Aetherous

Contributing again, according to the list... 1. Exercise - Exercise integrates the energy with the body, and purifies us. It makes us healthy, and can be a good way of subduing the REALLY strong emotions that sometimes arise in life (for instance, sometimes you just need to punch something!). Without exercise, energy practices can be weak and also unsafe. 2. Energy circulation - Doing this correctly makes meditation work better, to the point where you just be yourself and meditation is happening naturally...otherwise it can just be an exercise of frustration and futile attempts at controlling the mind. So I think proper energy work is important. 3. Meditation - This is often overlooked for the Tao Bums in general (not saying everyone)...however, just be-ing could be said to be the goal of all practice anyway...so why not start practicing the ultimate thing now? However, it's hard to be still if your energy isn't still...thus, it's #3 for me. 4. Diet - somewhat important...but it's often overemphasized. Plus some need/want meat, some need/want veggies...you never know. Some like pizza. I personally believe that fasting is really bad for you, however some want to practice it. So, sticky subject. 5. Visualization - people will find it hard to practice if they're not open to energy, and integrated in the body...plus it will keep their awareness up in their heads, which will cause problems, if they don't have the foundation down.

Well, as funny as it is thinking we can ever come to an agreement here...this is actually a really cool and great idea!! Well, I think the first most important thing is to get people out of their heads and into their bodies. Second most important is to have a technique which transforms strong energy (like sexual frustration, addiction, emotion, etc) and recirculates it. Third most important is to get the lower dan tien going! "Dan tien breathing" accomplishes everything. Health, circulation through the MCO, qi building, emotional wellbeing, meditative state, concentration, etc. It's especially good with a Stress Eraser, for those who have trouble relaxing at times (like me). ... Something else that people here (I think forum member "durkhrod chogori") have brought up: sitting isn't good if you haven't been using your legs. So walking for a while before sitting can be good. Some might lean towards zhan zhuang for rooting/grounding/integration, but I think walking does the same thing with less mental effort. You don't need a teacher to correct your posture so much. Just imagine that the head is being suspended on a string so that you are comfortable and balanced, upright...and walk. Plus you can have an excuse to get out in nature. Of course...who wants to just walk and breathe? Doesn't seem so exciting, does it? It's not some fancy shmancy stuff...however, it's what will bring the most benefit. This is a good idea, too! Another thing to consider is "keep it simple stupid"...if we get all bogged down by different mini exercises, then we lose the point and find it hard to even know what to practice. There should be a definite outline of what to practice as a beginner, and it shouldn't be confusing at all. I'm curious to see what people from other Taoist schools have to say...

Hi...I like your name, island! Welcome to the forum.

Wow, congrats on reading all of that. The whole system is already harmonious and balanced. If people have the discipline to do the right thing at the right time, in the right way, they'll get great results. For those practicing on their own who are having problems, each day: eat every 3-4 hours, do some exercise, stay hydrated, be in nature near trees, get a full night's sleep, and belly breathe. Getting in contact with a facilitator or instructor is a good idea... http://www.primordialalchemist.com/facilitator.html

Reviving a tea thread, because every once in a while you have a tea that you just need to tell someone else about. It's not the greatest tea in the world, but I got this for a gift and was surprised that it was actually pretty good!

I had the same reactions at times. Especially after kundalini awakening. It was extreme for me, and unusual from all of my other friend's reactions.

Take more care of myself.

That is energy. You have to refine it so it can transmute. Belly breathe, so that you feel calm.

It's funny because I bet almost everyone else in the midwest was thinking the same thing after seeing this movie.

Practicing wrong is the problem.

I don't see how Avatar can be war propaganda. The best it can do is cause us to lose morale, due to empathizing with the "enemy".

That was actually a great answer.

How is it possible to teach something sacred?

Happy Hot Springs Honeymoon, Blasto!

I agree with this. However, when someone teaches (lets say for instance) "qigong for enlightenment", they aren't necessarily charging for enlightenment, which is priceless. They are charging for their time and effort in conveying the practice. This is something worldly. If there's not some sort of sacred relationship between the student and the teacher, then there should be a cost. If the teacher is acting as a personal guide, then the relationship is sacred, and the only cost should be the student's devotion to the teaching. This is my opinion.

Luckily, it looks like the organization wasn't corrupted, because the board fired him.

That is quite amazing! Is there a link where I can contribute as well?

I agree. Spirituality isn't about becoming someone great, it's about really living your life. Raw...without filters and false limitations. I disagree with calling you arrogant for wanting to help your friend. There's no easy answer. I'm in the same situation and don't know what to do. What makes the most sense is to just share when asked to share, and that's all. It's hard to share with people close to you, because they know you and your quirks, so they are less likely to take you seriously (spiritual people are usually thought of as flakes who are trying to escape their reality)...plus they also aren't the same as you. A circle of friends needs different characters, so there will be one person who is into spiritual stuff and the rest will take on different roles. So, sometimes it's just not for them.

I hope your holidays are especially blessed, Dark.

May everyone here have a blessed holiday.

I love the shakuhachi! It is pretty impressive that you play it. Thanks for reintroducing yourself, and I look forward to your contributions.

Definitely outdoors. Bundle up!

I liked Ya Mu and 松永道's answers.

Yeah, I wonder if they consulted some very knowledgeable people in shamanism/qigong. Or if some of the elements I'm thinking of were just intuitively added.