Meditation

Our traditions begin the path of introspection and transformation by bringing energy into the body and balancing emotions with the Inner Smile. We often get so out of touch with our bodies and emotions that we do not notice inner disharmony developing until it finally manifests as a severe illness.  Taoists studied the relationships between emotional energies and organ systems over many centuries with medicine and meditation. Eventually, methods were tested and  developed which transform negative  emotions into positive emotions through an intuitive understanding of the human body.  

"Today, emotions are normally thrown away like garbage", Master Chia explains. "Energies that we might use for our growth evaporate unused, and in that we weaken our system ... Tao teaches you not to suppress your feelings, but to transform the energy instead. That way "energetic waste" can be changed back into neutral energy that is at your disposal".

In the Taoist tradition, each person assumes responsibility for the emotions that arise within, regardless of the external events that trigger the emotions. Taoist exercises take us into our bodies and transform emotions by transforming the associated physiological systems. The Inner Smile and Six Healing Sounds exercises help balance and integrate our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, promoting health, resilience, and vitality.

• The application of awareness inside the torso focuses the energy downward, allowing the brain to relax and recharge

• These mindfulness skills are secular, simple and seamlessly integrate our modern daily routine.

• Practicing with regularity will quicken your ability to transform stress into vitality.

Practicing the Inner Smile daily gives us a regularly scheduled time to look inside and to keep in touch with the state of our inner organs, our Qi, our breath, and our emotions. We can then spot problems at their inception, making it easier to make adjustments when they first arise and “nip them in the bud.”

Everything is energy. When Taoists confront negative emotional energy, rather than seeking to destroy it or to dump it out, they use techniques to transform negative, sick energy into positive, loving, healing energy.

Negative emotions are stored in the body s organs. Over time, the accumulation of the negativity erodes the organs health and effects the person s disposition.

The Six Healing Sounds work to transform the negative energy stored in the organs and to transform them into healing light. That works better than holding onto negativity or dumping it out onto someone else because such emotional venting only serves to pass an emotional virus onto another and, via the law of karma, eventually that same negativity will be revisited upon the person who sent it out in the first place.

We all naturally use non-worded sounds in our everyday life to express ourselves. "MMMMMM", "OOOOOO", "SHHHHHH", "AWWWWW" or "HAAAAAA" are all common means of expressing and feeling. The six sounds practice utilizes these sounds, with awareness connected to our inner organs, as a tool to let go of the days emotional stress in a doable and non-thinking way.

Just a few minutes a day in the evening helps reset our stress-state after a long day of work supporting better sleep. These 25 minute sessions are for anyone looking to reduce stress levels and promote inner balance.The fundamental focus in the Universal Tao is on the transformation of emotional energy.

Just as the spine is one of the primary neurological pathways for the physical body, the Microcosmic Orbit plays a similar role for the energetic body. Not only is it important for our physical health, but it also plays an essential role for emotional stability and spiritual clarity.

The microcosmic orbit meditation is the essential tool of most Taoist meditation systems. By circulating your awareness, naturally linked to the energy in this simple orbit, you are generating energy to be stored in the navel center. The inherent intelligence of the body knows which organs need extra energy. The organs, glands, and blood automatically receive this energy when circulating the warm current. 

The nervous system in human beings is very complex and capable of directing energy wherever needed. But the ancient Taoist masters discovered two primary energy channels that carry a powerful current.

• The Functional Channel begins at the base of the trunk, midway between the genitals and the anus, at a point called the perineum. It flows upward into the body past the genitals, stomach organs, heart, and throat. 
• The Governor Channel, starts in the same place. It flows from the perineum upwards into the tailbone, up through the spine into the brain. From there, it goes back down to the roof of the mouth.

The tongue is like a switch that connects these two currents, for when it is touched to the roof of the mouth just behind the front teeth, the energy flows in a circle up the spine and back down the front of the body. The two channels form a single circuit that the energy loops around in circles.  Its vital current circulates, penetrating through  major organs and nervous system connections throughout the body.

The small Orbit is like  circulatory system for the body with built-in cooling safety valves.  Once energy channels slowly open with practice, one can begin mixing and transforming the powers, an internal cooking process called ‘inner alchemy’.  

Awakening the Microcosmic Orbit technique has evolved over many millenniums. It offers practitioners the safest and most assured path to good health. If you proceed one step at a time up the ladder, you will be guaranteed success in reaching the top.

• Dao Yin Qi Self Massage - Morning Qi regulation
• Cosmic Inner Smile - Add positive energy and experience qi
• Six Healing Sounds - Transform negative/sick energy into positive
• Microcosmic Orbit - Opening to whole body energy
• Iron Shirt Chi Kung - Tendon and Bone strengthening
• Tan Tien Chi Kung - Abdominal strengthening
• Healing Love - Sexual and emotional transformation
• Chi Nei Tsang I - Visceral Qi Manipulation*
• Chi Nei Tsang II - Visceral Qi Manipulation*

*These practices require knowlege and practice of all Tao Basics exercises, Iron Shirt Chi Kung 1-3 and knowledge of the acupuncture meridian system as well as Taoist energetic physiology.  Professional practice may vary from state to state regarding the need for a state license or not when doing hands on therapy.