Inner Smile Meditation
I’ve recently started reading “Awaken Healing Light of the Tao” by Mantak Chia.
What a wonderful book. I really enjoy the discussion of Chi that extends over the first 50-70 pages. Chia goes into great detail explaining the Taoist theories of the universal energy (known as Chi), its role in the cosmos, as well as our individual well-being and health. I am personally drawn to the idea that we are all connected, and I think the explanation of that theory here is beautiful. This book would be great for anyone who wants to get a better understanding of the concept of Chi, which is often heard in relation to the martial arts. However the idea of Chi is applied to many more circumstances and situations.
The first exercise in Chi flow mentioned in the book is the Inner Smile. I have only attempted this exercise twice. I am a novice in the general practice of meditation. My only other experience with meditative practice is the Chut Gum Moon (7 Golden Passages) of Hung Ga, and Jam Jong (Zhan Zhuang). I think that these practices have helped to prepare me for the Inner Smile meditation, but that I still have a long way to go. Basically, the Inner Smile consists of drawing positive energy into your body, and systematically focusing it on various internal organs. In the Taoist theory, each organ is associated with specific character virtues and emotional states. The goal of the meditation, as I understand it, is to bring positive energy into your body in order to make your own virtues stronger and positive emotions more abundant.
Both times that I attempted this practice I did go through my day with much more positive energy. I think that it had a great affect on my emotional disposition. I felt more relaxed, happy, and able to deal with the hustle and bustle of my daily life. Specifically I was much more at peace during my commute to and from NYC. I hope to make the Inner Smile a frequent part of my meditative pratice. Maybe with time, I will feel the effects grow stronger.