Secret Taoist Internal Shovel Technique
aka Tantric Qigong Internal Shovel Method
Is it time to dig ourselves out of a frozen funk?
I would like to discuss the little known and rarely explained Secret Taoist Internal Shovel Technique. This is a method for “shoveling” more Qi on the embers of your life force, resulting in enlightenment and a clear walk and driveway. This technique is in distinct contrast to the usually dis-empowering Rail Against Inadequate Government Services Rant Method, the effect of which is debilitating and ultimately pointless.
All levity aside, injuries caused by shoveling deep snow can sometimes be significant, even though they are more likely to be just nagging, minor musculo-skeletal irritations such as strains to the back, shoulders, and arms. This is because we are overtaxing the muscles and connective tissue through poor body mechanics and inadequate respiration. As I mentioned in Winter and Spiritual Practice, aggressive exercise during the winter can be invigorating, but may result in a net energy loss, leaving one open to exhaustion and illness. Performing the chore of shoveling snow as a kind of Qigong or T’ai Chi exercise reduces the likelihood of fatigue and injury, while making your toil a bio-mechanically correct moving meditation
First of all, get yourself an ergonomically correct snow shovel. These really do 
make a significant difference, especially if you are tall. However, if you are going to have to break up ice, these plastic ergonomic shovels are not very helpful. You will need a metal shovel, what we used to call a coal shovel, which was used to shovel coal into the carbon-ly incorrect coal-fired furnaces in the first half of the 20th century. (Even though you got emphysema from breathing coal toxins, at least you were toasty warm).
Now, armed with the proper tool, approach this task as if you are a professional T’ai Chi-ist:
–Warm up with some Tantric Qigong, Yoga, or T’ai Chi
– Make sure all movement is commanded by the Tan Tien.
– Bend your knees instead of your back. Use your leg muscles to lift.
– If you have knee problems that prevent you from bending your knees a lot during this travail, take a wider stance so your torso is closer to the ground.
– Instead of using the shoulders and upper back to twist and throw the snow, rotate the torso from the Tan Tien, using the power of the entire body to torque and heave the snow.
– If the snow is only a few inches, use the shovel like a snow plow, pushing the snow to the side rather than lifting each shovel full.
–If the snow is deeper, make sure to use belly – chest breathing. Inhale deeply as your shovel bites into the snow, exhale forcefully as you throw the dang stuff.
– Take frequent breaks, making sure your straighten your posture, breathe, and root through the feet.
– Hydrate. To avoid annoying and painful cramping later on, drink apple or orange juice and eat bananas, all are rich in the cramp-busting nutrient potassium.
Now your winter chore can be a lifeforce-generating and emotionally balancing meditation. © 2010 Keith E. Hall and www.inner-tranquility.com. All rights reserved.
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