The Microcosmic Orbit is one practice that helps to achieve all of these experiences. Last week, we talked about the fundamental principles of the Microcosmic Orbit, as well as how the practice can help us to cultivate health and inner balance. Today, we’re going to shift our focus to the spiritual qualities of the practice and share a special meditation with you.
Taoism and Qi Gong is based on the understanding that each person is a microcosm of the entire universe. Therefore, as Qi Gong practitioners we can observe the cosmos in order to learn powerful lessons that we can apply in our own personal lives. In fact, the primary intention of Qi Gong is to help us embody the wisdom that constantly surrounds us.
The Microcosmic Orbit is such a wonderful practice because it allows us to really understand the nature of the universe through our own felt experience. In the cosmos, energy is constantly moving in circles. Whether it’s the earth turning on its axis, the planets spinning around the sun, or the sun spiraling around the center of the Milky Way galaxy, all things in the cosmos find equilibrium through circular motion.
As a part of the cosmos, the energy within humans is constantly circulating throughout the body. Because the Microcosmic Orbit mirrors the nature of the universe, it is also referred to as “small heavenly circles.”
When our Qi circulates smoothly throughout the Microcosmic Orbit, it becomes easier to find a peaceful and nourishing flow with the forces that surround us.
In order to help you cultivate a calm and connected state of consciousness, we decided to offer a brief Microcosmic Orbit meditation. This is an excellent practice to help you let go of stress, recharge your energy, and experience a deep sense of synergy with the universe’s energy.
In order to enjoy this meditation in a relaxed and peaceful state, we suggest that you read through the following instructions a couple of times before starting your practice. You’ll see that it’s really a simple meditation after you get the hang of it. Once you feel confident in your understanding, go ahead and close your eyes to begin.
Sit down in a chair and get comfortable. Make sure that your feet are planted on the floor and you’re seated upright with your head toward the sky.
Bring your attention to your spine and the crown of your head. Just be aware of the sensation you feel in your body as you breathe.
On your inhale, imagine yourself breathing energy from your lower abdomen up your spine to the crown of your head. On your exhale, bring that energy from the crown of your head down the front of your body until it returns to your lower abdomen.
As you breathe, pay attention to the movement of energy and the sensations you feel.
At first, it may feel subtle. However, if you really focus on your breath while imagining the energy flowing up your spine and down the front of your body, you’ll start to feel a strong sensation flowing throughout your microcosmic orbit.
You can go at whatever speed feels best to you, although usually it’s a good idea to do slow, deep breaths. If your mind starts to wander, just notice that it’s happening, and then return your focus to the energy and your breath.
As your meditation progresses, you’ll feel the sensation building throughout your body as you become charged up with Qi. You’ll also notice that your mind and body falls into a calm, yet energized state, and that stress subsides.
This releasing of stress and cultivation of energy is your body’s own natural response to finding harmony with the nature of the universe.
As you take a deep inhale, feel nourishing Qi flow up your spine and pour into your brain like a wave of healing energy. As you exhale, imagine that energy flowing down the front of your body until it gathers in your lower abdomen.
You can continue this meditation for however long you would like. Sometimes, you may only have a couple minutes, but even just a few deep, relaxing breaths can bring your body into a more harmonious and peaceful state. At other times, you may want to let yourself sink into a prolonged experience of meditative bliss.
At the end of your practice, bring the energy to your Lower Tan Tien (lower abdomen). Place your hands over that part of your body and center the energy there to take with you into the rest of your day.
In addition to letting go of stress and getting recharged with vital energy, many practitioners find that this practice allows them to gain greater mental clarity and strengthen their connection to their higher truths. Therefore, this meditation can be a great choice for whenever you want to reconnect with your path and reaffirm your life’s purpose.
We hope you enjoy this meditation as much as we do.
If you loved this meditation and want to learn more nourishing practices, be sure to check out Lee’s pre-recorded Microcosmic Orbit Workshop.
In this immersive, three-hour experience, Lee teaches a variety of meditation and movement practices that are all based on the Microcosmic Orbit. These exercises are designed to help students activate important energy channels, cultivate Qi, and open their minds to the universe’s wisdom.
This is a pre-recorded, online workshop, so you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. The Microcosmic Orbit is many practitioners’ favorite practice and is full of wonderful exercises that nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Click on the banner below to learn more and start learning today.
