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Moving Meditation

 Do you have a favorite movement practice?

When I studied massage in the early '80s, my mentor taught the importance of using good ergonomics as we worked. With that in mind, she recommended we take Tai Chi, and a couple of us did so that fall. My teacher Maria Liu had come from China, and learned Tai Chi and Qigong as a little girl, at her father's side. 

I had opportunity to teach Tai Chi at our retreat center, and studied several forms over the years.  

In the early 2000s, I took 'Soaring Crane Qigong.' A benefit of qigong is its focus on INTERNAL movement; while practicing the form, one's mind is on vitality (qi or chi) & the movement.

Dawn Redwood at Linfield

Master Zhao, Jin-xiang began teaching his form in 1980, & it was brought to the US by professor Chen, Hui-xian. My teacher JoAnne learned it from Prof. Chen, at the Oriental Medicine College (OCOM) in Portland Oregon.

Master Zhao had pleurisy & tuberculosis, & was sent to a sanatorium in 1962. While there, he learned a seated form of Qigong, developed by the head of the sanatorium. His health improved enough for him to return home, where he continued to practice. 
Eventually, Master Zhao learned Traditional Chinese Medicine, and began treating patients.
He then realized when he taught them Qigong, they could help themselves, and often recovered from ailments more quickly! He began to develop his own form, which he found especially effective in eliminating disease.

Professor Chen learned Soaring Crane as she was recovering from breast cancer. She often practiced the form with a tree on the college campus where she taught English. Over the years, both the tree and the professor's health improved! 
With her knowledge of English, and the help of Joanne and other students in the US, professor Chen was able to translate Master Zhao's books on Soaring Crane from the original Chinese. 

I've very much enjoyed following her lead, and practice with a tree, when possible. With my moon in Taurus, I have always loved trees, and practicing with one feels especially satisfying. 
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Comments

  1. JodiJanuary 1, 2026 at 10:54 PM

    I really enjoyed learning about the history behind Soaring Crane Qigong, especially the stories of healing and practicing with the tree. I don't have experience with Qigong or Tai Chi, but the idea of movement as something internal and grounding makes sense to me. Thank you for sharing this.

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    Replies
    1. Heart Song DreamsJanuary 1, 2026 at 11:07 PM

      I'm glad you enjoyed it, Jodi. I've felt so grateful over the years to have these practices!
      Nadya

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