My Sifu (teacher) inspired this writing … I have been breathing in his words and pondering his message these past few weeks. Below are my personal insights mingled together with his energy.

Put the baggage down from the past.
Do not use it as fertilizer in the present.
Because it will definitely affect your future.

~Sifu Gardner

I feel there are many people wishing we could go back to the way our lives were before COVID-19. Please realize that living in the past enslaves you—bring yourself to the present moment—let go of what was and embrace what is.

Yes, there is uncertainty with all that is unfolding in the world now, but when we continue to focus our energy on the negativity and reactions of others, it gathers more life and it expands.

My dear Soul-Sister Trina said, “Energy Follows Thought.” I know this to be true. Please do not take my word for it, check it out for yourself, and see if it rings true to you.

We need to change our dialogue within ourselves. Simply begin by giving appreciation and gratitude for All that is in your life.

At the beginning of this year, I began writing down three-to-five things of appreciation every night in a journal. And a month later, a friend of mine gave me a specific gratitude journal too, I choose to use that one for the morning. :~) It is AWEmazing the difference it has made in my life, my inner attitude and my outer surroundings.

Choose your own way of giving thanks, do it for at least 30-90 consecutive days and see how you feel. This simple exercise moves you from what you think you have lost in the past by giving thanks to your present life. Which I promise you will affect your future in a way that is unbelievably magical!

Sifu reminds us to focus on…

• Kindness
• Compassion
• Love
• Forgiveness
• Respect

…for ourselves and others

When we begin to change our perspective, we begin to change our reality. Changing the narrative in our own minds first, changes our outward actuality. We are restructuring our neural pathways at the most cellular conscious level.

Practicing the modality of Qigong/T’ai Chi is more than the physical movement. Once we know the mechanics, we can go deeper within. Simply having a weekly or daily practice is good, but noticing how you feel throughout the day, where your energy is focused, will help you rise your vibration of love, joy, harmony and peace.

Ask yourself throughout the day, how can I be more ________ [fill-in-the-blank of with how you would like to feel]. If you find at the moment you are feeling the exact opposite of your desire, reset, breathe, give gratitude and change the dialogue within.

personal photo: connecting with nature, Millcreek Canyon