The Microcosmic Orbit Meditation
The Microcosmic Orbit Meditation
In mainstream meditation instruction, there are many approaches: breath focus, guided visualizations, repetitive words or sounds, and unfortunately, useless advice like ‘sit still and empty your mind’.
As a meditation teacher, I’ve always found giving something to focus on to be helpful.
A point of focus acts as an anchor and helps us with the very basic, yet very difficult act of sitting still.
In The Microcosmic Orbit Meditation technique, the focus is on two circuits that run through the body. It is credited to Taoist Master, Mantak Chia and you can learn much more about these channels through his books. He is considered a master of inner alchemy and has brought many ancient ideas into modern times.
This technique is esoteric. It works on the subtle body, or the energy body. I learned this technique much later in life, after I had studied meditation formally, and after learning Transcendental Meditation (TM). I’m not sure how I would have found it as a total beginner.
Regardless of where you are in meditation, I recommend trying this technique to see if you like it.
How To Do The Microcosmic Orbit Meditation
This technique is best practiced in a chair.
Sit away from the chair’s back so your spine can be free.
Ideally, there is a 90 angle between your thighs and lower leg bones; this makes it easier to maintain a neutral spine without support from a chair.
Place the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth.
Inhale from seat (perineum) up the back body, around the back of the head to the roof of the mouth.
Exhale from roof of the mouth, down the front of the body to the seat.
You can focus only on the breath, or imagine white light, colored light, electricity or running water through these two circuits.
The tongue at the roof of the mouth acts as a switch to connect the 2 channels.
NOTE:
I find this to be a very powerful technique that generates a lot of energy in the body, quickly.
If you experience this and it is uncomfortable, try:
-Letting the breath be more easy/easeful (less deep, intense breathing)
-Focus on pink light or blue light instead of deep breathing
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Do not practice this technique while pregnant.
I also find it unhelpful during menstruation, however if your period is late and you need it to arrive, this technique can be helpful.
ADDITIONAL READING
The Inner Structure of Tai Chi
The Inner Smile
The 6 Healing Sounds
Healing Love Through The Tao
Have you practiced this technique? If so, I’d love to hear what your experience was.
Namaste,
Catherine
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Catherine Tingey
Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 33 years and teaching privately for 13 years.
About the Author
Catherine Tingey+ Entrepreneur, yogini, designer, award-winning filmmaker, personal trainer and former marathon runner. She left a career in finance to start her own business and along the way, became a yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga for 33 years and teaching privately for 13 years.
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