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Cosmic Fusion
Secret of Breathing and Relaxation
The essential role of the quality of breathing in all the practices is to
enhance detoxification and cleansing, to create new space and
openness towards the universe (in the exhale) and to fill the body
with new energies and forces, by receiving, enriching and transforming
Chi (the life or vital force). Breathing is central to the Taoist
practice.
Changes in the quality of breathing from a short, superficial and
agitated breath in the upper part of the body to a long, deep and
quiet breath in the lower center/ Tan Tien of the body are crucial to
the process of inner transformation. This is so because breathing
is the bridge between consciousness and the body, and in the
breathing process both the body and our awareness change.
The quality of breathing plays a crucial role in the processing
and transformation of emotions which is a central theme in the
Fusion Practices through the transformation of negative into positive
emotions (Fusion of the Five Elements) and the cultivation of
positive emotions (Cosmic Fusion). The emphasis in Taoist practice
on self-healing is intimately related to the growth of self-awareness
with regard to one’s pattern of breathing as this determines
the ability to regulate, control and balance emotions.
The Inner Smile practice as well as the Healing Sounds practice,
designed to balance the negative and positive properties of
the organs, are essential as a preparatory practice to the Fusion
Practice.
Lower Tan Tien
Fig. 9.6 Smile to the Lungs.
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