As I was walking the other day, I listened to the Audible version of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s latest book, “Leadership in Turbulent Times”.
I highly recommend the book. It focuses on four of our finest presidents – Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson – and the “crucible” experience and hardship each went through to become an effective, even transformational, leader.
Goodwin’s description of Franklin Roosevelt’s being stricken with polio, and his long, difficult recovery and return to public political life, reminded me of the importance of our 8X meridians. Well, it reminded me of a lot more than that! But hey, I’m always mindful and making note of the energetic and qigong principles all around us.
Anyways, Franklin fought to develop his upper body and figure out how to leverage various tools, such as his heavy metal leg braces, so he could “walk” again. Of course, his walking involved the heavily demanding task of using crutches and his strengthened upper body to drag along his legs. Alternatively, he would walk arm in arm with one of his sons for support and drag those legs along.
His drive, determination, and innate optimism were incredible! Roosevelt was driven by his belief that he needed to be able to once again “stand upright” and “move forward” physically, to have any chance of acceptance and effectiveness as a political leader.
So, let’s discuss two sets of meridians that, along with our core 8X, enable us to physically and psychologically stand upright and move forward.
Our Beautiful Energetic Matrix
The “Between Heaven and Earth” form activates the Eight Extraordinary Meridians (the “8X”) which in turn strengthens our natural energy matrix and helps us stay healthy and resilient.
We build on our connection with Mother Earth and her life-giving yin energy. As we move through our day-to-day lives, we deal with the material, the substantial, the daily cares of living, and the to-do’s from our task list. However, every now and then, we should connect to Heaven to recharge and renew with that heavenly yang energy. This is where our inspiration and creativity come from.
The cycles of Earth and Heaven – yin and yang – work and recharge – activity and rest – doing and creating – mirror the universe around us. Through reflecting these cycles, the Between Heaven and Earth exercises provide a wonderful way to recharge.
As we wrap up our discussion of this form, I’d like to focus on two sets of the 8X meridians that don’t get as much attention: the Linking Vessels (Wei Mai) and the Heel Vessels (Qiao Mai). There is a Yin and Yang version of each of these, resulting in four meridians that combine to make a circuit that moves up the front of the body and down the back (or alternatively in the opposite direction).
Basically these meridians run from the end of the limbs (legs or arms) into the torso, and back to the limbs again. You can picture them as broad bands or thick hoses of energy that run along the center of your limbs and torso. Each of these connects with the core 8X meridians, including the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) that runs along the front centerline; the Governing Vessel (Du Mai) that runs along the back centerline; and the Belt Vessel (Dai Mai) that connects like a wide belt or sash.
These core meridians form the beautiful energetic matrix or cage which embodies our constitutional energy. Our 8X are keys to our resilience, health, energy levels…as well as our ability to adapt, to overcome, to recover, and ultimately to come back stronger.
The Linking and Heel Vessels constitute what is called the “Macrocosmic Orbit” which is a circulation that moves energy from the limbs into the torso and then back out again to the limbs. This circulation promotes our ability to move and support our bodies. It also provides the means to move energy throughout our body, to help remove or reduce stagnation or blockages, repair or heal internally…and even project energy to help heal others.
“Endure Consistently and Confidently”
Beyond the physical and energetic constructs, our Linking and Heel Vessels also play crucial roles in our mental and emotional formation.
The Yin and Yang Wei Mai / Linking Vessels help to balance Yin and Yang and demarcate major transformations over time. The Wei Vessels provide the mechanism for significant change – for example, to reverse disease or pathology at any time; or to make significant changes to habits and lifestyle. This is your constitution, your innate ability, your “Optimistic Channel”.
Your Yin Wei Mai pertains to deep internal beliefs about your purpose and the meaning you ascribe to life. It provides drive and focus so you can get through almost any hardship.
Your Yang Wei Mai places you into the sea of possibilities. When you pair infinite possibilities with meaning, purpose, and validation, you generate a deep constitutional flow through which you give yourself permission to make your own choices in life. You can see the best possible outcome, and you free yourself to to do what you really want to do with your “one wild and precious life”, as Mary Oliver puts it.
The Yin and Yang Qiao Mai / Heel Vessels are how you stand up to the world. Do you have an internal locus of control? Can you set appropriate boundaries? What are you willing to grow into? They also reflect whether you are primarily an introvert (yin) or extrovert (yang). These vessels also affect your moral and ethical standards and form your internal compass.
Your Yin Qiao Mai is about understanding you are all potential and appreciating your light. It’s the depth of coming to realize and appreciate what you really offer to the world – AND your obligation to bring your gifts out into the world. Key point: Don’t underestimate or dismiss your light. Appreciate your unique gifts and abilities.
Your Yang Qiao Mai is about shining your light out into the world. It’s how you manifest in the world, how you show up. Are you overly worried or concerned about other peoples’ judgments or how you are being received? Or have you grown and matured enough to just say “NEXT!” at any rejection and keep on moving and showing up? Key point: Don’t hide your light! Let your gifts shine out in the world – we need them! We need that unique and wonderful YOU to show up!
You Can Do It!
Dr. Karen
“Endure consistently and confidently. Keep walking – keep moving toward ‘The Next One” [i.e., your next goal or important work or achievement]. Because walking means change is possible.“
-Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke (Head Instructor) of the Bujinkan Dojo and 34th Soke of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu