Perceived Helplessness. Perceived helplessness is the feeling that whatever negativity befalls us, it is inevitable, and there is little possibility of personal action or responsibility. We feel powerless and cannot envision being able to effect meaningful change when confronted with difficulties. Since the one requirement of an efficacious qigong practice is to actually do it, a passive mindset can sabotage our success. Many of us are effective in many facets of our lives, but we abdicate personal responsibility when it comes to our own health and spiritual development. Institutions such as the church and the medical industry unwittingly, or perhaps wittingly, promote dependency and helplessness.

In his 1975 book Limits to Medicine: Medical Nemesis, the Expropriation of Health, Ivan Illich wrote that public has been trained to be docile and reliant on the medical profession to cope with life in society. With an attitude of dependence, we are less likely to take action such as attending a class. We are less open to the idea that our physical and mental health can be influenced by our own actions. We look up to our doctor as the expert who is in control of our health. David Morris and Karl Hass, in their book Neighborhood Power, wrote, “We are most dependent on outside experts when we are ignorant, and we are probably most ignorant about our own bodies. Even our cars are more open to common-sense knowledge than our bodies.”

Mind Change. Baby steps are probably the best approach for those of us who have little confidence in themselves. Simply having learned to adjust our posture and breath can be an important start. Giving yourself the freedom to experience your own body without judgment or expectations is perhaps the most powerful tool. Know that you are ultimately in charge of your body and health care, and work with your doctor collaboratively.