Go Internal

Chakras & Subtle Energy

As martial artists we do a lot of physical training. We hone our punching, kicking, throwing and weapon skills with sweat and precision.  This physical training is essential as it does exercise our vital energy or Ki/Qi.  However, the focus of physical training is still what we call 'external' training and to get the most out of your workout, and yourself, it is important to practice 'internal' training.

Internal training, such as meditation (zazen) and various forms of Yoga and Qigong, are excellent for this.  Getting in touch with your subtle energies will enhance your martial skills as well as your health overall. It is this energy that supports your life. It is just as important as breathing. Without Ki/Qi you're dead.  To keep it flowing with proper exercise, nutrition and meditation is life itself.

So, don't neglect 'internal' training. As you learn more about energy and its impact on your overall health you will wonder why we don't emphasis it in our educational systems. In future posts I will discuss more about our chakra system and its role in martial arts.

Hands palm to palm,
Shinzen

Morning Rambling.

As most of you are aware, the universe at large is one great big energy pool...a field of unfolding possibility. Our way of understanding this pool is limited by our senses of touch, sight, hearing, smelling, tasting and consciousness. We can only perceive the field of possibility by these senses which are in some way like radio receivers that can only pick up certain stations...and they are also radio transmitters sending out signals into the vortex itself.

What you consider 'you' is just energy consolidating into a radio/transmitter. Here are some questions that have always run through my head (which I am sending out to you now).

When were you 'born' and when do you 'die'. What if you lost one or more stations? How many stations need to stop before you are not you? When do you stop being you? Can you learn to tune into different stations? Who is doing the tuning? How did all these frequencies end up in my radio? Can I change frequencies of transmissions? Is my frequency of sight (or any sense) the same as yours? If so,how do I really know?

Just some random thoughts this morning triggered by just the right amount of coffee.

Hands palm to palm,
Shinzen