Standing Like a Tree Qigong - Universal Energy Arts & YogiChild Academy -

Standing Like a Tree Chi Kung/Qigong or Zhan Zhuang. Zhan Zhuang pronounced “Jan Jong” in Mandarin or “Jarm Jong” in Cantonese, means standing like a stake, a post or like a tree.

It is a Standing Meditation that enables us to be at one with the Pure Nature Energies as well as cultivating a strong connection to the Higher Energies of the Universe. This form of Standing Like a Tree is a special method of spiritual training in Taoist martial arts. This is a fantastic way to learn to hold and cultivate chi.

In the sequence we are deeply rooted in the Earth below, standing in a strong Tai Chi stance with our head connecting to Heaven above and with our arms and hands like powerful branches that hold the chi and enable us to grow into our own spaciousness.

Standing Like a Tree physically and energetically opens and strengthens the body cultivating Radiant Chi, Inner Joy and a deep sense of Happiness within.

Utilize your mind to hold a steady focus and gentle softness. Hold the Chi, and allow Bright Light, the Golden Sun or Silver Moon to expand and contract with the breath. Align Heaven and Earth allowing the energy to rise up through the spine to a Star. Allow your mind to settle, breathe naturally, cultivating Power, Love and Wisdom.

Initially use 9 breaths for each technique, extending to 18 breaths ultimately follow your intuition rather than counting. Mindfully connect with the breath. It may be helpful to practice Ajapjapa, synchronizing breath and mantra- So Breathing in, Ham Breathing out.

After practising Standing like a Tree, you will feel harmonized, energized and relaxed, becoming filled with peace, tranquillity & bliss. When practising Standing Like a Tree we do not just stand still doing nothing. Although our body might be still, there is a lot going on. For example practice ‘Five Point Breathing’, breathe through five energy centres – the bubbling springs under the soles of your feet, the healing hand/lao gong points in the palms of your hands and your lower Dan Tien. Draw energy up from the earth and down from a Golden Sun above your crown, until you feel and are More Alive. Become stronger physically and energetically, filling up with cosmic energy, as your whole being becomes illuminated with a higher Light, eventually holding a lot of radiant chi throughout your system.

At the end of all Qigong sequences, you should always store the energy and make sure that you are well grounded.

Standing Like a Tree – Intermediate – YouTube

By the way this video was filmed at the Old Head of Kinsale in County Cork. A beautiful location on the Wild Atlantic Way. When you stand on a cliff edge it really helps you to root into the Earth through the Bubbling Springs in the soles of your feet 🙂

This style of Standing Like a Tree has a variety of positions and really helps to harmonize, purify and empower our body, spirit, emotions, mind and major energy centres.

Being Strongly Grounded assists us to hold the Higher Energies of the Universe.

The three treasures of the Universe – Heaven, Earth and Humankind. The three treasures of Humankind – Jing, Chi & Shen.

Cultivate Power, Love and Wisdom.

“I LOVE practicing Standing Like A Tree Qigong style! With a wider base, I feel well rooted and into the Earth. Even the very first move incorporating the intention and visualisation of sending roots down from the soles of my feet deeply into the earth allows for the chattering monkey mind to settle as my breath settles deeply into my belly/lower dan tien just below the navel, internally. I feel the connection to the Earth and, as the roots spread out in all directions round about me, I observe the effect of the support and strength the posture offers. When I practice with others I know that we support each other, as a group of trees who’s roots are intertwined with each other.

As with the laws of nature, and the Tree, the shoots grow as the plant is nurtured and nourished through its roots system … it’s energy rises and the trunk of the tree grows and thickens, strengthens and can support and continues to nurture its growth and development… supporting its vitality. So too this is what’s happening while I practice…. the life force energy nurtures me as I bring my focus and attention, to the rise of energy up through my body. I can feel my feet, ankles, lower legs, knees, upper legs and lower abdomen fill up with this supportive and nurturing energy.

Although standing still without moving it would appear, there’s a lot going on internally…. the skill is to settle in/root downwards, grounding my energy, consciously tuning into the upward flow of energy/prana/breath. This develops into the internal cultivation of energy or Neigong. Over time, and with practice, this simple meditative technique, unfolds, awakens and offers more and more insights into the nature of me and how I am/like/feel/ live and love the life I live. Chi Kung/Qigong offers huge benefits to my life…. it’s so very simple to do it can be done anywhere…. shopping queues are a favourite of mine!

Calming of my emotions, leading to peace of mind, increased sensitivity to my nature, toning of my muscles, strengthening all aspects of me and increased energy/vitality I can cultivate/hold and store whenever its required for me to live the life I live! Why complicate my life with the right conditions, perfect practice space, clothes, yoga mat etc etc…. I can practise as I wash my teeth, at the kitchen sink, in any stressful moment…. instant grounding!

If you do nothing else today…. take just a few minutes to practice this – for your own peace of mind. ❤️” Pamela Skinner