Here’s a quote from a renowned Japanese expert on Ki, or internal energy:
“If I had to offer advice, in one short statement, about what constitutes a correct self-image, distilled from the experiences of numerous business tycoons and other successful people as well as from my own historical research, then it would be this: Never think pessimistically about anything; always try to think positively.” – Kouzo Kaku
Kaku-san goes on to describe what he means by “think positively”:
1) Never complain or think or speak badly of another;
2) Cultivate a feeling of thankfulness and gratitude towards all things;
3) Once you have decided to do something, never think in terms of “I cannot do it” or “It is impossible”;
4) Do not refute another’s opinion, but be willing to listen to it;
5) Do not become angry when things do not go as planned and never hold a grduge against those around you.
(From Kouzo Kaku, “The Mysterious Power of Ki”)
Wow! Lots to think about there.
I just discussed point number #5 with my brother Jeff, who called me from Washington-Reagan National Airport this morning. Seems his flight has been delayed, then delayed again, and again, and yet again.
Not a pleasant situation. However, given the weather we’ve seen in the Midwest and Northeast this past week, it probably shouldn’t be too surprising that there are delays today.
And he knows it. He called because he was bored – but also to vent about the delays, the inconvenience, the fact his first email warning about the delays arrived on his Crackberry the very minute he stepped into the airport, and on and on.
I commiserated with him, because I have been in that same situation more times than I care to remember.
But I also reminded him about point #5 above: “Do not become angry when things do not go as planned…”
If you don’t attend to how your mind is working, you can become easily irritated — about the weather, about the driving skills of the person in the car ahead of you, about someone you listen to on the radio whom you just hate, about your jerky boss, etc. etc etc.
But why allow yourself to be deterred from the bigger picture of your life by these types of distractions? Why waste the psychic energy on them?
I shared with my brother a simple, easy exercise that can help you to quickly relax and let go of negative emotions and thoughts. Would you like to try this one for yourself?
Good! Here goes:
1) Breathe deeply several times from your abdomen. When you notice that your worries have dissipated somewhat, relax all over as much as you can;
2) Exhale fully until your lungs are empty. Lean forward as you exhale. For extra assistance, place both hands on your abdomen, just below your bottom ribs, and push in gently but firmly into the center of the area below your ribs;
3) At the same time, imagine you are expelling all of your negative thoughts and emotions as you breathe out;
4) When you have completed your exhale, sit up slowly and naturally into an upright position and breathe in;
5) As you breathe in, imagine very sharp, crisp, positive energy is entering your body.
In energy disciplines and traditions, it is said that the solar plexus is the primary place in the body where bad energy, or ki (chi), can get stuck. You may notice that, when you are angry or frustrated — or simply feeling stuck in an important area of you life (or in an airport) — you feel hardness in your solar plexus area. This is because “bad” ki or energy has stagnated there.
You only have to do this exercise three or four times to feel the tremendous difference in energy. Remember: the visualization, or using your imagination, is just as important as the physical movements.
Try it and let me know what you think.
In the meantime, my bro just texted me that he was able to get on another flight and is on his way to his destination.
He also thanked me for the advice. So I guess that means he actually did this exercise in the middle of the airport.
If he can do it, you can do it too!
You Can Do It!
“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with Dynamic Energy Exercise!” http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com
P.S. You can control your mental and emotional state, no matter how irritating your external world gets. One of the best ways to enjoy a relaxed yet energized state, coupled with calm and relaxed mental alertness, is to follow the exercises in the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course, Volume 1: Invigorate and Rejuvenate. Visit the Best Breathing Exercises website to get your copy today, and discover how easy it is to relax your way through all the holiday and end-of-year rush.
Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2012