© Carly Wall, excerpted from Flower Secrets Revealed, A.R.E. Press, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and used with permission.
Both Taoists and Buddhists believe that every part of life is filled with a universal energy which they call ch'i (ki in Japan). Yogis use the Sanskrit word prana to describe this same energy.
Certain esoteric Taoist disciplines, such as ch'i kung, maintain that ch'i can be purposely circulated within the body for healing or to facilitate contact with the higher realms. They also believe that we can draw energy from the plants and use it to balance and center our own energies.
In their view, trees are great conductors of this energy and can be used to help circulate ch'i within the human body to clear blockages in the energy flow. You can use the following exercise in working with a tree to pave the way to using the energies of the flowers. By starting with something that's as big as a tree, beginners are more likely to be able to feel the stronger energy emanation. Once you have succeeded with a tree, you will find it easier to feel the subtler energy of your patio blossoms.
I have done this ch'i kung exercise with a pine tree that edges my property. It had a friendly feel about it, so I decided that this tree would be of most help to me. Take your time when selecting your tree -- use one to which you feel drawn. Try the following exercise.
Sitting with your back against the trunk, enter a meditative state. Using your powers of visualization, imagine white, shimmering energy as it is circulated in the trunk of the tree behind you. See it connected with the earth through the roots, and to the sky through its branches. The ch'i energy flows from the earth to heaven and from heaven to the earth through the trunk.
Now, imagine that there's a circuit that rises from the base of your spine, over your head, down the center of your face, and to your abdomen. it continues down your centerline, underneath, and back up to the base of your spine again in a complete circle.
As you lean against the tree, visualize your spine becoming one with the trunk. In your mind's eye, visualize the spine part of your circuit fused with the powerful tree trunk. As you breathe, draw the energy of the tree into your own circuit. Breathe slowly, in and out, as you picture the energy -- and feel it -- gently circulating up your back, down your front, and around again.
Once the circuit is filled with this wonderful energy, visualize each organ in your body sharing in the powers of heaven and earth through your friend the tree. Your body is being healed and revitalized -- every organ and every cell. At the conclusion of the exercise, return the energy to the tree, and with it, all the illness and negativity you have had before. The tree will gladly disperse the negative energies for you. When you're finished, stand up. Now, why not thank the tree for its help? Thank God, too, for allowing you to partake of just one more hidden wonder of the spiritual world of plants.
If you try this exercise, you will know it's working when a tingling sensation is felt. It may take more than one attempt. The whole process shouldn't take more than ten minutes, but if you've successfully engaged the tree's ch'i, you will be filled with new energy and vitality. Of course, you must make sure that you guide the energy full circle, so that the energy is balanced. Improperly balanced energy can cause discomfort or even illness, negating the whole purpose of the exercise in the first place. Also, it is best to space these exercises a day or more apart -- it's very concentrated, powerful work.
After you have successfully accomplished the tree exercise, you are ready to move on to work with your flowers using the same technique. When you have chosen a time to make contact with the subtle energy of the flowers, choose your flower carefully, as you did the tree. Lie on the ground near the flower you have chosen as you meditate. You may wish to use a mat or blanket to make yourself more comfortable. Focus on the living, growing blossom in your flower bed. Imagine the vital energy flowing in and around it, and continue on as you did with the tree exercise.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Carly Wall and her husband, Ron, care for their own peaceful spot of earth in Somerville, OH. They also share their farm with two contented cats, a few chickens, and a small herd of very tame cows. A lifelong student of the work of Edgar Cayce, Mrs. Wall has researched and written about the subjects of plants and flowers for more than 25 years. See her webpage or email her.
DESIGN CREDITS: This page was designed by Deborah Bier; photos are from Clipart.com.
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