Level 3.39 - Chi

Level Your Life - [The Level of Chi] [3.39]

Chi

The Chinese symbol for chi (also spelled qi) depicts a direct connection to the divine force of life, with the very first calligraphic brushstroke pulling this force down into our inner being
Then, three horizontal strokes represent the immediate opening to the sky, the world around us, and the earth below, where we become nourished and grow.Finally with a sweeping upward stroke, we combine all three dimensions of this force with one swoop, and from the center (our dantien, or belly) we reach out to all eight directions to gather chi into the center of our being.

As we learn to dance through the rapidly moving strokes of this magical symbol, we will become completely energized - all chi´ed up !

Chi is that deep, dynamic spiritual force or energy experienced when mind and body are in sync.
Chi is everywhere at all times, it is ever present.

Sky,earth,oceans,rivers,forests,mountains, and streams all have chi.
There is environmental chi, both clear and polluted.
There are pleasant chi and annoying chi. It is everywhere you look and in everything you feel. It is within each of us; it is our breath of life. 
It is inner strength or weakness, impossible to see and difficult to explain, yet easy to experience.

All physical stimulates it flow: running, yoga,dance, Tai Chi and more. The breath-watching meditation we teach restores chi.

Through visualization , you can project this spiritual energy into any arena of performance prior to engaging in it. For example before an event, visualize and feel yourself moving with full spirit and energy, your adrenaline flowing freely. Feel the joy and exhilaration as you move effortlessly to your own rhythm and inner dance.

Feel the transition from standing around to participating. Notice how easy it is to access your chi.

                                                                     
There are ten specific things you can do that will create positive, high-level chi in your life.
1.Practice thoughts that are positive
2.Meditate on a daily basis
3.Create a consciousness about healthy food
4.Reduce or eliminate low energy substances in your diet like alcohol,caffeine and drugs
5.List seven things that you appreciate in your life (health,friends,mental acuity,home,education,etc)
 and go about your day with these in mind
6.Listen to music that uplifts you|
7.Make a collage of inspirational photos and keep them where you can see them every day |
8.Choose to spend your time with highly functional,energetic people
9.Go outside into nature each day
10.And perform a random act of kindness daily
                                                                     

With practice and positive mental focus, you can experience this inner chi power consistently.



Declaration: I am aware of my sacred power of chi and practice using it prior to beginning all physical activity.Breathing and visualization help restore this inner power.

Reflection: What are some of the ways in which I can employ this special energy in all aspects of my life ? What can I do now to access this chi?





[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]

Level 3.76 - Injury

Level Your Life - [The Injury Level] [3.76]

Injury


We ask that you observe nature and understand and appreciate both the cycles of increase and the cycles od deterioration.For most of us, physical injury is an inevitable recurrence of decrease.It is nature´s way of telling you that something is not right. You must not resist it. Think wu wei <<-- and yield to the injury. It is reality. The sooner you accept this, the sooner healing can take place.

Begin to affirm the following in order to stay on track : "Every day in every way, I get healthier and healthier. I am strong and vibrant." These words  will point you in the direction of positive attitudes toward recovery.
Taking this approach doesn´t alter the fact that when serious injury appears, it turns your world upside down. You will experience panic, tension, fear, anger,frustration,depression or a combination of these during the various stages of recovery.Such emotional turmoil creates more stress, which exacerbates the existing pain. To cope psychologically, focus on the positive aspects of your life, those things you appeciate most. We suggest you reread the level of Gratitude .

Use this period of recovery as a time for not only recuperation but for reflection as well.
Reflect upon your life: What is going well ? What need work ? reevaluate your daily routine and priorities and put your life into perspective. Reconnect with others who have experiences loss through injury. This will help you gain hope and confidence while reducing the fear and other churning emotons you may be experiencing.

Injury is a crisis for the injured and for those who care about them.
In Chinese, the word for crisis includes both danger and opportunity: opportunity blowing on a dangerous wind. We encourage you to search for hidden opportunities during this difficult period.

"Nurture your mind and body ... look for wisdom in your acceptance of the times " ~ The I Ching

Be sure to meditate and then visualize your injury healing itself. This will reduce anxiety,subdue pain and hasten recovery. After meditating and quieting the mind, feel your injured area becoming more and more relaxed. Imagine how it feels as the pain subsides. See the area going from a deep red to a ligher shade  of pink - pink being the color of healthy tissue. Feel yourself performing once again, pain free.




Declaration: My injury is an opportunity for me to learn what I need to know and do in my athletic and personal life. Every day, in every way, I get healthier and stronger.

Reflection: What has my past or present injury taught me about my life ? What steps can I take to diminish the risk of injury and illness ?






[paraphrased and inspired by Spirit of the Dancing Warrior]