The Wisdom of “Stillness in Motion”: Insights from 30 Years of Yijin Xisui Jing Practice

Over the last three decades, I have guided countless students through the movements of Yijin Jing (The Tendon Transformation Classic) and Xisui Jing (The Marrow Washing Classic). Most come seeking physical transformation—and they find it. But the deepest realization, the one that truly upgrades a student’s practice, has nothing to do with the movement itself.

It is about the profound stillness hidden within the movement.

In the West, we often fall into the “achievement trap.” We think progress is measured by how low we can squat, how high we can reach, or the perfect alignment of a pose. We push, we struggle, and we focus entirely on “doing.” I know this well because I started there, too. The result? A body that feels drained and a spirit that feels “hollowed out”—the exact opposite of what these ancient arts intended.

The Core Principle: “Mutual Roots of Motion and Stillness”
The classical text The Theory of Mutual Roots holds the key. It teaches that whether we are walking, standing, sitting, or stretching, we must practice “Dual Cultivation”—where movement and stillness each hold their rightful place.

In the American wellness space, we might call this “Dynamic Stillness.” It means that no physical action should ever be detached from an internal foundation of calm. Your external movement must be rooted in an internal state of “Zen” and a stabilized breath.

From “Performing” to “Present”: A Shift in Practice
Let’s look at a simple arm raise. A beginner’s internal dialogue is often: “Lift arm. Done. Higher. Feel the stretch. Finish.” The breath is an afterthought—short or held. The mind is already at the finish line.

Now, let’s try this same movement through the lens of Somatic Mindfulness, integrating the Shaolin Qi-Gong principle of “Using the breath to move the body”:

Find Your Ground: Before moving, connect to your center. Feel your feet rooting into the earth and your spine lengthening. Take a deep “belly breath,” centering your awareness in the Dantian—your body’s gravitational and energetic core located just below the navel.

Lead with Intention (Yi), Not Muscle: As you begin to lift your arm, let your mind lead the way. Imagine the movement as a gentle, continuous flow of energy (Qi) rather than a harsh muscular contraction. In Yijin Jing, we value “fluid circulation” over “brute force.”

The Breath-Body Connection: Inhale slowly and evenly. Feel the breath expanding from your core all the way to your fingertips. Your focus isn’t on where your arm is in space, but on the internal sensation of the flow.

The “Mindful Gap”: When your arm reaches the apex, there is a subtle pause. This isn’t a “freeze” or “lock.” It is a moment of Vibrant Stillness. You are fully present, breathing into the posture, maintaining total structural integrity without tension.

The Conscious Descent: Lowering the arm is just as vital as raising it. Exhale and guide it back down with grace. Stay tethered to your internal calm; don’t let your mind wander to the next task.

The Science of Embodied Harmony
When you practice this way, you aren’t just doing a stretch; you are performing Neuromuscular Integration. * From a Neuroscience perspective: You are simultaneously training your focus (prefrontal cortex) and motor control.

From a Physiology perspective: You are activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System (the “rest and digest” mode) even while moving. This lowers cortisol, reduces “energetic leaks,” and improves your overall vital force.

The tangible results include:

Higher Efficiency: Movements become more powerful and fluid with less risk of injury.

Conservation of Energy: By eliminating “fidgety” or rushed effort, you preserve your Jing (Essence) and Shen (Spirit).

Mental Resilience: The practice becomes a moving meditation, building an unshakeable focus that carries over into your high-stress work and daily life.

An Invitation to Deepen Your Practice
“Stillness in motion” is more than a technique; it’s a way of being. It is the highest wisdom of Yijin Xisui Jing—transforming physical conditioning into a practice of Radical Presence.

To my students in the West, I offer this challenge: Stop “doing” the movement and start “dwelling” in it. Let every stretch be an exploration of your inner landscape. Let every static hold be an opportunity to root yourself in silence.

Start small. Pick one movement today. Don’t do it to finish it; do it to experience every micro-second of the transition. You will find that the real power doesn’t lie in the motion—it lies in the vast, quiet strength that holds the motion together.

May you find harmony in every breath and strength in every silence.

Eon Zhi
Senior Instructor, Yijin Jing & Xisui Jing