Hey Bill, thanks for the comment. I didn’t have any instruction on this video since it is a follow along. I did consider putting some breathing cues in, but I have mixed feelings about this. While a agree that breathing is a major component of the practice, it isn’t as simple as inhale and exhale (as you probably know). I’m a clinician and specialize in myofascial pain and orthopedics and have worked with patients over the years that have aggravated their conditions (neck pain, thoracic outlet syndrome, back pain, etc) by trying to force their breathing into a particular pattern when their body was not able to do this well. Particularly, people can over use the scalenes and/or work too hard due to abdominal restriction and holding. For this reason, I don’t like to put too much emphasis on breathing in a video, especially if I don’t have a lot of discussion so that they know how to avoid pitfalls. I prefer to highlight the timing and other cues with the hope of people activating the core properly and then they can work on the breathing, preferably in a live class where they can get feedback.

@@JingjinMovementTraining I see, this makes more sense now. Since I have no background in clinical practice, I will not attempt to add anything to your comments. I emphasize chi cultivation and chi guiding which is are fundamental elements of chi kung. Most 'sifus' have no clue about this, which is pathetic. Without chi cultivation and guidance, chi kung (chi gong, qi gong, etc.) becomes slow 'aerobics', nothing more. I will suggest that at some point you offer some insight into breathing to your more advanced patients, but as I mentioned earlier, I'm not a clinician, you are. It's your call. From watching your presentation, they are in good hands. Bill P.

Hey, thanks for the comment. You are correct that all of the version of the standing 8 Pieces of Brocade (there is also a seated form) and very different, yet there is some similarities. To me, this sequence of moves is kind of a blank slate in that the moves are basic and gentle stretching and strengthening and they gently massage/mobilize the body, but there is a lot of room to layer in whatever understanding of the body you have. I am an anatomist (I teach anatomy, lead human dissection classes for health care provides, use anatomy to explore the acupuncture channels, etc.) and a kinesiologist so this comes into my interpretation. And, I study and practice other arts like taiji, liuhebafa, and white crane qigong, so this also influences my interpretation. In terms of working, the sequence is basic stretching. strengthening and mobilization. So even if it is done without a lot of finesse, it can be helpful. But, if there is a good teacher and/or you have good awareness and a background that you bring to it, it can be far more health giving. These type of practices are very dependent on subtle positional and timing difference which differentiate one person's practice from another.

Indeed! This 1 Ave: ☯️

Thanks for the feedback