Jing in collective intelligence facilitation

"Do not worry about a problem when it has not yet manifested, do not worry when it manifests, and do not cling to it when it has passed."

Traditional Chinese proverb.

How does jing promote facilitation in collective intelligence

The Chinese medicine is a system whose philosophy aims to maintain the harmony of energy within the body, but also of the inside of the body with the outside elements. This medicine combines the practices of Chinese dietetics, Tuina massage, Qi-gong, meditation and pharmacopoeia.

The jing, in traditional Chinese medicine, is associated with the energy of vital essence, strength and vitality. Two categories of jing are to be distinguished,

• innate jing: prenatal energy and genetic capital from parents and
• jing energy acquired during life, related to yin, and a consequence of the evolutions of qì (in Chinese breath), with which it interacts.

In the context of collective intelligence facilitation, jing can be seen as an energetic resource that facilitators use to foster effective communication, productive collaboration, and increased creativity within the group. Jing is the vitality, the driving energy that the facilitator uses to string together sequences.

Jing is associated with physical energy and strength. By developing their jing, facilitators improve their presence and authority in the room, which can help maintain the attention and engagement of participants. Jing is also associated with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively for example through clarity and power of speech.

An instructional instruction spoken forcefully and with conviction more easily gains buy-in. One hypothesis is that facilitators who have a high level of jing would communicate better with participants. Therefore, a relationship of trust and an ease of collaboration would be allowed. When there are many participants in a group, facilitation sessions can be mentally and physically exhausting.

By developing their jing, facilitators increase their energy reserves. They are then able to pay attention to more details within their body and within the body of the group. Some coaching practices use the metaphor of the spinning top to show an energy that is turned inward and simultaneously directed toward every event in the group 360 degrees. Jing is also associated with creativity and inspiration. By developing their jing, facilitators would stimulate creativity because they are able to encourage participants to explore new ideas, to imagine novel solutions.

Developing one's Jing

Qi Gong (Prouzet 2006), meditation, and other energy development practices, e.g., physical or sports activities help to develop one's jing.

• A first essential practice in Chinese medicine is the practice of Qi Gong.
  
  Here, for example, is a simple protocol for practicing Qi Gong. Assume a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, shoulders relaxed and arms relaxed at your side (Wu-ji position of inner emptiness). Then inhale deeply as you slowly raise your arms until they are above your head, palms facing the sky. Exhale slowly as you lower your arms and bring them to your sides. Repeat this movement for several minutes, focusing on your breath and visualizing life energy building within you. One of my favorite practices is shaking in place. This is simply letting the energy rise from the soles of your feet and causing a vertical shaking motion of the body in place. After a few minutes of this practice, a letting go occurs and we are immersed in a modified state of consciousness.
  
  
• A second associated practice is meditation.
  
  Meditation is a practice that opens the mind by focusing on life energy. There are many different practices of self-guided and guided meditation. For example. Sit comfortably on a chair or cushion with your back straight and your eyes closed. Concentrate on your breathing, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Imagine a life force energy building in you with each breath. Stay focused on your breathing and visualization for several minutes, trying to clear your mind of all unnecessary thoughts. It doesn't matter if you fail or succeed in the practice, just experience it and let the flow take hold of you. If it doesn't work it's just not the time.
  
  
• A third practice is walking in nature.
  
  In fact, walking in nature connects us to life energy by reconnecting us with the elements. Simply find a quiet, peaceful place in nature, such as a mountain, riverbank, forest or failing that, a park. Walk slowly and consciously, paying attention to each step you take, perhaps even breaking them down, and to the sensations in your body. Shift your attention from the body to the natural elements and then breathe deeply and take time to contemplate the natural landscape around you. Stay present in the moment and try to clear your mind of all distractions. Let the sweetness of nature's energy rise within you.

Chinese medicine that is very concerned with prevention ardently recommends a healthy and balanced diet. This plays a role in preserving vital energy by providing the body with the nutrients it needs to function effectively. It is important to remember the obvious, such as avoiding processed and sugar-rich foods, which can deplete the body's vital energy, and instead choosing natural, fresh, nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, drinking enough water to keep your body well hydrated, avoiding overeating, and learning to listen to your body's sensations so you know when you've eaten enough. And finally to try to eat in a calm and peaceful environment, free of distractions and stress to promote healthy digestion.

These practices can be used together or separately to strengthen jing.

A facilitator who adopts an Eastern, in this case Chinese, path quite distinct from the sometimes infantilizing processes or ice-breakers gains depth of intervention and the ability to accompany without apparent force. However, to do so, he must demonstrate a great discipline of practice. Perhaps the driving force lies in the words of Chiang Tzu who stated "Only apply yourself to looking after yourself, and all beings will flourish on their own" Chiang Tzu, chapter 11.

Illustration: DépositPhotos - ArturVerkhovetskiy

Sources

Wikipedia. Jing https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jing_(m%C3%A9decine_chinoise)#

Prouzet, A (2006) Rejuvenate through Qi Gong, Lanore Editions

Equilibre and co The wu-ji position in Qi-gong https://www.eqilibreandco.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/WU-DANG-QI-GONG-15-MOUVEMENTS.pdf

Alice Guyon, Jérôme Ravenet, Nancy Midol. Energy arts in the dialogue of scientific paradigms: a status report on the benefits of mind-body disciplines (Yoga, Tai-chi, Qi-gong). STAPS : Revue internationale des sciences du sport et de l'éducation physique, 2021, Philosophie du sport durable, n° 132 (132), pp.83 - 94. ff10.3917/sta.132.0083ff. ffhal-03537325 https://hal.science/hal-03537325

Wikisource Tchoang Tzeu's Work https://fr.wikisource.org/wiki/Œuvre_de_Tchoang-tzeu