From ancient times, the Chinese developed a philosophy based on the careful study of nature and life that can help us to have a healthy home. Two of the disciplines which have evolved from this philosophy are Qigong and Feng Shui.

Feng Shui focuses on architecture, interior design and the natural environment to develop the ideal living and working space. Here in the western world, commercial developers design subdivisions, apartment complexes and business parks, limiting the aspects of Feng Shui that we can implement. Ideally we would like to implement all the fundamentals of Feng Shui for our homes. However, Qigong can be used regardless of the state of your Feng Shui.

Qigong focuses on the universal energy of existence to build an ambience that promotes harmony, peace and safety. Qigong is always completely independent of the placement, the environment, the architecture or the design of our homes and workplaces. As such, developing the skill of working with universal energy, i.e. practicing Qigong, enables us to overcome any negative aspects of the places in which we live and work.

Qigong literally means the development of skill in working with Qi through diligent practice. I find it most helpful in the understanding of Qigong to consider the nature of the universe. We have the earth below our feet, the sky above our heads and in between we find life. The sky is energetic, full of starlight at night and the sunshine in the day. The earth is solid, providing support for the oceans and dry land. Both sky and earth contain kernels of the other. The sky contains our moon, other planets, comets, asteroids, meteors, and so forth. The earth contains heat energy as evidenced by volcanoes that spew hot dust, gasses, and lava into our environment. In between, only the reality of the balanced harmony between earth and sky makes "life as we know it" possible. Qi is present in all of these, and none of them could even exist without Qi.

By practicing Qigong, we develop the ability to detect, collect, refine, concentrate and direct Qi according to our intent. The location in which we practice Qigong becomes a focus for Qi. In effect, we develop a dynamic self-sustaining field of universal energy (i.e. a Qi soliton). Since the nature of Qi is determined by intent, and the intent of Qigong practice is to promote health, vitality, harmony and inner peace, the effect of this accumulation of Qi is to promote those things even while we are not actively practicing. Some Qigong practices involve movements similar to walking. These practices can be used to spread the Qi field throughout our living spaces. When practicing out-of-doors, these walking practices can develop a hedge of positive energy surrounding the home. This aspect of Qigong is not normally discussed in the literature; however, from years of practicing and teaching Qigong, I have found it to be very real. The evidence for this comes not only from my own experience, but also by the spontaneous comments by students and visitors that the studio feels safe and peaceful. Safe and peaceful is an excellent foundation for a healthy home.

Richard Todd is a Certified Qigong Instructor and offers morning, afternoon, evening and Saturday classes. For more information call 321-631-6791 or visit www.rwtodd.net.