Entering the Caves

First Treasure Integration

Movement One

Di Chong, Earth Surging; Hui Yin, Meeting of Yin; and Bai Hui, Hundred Meetings, offered us entryways into an Axis that roots us from below and inspires us from above, while we embody the enigma of the in-between.

Movement Two

We entered the Axis through the Center while remaining aware of the merry-go-round at the circumference through Shen Que, Spirit Gateway; Ming Men, Gate of Destiny; and Yuan Er, Primordial Child.

Movement Three

We remembered the Well of Essence and stepped into it, rooting our Center in true capacity. We entered Yin Gu, Yin Valley; Wei Zhong, Center of Balance; and Qi Chong, Qi Rushing.

Movement Four

We held the intention to (re)discover the Whirling Emptiness within through Nao Kong, Brain Hollow; Shen Dao, Spirit Path; Jing Ming, Illuminated Essence; and Zhao Hai, Reflecting Ocean.

Movement Five

Within that void, we discovered ourselves as the Bellows between Heaven and Earth: empty yet inexhaustible. We entered Shen Feng, Spirit Seal; Ling Xu, Wild Lands of Spirit; Shen Cang, Treasury of Spirit; Fu Liu, Returning Current; and Ling Tai, Numinous Terrace.

As you practice the First Treasure, notice where Qi flows easily and where it hesitates, scatters, or becomes blocked. Begin with your physical alignment: What am I doing with my feet, my shoulders, my neck? This Self-Assessment List may help you become more aware of how you are holding and moving your body.

Then, widen your attention. Could habitual emotions, patterns of thought, or attachments to past experiences also be interrupting the easy flow of Qi between the Receptive (Earth) and the Creative (Heaven)?

And if all of the above feels like too much, simply take your head off the need to know and let the Treasure practice you through the tight corners. It may surprise you!