Everything that we do, see, feel, experience and think of is energy. At the most basic levels we all have this exact same energy in common, and with the proper training and focus we can begin to affect this energy in various ways. This is NOT myth or supposition. If you follow the exercises that I outline and put forth the effort and focus then you or anyone else will be able to move, experiment and play with this energy. You'll also be able to use it to increase your health, wealth and happiness on a variety of levels. In fact, you'll find that what you can do with this energy and the vast number of ways that it can be used is limited only by your own conscience and personal ethics.

This energy is known by many names in various cultures. Commonly referred to as Chi, Qi, Ki and Prana, it's also known as the "Breath of God" and "The Holy Spirit". For simplicity's sake I'm going to use the Wade-Giles translation of the Chinese word "Chi".

Chi is simply a form of bio-electrical energy. Bio-electrical energy can be easily measured in the body by using an electrocardiogram, a modern medical instrument that measures electrical energy passing through the heart. It can also be measured using an electroencephalogram, which measures the electrical energy in the brain.

With a brief explanation of how to do it, most people can begin to easily feel and even see chi without any trouble. With slightly more training they can begin to move it around within their own body, and even through other people.

Concepts to remember

"Energy follows thought" – we'll revisit this concept repeatedly throughout this book. As we get into the exercises you'll find that your chi will go wherever you send it. In most of my meditation classes it usually takes people only a matter of minutes to begin to experience this and feel it for themselves.

"Energy doesn't flow through tight muscles" – Chi is just like any other form of electricity in that resistance can decrease its flow. The less resistance you have in your body, mind and spirit the more chi you can direct for your own use. With this in mind I'll be focusing on a variety of relaxation exercises as we go.

"Everything is about Awareness and Intention" – Awareness is the ability to sense and interact with your energy and the energies around you. Intention is how you move that energy and have it do what you need it to do.

"Making incremental changes" – I'll address this concept in much more detail in a later chapter. It's important to remember that this is a path that we take to change our lives. Rather than making a few huge, unsustainable changes (such as a New Year's Resolution), on this path we actually make many small changes that gradually add up to a new life.

© 2006 Robert Morgen

  "Understanding Chi" is an excerpt from Robert Morgen's new book "Easy Meditation for Martial Artists" (ISBN: 0-9773801-3-0) which will be available in September, 2006. His book "Kundalini Awakening for Personal Mastery" (ISBN: 0-9773801-0-6) is currently available at a bookstore near you.

Robert Morgen is a Reiki Master who currently holds a Black Belt in Hoshin Roshi Ryu. He's also the founder and moderator of the Kundalini Awakening Discussion Group at https://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Kundalini

You can learn more about his books, seminars and FREE newsletter and events at https://www.robertmorgen.com