Chi: Discovering Your Life Energy

by Waysun Liao

An insightful introduction to the basics and benefits of chi energy, a tenet of Taoism and of popular martial arts like T’ai Chi, qigong, and more
 
Chi is the invisible energy of life that flows in and around us throughout the universe. Used skillfully, it can have a remarkable effect on health and vitality—to the degree that you’d be tempted to call it magical, if it weren’t so completely natural. Here is a perfect introduction to chi that explains in a direct and simple way what it is and why it is essential to a healthy and vital life. It provides an easy-to-understand explanation of chi, and then helps readers recognize, develop, and strengthen their own chi through specific breathing techniques and basic exercises, all demonstrated by the author.

There are many books on chi development through T’ai Chi and qigong practice, but this one goes deeper to enable you to understand the fundamental principles as you cultivate it. This book is a reference for alternative health professionals such as acupuncturists and shiatsu therapists and their patients, as well as for anyone who practices T’ai Chi, qigong, aikido, and other chi-based martial arts.

Genres: Spirituality, Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Meditation, Taoism

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful introductory book. It is simply and beautifully written to help the uninitiated understand the basics of chi.

I especially like the chapters on:

Why you can no longer feel your life energy
-we feel depleted and disconnected due to the disconnect between our mind and chi energy, as well as being overwhelmed by artificial concepts of the world, and negative signals from others and the environment

The importance of rebuilding your chi
- reconnecting with chi means reconnecting with the primordial and cosmic energy and we will begin to feel our reality and more true to ourselves.

How to feel you chi again
- through motionless meditation, moving meditation, and having this charged up by master

How to keep you chi clean and pure
-through keeping our mind clean, through feeling chi and not be depending on language, not to keep striving but by letting go, being in no hurry, having no agenda, and being peacefully aware. Our life would then be in tune with chi and tao again.

Lovely. The concepts are very similar to yogic concepts which teaches that we are made up of energy (the different layers of koshas) and how important it is to keep the energy flowing.

[Barbara Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a BookBub purchase. It’s a rather small book on Taoist wisdom,
explaining Chi, an invisible force within all life and nature.
Chi is what holds us together, and makes us who we really are. It is our true self.
The source of consciousness, awareness, and life.
He goes on to explain Yin and Yang. And talk of Chi imbalances.
I found much of his text repetitive.

Since I am familiar with chi, through my own practice of QiGong and Reiki, I had hoped the book might be more insightful.
In the back section of the book, he shares breathing techniques and movements to practice.
It is not easy to follow the pictures and words to learn the movements. I suggest looking up the names of the movements and watching videos to learn. That is what I’m doing.
Maybe videos by him, because he does mention in several places that unfortunately, most of the tai chi instruction available today has been stripped of its real purpose.
He does like to come off as an expert.
In the about the author section, it says that he studied with a wandering Taoist and in a Taoist temple in his native Taiwan from the age of twelve. He says that he is one of the world’s authorities on Tai chi arts.
Who am I to say? All I know is I won’t be buying or reading anymore of his books. ☹

[Sebastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read - basic concepts are explained. Perhaps repeated too many times but as the book ended with an invitation to regaining one's true self and infinite potential - the rest remains on the shoulders of the seeking student.

[Samah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book if you're working on yourself and/or want to learn more about the meaning of Chi. Next to giving clarification on the significance and workings of Chi energy, the book also offers practical tools for improving your Chi.

Sharing some quotes from the book;

"When you are overwhelmed by the entire world with its exciting goals to reach and challenges to conquer, it is time to ask your Chi how it really feels. It makes a world of difference whether you live for your true self, going by your true feeling of life energy, or whether you simply and conveniently adopt the conventions of man-made society."


"While our mental prowess gives us great pride, this false sense of achievement we have as adults is actually a tragedy. The way you grew up actually made you abandon the feeling of Chi and rely instead on mind activity. Your very willingness to divorce yourself from your true feeling of Chi is itself a sign that your Chi is declining and withering fast."

[Elle Hartford · Rating 4 out of 5]

After giving a thorough introduction, the book outlines how people lose connection with their chi, and how to reconnect with it. The philosophy at times is a little repetitive, but there are varied and accessible metaphors.

For my full review, check out my blog:
https://ellehartford.com/book-review-...

[Elise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't like the way this book going on and on about things I don't need to read more than once. In the end I felt like I learnt nothing much. Was trying to find a way to promote better Liver Qi flow and was hoping to learn more about the Qi system in the human body.

[One · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read, worth the time.

[Dale Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Thorough

For one who is only beginning to discover Tai Chi, this book is an excellent guide. I look forward to a life of continued learning.

[K K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this book was very judgemental towards spiritual practices. It goes against itself by saying only verbal instructions are valid forms of practice but its a book on the subject.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super simpler explanation and gives the basics for Tai chi

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting easy read about chi.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

so far this book is wonderful. I loved the written text and I'm really feeling the energy of the Chi as I practice these exersizes