The purpose of the class is to help us feel Chi, to deepen our practice, and to celebrate our movement. Chi Development is not a form practice but rather where we practice breathing, mindfulness, posture, and movements that enhance our awareness and our wellness.

Students will learn gentle movements to increase awareness and suppleness and be introduced to the lyrical movements of silk-reeling, warm-up exercises of head-to-back suspension, relaxation of the pelvis and legs, and directed movement through the joints. Students practice the internal strength and alignment of peng jin (ground-path energy); the mindfulness, alertness, and calmness of sung; and the posture and rooting of standing tree. They learn to use soft, mindful moves to increase awareness of the vertebral column, the extremities, and particularly, of the pelvis.

In the latter part of the class, we learn the fundamentals of Dantian rotation. They also learn to increase their strength with soft, directed motion, and standing to increase our internally directed energy (our intent). At the end of each session, those who know the Longevity-Tree Form bring the concepts of the Chi Development class into their form practice.

Students who enjoy the Chi Development program may continue into the Psu Hands program and often see improvement in their Qigong forms, and enjoy the many benefits of an advanced practice. There are many branches of the Bending Tree, and all lead to the wonderful benefits of the ancient moving meditation.