Active Meditation, Moving Energy
Andean and Eastern techniques to spirituality have many points in common. The one point that I think differentiates, is the meditation aspect. From what I have been taught and understand, the Eastern teachings are more focused toward stilllnes and silence. I remember when some of my earlier teachers tried to get me to meditate, and create stillness. I often felt frustration and failed miserable. Sound familiar? There are other approaches that are equally effective, that don’t require that same disciplined stillness. Huge difference….
The Andean approach teaching something — that doesn’t translate directly – forcing the kawsey. Andean/ Inca approach deals a little more with moving energy, rather than stillness. I was taught that it is the feminine- to the Asian-masculine. When “meditating” or working with energy, I was taught, rather than to “wrestle” with the thoughts/ images that come up– attempting to restore tranquility,.. to just allow them to pass. sort of. If it is negative/hucha/heavy.. then we release it to Pachamama (who will recycle it). In the Andean cosmology, they don’t really have a concept for evil, therefore releasing the heaviness is a gift to the Earth. The hucha is a low dense energy, but Pachamama will transform it into food- much like the biological cycles. 😉
Anyway- rather than wrestling with our thoughts, I was taught to allow them to pass. They are part of some process, of things that are arising, or being released. I suppose this might be a touch of a Taoist, or Wu-wei sort of concept (?). I think the idea is that by wrestling and “repressing’ or denying them, it attaches more energy into them. Whereas by noticing it, acknowledging it and releasing it to Pachamama, with the intent of letting it go, can be very powerful with less “work.”
Additionally, with active and nature meditation, we can learn how to “source” from Nature and natural sources of energy: the elements and higher planes. Those sources of energy are pure and nourishing. They can also be like eating healthy nutritious food. That nourishment is grounding and soothing, rather than turbulent and chaotic. This feeds into the cycle of relaxed awareness, both of self and surroundings.
However, the Andean approach isn’t as much about “stillness.” This is probably why it has such an appeal for me. I truly suck at meditating. 🙂 I can find that focus and clarity when working with energy, or doing breathwork- but staring at a candle and breathing? Not happening 🙂 This isn’t to say it isn’t effective, potent or valid. I just happen to suck at this approach. It has to do with learning styles and temperaments. I find better stillness and clarity and tranquility through movement and something that is more actively engaged.
I do understand and appreciate the benefits of more bona fide meditation. I just honour the idea that based on genuine differences in learning styles- it is not the optimal approach for everyone. 🙂
Both ways work- the goal is to heal the spirit, or soul- the method isn’t as important as the healing result. Either way, the spirit is healed, and you become whole. The past and the wound no longer continue to inform the present. When this happens, you can be informed by your highest self, your soul, the Universe, or God. This is what is known as stepping onto your soul path. When you do this, the path aligns itself in front of you and you are in balance with yourself. Things feel more settled, and there is clarity. This doesn’t mean it never wobbles. But when we know what balance looks like, and feels like, it is easier to regain.
I am an Education Specialist, Health Coach and Author. I work with aspects of the teachings I have learned from Andean shamanic and cosmology, to health, nutrition and education. Everything is energy. Energy must flow. Like water, when it does not flow, it stagnates and is not healthy. These techniques help your life to flow. I have been initiated into many of the ancient lineages and learned ceremonies, rites of passage and healing techniques. I have worked as a healer and done workshops and taught some of these aspects – passing the teachings on.
Author of:
Dancing in Your Bubble : ancient teaching, modern healing
Natural Support for Alzheimer’s
Getting a Handle on Happy : find and fix causes of stress and depression
The Naturally Smarter Kid : a parent’s guide to helping kids succeed in school and life
Cafe of the Hungry Ghosts : behind the veil of ordinary – a paranormal-ish fiction book
http://BeingHerd.com
http://repairalz.com
