Can anyone share how they are using QT in their athletic endeavors. Do you use the basic QT breathing or the Core (or does it change with what you are doing).

I used the basic breath at the end of very long hike and I know it helped. However, in my daily walks (not nearly so strenuous), I seem to vere towards the Core breathing.

In my horseback riding when I only knew basic QT, I used that breath and it really seemed to get me grounded (very important for staying with the horse:-) When I ride, there seems to SO much I need to keep my attention on (my balance, the horse's balance, what's happening around me, etc.) I wonder if the Core breath would be better. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Dianne

I find that the Core work is very useful in horseback riding, but as you say, the problem is in the concentration. The concept we use in the Core work of "being" rather than "doing" is very effective. Working on keeping that attitude as well as feeling open within yourself and as if you and the horse are one being works nicely. It also keeps you from getting too caught up in the details and actually becoming stiff and separate from the horse.

I've used the Core breath and "growing roots" from the grounding exercise while hiking or walking and that really works there.

Keep playing with it and have fun!

I'm working with anchoring my sacrum in the saddle, then doing the core breathing and "allowing". It's working very nicely:-)

I have found that the core work is extremely effective for me to use along with my yoga workouts. It helps me release deeper into the poses much quicker than I am able without QT.

I tried this during my last yoga class and found it extremely helpful. It allowed me to be in the pose, not just thinking about the pose. It was very effective.

Hi, this is from the book 'The Medicine Box', by Shan-Tung Hsu, Chapter 3; Tales of a Taoist Healer.

When I was seven or eight, he (the old man) began to teach me how to climb mountains....
" The old man taught me how to climb with your hands"
"The old man taught me that when climbing upward I should put my attention on my upper body, and not on my feet. When you put your attention on your arms and hands as you walk, your chi moves upward. This helps to lift your physical body. If on the other hand, you pay attention to your feet then your energy goes downward instead. This makes it harder to go uphill, and you got tired more quickly."...

The fundamental concept is that mind leads chi, and chi leads the body. As your mind goes up, so goes your chi, and your body easy follows. If your mind is on your feet, your chi goes downward; it makes harder for the body to move upward."

And, remember, this is not new for us, On RG's book, QT The Power to Heal, see pag 34, Exercise 1: Feel your finger..."The basic premisse is that energy follows thought. Wherever you place your attention, energy follows"

Yes, sometimes, when I neeed,I use it when I'm playing tennis. I drive my chi upwards.

I enjoy using the core breath during T'ai Chi. Sweeping energy while running greatly enhances performance.

Trane,
can you please expand how you are using core breath with Tai Chi?
Thank you