10 Comments

What an excellent article and description Kaya! In kung fu, the gut brain is called the dan tien, if I recall correctly. Where the chi that one gathers doing forms is stored. With which amazing feats of strength can be achieved. I have seen a 200lb man tossed like a beach ball with the merest touch. Astounding.

Thank you for sharing Kaya!🙏💖

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Thank you! Yes the Tan Tien. Quite a few ancient traditions recognize the lower belly like that. That’s amazing about the 200lb man lols, that would be entertaining to witness

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You’re most welcome Kaya. 💖 Indeed, that was entertaining to say the least. Our lineage, which the Masters keep track of, goes back to the 8th century. To a woman Master Sifu.

Cool, man, cool. 😁

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Wow! Really? I had no idea it went back to a woman. Is this a lineage you study then?

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Alas, my practice has lapsed to a large degree. Partly due to my Sifu returning to Hong Kong. Partly due to injury. Five years of practice ingrained it in my muscles and my nervous system though. So it’s in here if I ever truly need it.

I should remember her name! I’d have to look it up. 😵‍💫

(p.s. fyi, my like button no worky)

LIKE! 💖😁

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I totally feel that. I’m like that with my yoga. 🙏

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This all feels so powerful to read! Thank you for sharing your teacher's quote too...I found it valuable. I really like your description of these subtle energies as 'light'...it makes a lot of sense when I reflect on the emotional digestion practice I learned, and why it works so well...because as you say the sensations my body is digesting at the subtle level are actually interchangeable with light patterns/ energy patterns- so interesting! It also makes sense how you say equanimity and awareness really make a difference- I agree with that! :)

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Thanks Tara. I’m glad it resonates with you and your experience. I love the phrase emotional digestion too and use it myself. I’ve never heard anyone else talk about “digesting” in that way. So glad to meet you here and look forward to more overlap in our internal processes. 💜

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In other words, our pain is a portal into the wider field of soul we are all swimming in? Through knowing and perhaps even loving the pain we have borne and carried we are able to empathically sense and behold both the pain and inner atmosphere that each person lives with in differing degrees of awareness.

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Beautiful!

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