Why We Like This Game
This is a physical activity that can be done individually and for any class/meeting size. When the activity is successfully done, participants will have an amazing experience! Qi Ball is an excellent way to connect and feel present in the space and your body.
Activity Type
Focus and Concentration
Length
5 + minutes, depending on the temperature of the room and participants’ body temperature
Number of Participants Required
1
Benefits
Physical activity and self-awareness
Objective
To create a qi ball
Instructions
- Ask participants to vigorously rub their hands together for 5 or more minutes. Note: there needs to be a significant amount of heat generated for the activity to work.
- Once there is a large amount of heat generated, ask participants to very slowly pull their hands apart and feel the ball of energy between it.
- Then ask them to slowly push and pull their hands apart to feel the qi ball. Note: it should feel bouncy.
Tips
- If participants do not feel the ball of energy, ask them to keep rubbing their hands.
- Once participants are experienced and can create Qi Balls quickly, they can pull their hands/arms further apart.
Fun Fact
Qi Balls are part of qigong (氣功). Although related, this is different than taichi or taiji (太極). For more on taichi and qigong, read this article from Harvard Magazine.
Photo Credit: Gerd Altmann, “Energy Ball,” 2015