The zen Swing
A Simple Way To Cultivate Healing Life-force
Paul Chek, HHP
The zen Swing is a chi (life-force) cultivating exercise given to me by way of my soul, so that I may share it with you and all who are ready to participate in creating their own well-being and reestablishing rhythm. The exercise is very simple, and similar to water is a very effective means of reintegration and healing body, mind and spirit. The exercise harmonizes the body’s energy centers, improves pumping of the circulatory and lymphatic system, aids in reduction of stress hormones and in the elevation of growth and immune hormones.
To perform the zen Swing stand relaxed, knees slightly bent as though addressing a golf ball. Gently begin gently swinging your hips, torso and arms to-and-fro as though practicing a golf swing across the front of you body. Keep every part of you as totally loose and relaxed as you can. As you swing your body toward what would be the backswing position of a golf swing, allow your weight to be 90% on that leg. Without any stopping at the top of the golf backswing position, flow naturally into the downswing as though you were swinging at a golf ball; when you come to the end of the swing, allow your weight to go to 90% on that leg. Continue this relaxing, unwinding swing pattern for as many minutes as you can comfortably a lot. Allow your arms to swing naturally and you will find that by changing the angle of their swing, you can access any area of your spinal column that needs a little grease, a little loosening.
I have found that children naturally love to do the zen swing and if you have young kids around they’ll happily do the exercise with you. Those who sit for long periods of time at their desks or on their couches really benefit by the gentle rocking their hips to and fro. The increased circulation to the joints and muscles help stabilize the pelvic girdle and tone the core. For maximum energy cultivation, time the number of swings of your body so that the number on the in-breath matches the number of swings on the out-breath. Even as few as ten minutes each day a can benefit your sense of wellbeing helping you to create an emotional upliftment producing energy, harmony and mental clarity.
The best time to do the zen Swing is at sunrise or sunset, when the chi-field is strongest. I recommend that you wear natural fiber, loose fitting clothing and stand with your bare feet on the soil, grass, or stone whenever possible. This creates connection to the earth, which allows all the trapped, chaotic energy of electromagnetic pollution to leave your body and anchors you to the naturally healing force of nature. You will be amazed at how much lighter you feel when that muddle is gone. It may make you feel better to know that Mother Earth and Her Plant Spirit helpers are very well equipped to take that chaotic energy, restructure it, and use it for their own growth and development—they are great recyclers!
Resist the temptation to turn the zen Swing into an athletic event. To learn to do the exercise at the correct intensity, I suggest starting your initial practice sessions on a full stomach. If you perform the zen Swing correctly, in a relaxed manner, your digestion and elimination will be aided; if you are too aggressive, you may find good reason for seconds and that defeats the purpose of the exercise!
I’ve used the exercise extensively, particularly when on long lecture tours where my inner-energy is being taxed by time zone shifts, the needs of others, and the challenges that naturally come with finding good food and a little quiet space while traveling. It is so easy; I even do it in airports and on occasion on the airplane. In fact, I was waiting for the plane from London to L.A. after an intense seminar tour of three countries and several lectures in just a week and felt the need to boost my immune system before sitting in the germ tube for another 10 hours. I started doing the zen Swing in the waiting area and after about 10 minutes, I could feel my chi being bounced back to me. I opened my eyes and about 15 feet away was a pretty little Chinese woman imitating me. When I opened my eyes, she felt me look and we made eye contact and her look was one of, “thank you…that’s a great idea!” No more was said, but all was understood; I was moved to gratitude to share with such a lovely being. Who knows what benefit our willingness to be different than the rest of the tired travelers ultimately brought them?
I hope to feel your beautiful chi swinging through space, so we can all be nourished by your willingness to heal by gently moving your body and cultivating peace within.
Love and chi,
Paul Chek
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Paul Chek is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of holistic health and personal, professional and spiritual mastery systems addressing all aspects of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. For over twenty-five years, Paul’s unique, holistic approach to treatment and education has changed the lives of countless individuals worldwide. As a walking, talking definition of success, Paul is above all an educator: teaching and applying his methods to benefit others. He has produced more than 50 videos, 6 books, 2 e-books, and 16 advanced-level home study courses while regularly contributing to many diverse publications and web sites. Paul is the founder of the C.H.E.K Institute and the P~P~S Success Mastery Center, in San Diego, California, USA.
You can learn more about Paul and his work at both his C.H.E.K Institute website and the PPS Success Mastery Center.