“Stand In The Light of Your Own Being” is an elegant way of saying
Zheng Qi (Upright Qi)
A general term to describe the various forms of Qi that support/protect the body from exogenous pathogens. Usually used when contrasting the strength of the body’s Qi with the strength of an invading pathogen.
Here’s an exploration of the theory of Guest Host Theory. Over two thousand years ago, Zhang ZhongJing, author of the Shang Han Lun, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Zhongjing saw humans as part of the natural world. One of my teacher’s Dr. Edward Neal posted an elegant picture of a husband and wife kneeling down to welcome a guest that was also kneeling down, neither sides in battle with each other. It was very touching for me during these times where the Narrative at large is to protect ourselves from something evil. Viruses, bacteria, fungi are not evil per se, but they do their thing. They spread, they replicate, they have functions and programs. The take away from this image for me was to welcome the guest, have tea, and then send it on its way. Could our Zheng Qi accomplish this? Could my Zheng Qi accomplish this? Would I stay calm and not let my nervous system take over, taking energy from my precious immune system? Well I definitely have experience with both these scenarios, especially with the kids. When they were little, I remember not wanting them to be sick at all! I would get nervous and upset and do everything I could to get this thing out of them! Now as I mature (ha!) and the kids get older, I have more faith in their immune systems and I feel I allow them to get sick (have a guest) have tea, and send them on their way. There’s an idea that we will all benefit somehow and learn something. These days, this question percolates… It really does depend on our individual circumstances doesn’t it? We are all so different, with different histories and experiences. (and inside we are all the same)
In modern times, we often see ourselves as “Us vs Them” not with, but against. This need to protect and defend ourselves sometimes prevails, with good reason, sometimes…(but at what cost and could we do it differently?) I’ve been really investigating this idea within me, deep in my belief systems. Wow, I’ve experienced a lot more clarity into how I operate in the world, in my family, in my mind! I don’t think I’ve ever spent 8 weeks at home! I’m really curious as to how your experience has been. I am looking forward to welcoming you into my clinic, a place of connection and peace and letting go.
I’ll be getting in touch with those of you who had booked during the months of March, April and May, to re-book your appointments. Those of you who would like an appointment please contact me or visit my online Schedulicity calendar. Remember if you would like to work on something and you don’t feel comfortable coming into my clinic, we could set up a phone call or video chat.
Please feel free to express what you need when you come in. Bring or wear what you need to feel comfortable. We’ll do this together.
My first day in the clinic will be Monday May 25th. This will give me time to become familiar with the protocols put in place by the Ministry of Health and the CTCMA (College of Trad. Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists).
With deep respect and gratitude
Gigi
My hours at the clinic: Mon 12-7 Wed 9-4:30 Fri 9-4:30 2508820659

“I wish I could show you the astonishing light of your own being.” Hafiz

“Stand in the light of your own being.” I originally saw this quote on Lillian Bridges website

Hello! How are you?
I’ve been taking lots of moments to really ask myself how I’m doing…asking my body or heart space(not my mind, our mind plays tricks and just says I’m ok). I certainly have been feeling lots of different emotions. Then I ask myself, what do I need? That usually gets me somewhere. Making tea for myself is a self-care ritual I do often this time of year. Here’s a picture of my lemon balm growing in my strawberry patch. Lemon balm is a gentle nervine, that helps calm and rejuvenate the nervous system. I grab a handful and sometimes mix it with other herbs or green tea. Other herbs(or weeds) that are growing right now are dandelion greens, nettle, and cleavers. Weeds are very useful this time of year to help our bodies do what we are doing anyway. Detoxing! Yes the liver is saying hello with all it’s grumpiness and irritations. So grab some weeds, or leafy greens and add them to your day.
Lavender is another one of my go-tos. Essential oils are easy to use and affordable and lots of fun. In March I was using a lot of Thieves Oil https://marseillesremedy.com/ in my clinic and at home and now I’ve switched to more calming/ nourishing/ uplifting oils such as lavender, citrus, peppermint. Rose oil I keep handy for special times like these where my heart space needs softening. In Chinese Medicine, Rose helps move the Liver Qi. (moves pent-up energy)
I’ve been spending a lot of time with my family doing simple things: gardening, chores, bike rides etc. I’ve also been learning a lot online with my colleagues, staying connected that way. We’re doing a lot of meditations together, reviewing formulas and herbal combinations to help restore the body’s vitality through illness. Some of my colleagues in the States and China are sharing their approaches to Covid online for everyone to benefit and learn from their experience. Chinese Medicine has studied novel viruses for thousands of years. One of our special treasures is called the Shang Han Lun, written around 2000 yrs ago. We are still using the wisdom found in this treaty to help patients process this virus. The Shang Han Lun sees humans as part of nature. Seeing how our bodies can become in a workable relationship with nature. This really resonates with me and my belief systems. As I get older, I feel I want to protect myself less and less from others, or the outside world. I’m taking this time to go deeper inside myself and stay soft (when I can). Every day I say a prayer for all of you, and to all beings.
Today when I checked in with myself, I wanted to take pictures and write and connect. Voila!
Thank you for reading
Gigi

Here’s my email if you want to say hello gigivincentine@hotmail.com