“To heal the heart is to reunite mind and body, the mystical and mundane, self and other into an integrated whole.”

February 14^th is loaded with meaning- red valentines, sugar candy heart with sayings like ‘B Mine’ and ‘UR Cool’, red roses and commercialized romance.  I have personally always loved Valentine’s Day.  I missed being a Valentine baby by one day so for me those bright paper hearts always felt like an extension of the love I felt around my special day.  When we think of love we may think about having that perfect person in our life.   How they will make us feel and what they will evoke in us.  Valentine’s Day is the ultimate capitalization on this – a deep need to feel complete and divine by that feeling of being loved by someone.  The mythics of romance run deep in our collective consciousness.

In Chinese Medicine the heart is said to house the Spirit or Higher Self.  When the energy of the heart is engaged we feel giddy, lit up by life, everything seems just right.  Kind of a lot like falling in love… It could be from expressing our truth (what resonates with us deeply on some personal level that we feel compelled to share with the world), using our God given talents, doing what we most love, or anything that really inspires.  Another way of saying inspired is ‘in-spirited’ (thanks to the brilliant Wayne Dyer for that saying).  Being in spirit is literally our connection with the Divine and Highest Self.  We become larger than our ego and merge with something bigger.  If you have ever experienced a moment of transcendence where you seem to lose yourself, you know what I’m talking about.  Time seems to stand still, every moment becomes enhanced and the senses are heightened.  Like if you are on stage giving that performance where you suddenly lose yourself; or you are in a game where you stop playing and the game instead seems to be taking you move by move to victory; or you are giving a speech about a cause near and dear to your heart and the words pour out so effortlessly it’s like you are not even the one speaking, but are listening instead.  These are just but a few examples of the myriad of ways the heart energy gets expressed as connected with the Divine.

What is interesting are the similarities both romance and inspiration can possess.  Both scenarios pull us out of smaller identities and expand our experience of being beyond them.  To a place we know ourselves as whole, complete and special.  In Anodea Judith’s fascinating book Eastern Body, Western Mind she asserts that in our stages of development, relationships become the bridge between the personal and universal levels of consciousness.  It is in the fourth, or Heart Chakra energy center (one of seven centers in the body) we develop the capacity to connect beyond ourselves.  First with another and eventually beyond to the levels of universal consciousness in the upper chakras.  It is the mirroring of the Divine our partner reflects back at us when we are in love that reminds us just how special we are.  Time may pass.  Relationship circumstances may change yet what remains is that connection to ourselves at the deepest level.  It may have been first awakened by another, but it is kept as a gift to ourselves.  Knowing and loving ourselves and our highest self expression is the perhaps the greatest Valentine we can grant ourselves this February 14^th.

You may have started noticing small bursts of energy, thinking about the coming change of seasons, or even planning for new endeavors.  This is the awakening of YANG energy.  As in nature, as in our bodies.  The Five Elements are rooted in this concept- that whatever is occurring externally is mirrored in us and our natural instincts.  In recent posts we’ve been focusing on winter.  How its felt right to hibernate, rest and repair.  These are deep YIN activities. YIN energy being the more internal, slower, receptive.  Its partner (they are partners as well as opposites) YANG is now just beginning its slow waking up phase- starting small, barely perceptible yet coming alive.  It’s a bit like the first crocus blooms that push up through the snow.  New life beckons under a blanket of quiet, chilly white.  In many areas of the US, we have been having such a mild winter it’s been even easier to connect with YANG.  A few 60 degree days and it seems like an early spring.  What is bringing you back to life with this YANG- active, visionary, accelerating energy- to catapult you into the coming months?  What signs of awakening are you noticing recently in your life?

“It is when your practice is rather greedy that you become discouraged with it.  So you should be grateful that you have a sign or warning signal to show you the weak point in your practice.” – Shunryu Suzuki

In beginning the study of something, be it dance, athletics, meditation, playing an instrument, anything really, that takes repetition to learn well, there is often a sense of wanting to get “somewhere”.  We may want to learn quickly so we can advance and feel that we know it.  This is a natural reaction.  Our thinking is conditioned by linear thinking.  Begin somewhere so we can get from Point A to Point B.  Set a goal so we can achieve, feel like we’ve accomplished something and move on.  Let me go on record first of all by saying there is nothing wrong with goal setting.  This is what makes things happen in life.  Outside of this fact, however, is another notion – practice for practice sake.  This is the ongoing engagement with the doing of something over and over and over.

In practice, we may feel compelled to ask “How long do I need to keep doing these same basic things?!” We may get tired of repeating fundamental moves.  We may feel we’re ready to move on to more challenging things.  In Zen philosophy there is a saying Beginner’s Mind.  This simply means bringing a new awareness to things we may have done before like it was for the very first time.  By doing this it brings an aliveness to our action.  We may be familiar with the action, yet it is new, waiting to be rediscovered each time.  The layers keep deepening so there is never an end.  As Suzuki’s quote suggests, it can also be a warning signal as you begin to reexamine what you think you already know.  You can reevaluate and see the blind spots.  This is at the heart of beginner’s mind – never assume you know anything.  That step, strike or note is not always as you would expect and neither are you.  Then life can begin to genuinely surprise you in the most wonderful ways!  It is in the practice, seeing with fresh eyes, body, heart and mind-  the fundamental moves, strikes, musical notes or whatever your basics are- that bring you and the doing ALIVE.  You merge in the moment of discovery and become completely engaged with it.   I experienced this when on stage performing with a modern dance company two years ago.  Even though I had rehearsed the choreography for months and trained for years to get to the place of every movement being familiar it was when I let go of the notion “I know this” instead to really BE with the other dancers, the audience and myself in the dancing- then the magic happened.  Every moment became a rich symphony to be heard, experienced and felt like a revelation.  This was my genesis of the ZenMoves practice- a body awareness based practice that brings that awareness of NOW to anyone for profound discovery.

As you take on your chosen practice this week, ask yourself “How can I begin again in this moment?  What do I assume I know that maybe isn’t as I thought before?”  And see what happens.  If linear thinking is a straight line, the beginner’s mind is the coming full circle.  No end, just moving along the path to come back to begin again.  At the start, we rush to get somewhere; in mastery, we know there is no end, just practice that keeps it new, deepening and alive.

Kristen Mangione & Haley Hauglum of
Chris Ferris and Dancers  photo: Steven Schreiber

In Eastern philosophy, the abdominal area is not only acknowledged as a source of physical strength, but also as an energetic source of power.  The entire area from the base of the ribcage to the pubic bone is referred to as the HARA.  The HARA, in Eastern terms, is very special- it houses the body, mind and spirit.  It is the non-thinking part of the bigger “mind” in ourselves, the seat of our intuition, and our higher self or consciousness.  In many martial arts practices this area is emphasized for just this reason.  Channeling one’s awareness into it can become a great source of unlimited strength.  Think of the seemingly superhuman feats of Tai Chi masters taking blows directly to the stomach and not being hurt, or karate masters having boards broken across their midsections without harm.  Dramatic displays they may be, what they share is the idea that the HARA, when engaged, becomes a source of beyond ordinary power.

There are many examples of HARA in Eastern culture.  The belts worn in martial arts systems are, by no accident, worn around the HARA to signify one’s accomplishment in level of training.  Sumo wrestlers are another great example where opponents use their HARAs to push their adversary out of the ring.  Compare this to Western sports, football for example, which rely more on upper body strength in the shoulder girdle and arms to cradle the ball and block opponents as they run across the field.  If you’ve ever seen a painting or sculpture of the Buddha in Eastern art, he is often shown with a large belly.  This is to signify the abundant, fully realized nature of his HARA, both physically and metaphorically.

Cultivating awareness in the HARA is useful for many reasons.  As the “non-brain” part of ourselves, it enhances our intuition (hence the expression “having a gut feeling about something”), calms the relentless stream of chatter from our brains and enhances the ability to be present and act- an asset whether in dance, athletics, meditation, high performance activities, or just day to day life awareness.  ZenMoves will be offering an introductory workshop on Saturday, January 28^th, 12-2pm on developing HARA awareness.  No experience is necessary; just an interest in tuning in, becoming more aware of HARA and being present to your body.  For more information call (201) 417-8077 or email Kristen[at]zenmoves.org.
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Water is, by nature, fluid and adaptable.  A perfect example of this is how it naturally conforms to the shape of whatever container holds it.  It can have great power when channeled.   Think of the strength in a rushing river for example.  Or it can be dormant, frozen and still.  Our bodies are approximately 60% water.  In this season we may feel like we have literally frozen up, inside and out.  Our physical activities may seem more challenging or seem to be competing with a need to rest more.  This is the natural inclination of WATER energy.  To rest, repair and restore.  It is the deepest part of the YIN cycle, where nature’s energy contracts and recedes.  YIN energy is all about the internal, deeper part.  A simple way to harmonize your YIN energy this week is to schedule some “me” time (yes, sometimes it actually takes scheduling something to ensure it happens!…)  It could be a hot bath, reading a favorite book, or making some time for solitude.  Not surprising that we use the term “chill” to describe some of these YIN activities.  Try one solitary pursuit that nourishes your deeper self for even a few minutes and notice the difference you feel being in tune with the natural world.
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1. Adjust your sleep – Like it or not you may be feeling that urge to turn in earlier than usual for the night.  Go with it.  Just like bears instinctively store up their energy by taking that long slumber in winter, we’re not so different.  Going to bed even as little as an extra 30 minutes can be the difference between feeling refreshed and still feeling tired when the alarm goes off.
2. Eat warming, nourishing foods – YIN energy is by nature colder, deeper and slower.  In Chinese medicine our digestion is said to be aided by Stomach Fire.  When we’re not getting this heat as much from our environment and within our bodies we can get it with hearty soups, root vegetables and stews.  The warm aspect of these foods will actually aid digestion and provide much needed sustenance.  If you are maintaining moderate exercise throughout the week, your body will accommodate the extra calories.  Ginger root (try Ginger tea!) is also an excellent bet for stimulating internal heat.
3. Add some restful activity to your routine – Reading, writing for pleasure (as in journaling, free writing) and meditation are all great YIN activities in that they pull our deeper, quieter self into being.  Going within to reflect, delve into a favorite subject or just be present gives YIN energy the time to restore you so you have more energy to draw on for those more yang, active pursuits.  ZenMoves is offering a winter introductory workshopon January 28th that will show you just how you can maximize your balance from going within.Click here to Tweet and Share this article

“Whatever you are incomplete about will take over your life.” The first time I heard this it took my breath away.  How much of my time, energy and focus had been devoted to fulfilling on old, worn out wants that didn’t serve me anymore, nor were they truly aligned with what I want in the present?  When I took a few minutes to really ponder that question a whole world of new options opened up.  The old stuff didn’t seem so direly urgent anymore.   I could relax a bit and even better, noticed I had some space to let new ideas surface.  I started getting inspired and an optimism that had otherwise been missing emerged.

In Eastern philosophy there are Five Elements, said to correspond to the natural cycle of beginnings and endings.  It could be likened to the cycle of the seasons, the phases of a project or the stages of a life.  We have just moved out of autumn, which is the METAL element phase.  This time is a lot about letting go and demise.  The trees mimic it by eliminating the unnecessary- shedding their old leaves before they hibernate for the winter.  You may have experienced some slowing down, purging things or even a vague feeling of sadness during autumn.  These are natural expressions of Metal’s purpose.  Let go of what doesn’t serve anymore, then go deep within to restore.  Now that we are officially in winter as of the Equinox on December 21, we have transitioned into the WATER element.  WATER is all about rest, repair and reflection.  Once there is a clean slate from METAL’s eliminating the old, there is space to reflect, get clear and go within.  What matters to you NOW?  If you freed up yourself from old, limiting things, what would become possible?  I invite you to take a few minutes by yourself in a quiet place.  Focus on your breathing for a minute or two so your mind can become quiet; then on a piece of paper complete the following sentences:

-          The thing I no longer need in my life is __________________________________.
I am letting go of it now.

-          One thing I really want now is _________________________________________.
I am opening up to have it be present.

Try this and share your experience on the comment section below.  It’s a new year.  What change do you want to see in yourself and the world?

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ZenMoves now has a new home online www.zenmoves.org  Our new website includes enhanced features, including video and free articles on health and Eastern philosophy.   Our blog is becoming a weekly feature beginning January 1^st.  It includes the latest in Eastern healing, health, movement and meditation as well as timely writings on the Five Elements and how to use them to make sense of our daily lives.  We’re also now easier to connect with virtually.  Follow us on Twitter @zenmoves and Like us on Facebook under ZenMoves. 

Our other big news is we now have two class locations!  Starting in January we will be offering workshops at Oriens Living in midtown Manhattan in addition to our weekly classes in Hoboken.  Look for announcements of upcoming dates in the coming weeks.

We are so excited to build community as we extend our connections.  By going within and becoming present we discover our own greatness and the greatness of others.  Join us today – either online or in a class.  We can’t wait to move and be moved by you.

The season we are in now, early autumn or harvest time, is a peak time of EARTH and transition.  One morning it may be cool and rainy, by afternoon warm and sunny, then by evening cloudy and humid.  What is going on???  Nature would seem like it’s in a constant state of flux, altering the atmosphere hour by hour.  I find it confusing not know what to expect from moment to moment.  Now think of how life feels when we are constantly not sure what to expect.  Challenging, right?  Maybe it creates some tension, anxiety or stress?  I remember when I moved abroad to London during college.  I didn’t have permanent housing set up when I first arrived.  I spent several days pounding the pavement looking for flats.  Talk about unsettling my EARTH. My appetite increased, I felt a general sense of uneasiness all the time and I wasn’t sleeping well.  Until I got my grounding back (having my stuff all in one place and knowing I would be sleeping in the same bed for a whole year) I felt challenged.

If you are feeling challenged with transitions one of the easiest ways to navigate it is to establish a pattern you repeat every day that empowers you.  Sounds simple enough, yet the impact can be enormous.  I remember when I started my own business I felt lost, not having the imposed structure of the corporate world where it was very clear when, when and what I needed to be doing the majority of the time.  Instead I would approach a desk full of papers, unanswered emails, marketing materials and client information, all just waiting for me.  Talk about unnerving!  A business coach I worked with suggested I start every day the same doing something that would inspire me.  For me that became putting on a song that I love and dancing to it to get the inspiration flowing.  Silly as it may sound- it worked.  Now, for many of you it may not be dancing around the room that empowers you, but what about an activity that you LOVE, is repeatable, and takes a small amount of time? (the point is to set you up quickly to move into whatever other things you need to attend to in any day)  How about going for a short jog, reading a passage from a favorite book that inspires you, free writing in a journal for a page or two, or watching an online video such as on the TEDtalks website? (I love those for inspiration when I’m lagging in motivation).  The what isn’t so important; it’s the doing repeatedly that makes the difference, allowing our EARTH energy to root us powerfully.

To learn more about the Earth element, ZenMoves will be offering a workshop on Harvest Time and Earth, Sunday, October 9, 1-5pm.  Visit here for more details.

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The element of Earth is said to ground in times of uncertainty.  That’s why earthquakes can seem so startling.  We rely on sure footing and mostly take it for granted until a moment when it ceases being stable.  We’re literally thrown off our base. 

With Hurricane Irene it has been the Water element (having to do with flow, force and power in Eastern philosophy) that has been washing that stability away.   Earth and Water have a special relationship in Five Element theory. Earth is said to “control” Water; to keep it from becoming too powerful and overflowing.  For example think of river banks that keep streams running a certain course so they can be channeled.  With the deluge of additional Water from heavy rains the Earth becomes too saturated to contain it.  Water has rebelled against Earth. 

What helps in times like this is to restore grounding.  Restoring the Earth element counteracts overflow, uncertainty and fear (also associated with the Water element because of its relationship to the unknown and any anxiety that may accompany it).  Here are 3 ways to support your Earth element and feel more grounded:

1. As much as possible, restore routines. There is something comforting to the natural rhythm of regular activities vs. being in the disruption of “crisis” mode.  Even doing little things from a more typical day can make things seem normal again.
2. Eat nourishing or naturally sweet foods.  Nourishment helps the feeling of being satisfied which is associated with Earth.  Try warming, hearty foods such as squashes, sweet potatoes and yams or sweet apricots, figs and raisins to stimulate your taste buds.
3. Focused practices such as mindfully breathing, meditation, yoga or movement bring us back into body awareness.  Shifting the awareness back into the body soothes the over stimulated nervous system creating a general feeling of calm.

What matters most is finding something to get you out of uncertain mode and back into feeling safe, grounded and stable.  As we clean up, its the restoring of our Earth both inside and out, that will bring us back into balance.

To learn more about the Earth element, ZenMoves will be offering a workshop on Harvest Time and Earth, Sunday, October 9, 1-5pm.  Visit here for more details.
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