Relaxing
The meaning of the notion of being relaxed includes three aspects:
- tense cerebral cortex; our thoughts and moods need relaxation.
- body joints; especially the waist, neck and shoulders need relaxation; our body must be clean and quiet;
- internal organs; they also need relaxation.
Being relaxed means the state of not being tense, but this state should not be considered as lifeless (lukewarm), devoid of energy. The feeling of relaxation should not be pursued consciously, subjectively, it will appear rather by virtue of relaxation meditation.
In order for our thoughts, moods and spirit to be relaxed, we must cultivate our virtue. Cultivating our virtue, thoughts will be lighter, less burdened and it will be easier to enter the state of relaxation. In order for all the joints and muscles to be able to relax, it is good to get rid of too tight clothing and not engage in too demanding activities or physical exercises immediately before starting Qigong practice. In order for the internal organs to be relaxed, we must pay attention to the diet. We should not eat or drink too much at one meal and it is good not to smoke.
When someone smokes, nicotine and other substances are constantly stressing their lungs. When someone drinks too much, they go into a state of numbness. When one eats too much or often eats unhealthy food, the stomach and intestines are in constant motion and therefore cannot relax.
What can we do to allow the internal organs to relax? It is up to us to learn from our own experience. Let’s eat less – here is the key to this problem.
Of course, this does not mean that you should eat very little. Once you’ve reached a certain level, you’ll naturally eat less on your own. Some old masters say: those who practice only martial arts will eat a lot and sleep a lot, but those who practice Internal Qigong will eat and sleep less. You will understand the key to this phenomenon through your own experience, naturally, when you practice at night.
Translation from “The Yan Xin Qigong Phenomenon”, pp. 94-95