| The daily stress and anxieties faced in the | | | | conjunction with the stillness of jing, brings about |
| workplace and personal lives are the cause of | | | | a condition of "one pointed awareness"; a |
| mental and physical duress for many; a condition | | | | emotional state that is undisturbed, undistracted |
| that can be greatly eased by practicing the art of | | | | and uninterrupted. This is the goal to reach for |
| Taoist meditation. | | | | when practicing Taoist meditation. |
| Choosing Taoist meditation is choosing to produce, | | | | Together, these two principles are achieved |
| alter and circulate the energy force within you. | | | | through proper breathing techniques. |
| Once an individual has attained this energy, they | | | | Concentration on the flow of air both in and out |
| will have the ability to utilize the force toward the | | | | of the body, working to attain a soft, smooth and |
| betterment of their life. The energies of the body, | | | | slow breathing technique, takes some practice. |
| the emotions and the mind are all used to resolve | | | | Some find it helpful to focus on an object, such |
| issues and problems as well as to achieve a higher | | | | as a flame, in order to clear all other distractions |
| level of spirituality. Because of these benefits, | | | | from the inner self. Others prefer to simply close |
| those practicing the art will have a more tranquil | | | | their eyes; chasing away intruding thoughts |
| and peaceful existence. | | | | through concentration on their breathing. Mantras |
| Two primary principles are attributed to Taoist | | | | are often employed in Taoist meditation, thought |
| meditation; jing and ding. The first principle, jing, is | | | | for centuries to focus the mind while energy is |
| interpreted as calm, quiet and stillness. Its purpose | | | | harnessed. There are specific Mantras which are |
| is to turn away from external forces on a mental | | | | utilized effectively; "om", to stabilize the body; "ah" |
| and physical plane and to bring all of one's | | | | to harness the energy and "hum" that |
| attention toward the inner self. By doing so, one is | | | | concentrates on the spirit. |
| able to control the "five thieves"; the eyes, ears, | | | | Many individuals spend a great deal of time |
| nose, tongue and body. Each of these "thieves" | | | | perfecting the art of Taoist meditation; especially |
| can be diverted away from the inner being to | | | | in these stressful times of economic uncertainty |
| outward distractions; thereby "robbing" an | | | | when a sense of balance and peace are much |
| individual of the ability to control their energy. | | | | needed. While achieving full control over inner |
| Ding is the second of the two primary principles | | | | energy and mind takes a great deal of practice |
| of Taoist meditation. Ding is concentration and | | | | and time, relieving the daily stresses and anxieties |
| focus of the mind and breath that, when used in | | | | of everyday life is well worth the effort. |