Flowing Zen

Valentine’s day is a day meant for love. But typically, the love is projected outward rather than inward. What if, instead of focusing so much love outward, you focused some of it inward? Would that be wrong?

Back pain and the emotions are unrelated. Or at least that’s how Western medicine sees it. They’re separate — so separate that they require different doctors, different appointments, and different treatments. If this approach worked, it would be one thing. But it doesn’t work.

I’m a lot like most Americans. I live in the suburbs. I work 60-70 hours per week. I have student loans and credit card bills. I empty the dishwasher and walk the dog. But unlike most Americans, I live a stress-free life.

You had a wonderful experience with Qigong and Tai Chi in the beginning. But then life got in the way, and you stopped practicing. Maybe it’s been a few months since you practiced regularly. Maybe even years. Of course, you’ve tried to start practicing again, but there’s never enough momentum to keep things going. You know you should take care of yourself, but maybe this stuff just isn’t for you…

Today, I am happier and healthier than I ever imagined possible, and utterly free from the grips of depression. I healed myself not with drugs, therapy, or surgery, but rather with a gentle form of moving meditation that gets the internal energy flowing.