Is the Qi experience related to the flow experience? Practicing qigong in urban green spaces.
Shih-Han Hung, Ching-Yung Hwang, Chun-Yen Chang
PloS one January 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240180 via PubMed
Summary
A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the relationship between the Qi experience and the flow experience found a high level of consistency between the two concepts (correlation coefficient r = 0.90). The Qi experience, described as a healthy energy gained from the environment and an inner feeling, was integrated into five orientations: the feeling of Qi; the mind; Qi and consciousness; physical, mental, and spiritual benefits; and the feeling of Tao. The results suggest that the flow experience in Qigong activity is the same as the Qi experience in East Asian disciplines.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Quantitative and qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 23 |
| Key finding | The Qi experience and the flow experience show a high level of consistency (r = 0.90), indicating they are the same concept in Qigong activity. |
Abstract
People experience a healthy energy gained from the environment and an inner feeling, called the Qi experience. The flow experience has been a popular topic in Western studies, especially within the fields of psychology and health, and in all kinds of activities. Our current study used quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the relationship between the Qi experience and the flow experience. After collecting data using open-ended questions, we integrated and connected the Qi experience into five orientations: (1) the feeling of Qi; (2) the mind; (3) Qi and consciousness; (4) physical, mental, and spiritual benefits; and (5) the feeling of Tao. The results revealed a high level of consistency between the flow experience and the Qi experience (r = 0.90, p<0.00, which supports the conclusion that the concept of the flow experience in Qigong activity seems to be the same as that in East Asian disciplines, called the Qi experience.