I recently started an esoteric form of Qi Gong, in line with the martial style of Qi Gong, as opposed to the fluid, slow dance you see in parks across China and the US. Another act of Serendipity that this was introduced to me at the right time in life, just when I needed to rebuild my energy and restore my lost power; power lost, dissipated, or beaten out of me over the past few years, whether through physical injury, health challenges, energy-vampire people I had near me, or my own actions: not knowing how to contain my energy and save it.
I excel at generating and expending energy; not so good at containing and keeping it close so I am not dissipated in body, heart, spirit, or mind. Well, this Qi Gong that I am beginning to practice will help that. Not only will I develop and enhance the energy I already contain, but I will strengthen it to such a degree that I can foresee a psychic barrier to keep the bastards (aka, those aforementioned energy-suckers) away from me. I want to revitalize my body ––most defintiely–– which is in a state of weakness and rather pathetic, and soul, which is injured. I need to learn to protect myself and remain vulnerable, yet strong and protected. This form of martial art will build my psychic and physical strength so that I can protect my heart and soul from harmful people. Of course, I will be able to build up my physical barriers as well. I'm super excited to find a way to strengthen my foundation and security, which has been lacking so many years. A strong container and foundation so that my security ––whether emotional, spiritual, or physical–– is within me, whether I move around the globe or the city, I always have the sense of feeling safe, strong, and okay, regardless of my surroundings, friends, financial status, career status, health, etc. I have not had that. I wish I could think of a time in life when I truly felt secure in most areas of my life. Well, it's time dammit!
I excitedly anticipate the physical and emotional transformation that will come about as a result of this practice. The first class was very intense: I was sore and tired afterward, and slept like a baby! Can't wait until next week's class!
The specific type of Qi Gong I have begun is named Golden Shield Qi Gong, and has been handed down as a Master/Apprentice lineage for over 500 years, originating in the temples of China. My teacher was taught by Dr. Zhang, from China, who was one of 19 students of Master Yang Jin Gui, who instructed the Chinese Imperial Army during WWII in the martial arts and is quite well-renowned in China. I am lucky to have discovered such a lineage of teachers with such wisdom passed through generations. Of course, Qi Gong, like Ayurveda and Yoga in this respect, has been practiced for over 5,000 years. The yoga lineage I am part of has also been handed down through Himalayan Masters for thousands of years. Cool!
I'll let ya'll know how I am progressing! I have committed to six months of training, which is basically like level one training.

To move TOWARD a healthy, holistic, organic, possibly vegetarian diet (don't just do it overnight unless you want to feel like shit) start reading Dr. Joel Fuhrman's," Eat For Health". It's not always wise for ALL people to be vegan, and many methods, such as Ayurvedic medicine will state that too much raw food may not be good for you. We are all unique and what works for some, does not work for the constitution of others. Ayurvedic and some Indian-style eating is super healthy, as is much Asian-style food (NOT fried dumplings, haha!). I have been using herbal alternatives to western medicine for years. Check out SUSUN WEED. (Yes, two 'u's) and her Wise Women blog. Get her books!!!  Other physician/healers (M.D., O.D., D.C., PhD., etc. )who I value highly, who use a combo of western, eastern, holistic, health, and energy medicines are: Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Carrie Demers, Dr. Ben Kim, Michael Reed Gach.   Ayurveda, holistic, healing, acupuncture.... That's a start.  Remember, health always begins with nutrition and exercise!

Resources that I value, trust, and have researched or used myself:
acupressure.com
http://www.drfuhrman.com/
drnorthrup.com
http://drbenkim.com/
http://www.chopra.com/
http://ayurveda.com/
http://www.wisewomantradition.com/
http://susunweed.com/



Do it gradually, unless you can go live in a yoga ashram for a month and suddenly change your lifestyle in a safe place and nourishing place.

Oh, and do I know what the heck I'm talking about?  B.Sc. In Biology, studied Nutrition for years, lived in a yoga ashram and studied Ayurveda and holistic and alternative herbal meds, biodynamic farming, vegetarian diets, vegan diets, studied with herbal medicine woman, always read extensively on nutrition and health, yoga instructor since 2005, also teach meditation and pranayama and alternative nutritional healing, I am always reading books on science, kinesiology, sports medicine, anatomy, physiology, physics stuff, was in nursing school for one year, lived in Asia, always reading and studying, and varied science background, tried all of it on myself too!

​More to come...