Archive for the 'Paths of Power' Category

The Power of Commitment

Perfecting an art and completing any journey requires commitment. Commitment holds us through to gaining the necessary experience which we then reflect upon and refine into skill. Skill keeps the ball rolling and perpetuates the development of real world applicable knowledge – and this positive cycle continues.

The journey of deep understanding, mastery of the self, empowerment, realization, enlightenment or where ever it is that our own personal mountain peak may be, becomes clearer as we advance, because we gain skill, knowledge and technique. Our mind has already learned to move beyond certain limits and discovered experiences that it could once only imagine. We build on prior experiences, we extrapolate from our skills, exploring tangents, working on grander ideas and simpler methods. We develop guidelines, rules and structures which we have proven to ourselves work time and time again in the real world. These rules give us stability, they provide us with a knowing that we have a partial map of how to get to our destination.

Without commitment however, all the rules change.

Commitment is what will see us standing by our game when skill fails us. It will see us being steadfast when the world is seemingly against us. Commitment is what will give us the humility to honestly look at ourselves. It is what will give us the strength to surrender the parts of ourselves that no longer serve.

There will be times on the path when it seems like all our teachings, knowledge and understanding have failed us. Perhaps there will be many times. Look down at your feet and just concentrate on taking the next step.

In this moment here and now commitment is just taking that next step.

We talk about empowerment. We talk about enlightenment, magic, healing, self-mastery and personal development. The real magic is commitment. When we find ourselves at the very last step of our lives and we look back at everything that we have experienced and reflect on the directions that we have chosen, we will know that what brought us to this final step was commitment. The question is not whether commitment was there – it is whether we have been committed to what is important to us.

Have we lived lives that are integral to us or have we forgotten our meaning? Are we truly okay with our compromises? Or do we wish for more?

Commitment is power when we are committed to purpose and meaning.

If we seek greater intimacy in our relationships, more passion in work, enhanced spiritual awareness or connection to meaning and purpose – commitment is what will have us standing at the pinnacle of those goals.

Seekers may argue over the relevancy of different types of technique and skill, and even masters may quibble over the specifics of knowledge and concept. That’s just the way it is. There are many ways up the mountain. Even half way up there will be people who tell us we’re going the wrong way, “that you need to climb up the other side!” Or that perhaps we are climbing the wrong mountain. The one thing that cannot be denied however, is that the journey takes commitment to succeed. And interestingly the details of right and wrong will usually become apparent as we continue the journey. At times we may even turn completely around and head the other way only to find that we are closer to what we truly wanted after all. There are many mountains. What is important is that we climb somewhere and continue to climb. Through this journey we connect to the source of who we are.

Hieu Doan

The Power of Flow – Unlock the Knowledge of Enlightenment and Meditation

The power of flow comes from the opportunity it affords us to understand cause and effect and therefore reality. Flow is a tool, it is a method to understand the way we interact with the world, energy, emotions, people, the universe, thoughts and so on. We move with the frequency of these energies and in moving with them we understand what makes them what they are. In this moment of becoming one we flow and we gain opportunity. We can choose to enhance this energy, we can choose to dissipate it or we can choose to allow it to be. What we choose is ultimately decided by where we are going in life. What flow does is afford us the opportunity to have greater freedom of choice. It allows us to transform our feelings, emotions, energies and thoughts so that they are congruent with our “higher” purpose and so move into our own power.

When we can choose what we feel and what we think – when we can choose to feel at peace with our inner world, then we no longer struggle with the external world around us. The more power we have within, the less we need to control or struggle with the outside. As a result the choices and experiences that we make and have in the external world can become congruent with how we feel inside.

All emotions, feelings and thoughts are energy. When we can find flow in the energy of apathy then we will not be a prisoner of stagnation. When we can find flow in confusion then we can realize clarity. The same principles can move us from anger to inspiration, despair to compassion and so on. We no longer need to avoid learning because we don’t like failure. We simply learn to transform the energetic signature of failure into inspiration. We no longer need to go without experiencing potential because of apathy, we simply learn to transform the frequency of apathy into passion, inspiration or discipline.

The journey that we are on becomes easier and infinitely more enjoyable when our inner self is not at war with itself. A mind without limiting beliefs, emotions and thoughts is a powerful mind indeed because all that was once against is now in full support. When the mind is unified then inner victory is assured.

Remember that flow is a principle. The shape and feel of flow will change, but the principle stays the same. For example, to go with the flow of resistance means that we need to become the resistance – and the first level will feel like we are resisting. It will feel like full blown resistance! To go with the flow of pain we need to become the pain. It often feels as if the pain actually intensifies. What is actually happening is that our mind is becoming more acutely aware. This awareness has the capacity to open up into the realization of flow.

When our mind matches the exact frequency of that which we are seeking to flow with then it’s as if a key opens up the door to it’s inner self. Our minds have learnt to penetrate the external form to experience the inner flow. At this point the mind transcends this particular energy, emotion, thought form or feeling as a form of resistance, pain or obstacle at all. It no longer has a hold on us. We see it and feel it. We are fully and acutely aware of it and yet we are not attached to it because our mind has experienced reality beyond it.

Imagine not needing to feel a certain way when the body releases the sensation of anger. Imagine not needing to feel a certain way when the body expresses the sensation of hate, or apathy, stagnation or inner struggle. Instead of being the puppet who is pulled on strings each time certain emotions are released, we become the master who is able to experience what we choose at any time we choose. We then experience the reality that has not been the world and other people that make us feel the way we feel, it has been us all along. We simply haven’t had the freedom to choose our inner reality.

We are not actually seeking to create flow. It already exists. We are learning to listen for the flow within all things whether seemingly solid, stubbornly resistant, righteously angry, joyously happy, deliriously hateful or lethargically apathetic. Even the most immovable of emotions, pain or thoughts has within it flow. A rock at it’s surface seems static, yet at a deeper level it is made of the same atoms that we are made of. There is always movement present.

The realization of flow happens when we let go of the restrictions in-between. That restriction may be a knot in the muscle, it may be a perception in the mind – but it is interesting that a knot in a muscle can be released by moving the mind deeply into it, becoming it and dissolving the tension. At it’s core all flow is realized when the mind becomes aware of it.

Exploring resistance, playing with it, finding ways to open it, shift ourselves around it, moving in and out of it we start to get the gist of what is resistance and what is flow.

Think of a block of ice. For water to get to the core of that ice the ice needs to melt or provide some way through. Our perceptions create barriers like the ice – they are unable to connect to frequencies that are like water. When our minds and bodies are open and receptive then we are able to feel more. If we are not feeling empowered it is because we are blocking or restricting the flow of the frequency of empowerment. We are stopping ourselves from perceiving it and therefore being it.

When our mind is stuck in a pattern of thought, feeling or emotion then it is unable to connect to what is outside this pattern. This pattern is like a “box”. Greater opportunity is found in an unlimited mind, flow trains the mind to move around limits and so directly leads to empowerment.

Reality because it is always changing and different is formless. A pattern or “box” on the other hand is a form. It is our personality or mind or body trying to conform into what we think is “right”. The flow keeps moving and we keep bring our mind back to the “shape” or pattern we are used to. And so we keep missing the power within us. We become so attached to how power should be that we hide our eyes from where it actually is.

It is impossible to grasp the universe or the world for that matter and put it into a box. It is a constantly changing and evolving thing. When our mind creates a set of limiting beliefs it simply creates a box. The universe around us still exists in it’s infinite opportunity but everything we see is a perception out of that box. Damn!

The funny thing is, being “stuck” is also an illusion – as the mind believes or perceives itself to being stuck – so will it be. By bringing the mind to the realization of “movement”, the perception of flow has already begun. Continuing on this path we begin to realize that flow has been there all along. It was that we had “frozen” our minds to the perception or illusion of being “stuck”.

Emotions and feelings, sensations and thoughts are consciousness. Imagine that we use 90% of our resources, conscious and unconscious to hold them back. This leaves 10% to direct and fuel us to where we want to go. When we allow all those emotions, feelings, sensations and thoughts to flow we can then use 90% or even 100% our energy to direct us where we want to go. Many people believe that if they let go of trying to hold back all their “stuff” things will get out of control. It’s actually the opposite – all the repression leads to loss of control and very little energy to truly be or even remember what we want to be. When we let go at first there is a mad rush – like all this water coming out of a dam. Then it slows down and we see that we can swim easily where we want to go. Before it is released all that energy is like the dam – trying to hold it all in.

Some resistance is rigid and obvious. Some resistance is subtle and hidden. The practice of simple awareness opens us to the availability of resistance. Acknowledging where it is the first step to doing something with it. The practical application of flow begins with observation. Observing ourselves allows us to see where we have created these “dams” these areas of resistance. By observing objectively, feeling them and sensing them we learn to let them flow. It is actually by doing nothing that the “dams” and resistance begin to dissolve – then we have realization of flow. In the beginning when we begin this practice we realize that we have been using all our effort to keep these blockages in place. This is what it means to “let go”, “surrender” and “accept.” This is a very receptive energy – a yin energy. Then when we begin to swim, we bring forth an active or yang energy. The balance between resistance and flow is the key to creating a life of our choosing.

Hieu Doan

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The Power of Resistance – Forging a Mind for Piercing through Opposition

Guided resistance is what brings us to our goals.

Resistance defines a direction out of the pure flow that is reality. It is the necessary “friction” that steers our mind and therefore our life. Resistance is the counter balance of flow. Learning to blend these two elements is how we accurately and effectively create our life purpose.

Understanding resistance allows us to give form to our path, it allows our steps to have direction and shape, it is what we use to create a journey of purpose and meaning.

Essentially resistance is about choices. We express what is meaningful to us by choosing the paths that have reason and purpose and leaving the paths that do not. This is guided resistance. Resistance is also what is needed to transform patterns and beliefs that no longer serve us. Finding the right balance of flow and resistance allows us to understand how to divert an object be that emotion, thought or feeling from it’s current course and into a new direction.

Application of resistance for best results is something that must be understood through experience. Sometimes we would benefit from an intense burst of resistance. Like taking massive action to get ourselves motivated and moving. In the long term however a balanced and sustained approach is what will prevent burn-out. Rather than meeting a force head on, we apply resistance at points that we understand to have the most significance and that will result in maximum results with minimum energy used. In a sense we are understanding how to use leverage to move and transform our minds. In the long run sustained action will prevail over bursts of inspiration. This being said however there may well be times when we choose to experience high intensity in order to grow in other ways. Opportunity for realizing power is present in every moment.

The most basic focusing meditation teaches us to leave everything as it is and simply hold our mind on the object of focus. Even this basic exercise contains within it the principles of balancing resistance with flow. The foundation of this practice is to allow all extraneous forces to simply be as they are – to not let the mind be involved in their struggles. We do not seek to play or communicate with the chattering mind, we do not feed limiting emotions, thoughts or feelings. We just let things be as they are. This is the principle of flow in action. At the same time we have an objective. We are focusing on an object be it our breath, the building of inner strength or clarity. This focus is direction, it is resistance.

As we advance in practice we develop the experience to know how much to give (resistance) and how much to take (flow). This sensitivity can only be gained from actual practical experience. We need to feel the pull of the opposing and contradictory forces of flow and resistance and how they affect us achieving our goal. The exact same principles are expressed in any journey of self-growth. As we learn to refine our application of the principles we will experience a reality that is congruent with our desires.

The balance of resistance and flow is the balance that allows us to reconcile self-acceptance and striving for more than what is. These two contradictory forces pull us in seemingly opposite directions. Self-acceptance seeks to accept what is. Striving for more seeks just that – more than what is.

Sensitive guiding of resistance is the practical application of looking honesty at what we are not and what we choose to become – and then tempering this with acceptance and compassion.

It is the accepting of the process even while extending ourselves toward all that we dream for. Interestingly it has been said that one of the last things that Buddha needed to let go of was his craving for enlightenment (or it could be argued his aversion to suffering!). The irony can be seen here however because it was this very desire for enlightenment that brought him to that point.

With acceptance and compassion we avoid beating ourselves up for not being everything that we want to be today and right now. With honest appraisal of where and who we want to be we give ourselves the opportunity to actually acknowledge and therefore create what we want.

If self growth is something that we desire then developing resistance is something that is necessary to the path – even if the destination of that path is one of non-resistance. Resistance is our vigilance that keeps us on track. Resistance is what allows us to stretch in new directions and explore potential and possibility.

Developing the mind to be able to move from fierce resistance to gentle means at will means that we will have more choices. We will have greater flexibility. For example the blend of flow and resistance when meditating in a quiet room is one thing, but a different combination of flow and resistance is needed when accessing this mind-state when we are sleep deprived and catering to a room of crying babies! Similarly the blend used when creating a mind state of enthusiasm and initiative will be different than when creating a mind state of deep peace. We need to work our capacities of flow and resistance within their respective ranges of motion. This is what brings these concepts more and more into practical and usable reality. Other wise a common situation is that people find that they are able to focus well in one or two environments, but that they “lose” their mind in others.

Make it a staple to first work with the mind in a quiet space. We want to stack the cards in our favor! Then we would explore practicing the same exercise when we are highly agitated, angry or sleepy. Likewise we could practice in a busy, bustling room full of people or on a train, or while our boss is screaming at us. We can even do it while talking to people. Each situation trains the mind to find different ratios and balances of resistance and flow.

Understand what it is that you wish to achieve in each experience and extend and direct your mind and energy accordingly.

In the context of realization, resistance is the part of the mind that “holds” the imagination or visualization. Flow is the part of the mind that balances this by keeping the resistance as effortless as possible. Expressing the two seamlessly is what gives us power.

Hieu Doan

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The Power of Honesty – The Secret of Unlocking the Ultimate Power of Your Mind

Honesty is integral for achieving real empowerment.

Without honesty we never really know what we truly want. Dishonesty within, will struggle against any developments in awareness. The two are fundamental opposites. To be honest with ourselves means to listen and see – even when what we hear and see is not particularly to our liking. It is the difference between telling ourselves what we like, want and feel – and listening to what we actually like, want and feel.

Honesty is the reality as it is, not as we want it to be.

Without looking and perceiving clearly what reality is here and now, we are living in delusion – a state which must be cleared before the path to our destination becomes clear. We need to start where we are. We must listen to the many voices that speak within us. The many feelings that rise to be heard – and then we must ask what is the meaning of this communication?

When we create an internal governor, an entity or aspect of our mind that will stand for the purpose and meaning for our highest good, then we have the opportunity to bring understanding and unity to the other selves. First we must hear them speak, and to truly hear we must be willing to be honest.

Honesty reveals the way through and to all levels of the self.

Perhaps one aspect of the self is restless or agitated. In listening we will understand why there has been struggle in this area, and so we gain the opportunity to resolve and reconcile. This cohesion brings inner peace at this level. Perhaps another part is grieving and in listening honestly, we gain the opportunity to understand why it is grieving, and so we gain the opportunity to find healing.

Without honesty we choose to live in the dark and yet wonder why the feelings, thoughts and reality that we have are not the ones we want. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is truly insane. In being honest we allow ourselves to look and see the cause and effect of our actions. We gain the opportunity to ask: “Is this what I truly want? Or do I desire a change in paths?”

Honesty is congruent with the development of observation and self-awareness. On one level honesty is admitting that we do indeed desire a particular experience, be that emotional, physical or mental. On another level observation may show us whether or not the path we are on will likely bring us that experience. If for example we seek empowerment, are the choices and actions we take supporting the creation of that reality? Are we feeling more empowered overall than we were last year? If we would like to have more fulfilling relationships, are the choices and actions that we have taken supporting the reality of this desire? Are we experiencing more fulfillment here and now than we have in the past?

Honesty allows us to achieve results in a concrete way. Rather than hoping that chance will throw a bone our way, we systematically learn to know ourselves and understand the nature of cause and effect. Understanding brings empowerment.

Mechanically speaking honesty is easy. It is the simplest way to true fulfillment. In practice it is challenging because of pride.

If we do not want to “lose”, then we may hold back from admitting that we already have. Until we allow ourselves to look honestly at what is actually happening here and now, we don’t have a chance of creating our reality with any conscious direction. It all just keeps rolling from the product of our past patterns and reactions.

The honesty path although it may require us to look at some truths that sting, actually allows us to create a life that is imbued with experiences that contain for us meaning and purpose. In retrospect the sting of honesty will be like water off a ducks back. It’s this experience that allows people to genuinely laugh at themselves, because they have elevated themselves above the part of their ego that would do anything to avoid that sting, that feeling of loss.

In letting that part lose, we actually win – big time.

We laugh because we experience real inner victory. We see what we have gained and realize the experience of that sting of pride for what it is. No big deal.

In the long run we gain exponentially more by allowing ourselves to grow than holding ourselves back. At the top of the mountain the pride that we gain from having achieved so much far outweighs any pride lost in the journey. Furthermore the journey itself has shown us the transient nature of pride itself – and so we learn to laugh at ourselves, because we can see that regardless of our “flaws” and “foibles” we are capable of climbing mountains!

Be honest about your strengths and be honest about your weaknesses. Each has the capacity to help the other.

Admitting that things have not worked out, that our “causes” have not had the “effects” that we desired, we actually get the biggest opportunity to make a major overhaul. It’s like a company realizing that a certain product just isn’t selling. If they don’t want to admit that they might have been wrong on something, then they continue to lose. If they admit that for some reason it’s just not working, then they gain opportunities to turn it around.

Hear what the inner critic has to say, but know that just because the voice comes from within, it doesn’t mean that it’s the last word. Develop the inner governor, a voice of reason and wisdom that can communicate with all the other aspects of yourself with understanding and compassion, but also firmness. It is the part of you that will listen but then make the decisions that need to be made. It is that part that listens with understanding, responds with compassion and acceptance, but is still able to do what is needed. In short it is the councilor who hears, loves and respects the child’s voice yet knows that there are other considerations also. It is the higher self that sees from a bigger perspective that can understand the paths that lead to fulfillment and those that are dead-ends. The honesty exists in listening to all concerns openly, knowing that they may come in the form of thoughts, words or feelings and emotions. The strength exists in allowing the honesty to be there. It also exists in learning how to meet each aspect of the self with understanding while still directing a larger, higher and more expansive picture.

Each aspect, each voice has a purpose, a reason for being that is connected with us. Understanding that purpose gives us the opportunity to integrate directions and find reconciliation within. All aspects of the self have an honesty that is revealed when we are honest with ourselves. Meeting each one openly and allowing the inner governor to genuinely seek understanding with each is the essence of honest communication.

Hieu Doan

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The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is the key to realizing abundance. It is literally the ability to infuse everything that we see, hear, feel, smell and taste with the energy of appreciation. This energy integrates with and through all our gates of perception and through this connection our external world begins to reflect our realization of abundance.

Before going on let’s get one thing straight. Gratitude has nothing to do with guilt. Guilt is guilt. Gratitude is gratitude. The truth of it is simple:

Guilt is feeling like we should be thankful.

Gratitude is feeling thankful.

Gratitude is about appreciation. It’s about actually enjoying and loving the experiences that we are having. The power of gratitude works by bringing power, beauty and greatness to everything that we have now.

Let’s use the example of the body and mind conduit being like a sponge. If we do something out of guilt then it is basically guilt that is filling the sponge. Sure our actions and words may seem all politically correct and “right” but our inner being is not doing it out of gratitude, and so the “sponge” gets filled with the frequency of obligation and guilt.

On the other hand if we begin to listen for the genuine feeling of gratitude and allow our minds and bodies to connect with this feeling, then the “sponge” will be filled with this feeling. In the process each cell of our body will begin to realize a feeling that we appreciate it. This is something that is actually experienced – it is felt and it is an amazing gift to allow yourself to experience.

The frequency of gratitude is powerful because it supports, nurtures and enhances who you are.

When you allow the frequency of gratitude to touch your sight, your ears, your feeling, taste and smell – what you are doing is appreciating yourself. You are thanking yourself for giving you the opportunity to touch, taste, smell, feel, think and hear. You are infusing appreciation through yourself.

Life purpose is deeply meaningful to us and so will always be connected to inspiration, passion and love. These are the feelings that for many of us make life worth living. It is the polar opposite of a life which is lived only to fulfill obligation and avoid guilt and shame. Life purpose and gratitude go hand in hand because every moment that we live our purpose is enjoyed and inspired. As an extension each moment is a moment we are grateful to be able to share and this is illustrated in the expression our essence. Gratitude is not something that needs to be forced. It is something we experience willingly and joyfully. We feel inspired and we genuinely desire to express our gratitude for it.

Gratitude is pure pleasure – it has to be. It comes from really, really appreciating things in life and this will always feel good.

The essence of experiencing gratitude is simple: take time to connect to it. Train the mind to find genuine gratitude regardless of all the other aspects of self that exist. Keep refining the sensitivity of the mind to find deeper levels of genuineness. “Listen” and feel for it at the cellular level of the body and mind.

It really is as simple as that, but it only actually works when we do it.

Life can be heaven or it can be hell – it depends on what we feed into ourselves. Playing the guilt and shame game will always lead to pain. It is an endless circus of running around trying to avoid it, but being caught in the vicious cycle of it. Gratitude is a cycle of reward and healing. As we express gratitude to our mind and body, it reflects gratitude back to us. This relationship with ourselves is one of the most powerful we can know.

Hieu Doan

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The Power of Sanctuary

Sanctuary exists in the mind. It is a state where we can find our center, a place where we can experience clarity and inner strength. Sanctuary can exist in external spaces as well as internal spaces because the mind is capable of attaching meaning, feeling and emotion to anything. The ultimate sanctuary will always be a mind that is free, but understanding where and who we are right now, and the environment that would best support development of the inner state of freedom, is the essence of wisdom.

For centuries monks, ascetics, mystics and shamans have recognized the power in developing their mind through the use of external sanctuaries. These places develop a consciousness of their own that supports the internal structures which are being created. Whether we find sanctuary in homes, forest walks, yoga studios, monasteries, work places or caves, the power exists in the internal state that these places aid us in realizing.

We come back stronger, wiser, refreshed and revived – more in tune with our purpose.

An effective sanctuary must be appropriate to our goals. It must reflect our mind state and desires. If our goal is to rest and revive the spirit then our sanctuary must aid in creating that state. If the goal is to inspire then a sanctuary must aid in realizing this state.

The opportunity exists here to realize an internal state which is congruent with the state we find in our external sanctuaries. Through observation we can listen to the changes which occur when we move from a location of peace to a location of hustle and bustle. Through conscious awareness we can learn to allow the external personality and body to do what it needs to do. Perhaps we have busy jobs and need to be on the go, perhaps our lives requires analytical thought or creation within a high stress environment. There is a necessity in allowing our minds to take the shape of these processes in order to do what needs to be done – but through developing a connection to the real meaning of sanctuary we realize that no matter how stressful life becomes, no matter how much intense interaction we engage in, no matter the ups and downs – that a place always exists where lives the true essence of sanctuary. It exists regardless of all the chaos around it. Even if that chaos be something that we are perpetuating within our own minds. This is the reality of experiencing an infinite mind. It is a mind that is capable of chaos and struggle but also in that exact same instant pure and deep inner peace. No matter how many times the mind is “split” or made to take different forms and “shapes” we realize that it is still infinite. The seemingly finite part only exists because we believe that we are less that what we truly are. Infinite exists in realizing that we are always more.

A certain level of skill is developed in practicing sanctuary and centeredness in a place of advantage. This may be a place of peace, quiet and tranquility, or a place that inspires clarity. A different level of flexibility is developed however when we bring our practice to places that we perceive as chaotic, noisy and intense. Yet another level is developed when we bring our practice to mind states that we perceive as emotionally chaotic, noisy and intense. A flexible mind is a mind that is able to actually experience different states. It has the freedom to choose. Through finding peace within the most intense fits of anger we see through the illusion. That is, we realize that peace exists regardless of anger. We first need to trust that it exists and then we need to listen for it. We just need to actually practice finding it. This reality cannot be realized if we wait until we are calm until finding peace. It’s a different reality – it simply shows us that peace exists when we are calm. This is in itself is a very valuable state, but it requires a condition that we be calm before acquiring peace.

Listen for love within a mind that feels hatred, forgiveness within a mind that writhes with jealousy, peace within a mind that screams with anger, compassion within a mind that churns with confusion. The mind that can see more than what a particular energy or emotion would trick it into being, is a mind that is free, flexible and powerful. Shifting into this way of seeing we can begin to realize and actually experience love which actually is unconditional – whether we are full of hate or full of joy. We can begin to understand inner peace which actually is eternal – whether we are angry or full of jealousy. All our programs and attachments are shaken up because they live through the experience of actually feeling and seeing infinite states made real. This is deep power and it is a state that everyone is capable of realizing today. Even if the connection to an infinite mind appears to be the merest thread of the beginning of imagination, stay with it – it is the thread which will eventually lift up the veil over our eyes.

There are no chosen ones because we are all chosen. Empowerment does not come only for those that are joyous, calm and happy. It exists for us all unconditionally. Even if we be in the deepest of despair, wracked by guilt, shame, doubt or grief the opportunity to connect to more exists. “More” opens up again and again, moving towards the essence of infinite mind, the reality of which leads to freedom of choices. Some of these choices are unconditional love, inner peace and empowerment, which takes us full circle, because each of those states is a real and true experience of sanctuary.

All journeys start with a step. That step may be in the form of a thought and intention. Allow that thought to be in the form of finding your own inner center – your sanctuary. Once activated this sanctuary is a true and eternal friend.

Hieu Doan

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Questions and Answers 2

What is Shamanic Healing?

The essence of shamanic healing is the art of shape-shifting. Shape shifting allows the shaman to take on the forms and properties of energy. The school of shamanism understands energy existing as forms of consciousness defined as entities. Just as a prayer has a certain form that is shaped to specific requests to God, an inner critic becomes a consciousness in itself which as most of us will perceive to have a certain limited intelligence in itself.

Emotions and thought forms move through the air like radio waves. Through observation we can learn to feel the presence of emotions and thought forms. Our body picks them up like a transceiver radio or satellite dish – we interpret the ones which our bodies and minds are consciously able to understand and the others are filtered through our body and subconscious. There are various methods to deflect, shift and protect from these various energies. Not surprisingly most people have developed their own methods for attempting to minimize the effects of this sort of stuff, but similar to the way we often deal with our own emotions and thoughts it doesn’t always work out the way we plan. For example if we’ve learnt to deal with certain emotions by repressing them, or certain thoughts by criticizing them then we’ll have a similar pattern in play with eternal energy forms too. Valuable to note is that as we learn to deal with our own stuff, in an understanding way we feel more grounded and centered dealing with external energy.

A shaman who knows what they’re doing is able to clearly perceive and manipulate energy because they have trained their mind to see, feel and move through and around energy. The methods of any particular shaman or metaphysical healer may differ on first glance but essentially they are working with the transformation of energy. The power and effectiveness of shamanic healing comes from understanding the principles of energy but also the fact that they have practiced these techniques, perhaps tens of thousands of times for many, many years.

A twist of the hands to remove a dimensional entity is the coordination of the shaman’s mind and body to influence energy. At the level of pure mind the twist of the hands is not needed, but the movement is used to facilitate coordination with what is occurring on the mental and spiritual planes. Similarly wands, crystals and the like are capable of storing and influencing energies, thoughts and emotions. External alchemy has been concerned with the use of these catalysts of knowledge. As the study becomes more internal the shaman or alchemist experiences the energies and knowledge as existing without those catalysts. It is similar to learning from an esoteric teacher – eventually an effective teacher will guide a student to discover the master within.

What is your take on receiving Metaphysical Healing vs Meditation/Doing it yourself?

Having come from an extremely stubborn background where I wanted to discover everything for myself and be totally self-sufficient, I have in the past been reluctant to receive healings because I didn’t want to deny myself the opportunity to learn how to walk the path with my own mind. It was only when I realized that in reality the path had already been walked, I was just training my mind to dispel the illusion and see what already was here. At this stage I recognized the benefit that all healers, teachers, esoteric schools and methods could offer me. In a sense I could say that the student in me was ready and so the teachings appeared everywhere. I began to discover that there would always be an abundance to learn and develop myself around. I also realized that I had never truly been independent – it was simply my pride wishing me to see this. Every breath that I take is a dependant relationship with the air. Every drink of water that I consume is a dependant relationship with the water. It was only when I revealed to myself the fear that had been needing me to be “independent” and “self-sufficient”, did I see my true interaction with the world.

At this stage I felt a new found freedom. Each interaction with healers and teachers would shift my realization and understanding dramatically. Instead of powerful spiritual experiences happening on weeks or months at a time, I was realizing them on a multiple daily basis. But more than this I was understanding that true power existed in the “mundane” as equally as it existed in what I had once perceived as “profound.” It is truly ironic that when I received the “magic” that I’d been yearning for that I no longer craved it.

In moments of extreme connectedness I experienced periods which felt timeless, where understanding the oneness between myself and others went beyond intellectual, it became reality. It was at once horrifying and wondrous, but what it showed me was that my need to be self-sufficient had interestingly resulted in me keeping knowledge from myself. I began to understand that my inner self wanted me to connect with healers, mystics, teachers and practitioners of all traditions in order to accelerate my journey as much as integrate my understanding. Further more my “higher self” was egging me on to share what I had, to be a true communication of deep give and take. It amazes me now to reflect that meeting a certain person could allow me to realize in 10 minutes what I had struggled to understand for years. This in itself was a lesson. I had been asking the universe for understand all my life and yet when the answers were offered to me in a manner which I did not deem correct I closed the door.

Teachings come in many forms. I really enjoy the methods which promote self-understanding but I also now realize that inter-action with others whether people, nature or whatever it may be will still be a method of self-understanding. Whether we like it or not we can’t really get away from this fact: Living is learning. To me self-understanding is what is important whether for me or for anyone. This is the reason why I am open to correspond with anyone about these matters. I’m not a “master” who is above anyone else. I’m me. I’m on my own path like everyone else. I acknowledge the courage and strength that it takes anyone and everyone to live and live well on this planet and I also acknowledge the absolute abundance that I gain from sharing my essence with others and they from sharing theirs with me.

Hieu Doan

The Power of Confidence

A master once asked me what I thought that I most gained from training with him. Many things came to mind and I mentioned his technique, understanding and expression of principles and teaching ability. He stopped me then and said: “The one thing that you gain most from me is the ability to have confidence in yourself. You trust that my ability is good and so you believe that what you are learning and developing is also good. Because of confidence in me you trust what I say, you trust what I show you – and so you develop confidence yourself.”

Over the years this statement has been reflected in my own teachings. I’ve seen students struggle to understand concepts but continue on trusting that I know the method and so having confidence in themselves.

An Aikido master once remarked to me that it was amazing how people would train the same basic technique for 40 years and still feel like they were scraping the surface of it, yet because of the confidence given to them by their teachers they would continue, knowing full well that the journey may not be completed in their lifetime and yet finding gratitude in the smallest increments of improvement.

I have often seen meditation practitioners who believing that they were getting no where simply gave up. What they were unable to see was the context and structure in which they were learning. They perceived elements such as the monkey-mind, lack of focus, agitating emotions and believed they were on the wrong track. Confidence waned and they dropped their practice.

I now see the remarkable value that confidence has in ones life because the fundamental thing that it give us is the ability to persist. If we believe that we are on the right track it is far easier to keep going. When we are in the dark, confused and unsure if we are going in the right direction, it is easier to give in to doubts.

This is one of the reasons why I encourage people to find teachers and mentors. Especially if our life reflects certain undeveloped skills or experiences which seem to just keep being allocated to the “tomorrow” folder. A time will come where most teachers or mentors would encourage us to develop confidence in ourselves. The sooner the better generally. Confidence is an energy which we release ourselves. It is simply that we do not choose to release it until we believe that we have reason to feel it. If we are doubtful people then we will perceive there being very little reason to release it. On the other hand confidence can be an addictive sensation so we may try to recreate situations and experiences where we can attain this feeling. We may try to dominate conversations and push our own views. This tends to cover up our own inner insecurity. There is a far more effective path. The path of self-knowledge.

Self-knowledge develops confidence simply because in knowing who we are we gain the opportunity to understand what gives us value and meaning, form our inner self into one united with deep purpose – and ultimately accept and love ourselves for who we are.

The path of developing confidence requires bringing sense to a universe that is seemingly senseless. In learning to control ourselves we learn to flow with what comes our way. We do not control the waves of life, we become master surfers and learn to direct our way through what is given to us. It is an exquisite balance of give and take. Ebb and flow.

Self-knowledge comes from connecting with experiences consciously. Being conscious we will see what is occurring. Self-knowledge comes from seeking information through books, people and other such resources. Path-notes that others leave are like journal entries that eventually unite all paths and thought. Seek the connection between all directions. Perhaps most importantly is to realize the mind which has already achieved full self-knowledge. This is also the mind which has attained true and pure confidence.

Work with this exercise:

Start exactly where you are. Expand your mind to encompass and observe your thoughts, emotions and feelings. Notice how they inter-react with your body.

Stretch your mind to effortlessly observe all the movement and flow within yourself.

Place no regulation on however your inner and outer landscape will express itself. Simply allow it to be.

At this point the eyes may be opened or closed. Allow yourself to see in your mind’s eye the you that is mastery personified.

See, feel and hear the essence of this being that is you.

How does it feel to know yourself fully and honestly?

How does it feel to meet every atom and point of consciousness with complete and effortless acceptance?

How does your inner master look?

Allow your consciousness to move completely into this reality.

Allow the dimension or mastery to be pulled completely into you.

Becoming the consciousness of mastery automatically shifts you to doing what a master would do to complete their journey. It draws in all the elements of meeting experiences consciously, attracting people, texts and other resources and integrating this knowledge at all levels of the body and mind. As consciousness opens up to being a master, aspects which may have been a struggle before will happen easier and with less effort. We essentially get out of our own way! As we begin to see that we are capable of being spontaneously effective, we realize a confidence that we can never achieve from attempts to control the external world. This is the power of true confidence.

Hieu Doan

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The Power of Mudras

Mudra is an Indian term for seal or circuit. Essentially we connect fingers with thumbs or fingers with fingers to create circuits. The “okay” sign which is usually indicated by connecting the pad of the index finger to the thumb pad is a basic mudra for focus. Mudras form electrical circuits in the body which influence our emotional, physical and mental states. They are, like breath work, chakra work and visualizations, another method to connect to specific frequencies easily. There are mudras for improving concentration and focus, mudras for the immune system, connection to spiritual realms – there’s pretty much a mudra for everything. Understand though that it is essentially the mind that is doing it. A mudra is not a magic wand – using the “okay” sign mudra for instance won’t instantly give us the concentration of Buddha. What it does is essentially give an extra push of energy in a particular “direction”, it is helping to give shape or form to a specific request. When the mind familiarizes itself with frequencies it can bypass all chakra work, mudras and breath and just go direct to the source. In the meantime however use these tools. They are all free and provide an easy and tangible method.

Basic mudras revolve around thumb to index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger. We can vary the frequency of energy by instead of touching pad to pad, touching pad to knuckle crease, pad to knuckle – the variations are literally in the thousands. Then we can work with both hands. Suffice it is to say that I’m not going to go through all the combinations here! Interestingly enough many people will enjoy discovering subtle shifts in energy and purpose by themselves. For example feel the difference in doing the “okay” mudra and then touch thumb pad to the pad of the little finger. Feel different?

Here are a few others to play around with:

Touching the pads of the thumb, middle and index fingers together is said to help release sinus congestion and improve the immune system.

Touching the pads of the thumb, little and ring finger directs life force through your body for health and well-being. Also good for nervousness and anxiety.

The “okay” sign of touching thumb pad to index finger pad gives energy for focus and helps to move energy through laziness, anger and depression.

Touching the pad of the thumb to pad of little finger helps to sustain the physical body from fatigue, weakness and dehydration. Helps to connect to etheric dimensions.

Moving through each mudra in meditation or breathing with the intention to release and charge will clear and energize the related electrical pathways in your body. It’s interesting to see pictures of gods, goddesses, Buddhas and Jesus holding variations of what seem to be mudras and finger modes.

Explore the subtle differences in feeling between mudras, observe and also use intention and visualization to essentially create your own mudras. Remember that it is about direction. Direction to move your energy toward a particular goal. Learn to direct your goals, coordinate your energy and your body and mind will work congruently to achieve them.

Working with physical structures like mudras, breath, Yoga, Internal martial arts, chanting and so on gives us a fairly tangible method to connect to frequencies and feelings. This “bridge” or window to feeling gives us the opportunity for recognition. After enough practice we do not need the window or “bridge.” Our mind is able to move directly to the feeling. It is like learning to ride a bike. At first we use training wheels to find the right balance. In time our muscles and mind understand the necessary balances and we can simply jump straight on and ride. It is useful to remember that just as we need to move to the stage where we wean ourselves off training wheels in order to ride free, we also need to move away from physical structures such as reliance on breath and mudras in order to create a mind that can move freely. The journey of the mind can be delightfully cyclical however. There may be times when we soar freely and powerfully without the use of any aids – at other times we may benefit from coming back to the beginning and working with the basics. There is no shame in this – only wisdom.

Hieu Doan

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Psychic Protection

The best psychic protection will always be a mind that is flexible. Flexibility gives strength, sensitivity and clarity. It is also self-nurturing. The path of power is primarily about developing this deep strength, however for the journey there will be times when we realize that we would benefit from some additional help.

There are many forms of psychic shields – all of them are based on the inter-action of energy to ward off other types of energy. One of the most common shields throughout the ages is singing to oneself when one is scared. The energy created offends the energy of negative entities and they often seek to leave. The same principle holds for spiritual chanting and mantras although the realization and connection to holy and spiritual consciousness through the chanting is able to enhance the properties of the energy to a generally higher frequency.

Play with this exercise:

Take a slow, deep breath.

Make an “ah” sound – similar to “far.”

Allow the sound to be vocalized easily and effortlessly.

Depending on the situation you can practice this aloud or sub-vocally (silently) in the mind.

Practice with different pitches resonating first from the lower abdomen, moving up through into the chest area, throat, head and above the head.

Notice how a frequency in the lower abdomen area may give a more grounded feeling.

Observe how a frequency intoned and visualized above the head may give a lighter, “higher” type of energy.

Observe how these different frequencies impart different protective qualities.

Another form of psychic protection is the well-known and loved “white light.” This has a similar effect to singing in that it brings an energy into the users body and consciousness that negativity generally finds repulsive. This is the same reason that some energy healers use it.

Work with this exercise:

Close your eyes and visualize yourself in the third person.

See and feel yourself surrounded by solid white light.

Breath slowly and deeply.

With each breath see the light filling your body and the space around you.

As you exhale feel the white light intensify and strengthen.

Observe it surrounding and infusing your space.

Program it with the intention to protect and revive you.

Filling the abdomen with prana and broadcasting this energy is also an effecive method of protection. This method can be explained by comparing the body to that of a car tire. When the tire is full of air it is resilient and more impervious to impact. The body works in a similar way with prana – when we are full of prana it is more difficult for other frequencies to enter our space. There are of course many other areas besides the abdomen where we can fill ourselves with prana. The heart chakra is also popular – which brings on the saying “drive off negativity with love.”

Work with this exercise:

Breath in slowly and deeply. Hold for a few seconds and release slowly and deeply.

Again breathing in slow and deep. Feel and visualize the breath filling your abdomen.

Hold and feel the energy expanding easily and powerfully throughout your body.

Exhale and feel it broadcasting from your body and filling the space around you.

Repeat until you feel a tangible power inside and surrounding you.

Another powerful method is to simply walk in universal light or “God’s light”. It works by connecting to an energy or consciousness that is able and willing to protect you. The emphasis on this exercise especially is that God’s light, universal force – whatever you want to call it is perceived as all powerful. This places our consciousness in a position of communicating with an energy which is able to manifest effortlessly. I believe this to be one of the reasons why many people who claim that they simply live their lives walking in “God’s light” ask for and practice nothing else. They have learnt to communicate with this consciousness to create at the very least the internal world that they want.

Work with this exercise:

Visualize yourself going up out of the planet. See and feel yourself flying straight out. You can visualize yourself as a body, as light, as a star – whatever works for you. Know that you will meet the God Force. Allow it to come to you.

Connect with it.

Return to your body and pull and attract the energy to surround and bathe you.

Protection visualizations can get pretty creative – anything from guardian arch angels with flaming swords, to glowing pyramids and butterflies. If the method works it is because the energy or feeling behind it is effective. This is the foundation behind all of these examples. They all connect to frequencies which the mind perceives as being supportive and protective. The perception that there is opportunity to see, feel and move differently is realized and our overall awareness is allowed to shift to one where we feel safe and protected. This shift occurs at the physical, mental and spiritual levels of consciousness depending on our intention. Feel for the deepest and most genuine level of protection and it will exist.

Hieu Doan

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