It’s time to say good-bye to last year and hello to the New Year with refreshed and recharged energy. In this article, learn a simple 10-minute energy meditation technique called Jigam that helps you calm your thoughts, accumulate energy within, and become mentally and physically ready for the start of the New Year.
What is Jigam Energy Meditation?
In Korean, Ji means “to stop” and Gam means “feelings” or “sensations.” So, Jigam is a technique that allows you to stop running thoughts and emotions and focus on the present moment while developing sensitivity and awareness to energy. By focusing on the powerful energy, or Qi, in your body, you can start to accumulate and control it for your own health.
Try this simple meditation technique to recharge and experience Qi energy for yourself.
10-Minute Jigam Energy Meditation
Since tension in the body will affect your ability to feel Qi energy, it is important that you begin by taking a moment to relax both your mind and body. If possible, perform this meditation after you have completed a session of exercise such as yoga or tai chi. The relaxation and state of mind can greatly deepen your experience of Qi and will increase the benefits of your practice.
Sit, Breathe & Relax
From a comfortable, relaxed seated position with a straight back, close your eyes. Become fully present, allowing the details of your day to slip away. As you breathe slow, relaxing breaths, scan your body for any tension and let it melt away.
Focus
Slowly bring your palms up and rub them together to create heat in between your hands. Do this for 10 seconds. Stop and hold your hands apart facing each other, barely touching. Focus on the space between your hands as you become aware of the temperature of your palms. Now allow yourself to begin to feel the pulsations of your heartbeat in your hands.
Sense
Open your hands a little wider and notice any sensations you feel. You may notice cool or warm temperature, tingling, or
magnetism. Is there a sense of pressure, or color or light? The experience of Qi varies with each person, so pay attention and get to know how Qi energy is uniquely experienced by you.
Play
Play with the edges of this experience by expanding your hands slightly, or face both palms down, then upward as you observe differences in the feelings. Experience the energy of Qi as a ball between your hands and roll it within your palms, without your palms touching.
Recharge
Draw your ball of Qi toward you and place this energy on your lower abdomen, which is your body’s energy center. With a clear mind,
visualize Qi rejuvenating the body as its health benefits permeate every cell in your body. If you notice tension or blockages, imagine that the energy of Qi is dissolving the blockage and allowing health, energy and vitality to return.
Finish
Rub your hands together very quickly to gather even more Qi. Allow a sense of gratitude and love to fill your heart and mind as you sweep your palms over your face, your head, your neck and shoulders, then down your body and legs. Notice and retain the refreshed sensations as you open your eyes, recharged and ready to take on the new days of the New Year!
If you're interested in a premium course on Jigam energy meditation, check out
Jigam: The Art of Quieting Mental Chatter & Emotions led by Energy Master Byukwoon.