Qigong Healing Center Michigan Gary W. Abersold

It's very interesting in these traditions that almost nothing is written about what to do after you have knighted as a gate keeper of the path in Qigong.

What I am refering to is "how to be a good leader" of the tradition and this post probaly arrives in time since so many are using Dr. Oz and Oprah as a selling point to make Qigong more "En Vogue" to be  important and popular. This hort piece is part of a series of writings for anyone who would like to use to assist in their classes and Skill sharing groups~Gary

             Some Personal Tips for Newbie Teachers

                  By Gary W. Abersold

• Your confidence lends confidence. Meditate before class and even pray for guidance.

•  Remember to breathe.

•  Talk about the benefits of Qigong Meditation. You can read from the handout until you feel comfortable. There are two versions of the handout: one is slightly more technical than the other. Use what works for you. Gather your own info over time.

•  Let them know that Qigong is a practice. It is not a thing to be accomplished.

• Skill grows with practice and it is only through practice that the benefits of Qigong begin to manifest.

•  Speak slowly and gently while leading the practice. Allow time between suggestions - it's easier to go too fast than too slow. When in doubt, slow down.

• The entire practice should take between 1 hour and 15 minutes. It doesn't hurt during the silent practice to remind people that if they are distracted they can gently bring their attention back to the dantian.

• After the practice, when everyone's eyes are open again, encourage discussion.

• Ask each person to talk about their experience after reminding everyone that there are no right or wrong experiences. If nothing happened it's okay to say so. This discussion helps build community in the group.

• Ask for questions. It's okay if you don't know the answers. Today, you can ask me.

•  But it's okay not to know even if I'm not there. There will always be questions to which you do not know the answer, but once the question is asked, there is receptivity in you to recognizing the answer when it comes.

•  Recommend practice daily - if only for five minutes at a time.

• Know that you have the power in your group; you can it run your own way be your own Master!

• ENJOY YOURSELF!