Are the exercises and sequences easy to do?
People from the ages 10-100 (yes, 100) have participated in the Illumination classes! Though it may take a few times to really get comfortable, each segment can be easily mastered. The relatively short, compressed amount of time to do the chi cultivation segment, allows for most people to stand through it. The Chi Cultivation also can be done seated if need be.
Will I be able to feel the Chi?
Yes! Most everyone can. The Chi activation section allows a person the ability to work on really feeling and palpating the chi energy field. The daily routines also have parts that allow for a distinct feeling. In the chance you are one who doesn’t really feel it, that doesn’t mean it’s not working.
Also, the act of just moving slow relaxes the nervous system and creates positive physiological changes. Over time it also helps us create more of a ‘space in the mind’ and we become less prone to negative emotional states and snap reactions.
I thought the Chakra system was from yoga?
Yes, the Chakra system originated in India, and is considered part of the Yogic systems. The 3 dantians are a feature of Traditional Chinese medicine and the martial arts. Illumination Chi Cultivation simply combines both, which contributes to it’s efficiency and effectiveness – each system’s conception of subtle energies complements that of the other, rather than negating it.
I’m interested in health, wellness, and mind-body connection, but I don’t feel drawn to any kind of spirituality – is the Illumination system for me?
The Illumination system requires no act of faith or any buy-in to a belief system to get it’s benefits.
ChI Gong’s origins were founded within the context of health. The use of imagination, visualization, and affirmations are a core aspect of the Illumination system and they create and perpetuate psychosomatic wellness. The Illumination system views health and wellness as a fine tuning. The more fine tuned we are, the more we have the ability to think, perceive, and act from deeper aspects of ourselves. Some may view this as intrinsic spirituality, but it requires no faith or belief system.
What about the name, what does Illumination mean?
A person that is healthy, open, and balanced physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, becomes naturally illuminated.
So, in the context of this system, Illumination just means a fully optimized human being. The entire process is geared to help open up one’s full functionality and potential.
When can I expect to experience the benefits?
There are immediate, mid-range and long term benefits that can take time to manifest.
The benefits can be equated to starting a fitness and wellness regiment. You would experience immediate feelings, changes and results, as well as long term as long as you follow your program routinely.
An overall sense of well-being, more relaxed, more content and happy can be immediate.
A teacher of mine equated 100 days of chi practice as one ‘gong’ of cycle. It needs to be given a minimum 100 days to really get yourself filled with Chi and 3 gongs/300 days to start to experience the deeper results.
Do I need any special clothing or equipment?
No. Some prefer looser clothing, but it’s up to you decide. Shoes can be on or off. Some people like to stand on a yoga mat for extra padding, but that’s not essential. The only thing to avoid is platform shoes/boots.
Illumination@Omkara-World.com
