I needed a stretch of something

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The air was fresh and crisp today, with the impression that it might snow; however, I needed to clear my mind, so I took a stroll along the canals, in an attempt to centre and ground myself.

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It's not often that I get to wander, as most days are spent cruising to a destination, but every now and then I try to schedule time to venture off along the towpaths.

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This was a refreshing change from the warm earthy scent that emits from my wood burner (that I absolutely love, btw); and since the weather has been mild and dry for the past week, the fallen leaves added a pillowed layer beneath my feet and softened the ground.


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As I walked along the paths, stopping to snap pictures of the mesmerising surrounding beauty, I paused for a moment.
Observing my breath, the smells, sounds, movement of the canal waters, the colours, and the wind against my face; I became more conscious, alert, and fully aware, in a meditative state.

Soothed by the amazing nature, I placed my camera down, got into a Wuji Stance, and with a slow silky movement, I pulled my bow to release the arrow (yes, an imaginary one).
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This is a movement from my Qi Gong practices, which provides me with clarity, calm, and a sense of balance. This holistic therapy, works to improve my internal organs and this movement helps me to focus with intention; something that can be difficult in a world full of distractions.


I'm not one who likes to talk about my problems. Still, I acknowledge that my life isn't perfect, and I know that there'll always be something; a new challenge after the other, but I take them in stride, and always try to remain calm regardless of any chaos that might be unfolding around me.

I'm grateful to have discovered this natural healing remedy that's basically "stretching" of the mind and body, something that I needed more than I realised.


Qi Gong, gives me energy, and it regulates my energy and keeps me stable. This slow mindful meditation coordinates my breath with my movement, and it regulates my blood pressure by lifting it, then lowering it.
I feel lighter at the end of each movement.
Stretching feels good, as it's an effective way to activate the internal organs of the body...
So yes, I felt more alive.


The other movements above, are from the Wudang 5 Animal Qigong that's designed to improve longevity and health; It's different from the silk brocade movement, where I pulled the bow to release the arrow. While doing these, it makes me appreciative of all living things especially animals. After all, I'm sharing the space in nature with animals, and mimicking the movements of these animals: Dragon, No image of Tiger, Leopard, Snake and Crane). My stance are not perfect in these as the camera is just left on timer, but believe me when I say that through the meridians of my body, I've felt the immediate benefits of these movements.

See my previous post with information on the benefits of each of this hollistic therapy for mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing that I practice.


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As I approached this bridge, my mind drifted back to this quote that I read online moments before my walk:

"Sit With It; Instead of drinking it away, smoking it away, sleeping it away, eating it away, or running from it. Just sit with it. Healing happens by feeling." - Unknown, from Wild Heart Sisterhood

I reflected on how this phrase correlates with my position in life; I smiled knowing that I no longer run or try to sleep away my problems. Instead, I take the time, sit with them, own them, and tactle them little by little, all with the help of my Qi Gong practices.


I thank you for stopping by, as I share a part of my weekend along the Grand Union Canals in Leamington Spa and Warwickshire, UK.



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Really love your post as well as the martial arts!

Me and my puppy dog say thank you very much for your content it was awesome and I love the writing as well! I can't wait to keep seeing amazing content from you!

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I am fascinated with your publication the pictures are beautiful I would love to go to those beautiful places maybe in the company of one of my herdsmen and sit for a while just admiring the place.

I recently started walking and I have noticed a positive change in me on many levels, that's great and finally this phrase has enchanted me, because we have achieved when we believe that ignoring the problem will solve it, we have to face them and many times as you say it little by little.

I smiled knowing that I no longer run or try to sleep my problems away. Instead, I take the time, sit with them, acknowledge them and touch them little by little.

Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos and words with us kisses.

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Thanks for your lovely feedback 😊
By the canls is beautiful indeed, so hopefully you'll get the chance to visit here or a similar place one day.

It's nice to hear that you recently started walking; a great full body exercise, and yes, it's amazing the trasformation on our bodies and minds overtime once we start to do some form of exercise such as walking.

I hope you continue to do so, and reap the benefits that come from it.

Thank you for stopping by, and have a lovely weekend💐

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what a beautiful setting for your qi gong practice 💕💕 Would love to do yoga here as well 🤗🤗🤗

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Yes, it's the perfect setting for all meditative exercises, and walking and running too😍
I do yoga too, but sometimes I find qi gong to be more convenient depending on the location. 🙏
THanks for stopping by, have a lovely weekend 💐

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Gorgeous boots, gorgeous canal, gorgeous you. Lovely. I loved my time on the canal so much and often think about it - this brought me back there. It made me smile to think of you doing qi gong in such a place.

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Thank you for your kind words 😊
I do love my boots too:) Something that catches the eyes of everyone, the way they caught mine while sitting on the back of a tricycle in a small village in the mountains in the Philippines😍
The nature here is perfect for my qi gong and I hope to find the courage to do it throughout the winter too.
I know cryotherapy is not ideal for some activities like yoga, but I think it would be ok for me to wrap up warm and do even short sessions of qi gong.
I hope you'll get to visit the canals here again someday!
Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely weekend 💐

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Oh, boots with a story, even better!!! YOu have to have cool boots on the canals, it's a given!

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Exactly!:) One of the first things I discovered when I came 😍

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Wow,,, such incredible shots with very bright views. I'm so fascinated by your portrait photos :)

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Thanks so much for showing your appreciation:)

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