As we open the Metal Season, we focus on deepening the breath as first way to enhance qi, and also strengthen our Wei Qi. That is the Qi that circulates at the surface of the body, forming a protective layer against external influences. (NB this is different from Wu Qi – for the primordial void before Yin and Yang separate, or the pregnant stillness from which all life arises). Between movements, we keep returning to the Lower embracing the tree posture, in which we can strengthen the Wei Qi. We meet tiger as our main companion for the Metal element, who invites us to be present in the moment, by letting go the old energy from the past, and the worries for the future and also several birds like Eagle and Crane, to optimise balance in the lungs and large intestine.

We do the following movements:

Wave breathing

Buddha holds up the earth

Soaring eagle

Bird lands on a branch

Tiger claws / Enlightened tiger

Soaring crane (+ third variation into the lungs and chest)