Zhong Yuan Qigong is an ancient practice that starts with strengthening our lower Dan-tian (energy center). As we build it up, our physical health is improved and our energy level is increased. Our sense of connection to the Earth is opened up and that energy movement solidifies feeling grounded, firm in our stance. The areas of trust and security and the ability to persevere are strengthened, enabling us to be firmly planted on earth.

When there is enough energy, or life force, accumulated in the lower Dan-tian, there is an energetic process that sends this life force down the perineum and then up the spine. This energy expels stagnation and blockages, whether physical, energetic, emotional or spiritual. Moving up, the energy opens our heart center.

With the heart center open, we start to sense the strong flow that is life and nature. There is an ease that happens in meditation that spreads to our daily lives—our heart opens to other human beings and living things. We start to feel what they feel and gain a deep empathy for where they are. Through this process, we gain more compassion and forgiveness for ourselves and others.

Mark Frighetti teaches ZY qigong at Desert Milagros, at 3438 N. Country Club, in Tucson, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday. Connect at 520-404-8745, [email protected] or ZYQigongAZ.com.