Picture courtesy of Wikimedia
One of my current magical projects is the expansion of my work with the human biome*. One of the explorations of this work focuses on the connection between Chi (energy) and the human biome and how Chi can be used to communicate with the human biome (and how the human biome may already be using Chi to communicate). In this short article I thought I would share some of my thoughts and experiences, as much to organize these ideas into written form as to share them with anyone who cares to read them.
What made me first think of the connection between Chi and the human biome is that the cells of the body actually use the metabolic processes and energy released by those processes to communicate with each other. While that communication is radically different from our own understanding of what communication is, it nonetheless is something that happens in our bodies everyday.
So how does this connect to Chi or energy work in general?
Great question. I've done a lot of work with Taoist meditation practices and also research about Chi. The energy of the body is actually known as Jing. It can be refined into Chi through the breathing and moving meditation practices of Taoism, as well as refined even further. That's outside the scope of this article, but I've included a few references at the end of this article, if you're interested in learning more.
What I've discovered is that using the Taoist meditation practices has also enabled me to connect with my own human biome. It plays a crucial role in the work I do, because I use breath as the gateway to connect with my body, and from there use the process of cultivating Chi to connect with my cells and journey into the biome within to communicate with the neurotransmitters, bacteria etc. The communication process is a combination of energetic cultivation and being receptive to experiential information provided by the biome. The latter in particular is driven as much by physical sensation as it is by paying attention to your intuition. I've found that the experiential information has been consistently accurate over the years I've been engaged in this practice.
It seems to me that a person working with their internal energy is actually also working with the internal biome of their body. They may not be doing it knowingly, but if we consider that the energy we work with is part of the body, it stands to reason that the entire body and the various consciousnesses of the body can access that energy. In fact, you may find that your body has actually communicated with you through that energy and intuition because if you've ever found yourself inclined to change your diet or life behaviors because of how your body responds, then you're actually listening to your body. And your body will communicate with you through its own version of communication which would be the manipulation of internal energy.
Whether you're doing Taoist meditation exercises and cultivating your internal energy in that manner or doing other some type of energy work, consider the possibility that working with the energy you could actually use it to communicate with your body. Keep in mind that the communication isn't going to be language based, but sensation based. When you meditate, go deeper into the sensations of your body. Pay attention to the subtle signals that are sent and open yourself to the experience. What does the experience tell you? What do you learn about your relationship with your body as a result?
This initial process will help you begin to discover the deeper mysteries of your body and also help you if you choose to try and connect with the various lifeforms that live in your body and help make it sustainable for you.
*I first described my work with the human biome in my book Inner Alchemy and shared some additional developments in Magical Identity. I am currently writing the Alchemy of Life which is a comprehensive system that explores how to work with the human biome magically.
Suggested references
Inner Alchemy by Taylor Ellwood
The Root of Chinese Qigong by Jwing-Ming Yang
Qigong Meditation: Embyronic Breathing by Jwing-Ming Yang
Tao of Letting Go by Bruce Frantzis
Relaxing into Your Being by Bruce Frantzis
The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton
Note: This is not a comprehensive list, but is a good place to start.
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