Morning Qigong in the Winter Morning of Paris

It is rare to see landscapes where people can walk down into lakes. On days when Paris is freezing cold, starting from the 12th, the winter sales in the capital of consumption begin. The warm commercial streets and malls are crowded with shoppers. Under the current gloomy atmosphere of the global economic downturn, a trend of careful spending has formed. At least consumers have learned how to spend better and how to save personal resources. Clearly, capitalism is built on consumer market mechanisms; the balance between production and consumption constitutes the productive power of a nation's economy. This production indicator represents social prosperity. Does this also become a question of capitalism? It is hard to imagine that the indicator of life happiness equals the indicator of consumption. Of course, it is difficult to say. The current financial crisis is clearly caused by the insatiable greed of global capitalism; it is time to reflect.

The freezing cold of Paris does not change the rhythm of urban life, nor does it constitute the beat of social operation. This weekend was the coldest day since winter began in Paris, with temperatures ranging from minus 4 to minus 10 degrees. As someone living in Paris, I always exercise regularly. In the past, I practiced Aikido continuously for over ten years; besides fitness, it also serves as self-defense. However, due to recent trips back and forth to Taiwan for art-related activities, I temporarily stopped and adjusted my daily routine. Of course, exercise is necessary.

Besides Aikido, every Sunday morning, I meet with friends who are qigong masters from Taiwan to practice palm-clapping qigong in the lush forests on the outskirts of Paris. Under his guidance, a group of French people also join in the practice. This Sunday was particularly cold (especially in the suburban forests, which are colder than the city center). We still gathered as a group of three or five friends to practice qigong in the nearby forest. A biting cold permeated the entire forest under the northern landscape. The ground was covered in snow, and two small lakes at the edge of the forest had turned into ice lakes. This precious and beautiful scenery was truly stunning; it was the most poetic and beautiful winter scene I had ever witnessed during my stay in Paris.

We proceeded cautiously along our usual exercise route, moving slowly up and down the hills. Everyone practiced qigong in a state of alertness, as if walking on thin ice. The temperature in the forest was at least minus ten degrees. The biting cold wind whistled through the air. Wearing warm clothing suitable for mountaineering, we were extra cautious due to the extreme cold. The qigong master suggested wearing cotton or leather gloves while clapping hands initially, and removing them after warming up, depending on individual comfort. Initially, the hand-clapping felt dry, cold, and stinging. After a while, we got into the rhythm. Winding slowly along the shaded paths covered with thin ice and frost, we gradually relaxed our bodies and minds, inhaling fresh air mixed with the cold. Crossing mountains and ridges at a slow pace, we unknowingly traversed the forest and arrived at the edge of the ice lake. More than an hour passed like this. This practice awakened our body, mind, and spirit, bringing us vitality and strength for the week ahead, and witnessing the mystery of qigong and life.