The Concept of Breath & Energy Flow

Oftentimes there is a theme that occurs in my dance classes that mirrors that of my life outside of it. Whether this synchronicity is sparked first from outside of dance, inside of it, none or both simultaneously, like a reoccurring theme, there begs an investigation. Though some select occultists would say that everything is a personal message, synchronicities themselves appear to be these too, but the very obvious ones. For the past two weeks, there has been a reoccurring theme relating to breath and energy flow.

Though the concept of letting energy flow (e.g., through the arms) has been mentioned ever since starting dance instruction last year, within the last two weeks, it has started to click more and more. The subject is not new to me, but what good is a particular knowledge in something if one does not know when to pull it out of one's pocket? We learn in order to have resources to utilize. We utilize whenever we find associations with that tool learned in the past. Intelligence is the ability to parallel unlike things. In other words, pattern-finding, where patterns were thought to be nonexistent. The quicker a person is able to group and parallel, the quicker one can fulfill his or her wishes. Ultimately, intelligence is looked high upon because of its association with getting that which one desires.

So, this theme about breathwork and energy flow has been huge for me lately. In my youth, I was involved in two types of martial arts--Kung Fu (which was short-lived) and Tae Kwon Do (which I was involved in for approximately 4 1/2 years). One of the very first things learned in Kung Fu was breathwork in accordance with arm and hand movements. As mentioned often in class, breath livens movement. This is so fundamental that drilling this reminder over and over should never be downplayed. Breath is like a base that if not kept constant will fog or imbalance anything and everything one does.

Energy flow is guided from breathwork. Energy is a very real phenomenon and goes by many names (prana, ki, chi). The most proficient in movement arts have intelligence on how to manipulate energy flow from a combination of grounding and breathwork. More so, the most proficient in healing arts (e.g. Reiki), has this very wisdom. The most fine-tuned of movement masters/artists appear to have such control of their energy that they may begin to manipulate the energy beyond their body, around them (as does Reiki). I like to visualize breath manipulation as being the weather manipulator of the body--the breathing may even sound like wind! The steam engine may be another interesting visualization one can use. Audible breath has its uses even, from trance-induction to reminding one that breath is indeed being used.

An intriguing detail in those whom venture into energy manipulation is the nuance and detail placed at their very fingertips. If one observers a Tai Chi, Kundalini or Falun Gong master, one will notice energy-engaged fingertips. This is noticed with proficient ballet dancers even. Why is this? Fingertips seem to be like one of the biggest gateways to one's will. Energy does come from outside, then within, then back out again. Releasing from the fingertips causes "the great artist" to emerge--a mover. When we fine tune energy and release it from our fingertips, we are undergoing a creative act. Moreover, when one realizes one is doing a creative act, this serves to enhance the creative act even more (Interesting note: in select Magick circles, thinking about thinking itself, etc.--or meta-thought--is seen as a very powerful tool). There is no mistake that animal charming or even human mesmerism is associated with peculiar hand and finger movements. In Neuro Linguistic Programming even, gesture tagged alongside with breathwork is seen as a very powerful tool.

As there is always a push in me to use what I know already to enhance what I undertake, dance is not any different. I will strive to pull out of my pocket the past knowledge that is associated with movement.