Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know that this is not just some more ungrounded theoretical concepts or hype?

One unique aspect of Primal Qi Synergy ™ contributing to its powerful effectiveness is that everything I teach or utilize in my practice has been tested in the proving ground of the wilderness, where there is little room for error, and flaws in techniques, concepts and awareness levels are quickly exposed by the Realities of Nature. Over the decades I personally had encountered much disappointing hype and ungrounded theory in the fields of alternative health care, human energetics, and awareness and wilderness skills. I yearned for powerful, tangible and consistent results. To fulfill my aim and passion of helping change lives, expand horizons and empower individuals, it requires practical and proven skills and understanding which have been polished under demanding conditions.

What else makes Primal Qi Synergy ^tm unique from other things which I have already encountered?

This work has pulled together some of the finest skills and concepts which ancient peoples and Masters had to offer, and combined it with a distillation of the latest breakthroughs and modern research regarding herbology, awareness, wilderness skills, and energetics. And similarly, it develops and draws upon a balance of skills from both sides of the brain. There is also a continual cross-fertilization of new ideas and energy amongst the three main branches of Primal Qi Synergy ^tm through lateral thinking and synergistic perceptions. For example, the lessons I gain from qigong regarding how energy works then create deeper practical insights into awareness, herbology, and wilderness thrival. Thus the overall body of understanding and skills symbiotically develops, and becomes even more effective at changing lives and expanding horizons, as seen in the testimonials.

What are the practical benefits of Wilderness Thrival training in everyday life?

Wilderness Thrival training greatly augments practical problem-solving skills, calm perception of challenges, resourcefulness, confidence in difficult situations, and mental toughness. And it teaches profound lessons about the wise use of energy, and these lessons are forever driven deeply into the body and mind in a way which few other avenues can ever match! One also becomes much more aware of the subtle energetic forces which are all around us in Nature, but which for many are drowned out by childhood education, modern lifestyles, and the dominant cultures. And this increased awareness of energy and its efficient use is transferable to every aspect of modern life. Wilderness Thrival training also tends to bring out the little kid in people, resulting in a rediscovered sense of adventure and excitement about the mysteries of the wild places, and of being fully alive in the NOW.

How often are you actually out in the field further pushing your skills?

Over time I have striven to organize my life in such a way that I now usually spend at least one week per month in the purity of the wilderness further honing these profound and very practical ancient skills. To teach such skills at a high level takes much real-world experience, including finding out at times the hard way in very challenging environmental conditions what really works, and what needs to be altered and improved. There are always more polished levels of skill and understanding to work towards, and the more we learn, the more we know this fact. And we live in such a mysterious and awesome Universe that there are always yet new and deeper levels of reality just waiting to be explored!

What is Qigong?

Within this context Qi represents the Life Force Energy, also known as Chi or Prana, and Gong is a term denoting a skill which has been acquired over time through persistent work. The same word, spelled differently, is quite familiar to many in the term Kung (Gong) Fu. Therefore Qigong is Acquired Life Force Energy Skill, it requires a solid initial understanding, combined with consistent and aware practice over time. And this practice doesn't have to be drudgery, it can be very exciting and a great deal of fun, as one senses the encouraging changes in energy level, health, and harmony!

Why the name Lightning Waters Medical Qigong ^tm ?

The name represents a harmonious blend of both enormous power and a calm, centered balance. Water is key to life, and has many deep and mysterious aspects which scientists are just beginning to probe. It is also quite symbolic of the Yin aspects of the Universe. By contrast, Lightning is very representative of the Yang aspects of the Universe, containing enormous energy or qi. A typical lightning stroke heats the air within it to around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the surface temperature of the Sun is only about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit! So together Lightning and Water represent the Universe in a vigorous and flexible balance of Yin and Yang forces. Likewise, certain ancient Masters of the martial art of Ba Gua were known as 'rolling thunder warriors', for they had the balanced capacity to let opposing force roll off of them and to flow around obstacles like Water, and then powerfully strike out of the blue like Lightning.

My frequent wilderness Journeys where I am dependant upon my ancient skills for thrival are invaluable in creating a more powerful and effective level of Qigong. So many energetic insights and empowerments await from the ancient trees, waterfalls, rocks, animals and other life forms. Each area has its own lessons and unique energies to share. On one particular very rugged trip I was engaged in a qigong exercise near the end of my routine, one which helps to balance out all the energy one has brought in. At that very moment a young female cougar approached me, I could see her long tail weaving in and out of the baby douglas fir trees. As I continued with my movements, she was studying me with great curiosity, and I was learning from her amazing flowing movement, balance, vibrancy, and calm awareness! I then used my tracking skills to follow her trail and further learn from her awareness and energy.

What is implied by the term Primal?

Here is a composite classical definition of Primal : In an earliest or original stage or state, having existed from the beginning, from the Latin primus, meaning first. This gives some hints, but there is a deeper meaning behind my use of the term Primal. I am emphasizing being unencumbered by imposed limitations and excessive thought, and a realignment with the former resonance, flow and fusion with the Universe. By contrast, most modern cultures harbor a strong illusion of humans' separation from the rest of the Universe, a mindset which can also bring about a deep sense of loneliness. And as a result, over time humans have become like aliens on their own planet, complete with an unhealthy fear of Nature. By contrast, the ancient Chinese concept of Wu Ji is very helpful in bridging this chasm. Amongst other meanings. it can signify the undivided primal nature of all things -- i.e., what it was like before this apparition of separation took a hold of humankind.

What is the meaning behind the unusual Primal Qi Synergy ^tm Logo?

The logo came about in stages, built initially upon glimmers of insights on wilderness trips as to how energy and vibration manifest and operate in the Universe. I put well over 200 hours and about 100 incremental versions into my final design, which includes many carefully wrought details. For example, the pyramid represents the structure for containing and building the synergistic energy coming from Jing Qi Shen Herbology ^tm, Laughing Waters Nature and Awareness School ^tm, and Lightning Waters Medical Qigong ^tm. The four Chinese characters (hanzi) have specific meanings regarding the various realms of energy. Also notice that the three sides of the pyramid are not fused, but rather have expansion joints. This symbolizes the fact that the Primal Qi Synergy ^tm pyramid is continually expanding outwards into new and dynamic territory. The pyramid is also a balance of warm, bright, illuminated Yang energy and shaded, cool, blue Yin energy.

What is a Vision Quest?

Examples of individuals setting aside time in the wilderness to better understand their purposes and missions can be found throughout many spiritual traditions and cultures worldwide, not just in the Americas. Though the specific protocols may have varied, the intent was largely similar -- making a sacrifice of one's energy and time to seek out Higher Guidance in the purity and solitude of the wilderness. For select individuals with whom I've become sufficiently acquainted, I am available to assist with Vision Quests on a donation basis.

HOME