I've long known the importance of what in Eastern philosophies and martial arts modalities is called the dantian, tan'tien, or hara -- which is located in the region of the navel and is basically the main energy centre for the body/energy field. It's seen as the seat of our being as well as the body's centre of balance.
In modern times, too much of our energy is focussed in the head, shoulders and neck, creating an energy imbalance that is reflected in all kinds of mental, emotional and psychological dysfunction. Our minds get out of control, our thoughts become compulsive and usually quite distorted and unbalanced -- and very often nervous disorders including stress and depression result. In Western culture this imbalance is so widespread it's considered the norm.
I've been practising shifting my energy from my head down into my dantian/navel - breathing into this area and centring my mind and attention there. initially I was just doing this in my yoga and qigong practise, but it also helps to make it a habit to do it as often as possible the rest of our day. It really does calm the mind, slow down and focus our thinking, balance the body and clear emotional constriction. It's also a great aid to meditation.
Worth trying. Let me know how you find it.
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