Quantum physics and key gong. 598 00:18:25,040 --> 00:18:27,280 I never thought I'd see this two in the same sentence. 599 00:18:27,280 --> 00:18:29,560 It's all about recognizing the interconnectedness 600 00:18:29,560 --> 00:18:33,360 of everything, from the tiniest subatomic particles 601 00:18:33,360 --> 00:18:35,960 to the vast expanse of the universe. 602 00:18:35,960 --> 00:18:38,840 We're all part of this intricate dance of energy. 603 00:18:38,840 --> 00:18:39,240 Yeah. 604 00:18:39,240 --> 00:18:40,160 And information. 605 00:18:40,160 --> 00:18:41,240 This is blowing my mind. 606 00:18:41,240 --> 00:18:43,520 And remember how we talked about the upper Dantian being 607 00:18:43,520 --> 00:18:45,000 associated with the third eye? 608 00:18:45,000 --> 00:18:45,760 Uh-huh. 609 00:18:45,760 --> 00:18:47,280 And intuition. 610 00:18:47,280 --> 00:18:49,360 What if we view intuition as a way 611 00:18:49,360 --> 00:18:51,760 of tapping into this interconnected field 612 00:18:51,760 --> 00:18:53,160 of information? 613 00:18:53,160 --> 00:18:55,360 Like those flashes of insight, those gut feelings. 614 00:18:55,360 --> 00:18:55,840 Yeah. 615 00:18:55,840 --> 00:18:59,080 Maybe there's signals from this larger energetic network. 616 00:18:59,080 --> 00:19:02,560 So we're not just improving our physical health with key gong. 617 00:19:02,560 --> 00:19:03,080 Right. 618 00:19:03,080 --> 00:19:05,160 We're expanding our consciousness 619 00:19:05,160 --> 00:19:07,000 and our understanding of the world. 620 00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:07,520 Exactly. 621 00:19:07,520 --> 00:19:10,960 Who knows what other mysteries and possibilities are out there 622 00:19:10,960 --> 00:19:12,840 hidden within this ancient practice? 623 00:19:12,840 --> 00:19:14,960 It's a journey of endless discovery. 624 00:19:14,960 --> 00:19:18,200 This has been an incredible exploration so far. 625 00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:18,960 It has been. 626 00:19:18,960 --> 00:19:21,560 I feel inspired, but also a little overwhelmed 627 00:19:21,560 --> 00:19:23,080 by all this new information. 628 00:19:23,080 --> 00:19:23,960 I get it. 629 00:19:23,960 --> 00:19:24,960 It's a lot to take in. 630 00:19:24,960 --> 00:19:25,760 Yeah. 631 00:19:25,760 --> 00:19:26,440 But don't worry. 632 00:19:26,440 --> 00:19:28,560 We'll continue this conversation in the next part 633 00:19:28,560 --> 00:19:29,480 of our deep dive. 634 00:19:29,480 --> 00:19:30,200 Sounds good. 635 00:19:30,200 --> 00:19:31,640 I think our listeners could probably 636 00:19:31,640 --> 00:19:33,720 use a little break to process all of this, too. 637 00:19:33,720 --> 00:19:35,160 Yeah. 638 00:19:35,160 --> 00:19:37,120 A little time to digest everything. 639 00:19:37,120 --> 00:19:39,120 We'll be back soon to explore even more 640 00:19:39,120 --> 00:19:41,000 about the amazing world of key gong. 641 00:19:41,000 --> 00:19:41,760 Can't wait. 642 00:19:41,760 --> 00:19:44,040 Welcome back to our deep dive on key gong. 643 00:19:44,040 --> 00:19:44,960 Glad to be back. 644 00:19:44,960 --> 00:19:46,360 I'm still thinking about everything 645 00:19:46,360 --> 00:19:47,760 we talked about last time. 646 00:19:47,760 --> 00:19:48,400 Me, too. 647 00:19:48,400 --> 00:19:51,520 Especially all that stuff about the Dantians. 648 00:19:51,520 --> 00:19:52,000 Yeah. 649 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:55,840 Acting as portals to this larger energetic network. 650 00:19:55,840 --> 00:19:57,520 It's a pretty amazing concept, right? 651 00:19:57,520 --> 00:19:58,320 It really is. 652 00:19:58,320 --> 00:20:01,120 It makes you see the world in a totally different way. 653 00:20:01,120 --> 00:20:03,440 It challenges our whole idea of what 654 00:20:03,440 --> 00:20:04,760 it means to be an individual. 655 00:20:04,760 --> 00:20:05,320 Right. 656 00:20:05,320 --> 00:20:06,680 We're all interconnected. 657 00:20:06,680 --> 00:20:07,240 Exactly. 658 00:20:07,240 --> 00:20:08,520 Not separate at all. 659 00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:10,080 It's a big shift in perspective. 660 00:20:10,080 --> 00:20:10,840 It is. 661 00:20:10,840 --> 00:20:13,120 And one thing that keeps coming up 662 00:20:13,120 --> 00:20:16,920 is this idea of egolessness in key gong. 663 00:20:16,920 --> 00:20:19,160 I know a lot of our listeners are curious about that. 664 00:20:19,160 --> 00:20:19,960 Makes sense. 665 00:20:19,960 --> 00:20:23,160 Paula, who wrote in with a question about it, 666 00:20:23,160 --> 00:20:25,480 it's such a profound concept. 667 00:20:25,480 --> 00:20:26,040 It is. 668 00:20:26,040 --> 00:20:27,640 And as we talked about before, it's 669 00:20:27,640 --> 00:20:30,880 not about getting rid of your ego completely. 670 00:20:30,880 --> 00:20:32,240 No, it's not about erasing it. 671 00:20:32,240 --> 00:20:32,760 Yeah. 672 00:20:32,760 --> 00:20:33,240 More rep. 673 00:20:33,240 --> 00:20:35,640 It's about transcending its limitations. 674 00:20:35,640 --> 00:20:36,120 Right. 675 00:20:36,120 --> 00:20:39,760 Recognizing that there's more to us than just our ego. 676 00:20:39,760 --> 00:20:42,000 It's about recognizing that our sense of self 677 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:45,480 is way more fluid and expansive. 678 00:20:45,480 --> 00:20:48,480 So it's not about becoming some kind of emotionless robot. 679 00:20:48,480 --> 00:20:50,760 No, not at all. 680 00:20:50,760 --> 00:20:53,160 It's more about letting go of that need 681 00:20:53,160 --> 00:20:54,560 to control everything. 682 00:20:54,560 --> 00:20:55,240 OK. 683 00:20:55,240 --> 00:20:58,160 And just allowing ourselves to be present in the flow of life. 684 00:20:58,160 --> 00:21:01,400 That sounds amazing, but also really challenging. 685 00:21:01,400 --> 00:21:02,040 It is. 686 00:21:02,040 --> 00:21:03,680 Our egos are pretty good at keeping us 687 00:21:03,680 --> 00:21:04,760 stuck on our comfort zones. 688 00:21:04,760 --> 00:21:06,000 They really are. 689 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:08,360 So how does key gong help with that? 690 00:21:08,360 --> 00:21:10,040 Well, it gives us tools and practices 691 00:21:10,040 --> 00:21:12,160 that can help us loosen the grip of the ego. 692 00:21:12,160 --> 00:21:13,280 OK, like what? 693 00:21:13,280 --> 00:21:15,600 Well, we've already talked about cultivating emptiness. 694 00:21:15,600 --> 00:21:17,600 Right, through meditation and breath work. 695 00:21:17,600 --> 00:21:19,120 Exactly. 696 00:21:19,120 --> 00:21:21,520 Those practices can help us quiet the mind. 697 00:21:21,520 --> 00:21:22,240 Yeah. 698 00:21:22,240 --> 00:21:24,560 Create space for a more expansive awareness 699 00:21:24,560 --> 00:21:25,360 to come through. 700 00:21:25,360 --> 00:21:28,040 So it's like we're creating this space where we can just observe 701 00:21:28,040 --> 00:21:30,640 our thoughts and emotions without getting swept away 702 00:21:30,640 --> 00:21:31,200 by them. 703 00:21:31,200 --> 00:21:32,000 Exactly. 704 00:21:32,000 --> 00:21:36,040 And by practicing key gong movements mindfully, 705 00:21:36,040 --> 00:21:39,040 we can also cultivate a deeper connection to our bodies 706 00:21:39,040 --> 00:21:41,680 and to our energetic field, which 707 00:21:41,680 --> 00:21:44,840 can help us feel more grounded and centered. 708 00:21:44,840 --> 00:21:45,520 I see. 709 00:21:45,520 --> 00:21:47,360 Less influenced by the whims of the ego. 710 00:21:47,360 --> 00:21:51,400 It sounds like key gong is about finding this balance 711 00:21:51,400 --> 00:21:54,240 between effort and surrender. 712 00:21:54,240 --> 00:21:54,720 You got it. 713 00:21:54,720 --> 00:21:56,640 We're not forcing things to happen. 714 00:21:56,640 --> 00:21:57,140 Right. 715 00:21:57,140 --> 00:21:59,600 But we're not just passively sitting back and letting 716 00:21:59,600 --> 00:22:01,480 life pass us by either. 717 00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:04,560 It's a dynamic dance between intention and allowing. 718 00:22:04,560 --> 00:22:05,040 Yeah. 719 00:22:05,040 --> 00:22:07,800 Between cultivating our energy and trusting the flow. 720 00:22:07,800 --> 00:22:10,640 This reminds me of something Ken Cohen said about courage. 721 00:22:10,640 --> 00:22:11,160 Oh, yeah. 722 00:22:11,160 --> 00:22:12,360 And integrity. 723 00:22:12,360 --> 00:22:14,280 He talked about how it takes real courage 724 00:22:14,280 --> 00:22:18,160 to face our inner shadows, to acknowledge our imperfections, 725 00:22:18,160 --> 00:22:20,800 and to commit to living in alignment with our values. 726 00:22:20,800 --> 00:22:22,080 It's not easy to do that. 727 00:22:22,080 --> 00:22:24,000 It's not. 728 00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:25,880 And he emphasized that real courage isn't 729 00:22:25,880 --> 00:22:27,200 about being fearless. 730 00:22:27,200 --> 00:22:27,720 Right. 731 00:22:27,720 --> 00:22:30,680 It's about being willing to show up authentically, even 732 00:22:30,680 --> 00:22:31,800 when we're afraid. 733 00:22:31,800 --> 00:22:33,160 That's a powerful message. 734 00:22:33,160 --> 00:22:34,160 It is. 735 00:22:34,160 --> 00:22:35,720 It reminds us that key gong isn't just 736 00:22:35,720 --> 00:22:38,000 about physical health or energetic mastery. 737 00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:38,520 You're right. 738 00:22:38,520 --> 00:22:39,800 It's about so much more. 739 00:22:39,800 --> 00:22:41,640 It's about cultivating a way of being 740 00:22:41,640 --> 00:22:46,400 in the world that's rooted in authenticity, compassion, 741 00:22:46,400 --> 00:22:47,040 and courage. 742 00:22:47,040 --> 00:22:47,840 That's beautiful. 743 00:22:47,840 --> 00:22:50,000 And it reminds us that this journey isn't 744 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:52,040 about reaching some distant goal. 745 00:22:52,040 --> 00:22:52,560 Right. 746 00:22:52,560 --> 00:22:55,720 It's about embracing the process of growth 747 00:22:55,720 --> 00:22:56,680 and transformation. 748 00:22:56,680 --> 00:22:57,240 I love that. 749 00:22:57,240 --> 00:22:58,680 It takes the pressure off. 750 00:22:58,680 --> 00:22:59,180 It does. 751 00:22:59,180 --> 00:23:00,840 And allows us to just enjoy the journey. 752 00:23:00,840 --> 00:23:01,560 Exactly. 753 00:23:01,560 --> 00:23:03,400 Speaking of enjoying the journey, 754 00:23:03,400 --> 00:23:06,200 have you been trying out any of the chi gong practices 755 00:23:06,200 --> 00:23:07,440 we've been talking about? 756 00:23:07,440 --> 00:23:08,120 I have. 757 00:23:08,120 --> 00:23:12,200 I actually started incorporating a simple chi gong warm up. 758 00:23:12,200 --> 00:23:13,040 Oh, yeah. 759 00:23:13,040 --> 00:23:14,200 Into my morning routine. 760 00:23:14,200 --> 00:23:14,760 Nice. 761 00:23:14,760 --> 00:23:16,920 It just takes a few minutes. 762 00:23:16,920 --> 00:23:20,800 But I've noticed a difference in how I feel throughout the day. 763 00:23:20,800 --> 00:23:21,400 Really? 764 00:23:21,400 --> 00:23:23,880 I feel more grounded, more energized, 765 00:23:23,880 --> 00:23:25,720 and definitely more focused. 766 00:23:25,720 --> 00:23:26,760 That's awesome. 767 00:23:26,760 --> 00:23:29,160 I've been playing around with some of the breathing techniques 768 00:23:29,160 --> 00:23:29,960 we talked about. 769 00:23:29,960 --> 00:23:30,480 Oh, yeah. 770 00:23:30,480 --> 00:23:32,840 And I have to say, I'm feeling a subtle shift in my energy 771 00:23:32,840 --> 00:23:33,680 levels, too. 772 00:23:33,680 --> 00:23:34,680 That's great to hear. 773 00:23:34,680 --> 00:23:41,040 I feel calmer, more centered, and less reactive to stress. 774 00:23:41,040 --> 00:23:44,400 It's amazing how these small, consistent practices 775 00:23:44,400 --> 00:23:45,760 can have such a big impact. 776 00:23:45,760 --> 00:23:46,960 They really can. 777 00:23:46,960 --> 00:23:49,440 It's a testament to the power of chi gong. 778 00:23:49,440 --> 00:23:50,720 You know, I have to admit. 779 00:23:50,720 --> 00:23:51,160 What's that? 780 00:23:51,160 --> 00:23:53,120 I was a bit skeptical of chi gong at first. 781 00:23:53,120 --> 00:23:53,560 Really? 782 00:23:53,560 --> 00:23:55,520 Yeah, it sounded a little too out there for me. 783 00:23:55,520 --> 00:23:56,240 I understand. 784 00:23:56,240 --> 00:23:58,480 But after diving into it with you, 785 00:23:58,480 --> 00:24:00,240 I'm starting to see it in a whole new light. 786 00:24:00,240 --> 00:24:01,200 I'm glad to hear that. 787 00:24:01,200 --> 00:24:03,160 It's just some mystical practice. 788 00:24:03,160 --> 00:24:05,160 It's a system of self-cultivation 789 00:24:05,160 --> 00:24:07,000 that's been around for centuries. 790 00:24:07,000 --> 00:24:07,680 Oh, exactly. 791 00:24:07,680 --> 00:24:10,520 And now modern science is starting to validate it. 792 00:24:10,520 --> 00:24:13,800 It's so fascinating how chi gong bridges that gap. 793 00:24:13,800 --> 00:24:17,560 It does, between ancient wisdom and modern understanding. 794 00:24:17,560 --> 00:24:18,800 Yeah, it offers us a path. 795 00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:23,480 To greater health, vitality, and even spiritual growth. 796 00:24:23,480 --> 00:24:25,760 This deep dive has been transformative. 797 00:24:25,760 --> 00:24:28,200 It really has, for both of us, I think. 798 00:24:28,200 --> 00:24:28,680 I agree. 799 00:24:28,680 --> 00:24:31,800 I'm definitely feeling inspired to keep exploring chi gong. 800 00:24:31,800 --> 00:24:32,360 Me too. 801 00:24:32,360 --> 00:24:34,200 And see where this journey takes me. 802 00:24:34,200 --> 00:24:35,200 It's an exciting path. 803 00:24:35,200 --> 00:24:36,600 It is. 804 00:24:36,600 --> 00:24:38,400 Before we wrap up, is there anything else 805 00:24:38,400 --> 00:24:40,240 you want to share about chi gong? 806 00:24:40,240 --> 00:24:42,720 You know, as we've been talking about all 807 00:24:42,720 --> 00:24:44,560 these different aspects of chi gong, 808 00:24:44,560 --> 00:24:47,320 I keep coming back to that question that Ken Cohen asked. 809 00:24:47,320 --> 00:24:48,120 What was it? 810 00:24:48,120 --> 00:24:51,000 Where do you feel chi flowing in your own body? 811 00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:52,360 Oh, yeah. 812 00:24:52,360 --> 00:24:53,040 I remember that. 813 00:24:53,040 --> 00:24:55,640 It's such a powerful question for all of us to consider. 814 00:24:55,640 --> 00:24:57,200 It really is. 815 00:24:57,200 --> 00:25:00,720 It encourages us to look inward, to be curious, 816 00:25:00,720 --> 00:25:02,840 to pay attention to our own experience. 817 00:25:02,840 --> 00:25:06,200 And to embark on our own personal journey of discovery. 818 00:25:06,200 --> 00:25:07,960 Who knows what we'll find along the way. 819 00:25:07,960 --> 00:25:08,760 Exactly. 820 00:25:08,760 --> 00:25:10,880 Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey 821 00:25:10,880 --> 00:25:12,320 into the world of chi gong. 822 00:25:12,320 --> 00:25:13,640 It's been my pleasure. 823 00:25:13,640 --> 00:25:14,720 We hope you enjoyed it. 824 00:25:14,720 --> 00:25:15,400 I did. 825 00:25:15,400 --> 00:25:18,320 Remember the power to cultivate your chi is within you. 826 00:25:18,320 --> 00:25:18,840 It is. 827 00:25:18,840 --> 00:25:19,800 Keep exploring. 828 00:25:19,800 --> 00:25:20,880 Keep practicing. 829 00:25:20,880 --> 00:25:22,160 And keep diving deep. 830 00:25:22,160 --> 00:25:27,360 We'll see you next time.