20 MINUTES TO MASTER … YOUR PSYCHIC POTENTIAL. David Lawson
terms ‘gut’ feeling or ‘gut’ intuition are not accidental ones. The area of the body between the heart and the groin which encompasses the stomach and solar plexus is particularly sensitive and could be said to have its own intelligence. Indeed, the stomach and solar plexus contain two of the seven main energy centres or chakras that are integral to the teachings of the Indian Yogic system as discussed in Chapter 3 (see diagram). What is more, on a physiological level this region of the body contains a mass of nerve-endings and, while it is quite different, it could be said that it rivals the area of the brain in its complexity. Is it possible that each of us has a brain in our body as well as in our head, and that we have a body-mind or body-intelligence to match?
Certainly as a hands-on healer and a counsellor who teaches self-healing techniques I would have no hesitation in asserting that the body has its own intelligence which can be employed and stimulated for healing to occur. It would make sense for each of us to develop that body-intelligence at an extrasensory level to bring us guidance, inspiration and clear information about our own state of health and the well-being of others.
When I give hands-on healing I often help my clients to develop a special dialogue between themselves and their own unique physical intelligence. I guide them into a state of relaxation, and channel healing energy through my hands, my voice, my heart and my mind. Within my own body I frequently receive an impression of my clients’ physical state. I register the location of blocked, overactive or depleted energy in my clients’ body and I encourage them to explore that part of their anatomy. Often they will develop a clear impression of what their body needs to help restore itself, and together we can work with that information to stimulate positive change. Sometimes the solution is purely physical but often it is a combination of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual approaches that produces the best results. Information about the best path to healing is usually forthcoming when both the healer and the person seeking help can consult their individual body-intelligence and ‘gut’ awareness.
It is in the gut that we tend to experience pleasure and pain; the pleasure of being loved and accepted, perhaps, or the pain of loss or rejection. It is also in the gut that we often experience a feeling for the environment we are in or the people we meet. Walking into a house with an unsettled atmosphere may leave us with an unsettled feeling in the pit of our stomach, while meeting a person who is genuinely kind, honest, friendly and pleased to see us will invariably leave us with a warm glow that is quite tangible.
MEDITATION: STIMULATING ‘GUT’ AWARENESS
Find somewhere quiet and comfortable to sit, unplug the telephone and make sure that you are not going to be disturbed. Sit with your back supported and your body open and relaxed, your arms and legs uncrossed. If you prefer you can lie down for this, but again make sure that you keep your body open rather than curled up.
I am going to invite you to use some positive mental images. Some people have strong images when they do this, some haven’t. For this exercise to work for you, it is enough just to hold the idea, feeling or concept in your mind.
So to begin, breathe deeply, allowing every breath to fill your lungs completely without straining, and then slowly exhaling. Take a couple of minutes to notice the feeling of your breath as it moves in and out of your body and then gently allow it to assume its own deep rhythm for a while.
Imagine that the area of your solar plexus (just below the centre of your rib cage) and stomach contains a powerful mind that steadily vibrates with the impulses from its own intelligence, awareness and sensitivity. Every physical sensation, feeling and emotion exists as a ripple of awareness from this extraordinary body-mind.
Imagine yourself breathing directly into your body-mind, the breath from your lungs easily connecting you to your physical and emotional intelligence. As you do this, be aware of stimulating a stronger relationship between this part of yourself and your conscious awareness so that you are always attuned to the power of your gut instinct. What are the feelings that you sense within your body at this time? What are your emotions telling you? Are you feeling calm, excited, sad, joyful, turbulent, peaceful, passionate, angry or loving? Do your best to notice all of your physical and emotional sensations and accept them, allowing them to ebb and flow in their own way and at their own pace.
Next, imagine your solar plexus and stomach filling with coloured light that is reminiscent of bright sunshine. Ripples of clear yellow, vibrant orange, shimmering red and fresh, light gold gently penetrate this area, bringing softness, warmth and illumination. The coloured lights are accompanied by rippling sounds of beautiful chimes and a soft, pulsing heartbeat percussion that creates a greater sense of ease within your body. Breathe deeply and allow yourself to experience a feeling of expansion as your stomach muscles relax and waves of energy spread from there to stimulate and calm every area of your body.
Sense the energy of this light, sound and feeling touching you deeply to awaken the extrasensory power that is available to you through this area of your body. Your ‘gut’ awareness is healed and stimulated to receive positive sensual information. Your innate clairsentience is strengthened and enhanced. Again, notice any particular feelings or sensations that you receive at this time. Does your body have a message for you? Are there any insights contained within your emotions? Just notice without expectation or judgement and accept what you feel.
When you are ready to complete this exercise, visualize a shield of copper and gold that runs, three hundred and sixty degrees, around your body from just below your heart to just above your groin. Know that you can dissolve this shield whenever you choose to, but that in the meantime it provides you with solidity, stability, protection and a feeling of security as you continue to expand into greater intuitive awareness.
MEDITATION: THE HIGH PRIEST OR PRIESTESS
Our normal perception of ourselves, although often comforting and secure, can sometimes restrict our potential for development. We get used to seeing ourselves as a particular kind of person, fulfilling certain roles and allowing ourselves to be defined by the jobs that we do or by the needs and opinions of other people. Utilizing the powers of the imagination we can see ourselves in different guises and role-play exciting new possibilities that we may have previously discounted. Perceiving ourselves in new ways can help to stimulate new abilities, allowing us to model our development upon our dreams and desires.
This ‘fantasy’ meditation will allow you to explore your clairsentient potential and help you to develop beyond previous boundaries and limitations. As this is quite a long meditation, you may wish to record it so that you can be guided slowly through it by your own voice without having to memorize it all or read it as you go.
Once again, find somewhere quiet and comfortable to sit, unplug the telephone and make sure that you are not going to be disturbed. Sit or lie down with your back supported and your body open and relaxed, your arms and legs uncrossed.
Breathe deeply and imagine that you are living on a paradise island, far distant from your current environment. The weather, although varied, is generally warm and clement and the air is filled with fragrant breezes perfumed with the essences of honey, flowers and spice. Picture yourself living in a cave that is filled with rich fabrics, beautiful shells, shimmering crystals and soft, cushioned furniture made from exotic wood.
During the day you are free to roam the beaches and forests of this island, tuning in to the sounds and senses of nature. You hear the calls of numerous exquisite birds as they fly, perch and stretch their iridescent feathers in the sunlight. In your heart and solar plexus you can feel the impulses of their joy, freedom and quest for survival as they forage for food, court their mates and nest in the boughs of magnificent trees.
Through your feet you can feel the subtle vibrations of the Earth, echoes of the heartbeat at the core of the planet. Every grain of sand, every stone and every patch of rich, dark loam sends its messages of peace, stability and power to touch you in the depths of your stomach. Your hands and arms brush past the leaves of lush plants that send welcoming ripples of intelligent curiosity and soothing contact into the cells of your body.
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