Inner Spaces, Different Depths - Stages of Turning Inward in Qigong & Daoism

[Kati]

Lately I’ve been reflecting on how not all forms of “turning inward” feel the same.

Sometimes it’s grounding and transformative – like in Qigong, when Shen, Qi, and Jing begin to gather in the body.

Sometimes it’s soothing but physical – like with using Gua Sha, where the body opens but the mind is not deeply involved.

Sometimes it’s inward but scattered – like in daydreams or fantasies, where the energy rises but doesn’t settle, leaving me less centered.

 

This makes me wonder:

Are there different “inner spaces” or “inner qualities” we enter, depending on the practice or state of mind?

 

From a Daoist and Qigong perspective, it seems that we can distinguish stages of going inward:

1. Through the body (stability, Jing foundation)

2. Through energy flow (Qi movement and collection)

3. Through spirit (Shen calming and returning)

4. Through unity (Jing, Qi, Shen returning to one)
    

 I’m curious:

• Have you also noticed this difference between a collected inner state versus a scattered inner state?

• Which practices help you personally to anchor Shen in the body, so that “turning inward” feels truly nourishing rather than dispersing?

I’d love to hear how others who walk the Daoist or Qigong path have encountered this theme.

Edited 4 hours ago by Kati