Flowing Stillness

 

Taoism, Qi Gong, and the Meditation of Movement

One of my most favourite practices – is Qi Gong (you will be seeing much more of this influence on my own meditation journey in coming months and years). A quietly powerful practice, this era brings together the natural elegance of Taoist philosophy, the embodied grace of Qi Gong as a practical entry point into stillness through movement and breath.

While Buddhism blossomed in India and later in East Asia, an equally profound meditative tradition was unfolding within Taoism, the ancient spiritual philosophy of China. Rooted in the teachings of Laozi (Lao Tzu) and the enigmatic verses of the Tao Te Ching, Taoist meditation emerged not as a way to transcend the body, but to return to it – whole, flowing, alive.

At the heart of Taoist practice is the concept of the Tao … the way, the natural order of the universe. To follow the Tao is not to force or strive, but to soften into harmony with the cycles of nature. Meditation, then, becomes a way to listen inwardly, to balance the opposites of yin and yang, and to cultivate one’s vital energy, known as Qi (pronounced chee).

Around the 4th century BCE, these principles gave rise to Qi Gong .. a beautiful system of flowing moving meditation, breathwork, and internal energy cultivation. Unlike the still postures of earlier traditions, Qi Gong invites practitioners to engage the body as a vessel of awareness. Movements are slow, fluid, and deliberate, designed to awaken the subtle energy pathways (meridians) and support physical, emotional, and spiritual harmony.

Qi Gong is both a meditation and a medicine. It is a prayer written through the body … rooted in the earth, lifted to the sky, guided by breath and intention.

Meditation Practice: Standing Qi Gong

Taoist meditation often begins with Zhan Zhuang (“standing like a tree”) – one of the most powerful and challenging of Qi Gong elements – maintaining a still, upright posture that anchors awareness into the body while Qi flows freely.

“When the mind is still, the Qi flows. When the Qi flows, the body finds balance.” – Taoist proverb

A simple Qi Gong standing meditation:

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees gently bent.
2. Let your arms hang softly by your sides or raise them in a gentle circle in front of your lower belly (as if holding a ball of energy).
3. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Let your weight drop into the earth through your feet.
4. Breathe naturally through your nose, gently lengthening the exhale.
5. Bring awareness to the lower dantian, an energy centre just below the navel.
6. Stay here, in stillness, for several minutes. Feel into your breath, your posture, and the subtle sensations and movements (and wobbles) of aliveness.

This is meditation not as escape, but as embodied presence … soft, strong, and steady.

Visit Forest Rock Qigong, and Master Peter, to find a library of free and invaluable resources to introduce and develop your practice of Qigong. I am constantly inspired and guided by Peter.

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Type of Meditation: Taoist & Qigong Meditation
Root Tradition: Taoism / Confucianism
Key Region: China
Rough Timeframe: 400 BCE – Present