Ilchi Lee's Blog, page 5

3 Mind-Body-Energy Exercises for Easing Low Back Pain

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Try these three simple meridian exercises to ease low back pain, improve energy flow, and promote overall relaxation and well-being.

Most of us have experienced an aching lower back at some point in our lives, especially if we’re older. Whether it’s a twinge of soreness after exercise or lifting something, or a chronic condition that’s potentially debilitating, 85 percent of people in the United States have felt low back pain. It’s the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition in the world. Low back pain doesn’t discriminate.

Experts recommend exercise as an important, natural approach to prevent and alleviate low back pain, including getting up and stretching as well as regular, low-impact aerobic activities. Gentle meridian exercises can also be helpful. These mindful movements coordinated with the breath:

release tension in the muscles, fascia, and jointsopen the body’s energy channelsimprove blood circulationgenerate Water Up, Fire Down energy flow.

All of these benefits are not only helpful for low back pain but also for our overall health.

Three common meridian exercises that target the pelvis and lower back can be performed lying down—even while we’re actively in pain. They ease tension and allow the body to release pain related to it. They also relax the mind, calming our experience of the pain we feel.

Try these repetitive, rhythmic exercises for yourself, being mindful to perform only those that can be executed comfortably. While they are gentle, if you have a serious condition, please consult your healthcare professional before attempting them.

1. Lying Hip Bounce

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.Place your hands palms down on the floor, slightly away from your sides. Raise your hips and waist; then return them to the floor. Bounce your hips up and down for about 5 minutes. Relax your waist and lower body while bouncing. Extend the time as you continue to practice this exercise.2. Intestine Exercise

While intestine exercise can be performed in a variety of sitting, standing, and lying down positions, in this case, lie down on your back with your legs straight or with your knees in the air and feet on the floor, whichever is more comfortable for you. Place your hands on your abdomen with your thumbs pointing toward the navel and the tips of your two index fingers touching so that your hands form a triangle. You can also do the exercise lying down with your feet on the ground, knees in the air, and hips raised all the way up to form a line from your knees to your shoulders.Inhale as you push the abdomen out until you feel pressure. Slowly and deeply pull the abdomen back in an effort to touch the spine while you exhale. For maximum effect, hold each inhalation and exhalation for two to three seconds.Repeat this movement 100 times in a rhythmic movement. As you become more proficient, you can gradually increase the number of repetitions, up to 300 or more. If you also tighten your rectal muscles during this exercise, you will be able to gather energy and to feel warmth much more quickly. If you experience pain in the intestines during the exercise, stop and gently rub the abdomen in a circular motion, massaging the intestines with your palms.3. Side to Side Knees Twist

Lie on your back. Place both arms out to the side at shoulder level, with palms facing down. Inhale, bend your knees, and put your feet on the ground, hip-width apart. Keeping your feet on the ground, turn your head to the left while lowering your knees to the right.Exhale. Turn your head to the right while raising your knees and then lowering them to the left.Then, repeat the motion to the other side.Repeat going from side to side three times.

By performing meridian exercises regularly, we can keep our muscles and joints loose and limber enough to protect and ease our lower back. As the muscles loosen, rich, oxygenated blood will flow through them better, nourishing them. The energy circulation that also results helps prevent our perception of pain or stiffness from escalating. Try adding these exercises to your daily routine and see how they can support your lower back.

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What Does It Mean to Be Spiritual?

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Spirituality invites us to reconnect with our inner selves, others, and the natural world through awareness, compassion, and perspective.

Have you ever felt a quiet longing to understand life more deeply? Beyond the roles we play and the tasks we complete, there’s something within us—a spark that connects us to one another and the universe itself. That spark is spirituality, a gift we’ve always carried within us.

Spirituality isn’t tied to religion, though it can coexist with it. It’s something that was here long before religions were formed, a natural part of being human. At its heart, spirituality is about connection—connection to ourselves, to others, and to the greater flow of life. Over time, however, this connection can fade, overshadowed by the demands of modern life or the distractions of material pursuits. But it’s always there, waiting for us to rediscover it.

The Chinese character of the word spirit (靈) offers profound insight into the essence of spirituality. Derived from the ancient practice of rain rituals, it also signifies a person connecting heaven and earth. If we look at its components—a person, three mouths (口), and four eyebrows (雨)—it suggests the importance of communication, perspective, and unity.

The three mouths reflect not only the action of eating or survival but their important role in communication. The multiple mouths remind us that spirituality is about mutual respect and consideration among all people and the mindful exchange of ideas. What we say matters because our words influence the emotions and well-being of ourselves and others. As you know, bad information can make people more unhappy than bad food.

Similarly, the four eyebrows (each with an eye) symbolize seeing beyond what’s right in front of us. They remind us to expand our perspective, to notice the bigger picture, and to approach life with insight and empathy.

This deeper awareness, however, requires quieting the noise in our minds. Practices like meditation help us pause and reconnect, allowing us to see life from a clearer, wider yet deeper, and more compassionate viewpoint.

Living with Conscience and Compassion

True spirituality is deeply connected to conscience—the inner sense of what is right and just. A good personality, grounded in conscience, reflects the spiritual value of a person. When we live with kindness and integrity, we honor the interconnectedness of all life and recognize that our actions ripple out into the world.

The Korean concept of Hongik, meaning to live for the benefit of all humanity, beautifully illustrates this idea. Those who embrace spirituality embody this principle, seeing themselves as part of a shared Earth community. They strive to care for nature, cherish all living beings, and cultivate harmony in their relationships. They seek to uplift others as well as themselves.

The character for “human” (人) offers another lesson. Its repetition five times reminds us that there are many kinds of people, and not all of them live as spiritual humans. Being a spiritual person means recognizing the inherent value of all humanity and acting in ways that honor this shared dignity.

A Call to Reflect and Reconnect

At its core, spirituality is about coming home to yourself. It’s about rediscovering the connection we have always had—with ourselves, others, and the world around us. It invites us to ask, Who am I, and what does it mean to be human?

When we approach life with mindfulness, conscience, and compassion, we can transform not only ourselves but also the world. Together, as individuals and communities, we can nurture a new era of spirituality—one that honors the true value of being human and the infinite connections we share.

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How to Stay Positive and Proactive in a World of Change

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We can face upheaval with hope and resilience by keeping our energy and consciousness bright.

I’ve been praying for the people of Los Angeles, the plants and animals, too, as I’ve watched the news of multiple, massive wildfires. My heart is saddened by this great disaster. I send the energy of courage and hope to all those affected by it.

Looking at the earth now, I see that this world is in turmoil and in pain for a new birth. At the core of loss and upheaval is change, and in change, I sense hope and resilience.

In the midst of difficulties, we can choose to hope. We can turn our consciousness and energy around and flip darkness to light. It’s brightness that will get us through tough times.

Unlike our bodies or environment, our mindset and energy do not take time to change. They can be switched from despair to hope right away if we take action with focus and determination. Small actions can make a big difference.

When the world feels chaotic, consistent daily practices that cultivate our inner light ground us and provide stability. Simple exercise and meditation routines help us not only calm the mind but also recharge the body with vital energy, preparing us to face challenges with resilience.

Daily Practices for Inner Brightness I’m Focusing on Now

Strength Training
Strengthening exercises like push-ups and pull-ups let us feel we are alive. They confirm for us that we have a body that can feel and consciousness that is aware. We can experience the vitality in our arms and legs, and this sensation can overtake and quiet our emotions and thoughts. Strengthening exercises build up our bodies and minds, as well as our confidence in taking on challenges.

Dance Qigong
Dance Qigong is one of the best Brain Education techniques for purifying our emotions and awareness. In this form of dance, we let our body flow with our inner rhythm. Although there are no set movements, we keep our heads up and chest open, not looking down. And we don’t let ourselves sink into our thoughts. Within five minutes of doing Dance Qigong, our emotions and consciousness will shift, becoming lighter and brighter, and our energy will recharge. This practice is helpful to do at the end of the day to clear out our emotions for a good night’s rest.

Acts of Kindness
Surprising our brains with unexpected moments of kindness can not only uplift others but also reinforce our own sense of agency. We can greet someone warmly or help a neighbor. I suggest trying to go beyond our comfort zone to grow the consciousness of kindness in ourselves.

Face Management
Just as we decide what clothes to wear each day, we can choose our emotional state. We can affect it by the faces we make. Test this by looking in a mirror and experimenting with different expressions. Smile, even if it feels awkward at first, and see how the mood changes. While external events may seem beyond our control, our inner world is always within our grasp. We can pick emotions that align with our needs and goals.

Harnessing the Chun Bu Kyung
As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, the ancient text, the Chun Bu Kyung contains the energy and consciousness of the source of life—of cosmic energy and universal consciousness. Our energy and consciousness can resonate with that of the Chun Bu Kyung through meditative practices such as chanting the 81 characters in the text, writing them out, or even simply listening with relaxed concentration to it being chanted. The Chun Bu Kyung can not only brighten our energy but can protect it.

Meditative Visualization
When challenges arise, we can remind ourselves of our connection to the earth and the collective human experience. Visualizing the energy of healing, courage and hope going to the earth and all its life forms can help shift our focus from worry to empowerment. The pain we see in the world—wildfires, floods, and other crises—can then be perceived from a distance as part of a larger process of growth and transformation.

Taking actions like these at least once a day lets us experience our own love and vitality. They are reminders of who we are deep down and allow us to feel our own inner resources. Charging us with bright energy, they keep us from drowning in our challenges and give us the means to shoulder burdens, rebuild lives, and foster community. This gwangmyung energy and consciousness carry us so we can thrive.

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Imagine a Bright Future with Hope and Gratitude

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Hope, imagination, and gratitude can guide us in creating a bright future in a new year filled with positivity, resilience, and purpose.

A new year has dawned. How are you feeling about it—hopeful, anxious, somewhere in between? In the nascent energy of a new year, I would like to turn your mind toward hope.

I firmly believe and have experienced that by imagining a bright future, choosing that future, and then training ourselves for it with dedication, we can create that future. This is especially true if we do so with humility, gratitude, and love toward ourselves and all others without judgment.

A bright future also depends on our firmly choosing compassionate coexistence, remembering that we are all interconnected and interdependent.

The process of creating a bright future may be familiar, especially if you’ve been reading my recent blog posts. I think it goes something like this:

Imagine a vision that stirs your heart and passion, and that is beneficial for others as well as yourself.Let your strong imagination of your vision guide your mindset to become positive, hopeful, and courageous.Your mindset and vision will determine the actions you plan out and carry out. Do them steadily with dedication while training both your body and brain to be stronger, more flexible, and better integrated.Meditate and do energy exercises to access your true self at the zero point. Surrender to this self and receive divine wisdom and energy that will guide you toward your vision and bring blessings into your life.All of these change your vibration to be bright and strong, helping your body and brain become healthier. Your brightness and strength transform the energy field around you, supporting others in choosing positivity, hope, gratitude, and love as well.Your imagination, vision, mindset, intuition, and vibration carry you through the inevitable challenges that come up when you have a goal. As you keep repeating this process, your energy and consciousness become brighter and stronger–much brighter and stronger than that of your environment, so that your energy and consciousness protect your environment. Instead of being tossed about by the craziness of life—and your ego–you hold steady toward your dream, anchored in your true self.

The most important ingredient in this process is hope. Can we imagine a positive future or have the motivation to create it if we don’t have hope? The good news is that hope is a choice. Like most fundamental mindsets, such as gratitude and love, it doesn’t need a reason to exist.

We don’t lose anything by choosing hope. Some may believe being hopeful and positive no matter the situation is unrealistic. But I think the people who are truly realistic are those who are free from past failures and transform lessons from them into positive energy to create a brighter future. They expand positive energy and identify and resolve problems with that energy. Problem-solving skills depend on one’s mindset, and they sharpen when we have a hopeful, positive attitude.

My tip for keeping a hopeful mindset is gratitude. Remembering gratitude every day, even at every moment, supports hope and positivity. Negativity shifts to positivity when we focus on what we’re grateful for.

So, as we face a new year with new possibilities and surprises, we can let our imagination soar and look forward with hope.

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From Struggle to Freedom: Aligning with the Energy of the Universe

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Discover how shifting from struggle and control to surrender and alignment with universal energy can lead to true freedom and fulfillment.

Many of us live our lives in a constant state of effort. We try to control our desires, manage our emotions, and shape the world around us to fit our expectations. This effort often feels like a struggle—a battle between what we want and what we feel we should do. Over time, this cycle can leave us feeling stuck, exhausted, and disconnected from our true selves.

But what if freedom didn’t require constant striving? What if, instead of fighting against the current, we could align ourselves with the natural flow of life and transcend the struggle altogether? This shift from control to surrender is the key to living in harmony with the energy of the universe.

The Nature of True Freedom

True freedom doesn’t come from suppressing our desires or battling against them. It comes from transcending them. When we align with the flow of universal energy, we no longer need to rely on effort or control to move through life. Instead, we are carried by a power greater than ourselves—a power that naturally resolves the conflicts and limitations we face.

Imagine a river flowing smoothly toward the sea. When we try to control the river, building dams or redirecting its course, the effort can feel endless. But when we surrender to its flow, we discover its strength and direction, and we can move with it rather than against it. This is the essence of freedom—letting go of resistance and embracing the natural energy that flows through all of existence.

Commitment to a Higher Purpose

To align with this energy, we must make a conscious choice to commit to something greater than ourselves. This commitment is not about losing our individuality but about connecting with the harmony that unites all life. When we live with intention and dedicate ourselves to universal principles, we open ourselves to receive the energy and clarity we need to transcend struggle.

This choice isn’t passive; it requires sincerity and trust. When we make this commitment, we shift from focusing on control to focusing on alignment. By doing so, we create space for transformation to occur naturally. We stop relying solely on our own efforts and begin to draw on the infinite resources of the universe.

Receiving Energy and Transcending Struggle

When we align ourselves with universal energy, we are given the strength and consciousness needed to overcome struggles. This process doesn’t involve force or suppression. Instead, it is about allowing divine energy to work within us, lifting us above the limitations of our desires and emotions.

For example, when we experience negativity or conflict, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or reactive. But by connecting with this energy, we can remain centered and calm, no matter the circumstances. This strength doesn’t come from resisting the negativity but from transcending it through alignment with a greater power.

Living in Alignment with the Original Mind

At our core, we all have what can be called the Original Mind—our truest and clearest state of being, our true self, or our zero point. This state allows us to see life without the heavy filters of judgment, fear, or self-doubt. When we live in alignment with this mind, we experience life as it truly is—pure, interconnected, and full of possibility.

Living from this state transforms not only our inner world but also our relationships and interactions. We begin to see others with compassion and understanding, free from the need to judge or control. This shift opens the door to deeper connections and a greater sense of harmony with the world around us.

The Power of Choice

Transformation begins with a single choice. When we decide to align ourselves with the energy of the universe, our brains begin to operate in harmony with that intention. This choice sets us on a new path, one where we are empowered to bring light and healing to ourselves and others.

Even small steps can have a profound impact. We can start by pausing during moments of stress to center ourselves or setting a daily intention to align with the flow of life. Over time, these choices accumulate, creating lasting change and opening us to a life of greater freedom and fulfillment.

A Life of Harmony and Connection

When we align with the energy of the universe, we transcend the constant struggle for control and discover a life of true freedom. This path doesn’t require perfection; it asks only for consistent, heartfelt effort. By making this choice, we can live with greater clarity, connection, and purpose.

Imagine a life where we are free from judgment, centered in love, and illuminated by the light of our true selves. This is the life we create when we align with the energy of the universe. It is a journey worth taking—a journey worth giving everything we’ve got.

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Letting Our Inner Light Rebuild the World

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Rise above uncertainty and fear by shining your inner light for renewed hope and joy.

Maybe you feel like the world is getting worse and worse. I know I do. That feeling gives me a constant sense of urgency, and at the same time, a calm sense of certainty. I’m certain that I will keep doing whatever I can to help the world, and I’m certain of the inner light we all have within us. I’m also very sure that shining this light is the answer to the many varied problems the earth and its creatures face.

Being the Light of Hope

I hope many people can add this resolution to their list: to reboot our brains in a way that finally allows our inner light, which is our true nature, to shine forth. Our inner light, the bright true self that everyone has inside, is what can connect us all through a giant web of light that unites all life on Earth. We can recognize this light within ourselves and resolve to shine it to the world.

In these dynamic times, uncertainty can bring fear. Rather than responding to fear by encasing ourselves in walls, we can soothe our fears with hope. A natural feeling that radiates from our inner light, hope can be shared. Once we realize light and hope within ourselves, we can be a beacon of hope for others, shining positivity and encouragement whenever we can. Yes, the hard realities cannot be avoided, but from difficult times, beautiful realities can grow.

Cultivating a Bright Consciousness

Letting our inner light shine is just a matter of dropping our false selves. Our egos and any false inner narratives we have cover up the bright inner light that already exists as our authentic being. Recognizing this fact diminishes our ego’s power so our light can shine outward in all its glory.

In the Tao philosophy that I teach, this light in Korean is called gwangmyung. It’s the bright, pure light from the source of all life. Rather than our names, accomplishments, or bank balance, gwangmyung is our essence. Realizing this fact and living according to it will make us become powerful in the truest, most positive sense.

Moving Toward a Better World

Certainly, we have a lot of work to do to make the world better than it was before. Each one of us has a role to play in this process. In addition to resolving to live according to our inner light, we can ask ourselves what we want to do with this life and the powerful light we’ve been given.

The answer to that question that fills us with immense joy and satisfaction is also the best answer for the world. The goals we set based on those answers align with our inner light—our true selves. With these goals, we can bring healing to the world and create a whole new culture for humanity.

However many years we have left here on Earth, we still have so much to give to humanity and the planet. Even more importantly, we still have time to open up and uncover the bright light we hold inside. Our lives are the greatest gift to ourselves and to all the other beings who share this planet because we are the ones who can act with choice and purpose. We can choose to live as the beam of bright light that we are. Let’s start healing ourselves, loving ourselves, and making each other happy. It’s all possible with the light of gwangmyung.

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Why Enlightenment Isn’t About Being Perfect: A Story of Buddha

Our misconceptions about what it means to be spiritual may be hindering our spiritual growth.

When people think of someone “spiritual” or “enlightened,” they often envision someone who seems perfect. They picture a person who remains calm and compassionate, doesn’t suffer from worries or troubles, and always knows the right thing to do.

If they themselves don’t match this perception, they may look down on themselves and become discouraged. They may feel like they don’t measure up to their ideals. People with such ideas may also judge others, especially those who act as spiritual teachers or leaders. Seeing only a small part of what those teachers think and do from afar, they may view them as ungenuine.

To those people, I like to tell this story about Buddha:

Among Buddha’s disciples, there was one named Devadatta. He was a close cousin of Buddha and a very promising disciple. One day, Buddha went on a trip, leaving the ashram in Devadatta’s care. While Buddha was gone, Devadatta rose against him, caused a division among Buddha’s sangha, and left with half of Buddha’s disciples.

There was another disciple called Ananda. He was one of Buddha’s closest disciples and was truly faithful. Although Buddha appeared magnificent when communicating the laws and principles of Buddhism, Ananda saw Buddha suffer from the aftermath of Devadatta’s betrayal and felt that Buddha was no different from an ordinary man. This troubled him greatly. He saw his teacher get angry, experience regret, make mistakes, and suffer in pain. So, one day, he asked, “Buddha, are you truly Buddha? You are an enlightened being, and an enlightened person always has a devout disposition, is always at peace, and is always compassionate. But I see you in anguish and conflict. This is what troubles me. How can one who has achieved Buddhahood be in anguish?”

Upon hearing this, Buddha asked, “Ananda, do you believe in me?” Buddha posed this question to provoke Ananda to examine his own mind. Knowing that Ananda’s question came from a place of seeking truth and love for his teacher—not out of spite or misjudgment—Buddha explained, “Listen carefully. Anguish is no different from Buddhahood. My anguish does not come from my ego. It comes from a place of compassion, wondering how I can save my fellow humans.”

What Is the Root?

This distinction is important. Regardless of how much work we have done on ourselves, we will have thoughts and emotions; we will struggle. But what is the source of our thoughts and emotions? What is driving our actions? Do they stem from our true selves—our divinity? Or are they mired in our egos?

A preconception of how our true selves should look or feel is simply another construct of our egos. It is not actually our true selves. Judgment about how we measure up is also a characteristic of our egos.

Our true selves are perfect. Our efforts to express them in the real world, however, rarely are. We all make mistakes. I think what’s important is being honest with ourselves and continuing to try. I strive to reduce the number of errors I make and agonize over how I can achieve my goals well. Regardless of our trials or mistakes, if we stay on the path to fully embodying our true selves, that’s the greatest enlightenment and genuine spirituality.

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Embrace Divine Light: A Path to Inner Peace, Love, and Wisdom

Connect with yang, or divine light, to nurture inner peace, love, and respect and to create a brighter future.

On the last night of November, I sat meditating and chanting the Chun Bu Kyung. An ancient Asian text of 81 characters, the Chun Bu Kyung carries the wisdom of the universe as well as the brightest, purest energy. Interacting with it—whether through chanting or other practices—brings this energy and wisdom to us.

I’ve chanted the Chun Bu Kyung countless times. But on that night, I felt a great light descend into me. I discerned that this powerful energy matched the energy of the Chun Bu Kyung character yang. The energy of yang didn’t just come down to me; it descended to the whole planet and has continued to do so. I suspect it will for the rest of 2024. So, I wanted to share this energy with you.

What Is Yang?

Yang means great light. It’s not just any light, though; it is divine light. Yang can be put together with other words to make taeyang, or sunlight, and yangshim, or conscience.

We all have divine light; it’s part of who we are and where the voice of our conscience comes from. If we connect to and follow yang, we will express our true selves. We will be unconditional love and naturally feel peace and tranquility. Connecting with yang is a way to love and respect ourselves. On the flip side, loving and respecting ourselves grows the light of our divinity, helping to reveal its brightness.

The opposite of the light of divinity is the light of ego. Turning away from the divine light within, away from our conscience, feeds the light of our ego, which only fosters blame—directed at others, the environment, and circumstances in all directions. Ultimately, this chokes our own life force. When our life force is stifled, our bodies and brains lose their direction, our judgment becomes clouded, and our self-esteem diminishes, making it difficult to respect and love others. In such a state, our spiritual connection withers over time.

What Should We Do?

Understanding the nature of yang is just the first step. To truly harness this divine light, we must actively connect with it in our daily lives. So, in this time of yang, turn to the light. Receive it and follow its wisdom.

Here is a meditation to help you:

Close your eyes and visualize a bright light descending from the heavens, entering through the top of your head, flowing through your entire body, and grounding into the center of the earth. Feel this light recharging your energy, making it brighter and more vibrant. Let its warmth bring a smile to your face.Now, turn your attention inward and ask yourself, “Who am I?” Notice what answer(s) pop into your mind. Acknowledge these answers with gratitude. Next, ask, “Who do I wish to become?” Allow your inner light to reveal a vision of your desired self. See this vision clearly in your mind’s eye or feel the state you wish to embody.Then ask: “What can I do right now, and what will I do?” Keep asking and observing your answers. Let them help you determine what you really want, especially, what your divine light is guiding you toward.Whatever comes to your mind, treat it with respect, reverence, and gratitude. This mindset, which matches our true selves, will tune more of our disparate parts, especially our ego, to our divine light.Conclude this meditation by taking three deep, grounding breaths.

After growing our yang, we can share it with the world. When we restore respect and love for ourselves, that love can extend to others and uplift our surroundings. If we truly know ourselves and can share ourselves with the world, the universe becomes our blessings and love.

Our choices today will change the destiny of 2025. Through imagination, choice, and action, our love will grow, and that love will change ourselves and the world. Together, through love and light, we can shape a future filled with hope and peace.

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Chakra Gratitude Affirmations to Transform Your Energy, Transform Your Life

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By focusing gratitude on each chakra, you infuse every aspect of your life with positivity and healing.

If you have done much spiritual study, you probably already know that gratitude is an essential spiritual attitude. Without gratitude, our minds naturally focus on the negative until negativity becomes an ingrained habit, and the gift of life and the possibility for growth is lost to us. Typically, gratitude practice focuses on the external features of our lives—being grateful for the abundance we have, seeing struggle as an opportunity for growth, and so forth. But what if we were able to transmit gratitude right into your own energy system?

Chakra affirmations are a way to make sure all aspects of your life are soaked in an attitude of gratitude. The chakras, as you may know, are the centers within your physical body that regulate the flow of different types of energy in and out of your life. By focusing on each chakra as you transmit gratitude, you ensure that every area of your life is receiving your blessing and your positivity. And, this practice can help you heal your chakras, which often carry unresolved pain and trauma from the past.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of chakras, I recommend reading an article or two about them so that you understand the nature of each of the seven chakras. Although you could do these at any time, you might also want to do some relaxation, meditation, or focusing exercises before you begin. You may also wish to place your hands upon each chakra as you repeat these affirmations. I recommend that you start with the simple affirmations offered below, and then later adapt and revise them to be more specific to your individual situation and level of understanding:

First Chakra (Root)
“Thank you for my life. Thanks to you, I am living the adventure of growth of the soul. Thank you to my birth parents and to all who nurtured my mind and body in infancy and childhood. Thank you for giving me my foundation and my confidence.”Second Chakra (Sacral)
“Thank you for my creative power. Thank you for my fertility of both mind and body. Thank you for the fire in the belly that gives motion and energy to everything that I do. Thank you for my physical strength and for my increasing health and wellbeing.”Third Chakra (Solar Plexus)
“Thank you for my willpower. Thank you for the hope that you give to my life and to the world, and for the potential for growth and change that you provide. Thank you for the inner power that I draw from you and for the goals that you allow me to achieve.”Fourth Chakra (Heart)
“Thank you for my ability to love and to connect to others. Thank you for all the emotions, both positive and negative, that give richness to my life. Thank you for my capacity for forgiveness and acceptance. Thank you for my compassion and my empathy. Thank you for my sincere desire to connect to my soul.”Fifth Chakra (Throat)
“Thank you for my voice. Thank you for my ability to sing and to laugh and to express joy. Thank you also for my ability to cry and to express my sorrow. Thank you for my ability to speak my truth with confidence and honesty.”Sixth Chakra (Third Eye)
“Thank you for my intuition. Thank you for my ever-expanding awareness and for the wisdom that you bring. Thank you for the many insights that you give to help me on my way through life, and thank you for the ability to perceive something grander than this temporary life.”Seventh Chakra (Crown)
“Thank you for my true self. Thank you for this precious opportunity for completion and for the capacity for true enlightenment. Thank you for the soul that raises me above the limitations of a life lived only for the physical body. Thank you for the bliss I feel in my meetings with the divinity within.”Enjoy Ilchi Lee’s blog posts?

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Connecting to the Universe

Chakra affirmations are not simply for narcissistic purposes. Yes, they can help you heal individually, but, ultimately, your chakras are not just about you; they connect you to the vast energetic system that permeates the universe. By healing your chakras and feeling deep gratitude for them, you are also improving your connection to the flow of universal energy in general. Through your root chakra, you are rooted in the earth, not unlike a towering oak tree.

Through your crown chakra, you are connected to the unseen spiritual realm. And, all the other chakras connect you to other souls and to the journey you are experiencing on this plane. Your energy system is an important part of the miracle that is your life, and it is worthy of genuine expressions of gratitude.

If you would like to understand and connect to your chakras more deeply through principles and energy practice, I invite you to look at my book, Healing Chakras: Awaken Your Body’s Energy System for Complete Health, Happiness, and Peace.

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3 Natural Principles for Balancing the Self and the Collective

[Photo by FG Trade via iStockPhoto]

By understanding and applying three natural principles, we can harmonize our true and false selves while fostering balance between individual growth and collective well-being.

In every aspect of our lives, we experience a dynamic interplay between our individual needs and desires and those of the collective. We are deeply interconnected—not only with other human beings but also with the Earth and all living things. At the same time, we each express a unique aspect of life, contributing to the world in ways big or small.

This same dynamic exists within us. At the center of ourselves lies what I call the true self—a consciousness and energy that existed before we were born and will continue to exist after we pass. This true self is part of the flow and creation of life, the potential that underpins everything. Surrounding the true self is what we’ve learned and taken on throughout our lives, which I refer to as the false self, the small self, or the ego. While we need this small self to navigate the world, we often wonder: how can our true self and false self work in harmony?

I believe there are three natural principles that can help us understand the relationship between the self and the collective, as well as the interplay between our true and small selves. These principles can guide our choices, relationships, and goals, fostering balance and well-being for both ourselves and the communities we’re part of.

Exploring the Three Principles

1. Revolution vs. Rotation
Just as the earth revolves around the sun while rotating on its axis, our lives reflect a balance between personal growth and contributing to a shared greater purpose. Revolution represents our alignment with a central goal or value, while rotation symbolizes our individual progress. Importantly, revolution must take precedence—prioritizing the greater good ensures that our personal growth supports a larger harmony. Without this balance, focusing solely on our self-interests risks disrupting the larger system we’re part of.

2. Centripetal vs. Centrifugal Forces
When something rotates, two forces come into play: centripetal force, which pulls it toward the center, and centrifugal force, which pushes it outward. These forces must remain in balance for the system to stay stable. In our lives, centripetal force can represent community and connection, while centrifugal force symbolizes individuality and the ego. If we only focus on our own needs (centrifugal), we risk becoming disconnected. If we prioritize the collective to the detriment of ourselves (centripetal), we can lose our individuality. Achieving balance between these forces allows us to thrive as individuals within a harmonious community.

Think of swinging a rock with a sling. The centripetal force keeps the rock in orbit, while the centrifugal force maintains momentum. Without both forces in balance, the rock would either fly off or fall inward. Similarly, we need both personal freedom and connection to live fulfilling lives.

3. Fairness vs. Equality
Fairness and equality are often used interchangeably, but they serve distinct roles. Fairness recognizes individual differences—in abilities, contributions, and circumstances—and seeks to provide what each person needs to succeed. Equality ensures that everyone has an equal starting point. When fairness is prioritized over equality, it allows for realistic and compassionate solutions that consider each person’s unique situation. For example, giving the same amount of food to a child and an adult might seem equal, but fairness would adjust the portions based on their different needs.

Fairness fosters trust and respect, paving the way for a balanced and thriving society. When fairness precedes equality, it creates a foundation where honesty, diligence, and responsibility can flourish.

Applying These Natural Principles in Life

These principles aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re at work all around us. Consider the human body: each cell has the potential to become anything, but it aligns its choices with the needs of the whole. This self-organizing system allows the body to function harmoniously. Similarly, our acquired self aligns with our true self when we consciously follow these principles, creating balance and purpose in our lives.

When we lose connection to our true selves, we may feel scattered or question our purpose. Re-centering on our true selves—the steady force at the heart of our being—helps us navigate life with clarity and intention. By living in alignment with these natural principles, we can strengthen both our inner and outer relationships, fostering a sense of harmony and fulfillment.

These principles remind us that we’re all part of a larger whole, interconnected yet unique—just as we began by acknowledging the push and pull between individuality and the collective, so too do we find that balance in the relationship between our true selves and the world around us. By honoring both the self and the collective, we can create lives that are balanced, meaningful, and aligned with the natural flow of existence.

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