The Mind
Our mind is a powerful gift. Through our mind we create beliefs, intepret emotions, and interpret our life/bodily experience.
Our mind includes both the rational and intuitive. Our intuitive mind is also often known as our Heart, Spirit, or Gut feeling.
Our intuitive mind is always showing us signs, attempting to guide us, but for many reasons our rational mind will block its wisdom.
We need both aspects of the mind to function in this reality. Our evolution toward integration, is to discover and practice how we can create a harmonious relationship BETWEEN the intuitive and rational mind.
The rational mind desires a framework of understanding to explain the intuitive. Five Element Consciousness provides just such a framework. This concept reveals the connections between organ system function, emotions, Nature, and healing foods. By exploring this framework and applying it to our daily life, we educate and open our rational mind.
In addition, quantum physics provides another rational way of understanding the foundation of Five Element Consciousness and Chinese Medicine.
Five Element Consciousness and quantum physics are information. To receive this information we must be open. Then we must process/digest what we have received. Finally we must transform this information into OUR own wisdom that we integrate into our daily life.
Meditation and energy exercises support this process. Wu Ming Qigong is especially beneficial as it helps tune into our Heart/intuitive mind.
Beliefs
We live in a body defined by our beliefs.
The imprint of these beliefs impacts the function of every organ system and are encoded within ever cell.
When we first arrive on the planet we are inherently and intuitively open to infinite possibility. Our beliefs form through family, social, and societal conditioning. They become the filter our mind uses to interpret our emotional and physical life experiences.
We hold onto beliefs for a purpose. When we begin to expand spiritually, our beliefs must change. When they have become restrictive and limiting, we will feel this both emotionally and physically. These are quite literally growing pains!
This discomfort is good! It serves as a guide to awaken us to what needs to shift.
No belief is wrong or bad. They always have an important purpose for us. As you awaken, I encourage you NOT to focus on trying to change the belief. Focusing on the limiting belief will actually anchor it more deeply in place! In addition, PLEASE do not beat yourself up for being in this process!
Rather, I encourage you to OPEN yourself, holding space, with FAITH.
Faith that there are no accidents! Everything is happening for a reason! Everything is happening for good! Connect to the good!
Every time a limiting belief arises, simply CHOOSE to open your thinking to the bigger picture. This is a high level practice within. To hold yourself open and accountable again and again and again. As you do so, limiting beliefs lose their hold and you naturally let them go!
We can support our awakening process by providing the rational mind a framework for understanding. Five Element Consciousness reveals the connections between organ function, emotions, Nature, and healing foods.
In addition meditation and energy exercises such as Qigong can further support this processing.
So, if you have read this far…read a little more for a funny aha I had a few years ago! I was preparing to teach Mind and Metabolism Function and was at a loss for how to approach the concept. That afternoon I noticed a strange noise above the head of my treatment table that became progressively louder over the next day.
Fiesty pine squirrels had broken into the space directly above the HEAD of my treatment table. They chose to exit directly above the room I teach my classes in!!
We brought in “critter control” and their recommendation was to create out doors on the openings the squirrels created. He told me that they never try to trap the squirrels, rather just let them out a one way door so they cannot return.
So, rather than chasing down, analyzing, and trying to trap our squirrely beliefs, we can just hold sacred space with our faith and install plenty of out doors. If the squirrel returns, just let it out again and again and again!
We have to have fun with this process my friends!
Emotions
Emotions directly impact our body function. According to Chinese Medicine, all emotions have their place and purpose. They are Energy in Motion. It is important that emotions flow. Becoming stuck in our emotions disrupts our organ function, lowering immunity. Here are some creative ways to support this flow. These associations are the full spectrum of each emotion from stagnation to full expression. When we experience stagnation of an emotion, it is guiding us to a higher level of expression!
Anger/Stress/Frustration ~ Flexible/Flowing/Fearless/Creativity/Expression
Move that body, move the voice, tap into your ability to create music, art, write, no limits! In Nature, this is the energy of Wood/Spring: all things that grow! This is the power of Wind, Lightning, and Thunder! Nothing can stop this power to be seen, heard, breakthrough!
This is our Liver/Gallbladder. Learn MORE!
Fear/Doubt/Scarcity ~ Wisdom/Power/Life Force
Fear is guiding us to recognize the wisdom within. If we quiet ourselves, slow down, and tune in we can discover this truth. In Nature, this is the energy of Water/Winter: the time for rest, deep reflection, conservation. “Water is the softest thing. Yet it can penetrate mountains and Earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness” Lao Tzu
This is our Kidney/Bladder. Learn MORE!
Worry/Ruminate/Refuse ~ Receive/Process/Transform
When we worry we circle round and round again and again, just like when we are waiting for a website to upload or a file to download. Though the pause of process has a purpose, staying in this cycle too long leads to stagnation. In Nature, this is the energy of Earth/Late Summer: the time for harvest. To move beyond stagnation, we have to upgrade our system so we process with greater ease. These upgrades happen when we open our beliefs!
This is our Stomach/Spleen. Learn MORE!
Rigidity/Control/Sadness ~ Refine/Shine/Let it Go
In Nature, control simply does not exist. There is only high level co-operation. Now more than ever we need to tap into this truth! This is Metal/Fall: the time for energy to begin turning in and clearing out what needs to be released so the cycle of life can continue. This is true for us emotionally and physically. What are you being called to let go of?
This is our Lung/Large Intestine. Learn MORE!
Agitation/Dissonance/Disconnect ~ Peace/Harmony/Total Faith
The pandemic is pushing us to open our Faith and Spirit connection to a higher level! It is uniting us together for a higher purpose. We must shift our collective consciousness from Fear to Faith. This is Fire/Summer: the time for energy to rest peacefully, in awe of its own unfolding. Holding the light of compassion for the process in its entirety.
This is our Heart/Small Intestine. Learn MORE!
Taoist Emotional Cleansing
All of us were born with a natural ability to allow emotional energy to flow; however, at some point we disconnect from this inherited power. Observe how children express tantrum energy with great ease moving from floor pounding (sibling punching) frustration, to a flood of tears, and a return to joy and play. We can choose to create a practice of taoist emotional cleansing daily to exercise this gift. Create a safe space where you can express yourself without limit. The car works beautifully!
Phase One: Move the voice
During phase one allow your voice to move. Tune into yourself, focusing on your tension, frustration, fear, anxiety. Then manifest an image of what this emotional energy looks like within your mind. Finally, freely allow sound to be released. This may begin as grunts, howls, hisses, yelling, and screaming. Go easy allowing the energy to flow out of the throat. Our throat is a sensitive energetic location. If you feel stuck in your throat or develop hoarseness, practice Energy Gate One and drink mint tea (two bags) with honey. If you wish, you can put on a song the evokes your frustration and anger. I personally love “Shake it Out” by Florence and the Machine.
Phase Two: Allow tears
"One tear drop can wash away a thousand years of sadness. One tear drop can welcome a million years of joy” Taoist Proverb
Tears are alchemy. We take the invisible energy of emotion and we transform it into visible matter. We then release this matter, cleansing the body. Allow yourself to bend forward or crouch on the ground covering your face in your hands. This position helps the tears to rise. Again, allow yourself to envision an image of your emotional energy within your mind. If you wish, you can put on a song that evokes tears. I tear up anytime I hear the work of Max Richter.
Phase Three: Smile / Dance
Now that we have released emotional stagnation, we can move to a new level of peace and joy. Allow your smile to come from your Heart. Observe yourself in a mirror so you can feel the difference and see the difference when you smile in this way. If you feel moved to do so, put on joyful music and have a little dance party with your beautiful self.
Learn more on Taoist Emotional Cleansing:
https://www.tcmworld.org/taoist-emotional-cleansing-practice/
Energy
“Everything is energy. Energy is power. Energy has information (space/time). Energy has consciousness. Energy is Universal life.”
Grand Master Nan Lu
We ARE energy grids. The meridian system provides the “invisible” pathways for this energy within the body to connect to the “visible:” every organ, tissue, and cell. The meridian system impacts ALL organ function. Through this grid we also connect into the energy of the world around us: other people, information, Nature, the Universe.
Energy has information and consciousness. Five Element Consciousness provides a framework for understanding these messages. This framework reveals the connections between organ function, emotions, Nature, and healing foods.
Energy is Universal life. All energy arises from Universal life source. Through cultivating an energy practice, we can connect into this power to support healing and awaken us to our life’s purpose. Qigong energy exercises open the meridian system to support function and connect to Universal life source power and consciousness.
Our Spirit
We are Spirit embodied. Our unique Spirit desires to be expressed through all aspects of our life. When we align with Spirit, we feel ALIVE, fearless, unstoppable, creative. When we are not aligned, we feel STUCK, disconnected, and blocked, like we are not fully alive.
We require the body and mind to support alignment with Spirit. The physical and emotional symptoms that arise, are messages sent from Spirit as a guide. Five Element Consciousness provides a framework for understanding and responding to these messages. The more these concepts are practiced, the more integrated and intutitive they become. It is an infinite journey of expansion!
Attunement to self through Qigong energy exercises, breathing, yoga, and meditation also support alignment to Spirit. As our unique Spirit is highly intuitive and desparate to show itself, it will speak to us continuously. Trust the intuitive messages you receive. These could relate to your work, your attunement practice, relationships, or even your day to day routine. The more you trust these messages, the more they will come!
We have all experienced moments of alignment with Spirit. In these moments we are fearless, passionate, playful, powerful, and nothing can stop us! Others may call us crazy but in these moments of alignment: WE DO NOT CARE! The images I have shared are me in four moments of complete alignment. As a practice, reflect on times you have had this experience. Visualize everything about these moments! What can you see, feel, hear, taste, touch? If you can, find pictures! These moments are encoded within every cell. Recalling them will awaken the infinite power of Spirit within!
There are many resources from many different angles that can help you to see how your Spirit desires to show up in the world, but truly the most important resource is your own intuitive guidance!
Two beautiful films that embody this concept are Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 3 (really!). In the original, an unlikely warrior is born because fate aligns and he becomes empowered by believing in himself and his purpose. In the third, this same warrior is being called to lead and awaken the healing power of Qi.
From the Chinese framework, every year aligns with a different animal and element. This animal and element reveals the frequency and Spirit of everything on the planet, including each child born in that year. If you wish to learn more, please visit or check out this resource.
The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes: Theodora Lau and Laura Lau
Learn more about Five Element Consciousness
Begin your attunement practice TODAY!
Qigong for Coronavirus Prevention
Energy Movement to Strengthen Lung Function
SPIRIT
The pandemic is challenging all of us at a level most of us have never experienced. And we must meet this challenge to heal. To do so, we must go to the level of Spirit. The pandemic is here for a higher purpose for ALL of us. Open your beliefs to this possiblility and it will reveal itself to you! In addition, practicing the meditative Qigong pose “The Dragon Stands Between Heaven and Earth” will help you build energy and support you to taking your practice to the level of Spirit. In Chinese culture, the Dragon represents absolute fearlessness, mystery, and the power to breakthrough ANYTHING! When you stand in this powerful pose, it is like you are plugging yourself in or opening up for an update.
Begin by standing with your feet hip distance apart. Raise the hands to chest level and point your thumbs at each other in a loose fist. Draw your hands back to the chest, maintaining the position. Now, allow the elbows to relax so that it also relaxes the shoulders and neck. Not horizontal and not dropped fully to the sides. Feel that sweet spot inbetween. Bend your knees slightly and close your eyes. You can practice with or without music / meditation and in or outdoors. Allow your breathing to be natural. If balance is an issue you can open your eyes or stand against a wall or a piece of furniture.
The longer you hold the pose, the more benefit and energy you will receive. Start with 5 minutes and push yourself to hold the pose continuously for 15, 20, 30 minutes and beyond! Learn more about Dragon’s Way Qigong.
Join us everyday at 12 PM holding this pose connecting our healing consciousness across space and time!
Watch this video to learn the pose from Grand Master Nan Lu
https://www.tcmworld.org/dragon-stands-between-heaven-and-earth/
BREATHE
Where to begin? First, take a deep breath. And now another. Now move your focus to your navel. When you breathe in, draw the belly in. When you breathe out, push your belly out. The navel is a Spirit Gate. This magical button connects you to your genetic line as well as to a time when you were in perfect alignement, in utero, with all of Nature. Begin this practice daily, especially before sleep and upon awakening. You can use your mind to intentionally envision a loving connection between you, your loved one’s, and all of Nature. Overtime the practice will become a natural healing habit. Click the link below to hear more on this powerful Spirit Gate from Grand Master Nan Lu of The Tao of Healing.
For more information please visit TCM World, explore Dragon’s Way Qigong, dive into Grand Master Nan Lu’s new website and explore Grand Master Nan Lu on Youtube
