Ep - 11 - Zen, Daoist Alchemy (Nei Dan and Xian Tai), and Apophatic Realization - Part One

In this episode, Ravi and Michael talk about Medical Qi Gong, Consciousness, and different approaches to Hands-on-Healing.   This Course is for those with a few years of Qi gong experience.   Here is the course link:   https://somadaoqigong.com/enhancing-your-qi-gong-healing-abilities/   Here is a link for the 2 year 500 hour full program   https://somadaoqigong.com/500-hour-medical-qi-gong-therapist/   Healing is Innate – A First Healer Story  The State Between Appreciation and Recognition (the origin of language) Qi Interaction Skills – Ting Jin, Yi Nian, De Qi, Fa Qi, and Nei Yang Gong Practice Bu Que – Restoring Wounds (Yours then theirs) Exercise – restoring clothing An Empowered Qi Ball – Open and Close Lao Gong and Wai Gong The 5 Phases (Elements) and Yin/Yang Balance Restoring Qi and Jing Jin (collagen) Exercise Two – restoring clothing A Fractal Manifold Cosmology and Ontology Ling, Hun, Shen – coherence and configuration (What is moving through?)  Science Story – building muscle and imagination/intention Yi Zhi – and the trickery of moving qi Modern Dopamine/cortisol and serotonin/acetylcholine imbalance There are Two Kinds of Healers (Hand Tremblers and Singers)    The Hun of the First Healer  The Four Recapitulation Doorways Exercise Three – (Ting, Dong – Li, Xing, Tong, Fa) Embodiment, Distress, and Affective Disorientation (Qing Zhi Bing) Stories and states. Grounded in the Soil (As a Healer) Qing Jing is a necessary state for Healing        

This week, Ravi and Michael talk about applying Qi Gong (Dao Yin) principles and practices therapeutically.    There is a 10 Month course called Therapeutic Qi Gong beginning June 4th - at 6:00 pm - PST   There is a free LIVE webinar, on Saturday, June 1st at 9:00 am. A recording will be linked here soon.   Here is the course link: https://somadaoqigong.com/therapeutic-qi-gong-a-ten-month-journey/    

In today's episode, Michael and Ravi have an in-depth conversation about the Qi Gong practice called the Yi Jin Jing.   TAP HERE for part One.   Here is the link to the course - beginning April 17, 2024   TAP HERE to Learn more about the Qi Gong Teacher Training Course TAP HERE to see Michaels's Patreon Page

In today's episode, Michael and Ravi have an in-depth conversation about the Qi Gong practice called the Yi Jin Jing.   TAP HERE for part Two.   Here is the link to the course - beginning April 17, 2024     TAP HERE to Learn more about the Qi Gong Teacher Training Course TAP HERE to see Michaels's Patreon Page    

In this 'lucky number' episode, Ravi and Michael have a personal conversation about The Unexpected Intimacy of Inner Cultivation. TAP HERE for Part One   Upcoming Courses for 2024 with Dr. Michael Smith

In this 'lucky number' episode, Ravi and Michael have a personal conversation about The Unexpected Intimacy of Inner Cultivation.   TAP HERE for Part Two   Upcoming Courses for 2024 with Dr. Michael Smith    

This week, we are discussing the importance of a committed period of time to our practice.   This can include anything from seated meditation, to Qi Gong, Yoga, Martial Arts, Breathwork, or even studying the classics.   TAP HERE to Learn more about the upcoming course.   TAP HERE to Learn more about the Qi Gong Teacher Training Course TAP HERE to see Michaels's Patreon Page

In this episode, Ravi and Michael go on a DEEP DIVE into several approaches to meditation, liberation from a conditioned separate self, and your birthright remembering or realization of existence as itself.   TAP HERE for Part One TAP HERE to Learn more about the Nei Gong course. TAP HERE to Learn more about the Qi Gong Teacher Training Course TAP HERE to see Michaels's Patreon Page

In this episode, Ravi and Michael go on a DEEP DIVE into several approaches to meditation, liberation from a conditioned separate self, and your birthright remembering or realization of existence as itself.   TAP HERE for Part Two TAP HERE to Learn more about the upcoming course. TAP HERE to Learn more about the Qi Gong Teacher Training Course TAP HERE to see Michaels's Patreon Page

In this episode, we discuss the meaning and practice of Nei Gong. Daoist Cultivation (Xiū Dào 修道) involves several practices that focus on Embodied Meditation. The two oldest, most comprehensive, and most common forms of meditation still practiced today are Chan/Zen (禪) and Nèi Gōng 内功. In the Yi Dao Huan Yuan tradition of Daoist Cultivation that I have learned and now teach, any committed meditation journey begins with the study of both, but with an initial dedication to the somatic, instinctual, visceral, and existential renewal of Nèi Gōng 内功. A contemporary Nèi Gōng practice begins with learning about and embodying your meridians, exploring subtle aspects of Qi circulation, Qi wounds, and Self Healing (Nei Yang Gong), as well as connecting with your Energy Centers (Dān Tián 丹田), all while opening your Microcosmic Orbit and Energy Gates/Portals/Apertures (Qiào 竅), and becoming very skillful in several forms of Shaolin and Daoist Breathwork. What is Nei Gong? Nèi Gōng 内功 can be translated as ‘Inner Practice or Cultivation’, subtle skills, or what happens beneath what can be seen. The Term Nèi 内 also implies the boundary between Separation and Non-Separation – an essential aspect of Daoist Cultivation. The term Nèi Gōng can be used in a martial arts, a Qì Gōng 氣功, a meditation, or in any other spiritual practice context. For the purpose of easy communication, I will refer to Nèi Gōng as if it is a distinct branch of practice that focuses on Cultivating Inner Awareness. With regular Nèi Gōng practice, you are beginning the journey of re-discovering your Innate Experiential/Existential Nature (Xìng 性) and your Aliveness Potential (Mìng 命). This practice also brings your subtle Energy Systems, Internal Organs, Meridians, Energy Centers (Dan Tian), and your Six Innate Minds (Yuán Xīn 元心), as well as your Energy Gates into balance – (including specific Acupuncture points, trees, rocks, waterfalls, or other places in Nature that feel just right). TAP HERE for Part One TAP HERE for Part Two   TAP HERE to Learn more about the upcoming course.   TAP HERE to Learn more about the Qi Gong Teacher Training Course   TAP HERE to see Michaels's Patreon Page