EnerQiHealing.com Blog

Home. After journeying for three weeks through China, it is good, as always, to return home. And yet, I felt happily at home and comfortable in each moment of the trip, as I slipped into the arms of the motherland, immersed in the ancient arts and practices I have come to love so much. My teacher, Dr. Roger Jahnke, introduced our first practice by inviting us to not only take a horizontal journey through the country, but also a vertical one – to mine the depths of the ground we stood upon and connect with the heavens above. This was a tour of alchemy. We visited the areas where inner alchemy practices thrived for centuries, and we too gathered the ingredients of wondrous sights, sounds, smells, and tastes to rarify into a magical elixir. Mine is still bubbling and brewing, as I sift through the magnitude of what I digested. A few notable insights have emerged so far.

Though the government has at times spurned and censored “superstitious” practices over the years, it seems that there is renewed interest in the cultural heritage of qigong, taiji, and the related arts. Regular citizens flock to the parks each morning to practice qigong and taiji (with a little salsa dancing thrown in for good measure). Qigong, taiji, gongfu, and all the Daoist arts are alive and well in the Daoist mountains, most notably at the magnificent Wudang Mountain region where masters carry on the legacy of their lineage. In fact, busloads of Chinese tourists spill out daily into the Buddhist and Daoist mountains and temples, as the country rediscovers its historical foundations. We were the only foreign tourists among throngs of Chinese, seeking a peek at the sacred.

On this vertical journey, I am grateful to have tapped deep into the root of ancient China and know that its richness continues to flourish. And as for connecting with the heavens, well, that’s easy to do on a mountaintop, resplendent with golden-green bamboo, warm sunshine, and waves of mountains fading into the horizon.

There is a Chinese saying: “Be a Buddhist in your heart, a Daoist in your bones, and a Confucian on the surface.” This is the alchemy of ideologies. May we each embody the compassion of a Buddhist, the simplicity and inner peace of a Daoist, and the virtue of a Confucian.

And may you feel at home wherever you are.

As I prepare to embark on another Qigong practice and study trip to China, I remember an important lesson from my last trip—pack toilet paper and hand sanitizer! (If you’ve traveled in Asia, you know what I mean.) But I’ve also learned what not to bring—my expectations. Whether we’re hiking up a sacred mountain or driving to the grocery store, we miss the beauty of what’s happening now if we’re too intent on what’s coming next. To truly be on the journey of life, we must replace expectations with experiences.

For instance, right now, your mind is processing these words and jumping ahead to whatever is coming next. Instead of continuing, pause right now, breathe deeply, and feel this moment. Observe with all your senses. What textures do you see? How does your body feel? What do you smell? What sounds are present? This moment is alive! Drink it in for a few breaths. Right now.

Welcome back. The present moment is the only moment you can experience to the fullest. All other moments, past and future, live in your head. But we don’t often stop to truly be present because when we do, we feel life more fully, and all the joy and all the pain come rushing in. So we let the mind take over, shielding us from the truth. It becomes such habit, that we forget how to lower the shield and experience the present. As the poet Rumi said, “Your old life was a frantic running from silence. Move outside the tangle of fear-thinking. Live in silence.”

“The tangle of fear-thinking” brings to mind a coil of writhing snakes. When you pause periodically throughout each day, allow fearful thoughts (“I should…,” “They should…,” “I want…,” “I can’t…,” “There’s not enough…”) to be devoured by the tangle of snakes and step back. Take a look around. Notice “what is” without the commentary of “what should be” or “what might be.” This is presence.

I look forward next month to sharing many genuine moments of experience with you from my travels through China. Perhaps you will have just as much to share with me by letting the delight of each moment live in you, wherever you are.

Carpe diem.

There are countless varieties of healing arts nowadays. Some, like Yoga, have made it into mainstream culture, and perhaps even become commercialized. Others, like Qigong and Reiki, are a bit more obscure but growing in popularity. From my perspective, all healing practices share a common intention–to reunite body, mind, heart, energy, spirit, and Source. When we remember the interconnected Oneness of everything, we feel whole, blissfully content, and vibrantly well.

And yet each method travels a different path toward this goal of wholeness and wellness. The following are my own personal experiences with the main paths I practice and teach. Your experiences may be different. We each have our own filters and will find that one path resonates more than another at different times in our lives.

Yoga means “to unite.” Yoga originated in India as a system of postures, breathing, meditation, and ways of being in the world that help us reach Samadhi–a state of undifferentiated unity with all that is. The strengthening postures and deliciously lengthening stretches of Yoga feel wonderful for the physical body. For me, this path promotes healing through the gross anatomy of the body and builds fortitude within the mind-body connection. I particularly embrace the practice of Yin Yoga, with its long-held floor stretches that target the deeper tissues and network of fascia that learn to let go as the mind surrenders to stillness.

Qigong means “to cultivate skill with energy.” Qigong originated in China as a system of meditative movements, acupressure, breathing, visualization, and meditation to help us become one with Dao–the all-pervasive, ineffable Origin of all things that manifests itself in the rhythms of nature and the continual creation (yang) and destruction (yin) of our universe. The gentle flowing movements of Qigong teach us to relax and let the energy move with us. For me, this path goes deeper to promote healing through the subtler realms of energy and empowers the practitioner with a complete health care system. In addition, Qigong can be practiced by nearly everyone, even those who find Yoga too physically challenging due to illness or injury. As we relax and receive the abundance of energy within nature and the universe through Qigong, we are changed beyond the molecular level and softly slip into profound bliss.

Reiki means “the energy of higher consciousness.” Reiki originated in Japan as a gentle hands-on method of harmonizing the practitioner and the recipient with the flow of universal energy. For me, this path promotes healing in much the same way as Qigong, except with Reiki, the practitioner is adjusting their energy vibration and the receiver is a passive participant (yet active on a spiritual level). As both giver and receiver experience the higher, lighter frequencies of the universe, the filters of memory, trauma, and emotion dissolve. We emerge feeling clearer and more aligned with All.

There is a reason each of these methods is called “a practice.” We never really master anything, nor do we try. To master any method would mean we have dissolved completely into the Oneness of the universe and ceased to be in human form. But while we walk the earth, we practice to keep us sane. We practice to catch a glimpse of inner peace. We practice to remember that, while we sometimes experience suffering, we also know great joy. Whatever our favorite method, we practice to reveal, at a deep visceral level, the miracle and wonder of being in a body that is made of the same stuff as the stars.

Twinkle, twinkle.

Happy Chinese New Year! On February 10, we leave the Year of the Water Dragon, and its powerful and unpredictable energy, and welcome the Year of the Water Snake. The Snake promises a year of slow and steady progress, influenced by the element of Water, which nourishes the seeds we mindfully plant. It is time to look inward and understand the nature of things. It is time to release patterns, attitudes, and behaviors that no longer work for you. It is time to recharge and quietly set a balanced course for the future.

If you were born in a Year of the Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001) and especially if you were born in 1953 (the last Water Snake year), this is your year to enjoy good fortune! Snakes are often quick-witted, charming, keen, cunning, and intelligent. Contemplative and private, the Snake is not outwardly emotional. Snakes are influential, insightful, and quite determined to be successful and to be recognized and rewarded for their efforts. The Snake will plot and scheme to make certain things turn out exactly as they want them to. Because a Snake values material wealth, ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means your family will not starve.

As you slither through this transformative Water Snake year, remember now and then to rest in the deep, still water of Source to restore your energies and reconnect. Like the snake, contemplate where you are heading and artfully feel and sense your way through life. Explore life’s underwater secret mysteries as you gradually gather strength. You are gently resurfacing, shedding your skin, and revealing the shiny new being within.

Sometimes, it seems that suffering and tragedy is everywhere–touching our country, our world, and our friends and family. And yet, the will to survive and rise above is hard-wired into the human spirit in the form of hope. As we release another year and move on, it is an especially delicious time to pause and reflect. What are you letting go of? What would you like to manifest? How are you evolving?

Rather than a long list of New Year’s resolutions, it is sometimes more effective to choose a single word or phrase to represent what you would like to invite into your life with this new beginning. If you wish to lose weight, your new mantra might be “health” or “brilliance.” If you want to fatten up your bank account, you might focus on the phrase, “I live in abundance.”

As we weather this transition from the dark of winter toward the light of spring, collectively let’s hold a vibration of hope for brighter times ahead. Beyond past and future, times of transition call us to the present moment–to observe the shift. Take a moment to be here, in your body, right now. Imagine that deep within your heart space, a soft eternal flame glows. It grows brighter as you rest your attention on it. It is always there. It is the part of you that is pure, whole, and eternal–untouched by life’s ups and downs. It is the light of hope.

At the Winter Solstice

Huddled together,
we enfold ourselves
and take comfort
in this blanket of darkness,
nourishing our roots
and waiting
for the light of dawn
to crack open
Winter’s frozen shell.

Then, gazing inward,
the heartlight flickers,
and we remember
the rhythm–
that day follows night–
and we breathe in
to fuel the flame
and warm our eyes
with hope.

—Lori Furbush

May your heartlight flicker with the spark of a new beginning.

Like the falling leaves, we are tumbling now into the darker days of winter. Have you felt a yearning to hunker down and retreat? It is only natural to feel your energy turning inward as we approach the longest night of the year at the winter solstice on December 21. Together, we ride the wave from the abundance of the harvest through the contracting energy of autumn and into the peak of darkness. Perhaps you’ve been more aware of illness, suffering, and death around you. Sometimes life seems heavy everywhere.

As the light fades, give yourself permission to seek comfort. Take time to return to your center. Do you have a place, a ritual, or a practice that is your daily refuge? Whether it’s sitting in a sacred space or practicing tai chi or soaking up a yoga pose, take refuge within and cultivate a deeper connection with the center of your being. Your center remains untouched by life. Only when we reconnect with center can we open up and recognize our grander connection within the universe.

Life is a complex web of energies forever spiraling out and spiraling in. We seek balance, yet balance is a moving target. So when you feel light and free, be light and free, and know that it is temporary. And when you feel dull and heavy, be dull and heavy, and know that it will surely pass. The solstice reminds us that darkness prevails only until the light returns. We cannot hurry it along. We can only retreat until, at some chance moment, the spark of divine creative nature spontaneously arises, as it has ten thousand times before, lighting the way with new insight and enthusiasm. Hope springs eternal.

But for now, we go within, breathe, wait, and listen.

It’s a jungle out there. Much of the time, we do whatever is needed just to make it through the day and survive. We’re hard-wired to survive with an internal readiness–a gripping held deep within–to protect ourselves and make it through the territory safely. We generally equate “good health” with homeostasis–doing what it takes to survive and maintain a stable environment. We stabilize our blood pressure, manage our weight, and settle our emotions. Finding stability is wonderful and welcome, especially if we’ve been in physical or emotional pain.

But what if we were to replace the will to survive with the desire to thrive? To thrive is to go beyond just returning to a healthy state of being. The word thrive is defined as “to grow vigorously; to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances.” To thrive is to prosper, flourish, and blossom the way life explodes with abundance in a rainforest.

Some of us think we thrive because we’re always on the go in an adrenaline-fueled, fast-paced lifestyle. And the mind surely likes to think it thrives by being “on” 24/7. But this is not authentic thriving. This is never slowing down long enough to realize that the source of our energy is simply riding on momentum. Eventually, both body and mind burn out, and we drop back down to survival mode.

So how do we truly thrive? It’s both a practice and a mind-set. We do the work of practice by:

•Fueling the body’s cells with loads of fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables

•Enjoying moderate exercise to pump the heart, lungs, and lymph system

•Engaging in mindful activities such as qigong, tai chi, yoga, and meditation

•Surrounding ourselves with supportive, life-affirming loved ones

•Reconnecting with the healing power of Nature and Source

And to thrive it is perhaps even more important to adjust our mind-set. Why sell ourselves short and aim for survival and stability when we can just as easily shoot for vibrancy and radiance? If there are multiple dimensions of reality in our universe, as quantum theory suggests, why not put some energy into the reality we’d love to experience? Rather than focusing on your suffering, you can imagine (see or feel) yourself thriving.

•Visualize or sense that deep in the center of your being is a pilot light that glows with the spark of pure life. It is the eternal part of your being that is never not well–that always has and always will be part of the vast sea of energy of the universe. Perhaps this light is white or golden or even a rainbow of brilliant colors.

•As you focus on the light, it expands and shimmers in the water of every cell in your body and reflects through the space within and all around you. No longer holding on for dear life, your internal gripping dissolves. You are lit from within and your organs, glands, tissues, bones, and blood shine with radiance.

•Walk through your day with awareness of this light and see it reflected in the flowers, grasses, trees, waters, and sky. You have a place in this universe, and you know how to thrive.

May you blossom with each moment.

Many of you are aware that my teachings are inspired by the philosophy of The Dao–living in harmony with the way of the universe. This is not a religion. This is not something you can do, buy, or ingest to feel better. This is simply a way of being in the world that unfolds into peace and a deep connection with the spirit of nature.

“This is a path of letting go so there will be room to live.”
–William Martin, A Path and a Practice

In letting go of the ego mind’s relentless desire to grasp and control, we allow life, health, and harmony to arise naturally. Within stillness, we observe the movement of life. And within movement, we carry stillness.

On this path, as the trees in autumn effortlessly drop their leaves, we drop the pursuit of happiness, allowing true joy to arise. We chip away at the habits of the mind, allowing the underlying peace to be revealed. We remain soft, open, and receiving.

Pause now and drop all thoughts for as long as you can.
Breathe within the open space.
Notice the abundance of life and spirit flowing through and all around you.
Receive.

This is a simple path, yet not austere. We flourish by making space for all and dance in the continual renewal of each moment.

As human beings, we are affected by the moods, emotions, and energies of people and places. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed, taking on everyone else’s “stuff.” To avoid becoming overly sensitive, we need to have filters and a strong connection with our own energy field.

Nothing strengthens our energy field and helps us maintain filters like a regular mindfulness practice. One such practice is Qigong—a fluid movement form that teaches us how to balance and shift energy. The word Qigong can be translated as “energy cultivation.” With regular practice over time, we become highly cultivated people, developing our skills at filtering out unwanted energy and replenishing with fresh new Qi (energy). Instead of allowing others’ moods and actions to ruffle our feathers, we learn to quickly release them like water off a duck’s back.

One simple practice that can help strengthen your Qi field is to ground, connect, and center. Ground by becoming aware of being drawn to the earth by gravity, feeling rooted. Connect by imagining a guiding star above your head, feeling united with the universe. Center by softly focusing on your heart space, feeling a warm light growing stronger and brighter, eventually filling your whole being and extending into the earth and the sky. You have now opened up the gates for abundant neutral energy to flow in from the earth (yin) and the cosmos (yang), and you have reclaimed your own center (balance). All energy that is not your own highest essence is easily neutralized and released, and you feel empowered from the universe and from within.

Happy cultivating.

“Stillness” is such an inviting word. Just seeing it written is calming, with its wavy letters at each end of the word, like ripples at the edges of a quiet pond. Yet being still is a great challenge. Habituated to a culture that promotes doing and being more, most of us have lost the ability to remain still in body and mind. But it is just the antidote we need to a fast-paced life.

The more we allow ourselves to truly experience stillness, the more we realize that we crave it. It is so ridiculously simple. We need no props or special clothing to be still. We do not need a special practice place. Wherever we are, in any position, with eyes opened or closed, we can pause for a brief moment and settle into stillness. The only movement is the wave of the breath, reassuring us that life moves through and with us. So why do we resist stillness? Perhaps because when we are still in the body, the mind races, and we are forced to confront the deeper self without the usual convenient distractions.

Since the mind likes to focus, let’s give it a gentle one. Imagine a calm lake, surrounded by mountains, reflecting the clear blue sky. Find a comfortable position for your body, standing, sitting, or reclining. Let your body become the majestic mountain, still and grounded. Let your breath become the tranquil lake, softly undulating. Let your mind become the deep blue sky, vast and open as wispy clouds of thought drift by. Feel the quiet peace of this scene in your being. Rest until you feel ready to move again, and then rest a few breaths more. The real practice begins when we resist the urge to return to the “real” world, and remain in stillness a bit longer. If you have the time, practice for at least 10 minutes.

Take this practice with you wherever you go, and know that you can be still in the midst of the maelstrom. It is often in stillness that answers appear. In a moment of stillness, the clouds in the mind may suddenly take shape, reflecting in the quiet waters of the heart, showing us the best way the move the mountain. But only if we let go of trying.

Be still and know.