Qi Extension Exercise 4

Pull

This exercise is the exact opposite of the pushing above. But opposites meet, so it is really just another way of working with the same powers. If you think in the pair of pushing and pulling, you should be able to find ways of using qi breathing in all kinds of tasks, no matter how complicated they might be.

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       The two directions of breathing – in and out – correspond to taking and giving, such as in pulling and pushing. That is why you pushed while breathing out in the former exercise, and in this one you should pull while breathing in.

       Choose an object to pull that offers reasonable resistance. Something too heavy is not very encouraging to work on. Ideally, use a door with a closing spring, as suggested in the previous exercise – but this time one that opens to you, and not away from you. You can pull a normal door, too, but that is so easy you hardly feel it.

       Another possibility is to use an elastic rope, like the ones used for fastening things to the roof rack of a car. Fasten one end in something stable, and grab the other end.

       Observe that this is in no way body building. You do not need to pull that much or hard, for the exercise to do its good. It is enough that you feel some resistance. Thereby you are able to notice how your body works in the exercise.

How to do it

1. You should really stand up, but if you find a suitable way of doing this exercise sitting down, this works as well. Make sure not to let your posture slope during the exercise.

2. The object that you will pull should be at almost arm’s length distance from you, so that your arm is extended but not completely straight when you grab it. Belly height is to prefer, but not necessary. Use the right arm if you are right-handed, otherwise the left, so that you feel the strongest.

3. Commence qi breathing. You should feel that the breathing and the qi flow work well, before you move on.

4. Start a deep inhalation through your nose, and then pull the object to you. The best is if you can pull it directly toward your belly. It should feel as if you suck the object to you by inhaling. Therefore, your inhalation should feel as if it runs through the fist you grab the object with, and continues all the way to the bottom of your abdomen.

5. Release the object before your inhalation ends. Of course, if you work with an elastic rope you should do it carefully, with a peaceful exhalation.

6. Once is never. Calmly take a few deep breaths, and then repeat the exercise.

7. Continue as long as you feel that it gets easier to pull the object toward you. When it works as smoothly as a train moving on its track, then you are doing it well. If it starts to feel heavy or monotonous, you should stop. Then it has no more to give you, this time.

       It is not always optimal to use the inhalation to pull things toward you, although it is the most natural way. For example, in tug-of-war the participants usually pant and moan, and make the most forceful pulls while exhaling. But upon closer examination there is actually no one pulling, at least not in the strict meaning of using the arms to get the rope closer to the body. Instead, they hold their arms at a fixed position, lean back, and push with their legs, which have the strongest muscles in the body. So, they use their legs to push, which is why they do right to exhale.

       You are the strongest when you exhale – on the condition that you manage to do your task with a movement away from you, instead of toward you. Otherwise there is a contradiction between breath and body that diminishes the power.

       The worst you can do is to hold your breath when doing something strenuous. Still, that is exactly what many people do, without thinking about it. They hold their breath as soon as they need to exert themselves. Check how you do, and correct it if needed. When you need power, make sure always to inhale with a spirit toward you, or exhale with a spirit away from you.

Qi Extension Exercises

Here is a set of simple exercises to extend your qi. Now, you'll start to really experience the use of it. I recommend you to follow the order given below, the first time around. Then you can safely make your own priorities.

• Qi Extension Introduction

• Gaze

• Point

• Push

• Pull

• Grip

• Walk

  
  

Qi Energy Exercises

Qi Exercise Settings

Qi Energy Breathing

Qi Posture

Qi Relaxation

Qi Extension

Qi Centering

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This is a chapter of my book Qi: Increase your Life energy.

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