Progressing from the basics to the advanced level is the law to follow in Qigong. Higher levels of Qigong will only be reached step-by-step with persistent, dedicated practice. In our modern society, we are always looking for shortcuts, “hacks” or ways to get ahead quicker than others. I sometimes have to remind my students that Qigong is not a competition (although they do have those, too). You cannot reach a master level in one day. What you can do is master one form at a time until you have mastered that level. The general practical skills of Qigong are not hard to learn. Thus, one can become proficient in a single form of Qigong in a relatively short period of time. I have seen some master the movements of a form in a month while others struggle for a year. This depends on the individual’s existing body awareness, coordination and focus. The theory can be taught in a day, but to truly integrate it takes time, with true body and spirit awareness. This can only come with lots of practice; there are no shortcuts. When you can stay in one state during your exercise from beginning to end, you have mastered the form. This takes concentration and practice.
Qigong practice is a process of accumulation. I remember when I was 19 years old, I was doing an intense 45 minutes of Zhan Zhuang two times per day over six months. I stopped for only two weeks and it took me a month to get back the level of Qi I lost during those two weeks. If you are just looking for the benefits of Qigong, many practitioners can get positive effects in just several sessions while others may take more time.
After you have read all the theory and absorbed it, let go of it and focus on your practice. Interestingly enough, I have heard that the practitioners who have the most profound effects from Qigong as a form of therapy are farmers because they are simple; they don’t care to know about the theory so much and their mind is open. My master said to spend less time talking and more time practicing. He meant don’t spend too much time on theory or else you will lose the essence of the practice. Now that you have finished this book, put it down and go practice!