This Week's Article:
Buddha Belly
The following is part of a series of articles on the importance of Bodywork for bringing all aspects of our lives into balance. The introductory article is here
We continue looking at the connections between the body, mind, and spirit—this time moving to the lower belly/pelvis region.
As I noted in the introductory article, certain terms pop up in Google searches and are then directed to our website. One extremely popular search is "tipped pelvis." I take this as confirmation of my observation that most folk have "frozen" pelvises.
In oriental thought, the belly is a reservoir of chi (energy,) a creator of chi (at the lower dan tien, or second chakra point, 2 inches below the belly button and 2 inches inside,) and, by shape, indicative of one's "Buddha-nature." In Japan, the region is called the Hara, and having 'big Hara' is equivalent to saying someone is "spiritual."
In the west, the belly is thought of as the "soft underside." There's an element of courage to the area ('he didn't have the belly for it,') and the region in Bodywork has a lot to do for both passion for life (back pelvis) and sexual passion (front pelvis—big surprise, right?) Energy in this area ought to flow freely, and hotly.
Back when Scott Peck (author of "The Road Less Traveled") was alive, he'd do a lecture connecting sexuality and spirituality. It's included in his book, "Further Along The Road Less Traveled.") There were many references to "horny monks and nuns," religious writings that sound suspiciously "hot," and a reminder that orgasm is almost always accompanied by cries of "Oh God!" Peck thought this was no accident (betraying his Freudian influences.) In both traditions, there is a sense that the belly region is a vast reservoir of energy.
Now, interestingly, releasing this energy often involves working on the muscles above and below the region—the legs, the sciatic pocket on the back of the butt, the muscle group right above the back pelvis. After these muscles let go, it's possible to "dig in" to the muscles of the front pelvis and lower belly.
Physiologically, this makes some sense. The muscles tighten and hold down in this area as a means of self-protection. People with 'big Hara' tend to stand out in our buttoned-down, restrained society. Being comfortable in our sensual, passionate, sexual skin is something we make extremely difficult.
I did a fair amount of Bodywork at the workshop Darbella and I presented last week at The Haven. Two stand out. One was with a participant, the other with a friend who showed up for one of the other workshops, saw me, and quickly booked a Bodywork session.
In both cases, even a superficial look led me right to the energy blockages at the belly (and lower back) level. In both cases, the women thought the block was in their chest. In both cases, release and real relief is all about regaining and reveling in their presently (self-blocked) passion.
Now, no doubt both can make a case for externals 'causing' their distress. As I've said in Into The Centre and in my books, there are no externals. All there is, is the story I tell myself. And the story is quite powerful, in that our bodies and subconscious mind listen, and create a bodily environment that matches the story.
In other words, we create our own reality, and then make the external world fit the story.
My amusement comes (especially at The Haven, where people are 'primed' to do their work) at how quickly one can 'find' one's body. Again and again, I saw people let go with minimal effort on either of our parts. Suddenly, the blocked chi would come back on line, the belly would expand, and the chi would flow. Deep feelings of passion and purpose arose. Metaphorically and actually, people began freely to dance their lives.
This is not to say that, as soon as we remember how our story is 'supposed to' be going, that things do not shut down again. Unfortunately, we seem to have little patience for passion, and little desire to be content, passionate, alive people. It appears, however, and here is the grace, that each time we let go and return to feeling fully, the cycling back to the doldrums becomes a little less appealing.
I notice that when I go to The Haven, I take one day just to settle in. I begin to breathe even more deeply, and start dancing—a lot. I move, engage with others deeply, talk, encourage, and become acutely aware of my own blockages. By day 2, I really start laughing. Everything seems brighter, more vibrant, and I 'get the joke.' If I let myself, I stay in this state. Until I choose to leave (often without noticing the choice.)
It is no coincidence that another expression we have is 'belly-laugh.'
Of course, we can make life serious. Life can be seen as unrelentingly crappy. War, pestilence, and the other horsemen are our constant companions.
Relationships come and go, repeatedly. And in the midst of it all, there is the choice of how I will live.
I can 'get the joke' that everything outside of myself is simply data I interpret. I can get it that I have the option of how I will engage with life. I can choose passion and big Hara expressive feelings, or I can choose to live a buttoned down, meaningless, cold, alone existence.
The world does not care what you choose, and no one will 'make it (and you) all better.'
The only reason to choose well is that you might actually make something of the life you have been given. You might get the joke, see how your passion and your spirit are actually the same thing, and you might walk in the Simple Presence of being.
Have endless 'belly' for life. The Buddha knew. And smiled.
Exercises: spend time breathing into your lower belly. Also, as you breathe, rub your belly (on the skin, as opposed to through clothes) clockwise and deeply. As energy begins to build and flow, open yourself to follow it wherever it goes.
More next time!
