Benefits of the Inner Smile

I just came across this article on the benefits of simply smiling:

Simply Smiling Can Actually Reduce Stress

This provides further evidence for the effectiveness of the fundamental Taoist alchemy technique known as the "Inner Smile".

I've been using the Inner Smile quite a bit recently and it really helps counter act all the hard "Yang" training I do day in day out. It is a very balancing practice.

If you're interested in the Inner Smile Technique check out this free PDF:

Way of the Inner Smile


Enjoy!

Stephen Mitchell on Wu Wei -

Found this quote on thetaobums.com forum. It is an excerpt from Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Tao Te Ching -

People usually think of Lao-tzu as a hermit, a dropout from society, dwelling serenely in some mountain hut, unvisited except perhaps by the occasional traveler arriving from a '60s joke to ask, "What is the meaning of life?" But it's clear from his teaching that he deeply cared about society, if society means the welfare of one's fellow human beings; his book is, among other things, a treatise on the art of government, whether or a country or of a child. The misperception may arise from his insistence on 'wei wu wei', literally "doing not-doing," which has been seen as passivity. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Daoist Studies Website -

Just stumbled across this:

http://www.daoiststudies.org/

I thought the visitors here might enjoy it.

It really is an excellent resource for study and connecting with others who are interested in Taoist thought.

Tao Practice 6-7-12

Lately I've been focusing a lot on Inner Smile and 6 Healing Sounds exercises and just recently added back Microcosmic Orbit Training.

I find these practices to be excellent in both getting rid of negative energy and building healthy "Qi". I've been very satisfied with the results. I especially like doing these drills prior to study and contemplation from various Taoist texts (like the Tao Te Ching)

In addition to the above mentioned drills, I've also been working on training my PC muscles and doing the "Big Draw" at various intervals throughout the day.

I've noticed I'm more productive during the day. Staying positive and stress-free is also much easier - almost effortless. Also I've noticed my Muay Thai training has been much more productive. Since returning to these Taoist practices.

One thing I need to work on is doing the practices during my zhan zhuang sessions. That way I can save time by killing two birds with one stone.

The Tao Te Ching verse 75 -

Lao Tzu on government:

"Why are the people starving? -
     Because their grain is being eaten up by taxes!
     That's why they're starving.

Why are the people rebellious? -
     Because those above them meddle in their lives!
     That is why the people are rebellious.

Why do the people regard death so lightly? -
     Because they are so involved in their own living!
     That is why the people regard death so lightly.

In the end,
The treasure of life is missed by those who hold on
     and gained by those who let go."

Lin Kong Jing

Here is a page from my other blog, (Un)Caged Fighter, regarding the martial qigong method Lin Kong Jing zhan zhuang:

The Lin Kong Jing

Hope you guys enjoy it!

Returning to the Tao...

My personal study of Taoism has it's roots in my study of the martial arts.

I began training in Tae Kwon Do at the age of 10. I was immediately hooked and fell in love with both Asian martial arts and Asian culture (particularly those of China and Japan).

During my teen years I began looking deeper into Eastern Spirituality.

I immediately fell in love with Taoist philosophy and, to a lesser extent, Zen/Chan Buddhism (which is heavily influence by Taosim). I found a wealth of spiritual and practical knowledge during that time. However, as I moved into my twenties life and other studies somehow got in the way.

Ironically, it was my interest in Asian culture that caused this shift.

You see, along with my passion for the martial arts I also began studying Qigong and learning about the seemingly superhuman feats Shaolin and Wudang warriors. I wanted to be just like them.

So, I began studying more and more esoteric topics in a very strange quest for...well, power. It may seem odd but I really did want to emulate those superhuman kung fu warriors. But that caused me to lose sight of what was really important and started me down a very strange and, ultimately, fruitless path.

Now I find myself on the cusp of 30. I'm married now with a young son and a decent job. I love the martial arts now more than ever. Honestly, life is very good. But there is still something missing.

I think the reality is: I miss the Tao. I've ignored the path for so long but I really do miss the simple yet practical spirituality and philosophy. I miss the meditation and Qigong. I miss reflecting on passages from the Tao Te Ching.

I am ready to return to the Tao.

I'm getting back to meditation. I'm renewing my study/contemplation of Taoist texts. I'm devoting myself once again to the study of Qigong and inner alchemy. I'm no longer worried about being a superhuman kung fu warrior. I just want to focus on what is really important.

"If you want to become full, let yourself become empty."