the sky realm series (nam'khor) is a dzogchen longde movement cycle that reveals the connection between clarity and blissful sensation in the energetic body.
each standing movement coordinates the eyes, breath, and body into a unique elemental expression. the movements are gentle, precise, and often challenging when first practiced.
you can expect a practice that rhymes with (but is distinct from) qigong. there is a lot of standing and waving your arms about, and it is extraordinarily enjoyable.
practically, consistent practice makes my shoulders and torso feel amazing. biomechanically, the sky realm series is like a ctrl+z after hours of computer work. standing and sitting feel easier and more grounded, and vividness in the physical, energetic, and visual fields is palpable and immediate.
each movement is an animal crossed with an element. five animals, five elements, twenty-five movements. each animal embodies a quality of presence; each element gives that quality a particular shape.
awkwardness is a feature, not a bug. the precision of the movements is often off-putting at first — coordinating the body in these specific ways is challenging for most people.
the reason it's challenging is precisely because of habitual ways we use our bodies. being frustrated, confused, and awkward is a sign you're doing the practice — not a sign you shouldn't.
this series is accessible and adaptable to nearly everyone.