Episode 07: Drive to Arches

I was surprised to find a number of great practice spots on my drive to Arches. First, I did a sunrise qigong at our remote cabin outside Bryce Canyon. I liked the quiet buzzing of insects and remoteness of the desert. We took a scenic drive on Hwy UT-24 that left us completely alone for most of the drive. As a result, we saw lots of wildlife along the way including a grouse and a “gazelle-looking” creature that I believe, after some google research, was a Pronghorn Antelope. Very rare find! Soon after, we came across a beautiful reservoir where I decided to do my modified Bone-Stretching (Nourishing) set despite the wind. Next, during an “emergency” pit-stop for my son, we found a dense Aspen grove, which not only proved to be a good spot for him to do his business, but was also a beautiful meditation space. There must have been thousands of cicada buzzing loudly in the trees! It made a perfect soundtrack for my meditation. Funny enough, about an hour later, I felt a creepy crawly going up my leg while driving… instead of crashing the car and causing a disaster, I calmly reached down and pulled a large cicada from my leg! I thank my meditation for staying calm and resisting the urge to jump out of a moving vehicle. Despite the hitch-hiker, this was my favorite Zhan Zhuang (standing) meditation so far! Finally, we arrived at the Red Cliff Lodge next to Arches where I was able to do a sunset qigong to end a nice day of travel and qi work! The drive took longer than expected, but it was worth every minute!

Qi Gong to wake-up the body and mind. Improves qi-flow and lung function, while loosening up lower back and legs.

Regulating Breath, Micro-cosmic Orbit, Wind Blows the Willow Branch, Push Waves Back and Forth, Lion Plays with Ball, Push Palms to Calm Down

Bone Stretching (Nourishing) Qi Gong improves flexibility and loosens the body’s fascia (connective tissue), which helps with smooth, coordinated movement. This set is also great for the kidneys and nourishes the bone marrow.

This is a modified set and does not do the entire Bone Stretching sequence.

Qi Gong to improve blood flow, sleep apnea and anxiety. These movements disperse negativity, clear the root of disease and fortify the meridians.