Qigong as a Tool for Conscious Evolution

By Daisy Lee

Nature shows us how to ground to the Earth yet reach for the stars

Qigong has been popularized as a Chinese health practice that synchronizes slow, gentle, flowing movements with breath and body awareness, but is lesser known as a deep spiritual practice that can foster conscious evolution. As society roils under the stress of multiple crises, Qigong can regulate and harmonize our fight-or-flight response, while also bringing perspective on how to reconnect with the greater wisdom of the Universe.

When asked in an interview what the first sign of human civilization was, anthropologist Margaret Mead responded that it was a mended thigh bone, as it demonstrated the human capacity for compassion and cooperation. Animals in the wild would have left a wounded party for dead and the injured would not have been able to run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. The repaired human femur showed we could co-exist as peaceful collaborators rather than aggressive competitors. Still, as we look around us at the world today, there is still much progress that is needed. Radiant Lotus Qigong (RLQ) may be an antidote not only for women’s health projects, but as a pathway to conscious co-existence in society.

Though RLQ was originally created to address what was missing in co-ed Qigong systems to support women’s hormonal and reproductive health concerns, its focus on mental and emotional health remains a pivotal part of the system. One of the foundational concepts in Radiant Lotus Qigong is an equation that reminds us to reconnect to our higher self, while simultaneously grounding to the Earth.

The sky's reminder to align vertically

The formula, VA + NC = SLE (Vertical Alignment + Neutral Compassion = Stable Lead Energy), invites our uniquely human, thinking mind to pause, center and reassess rather than jumping into fear and reactivity. When strong emotions such as fear, anger, or anxiety overwhelm us, our energy balls up and contracts, creating tension that invokes the fight-or-flight response — suitable for running away or fighting off a predator, but problematic if we are in a chronic state of stress with nowhere to run or hide.

The understanding of Vertical Alignment can shift the axis from external referencing where one can fall prey to harmful, destructive situations or energies — or we can learn to anchor into our own alignment with the deep earth and the expansive, creative mind that stays open to infinite possible solutions. When we marry this towered alignment with Neutral Compassion — a way of being that is kind and caring yet doesn’t spill over with excessive sympathy or overdoing for others — we become a grounded Stable Lead Energy (SLE) that leads without leading, and leads only by example. This nurturing form of empowerment supports others in learning what their unique creative expression is without the stress of aggressive competition as we all work towards a common humanity.

A Foxtail Palm models vertical alignment

The journey begins with the activation of this theory through regular Qigong practice. Discernment and self-determination grow as our health improves and we begin to see a broader landscape of opportunities, possibilities, and solutions to what may have appeared previously as crisis. At peace within, we are more prone to finding ways to collaborate creatively to benefit all instead of competing for limited resources and annihilating others to get what we want. Limitations come from the small, grasping mind, but even these individuals have a role to play in showing us how not to live.

We all have the potential to be a Stable Lead Energy when we connect to the greater intelligence of the living Universe. Neither stability nor leadership is automatic, but arrives as a side benefit resulting from dedicated Qigong practice. Stable Lead Energy influences without demanding anything in return. It can be grown and nurtured, creating peace of heart and mind in oneself; but if these roots run deep, it can also affect and influence others too.

Conscious evolution is possible, but in order for it to unfold, kindness, compassion, and cooperation must guide our actions. Let us be courageous enough to stand up for the oppressed when the going gets tough as we breathe the same air and live on the same planet. Let’s take a stand to protect our environment so that when we breathe deeply during our Qigong practice, the air we breathe is clean and infused with healing Qi. Let’s curb our anger, impatience, and self-righteousness so that we don’t swim in a cesspool of indignation that pollutes our hearts and minds. And one day, when we look back at the current state of humanity, we can hope to say that we not only survived the brokenness of these times, but found a way to thrive together through the practice of a peaceful 5,000-year old healing art.

The benevolent Earth and sky provide joyful discovery of how to be in Nature
 

Daisy Lee, a respected leader in the Qigong world with more than 25 years of teaching experience, was recently presented with the Qigong Master of the Year award by the World Qigong Congress for 2020 in recognition of her impact on women’s health and healing.

A past board member of the International Qigong Science Association in Beijing, she lectures and conducts workshops and instructor trainings internationally, with a specialty in women’s health. Her signature program, Radiant Lotus Women’s Qigong, is now taught worldwide, and the accompanying DVD series, Beginner Qigong for Women 1 & 2, and Qigong for Women are bestsellers on Amazon.

Daisy also teaches co-ed programs, including instructor certifications in Radiant Lotus Zang Fu Gong, an organ-energizing and balancing practice. She continues to train students in ancient systems such as Wuji Hundun Qigong and Five Animal Qigong, andis the 59th-generation lineage holder of Hua Tuo’s original Five Animal Frolics from Bo Zhou, China, a classic among Qigong systems.

Daisy has been a special guest lecturer at numerous hospitals, including Johns Hopkins, Mount Sinai, and Women’s College, supporting patients and medical staff alike in learning how to de-stress and regain vibrant health.

With her warm, engaging approach to sharing this ancient art and science, she has modernized how people understand and experience Qigong. Her students come from a wide spectrum of the population, including business entrepreneurs, homemakers, high school and university students, veterans and others suffering from PTSD, Olympic athletes, martial artists, and all those who desire practical, transformative self-care.

Daisy continues to teach worldwide and online for The Shift Network and other platforms, offering teacher certifications and workshops throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and Central America. Together with her partner, Mark Roule, she is looking forward to announcing the opening of the Radiant Lotus Retreat Center in Isabela, Puerto Rico, in 2022.