How I Embodied Anger by Using the RAIN Practice and Qigong.
This morning, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, as they say. I was mad at everything and everyone, mad at the world. Observing my emotions as best as I could, the first thing I did was a light RAIN practice at my altar. The acronym RAIN is an easy-to-remember tool for practicing mindfulness and compassion using the following four steps:
Recognize what is happening;
Allow the experience to be there, just as it is;
Investigate with interest and care;
Nurture with self-compassion.
The result of my practice was clear—I was just mad, and I decided not to change it. With no one else awake in the house, managing my anger was a bit easier. Just a side note: yoga teachers do get mad sometimes. Contrary to popular belief, we aren't peace-filled all the time.
Wearing a t-shirt that said "grateful and lucky," I still felt mad at the world. My phone hadn't charged overnight because I accidentally flipped the switch controlling the outlet. Now, I was mad at myself too. With a Qigong class to teach in five minutes, I hurriedly set up my outdoor space near an outlet, awkwardly positioned in the blazing sun. The wood element will soon be turning to fire, and I was feeling the fire full blast. Ironically, no one showed up for class, which rarely happens. It felt like a cosmic joke.
I paced around, remembering that no matter my morning mood, teaching Qigong always makes me happy. But today, my goal wasn't to fix my mood. I was practicing being interested in it—the "I" in RAIN practice stands for Interest, Investigate, Inquiry, or Idle. I found a shady spot and, resisting the urge to work early, decided to practice Qigong without structure. I moved however I felt, in whatever order, facing all directions. This created a structure for my anger to express itself.
By the end, I had a lot of energy, wasn't tired, and felt focused. I tackled a big household project—spring cleaning, putting away winter items, and bringing out summer essentials. I finished quickly, with two bags for donation and a transformed closet and bedroom. My anger was still there but less intense. Honoring my anger, I'm grateful for Qigong and RAIN practice, which help me be a non-violent human being to myself and others.
Emotions and Elemental Energies
The Wood element in traditional chinese medicine (TCM) symbolizes growth, flexibility, and the ability to overcome obstacles. It governs the liver and gallbladder meridians, crucial for detoxification, decision-making, and maintaining the smooth flow of qi (vital energy) throughout the body. Anger is the primary emotion linked to the Wood element, often surfacing when this energy is blocked or imbalanced.
Anger, like all emotions, has its place. It can drive us to take action, set boundaries, and protect ourselves. However, unchecked anger can become destructive, like a river overflowing its banks. In contrast, suppressed anger can lead to "bad qi," resulting in physical and emotional disturbances. Balancing this powerful emotion is essential for overall health.
The Role of Qigong in Balancing Emotions
Qigong, an ancient Chinese practice combining movement, breath, and meditation, is a powerful tool for balancing the Wood element and managing anger. By harmonizing the flow of qi, Qigong helps to release blockages, enhance organ function, and stabilize emotions. For example, practices like "Dragon Emerging from the Sea" and "Collecting the Qi" are particularly beneficial for the liver and gallbladder meridians.
Dragon Emerging from the Sea
Dragon Emerging from the Sea: This movement involves flowing, wave-like motions that mimic the dragon's emergence from water, symbolizing the release of pent-up energy and emotions. It promotes flexibility and smooth qi flow, helping to alleviate anger and frustration.
Collecting the Qi: This practice focuses on gathering and consolidating energy from the environment, fostering a sense of calm and centeredness. It is excellent for grounding and balancing emotions, particularly during the tumultuous spring season.
Integrating TCM Principles with Qigong
In my previous blog posts, I explored the liver and gallbladder meridians in detail, emphasizing their roles in detoxification and decision-making. These meridians are particularly active in spring, making it an ideal time to focus on their health. Incorporating Qigong movements targeting these meridians can enhance their function and promote emotional stability.
For instance, practicing "Dragon Emerging from the Sea" can help release anger stored in the liver, while "Collecting the Qi" can support the gallbladder's decision-making capabilities. Regular practice of these movements, along with mindful breathing and meditation, can lead to a harmonious balance of the Wood element.
Historical Context: Channeling Anger for Positive Change
Great peace activists like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified how to channel anger into non-violent resistance. Despite experiencing profound injustices, they used their emotions constructively to fight for justice. Their ability to balance anger with compassion and determination underscores the potential for positive transformation when emotions are managed effectively.
Practical Steps for Spring Harmony and the transition to Summer
Qigong Practice: Incorporate movements like "Dragon Emerging from the Sea" and "Collecting the Qi" to balance your liver and gallbladder meridians.
Mindful Eating: Using the BASICS from Eat for Life during seasonal transitions. Breath, Asses, Slow Down, Investigate, Chew Slowly, Savor.
Emotional Awareness: Acknowledge and express your anger constructively. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to process your emotions.
Holistic Integration: Combine Qigong with other practices like yoga and mindful eating to create a comprehensive approach to health and well-being.
By integrating these practices, you can harness the energy of spring to transform your emotional and physical health. Qigong and Mindful Eating offer profound insights and tools for balancing the Wood element, managing anger, and promoting overall harmony.
Explore more about Qigong, TCM, and mindful living, and sign up for my classes and courses. Let's embark on this journey together towards a balanced and harmonious life. See you in the Summer!
