One Step at a Time
by Master Lee Feng San Shifu
Translated by Sophia Lui
Edited by Ric Meyers
In today’s modern society, people are constantly racing against the clock. They want things fast and easy. Even when it comes to practicing Qi Gong, they expect to see results just after two or three sessions of practice. Otherwise, they become obsessed with the latest health food trends or rely on treatments like acupuncture to unblock their meridians. They would also spend money on devices and equipments to do the exercises for them. Their idea is to develop the skills and enjoy the health benefits of long-term practice without putting in the actual work. Is such a thing even possible?
Naturally there are shortcuts to training mind and body, but it is not that simple. Taking a shortcut is a dangerous thing and requires the close supervision of a skilled master, or else things can go wrong easily. There are some who resort to fasting and training out on their own without the guidance of a master. As a result they become emaciated, weak and exhausted and have to give up their attempt eventually. These are the consequences of training without the proper guidance and technique. Taking a shortcut is dangerous and generally not recommended. If we wish to train mind and body, we must first learn the proper technique and put in real personal effort, taking it one step at a time.
Qi Gong is a mind-body exercise which balances the mind through restoring harmony in the body. It strengthens the internal organ system which aids overall body health. One should start slowly and proceed gradually. Through reaching a state of harmony in our physical body, we calm our mind, thus elevating ourselves to a higher state of consciousness. This is an ongoing practice which requires personal effort and persistence in order to realize its health benefits.
Each of us has our own individual constitution and results of the practice will differ accordingly. However, if we are willing to put in the time and diligently follow the teacher’s instructions, we will experience its effects after a while. If we practice at least a half hour every day without distraction, then the body will regenerate a little every three days and more every seven days; if we decide on a specific type of Qi Gong exercise and practice it without fail for one hundred days, the benefits will be even more noticeable. Do you feel that your practice is gradually becoming easier and smoother? This is because you have mastered the technique which can only happen if you dedicate time and effort to it.
“Proceeding from the body to the mind, from the inner to the outer; with patience and dedication, we will realize its benefits.” — Lee Feng San Shifu