“There is great danger in pushing forward relentlessly.
If energy is used to excess, exhaustion follows.
This is not the Way.
Whatever goes against the Way, ceases to live.”
Lao Tsu from the Tao Te Ching
Stress, especially in the throes of a global pandemic, is affecting the health and well being of millions. Tension is locked into our nervous systems and also in the cellular memories of our muscles.
The illnesses and medical conditions that are all too prevalent today can be traced quite often to the stress endured by people on a daily basis.
Our health depends on the smooth flow of chi. Our Zen Center of Las Vegas T shirt logo says “mind makes everything.”
Deterioration of the human body and diseases come into play when thoughts are crippled by anxiety, worry, economic woes, and the like.
Developing the capacity to remain calm and relaxed under pressure is found by adhering to a daily practice regimen.
Information presented in these weekly blogs, such as the Anapanasati breathing instructions given by the Buddha as well as teaching pointers and meditation techniques offered by our zen ancestors, are both beautiful and valuable. As for stress relief, another discipline I personally recommend is chi gung. Running our daily errands to the supermarket or to the Post Office, (actually every moment of every day) is a practice opportunity. There are a variety of postures and forms such as the Eight Silk Brocades that one can explore at home. However, there is one that can be done anywhere, anytime, and is immensely valuable.
It is referred to as “wu chi.”
The simple principle is as follows: You are standing in line at the grocery store or Post Office as referenced above. ….Stand still. Keep your feet parallel and shoulder width apart. Bend your knees very slightly – in other words “unlock” the tendency we all have to stand rigidly at attention. Relax your shoulders and facial muscles. Breathe from the diaphragm – slow in and then slow, slow out, roughly twice the time for inhalation. Allow your arms to hang loosely by your side. That’s all. Very simple.
All too often throughout the day we tense our body. Wu chi immediately cancels this rigid and unyielding physical deportment that we often engage subconsciously. Standing in the wu chi posture you will notice a spontaneous relaxation and mental equilibrium. In effect, you are using
your mind (remember “mind makes everything” from above?) to practice relaxation. The release of tension both physically and mentally occurs when we let go. Try it!