Since the age of 24, I’ve embarked on a journey of self-love and discovery.
While most young people are concerned with where the next party is or finding the best places for a manicure, I’ve been captivated by life’s deeper questions:
Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? Is there a higher purpose or creator? Why do I feel incomplete? What is missing inside of me?
These ponderings set me off on a path of travel and exploration, as I delved into various healing modalities and sought out teachers and gurus who could answer my profound questions. In my quest for the ultimate truth, I was discerning; if a teacher or guru did not seem to have the highest intentions, I quickly moved on - I knew not to trust every teacher. I was determined to find practices that would not only enhance my self-love but also help me feel content and at home in my own body. It was during this search that I encountered a remarkable teacher in Malaysia who introduced me to the concepts of the Dan tian and meditation. This experience was truly transformative.
Through this discovery, I learned about the energy within us, known as Qi, which we can cultivate to forge a deeper connection with ourselves. This connection goes beyond the spiritual level, influencing mental health and physical well-being too. I began attending weekend retreats, which soon turned into week-long ones. The changes were undeniable; I felt a big difference and was thrilled with the results. I noticed there are so many people numb from the neck down; they are disconnected from their own bodies. I was once just like them — trapped in my thoughts, oblivious to the rhythm of my breath and movements. But everything changed when I placed my hand on my belly and simply breathed into the Dan tian. An ancient wisdom stirred within me.
Science calls it interoception — the ability to sense what’s happening inside your body. To me, it feels like finally coming home. It’s through embracing presence and tuning into your body’s natural cycles and rhythms that you can unlock your inner light of consciousness and rediscover your authentic self.
Through breath and meditation, I felt a profound shift within my body as I began to embrace and discover true self-love — it was an amazing and euphoric experience. Today, I am completely committed to the power of meditation and energy work and its transformative effects!
Let’s Go Deep On Understanding The Healing Energy Of Meditation & The Dan tian In Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Grasping the Dan tian helps us understand how it relates to healing our stored traumas. Our body is the storehouse of our soul (the Chinese call this the Dan tian), so when we meditate, we connect to this part of ourselves. The Dan tian is loosely translated as “elixir field”, “sea of qi”, or simply “energy center”. The Dan tian is the “qi focus flow center”, an important focal point for meditative and exercise techniques such as meditation, qigong, martial arts such as tai chi, and in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s different from a chakra; it is a storehouse of energy, whereas a chakra is a gateway. There is a physical connection between our soul and our body when we meditate. The action of meditation alleviates stress and anxiety because we will have a deeper understanding of our true nature and how energy flows.
The amazing thing about breathing into the Dan tian - this breath can also change the way you feel. The breath always reflects our emotional state. Just as negative emotions are reflected in the breath, so, too, are positive emotions. If you breathe deeply, down into the abdomen or dan tian, this sends a message to the body to transform negative emotions into positive ones. Deep breathing helps move qi and clear stagnant energy. If you want to feel better, breathe more deeply in silent meditation. This breathwork flows through our meridians and chakras, reaching every organ, muscle, bone, skin, and even the pineal gland, uprooting and transforming stored contraction and fear along the way. The power of this expanding energy cleanses our energy system. Remember, breathing into the Dan tian is the bridge or connection between the Mind, Body & Spirit
In Chinese Medicine, practitioners were aware that traumas from either our present life or generational wounds can become embedded within the body. Practicing meditation or doing breathwork can release traumas or stir up different emotions. Some people may want to cry or even get angry with this process. I encourage people to release and let out these emotions during meditation or breathwork. However, we want to ensure that we align with our natural state of the body, rather than trying to heal these traumas or pain bodies more quickly. There is a timing to all things. You can’t give a flower more water and sunlight to make it grow any faster. It’s with the right amount of water and sunlight that a flower will grow. This is the same with healing. Slow down while breathing and connect to that present moment, with this “elixir field, the dan tian”, and let your soul and body do the rest.
I discovered how to reconnect with my body and heart, allowing my heart to guide my mind. Through this practice, I cultivated a profound level of self-compassion and love for myself.
Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
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