Centering and Using the Breath to Clear the Mind

Most people do some Centering before starting their Qigong practice. But, like standing practice, it deserves more than a breath or two unless one is very well practiced in this internal Qigong. We will do this practice in 3 stages, focusing on the Three Tan Tien. Bringing attention to breath we will first focus on our Lower Tan Tien, the physical center of the body, and the field of Jing (‘essence’ in full incarnation). Then the Upper Tan Tien, the center of Shen (consciousness) and here we will focus on clearing our mind with our breath and moving all distracting thoughts out to the edge of our personal field, a ‘ring of light’ sometimes a ‘fire wall'. When our mind is as calm as a “sea of glass" we will bring our attention to the middle Tan Tien (Chi & immunity activator) the energetic center of our body, our being, and let our attention sink into a 'middle place’ between all polarities. Letting go of all expectation and all effort we will gradually find “Center” in our sacred heart. Resting there, aware and receptive, we begin (or continue) the journey of “acquiring The One”, connecting with the force of love always available to us if our mind is quiet enough and we are willing.

Developing this ‘place’ of Center, however we do it, takes time to practice it over and over, until we grow Center. I consider it the foundation of all other Qigong practice, because when one is in center, chi is more fully activated, ‘grounding’ is enhanced, mind is calmer and everything flows. Gradually one’s personal mind (and lower ego) let go to a higher and deeper part of you and the internal gap between them narrows. The beauty of developing Center in this way is that it activates an internal state of consciousness that does not end when your Qigong practice ends. It stays with you, as an internal place of rest, compassion and nurturance throughout the rest of your day, a background state that your personal mind will eventually learn to rely on in times of stress or fear. This is your inner partner, wise guide and inner healer that manifests it’s unique resonance of love through your personality and loves for you to be fully yourself (and will help you find that beautiful person).

When your world is in chaos, or you are living in a chaotic world, it is essential that we develop Center, that inner home base and place of rest & belonging.

Learn more at: https://www.thecenterplace.com/index.html

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