I’ve tried both, but I notice when I actively circulate, my mind tends to “grab” the process and turn it into a doing. When I just sit and let things be, I feel more dullness – less obvious flow.
Here’s a draft post suitable for the forum (a community focused on Daoism, internal arts, qigong, and contemplative practice). The tone is respectful, conversational, and aligned with the forum’s culture—avoiding new-age fluff and leaning into direct experience, classical references, or practical questions. Title: Circulating vs. stilling – where do you put your focus in seated practice? dao bums
Lately I’ve been sitting with a bit of a fork in the road. Some teachers emphasize song (release) and quiet sitting – just letting the qi settle on its own, no directing. Others advocate for microcosmic orbit or other gentle circulations to open the channels. I’ve tried both, but I notice when I