Here you will find a range of FREE resources and training support materials.
GUIDED MEDITATIONS:
The Inner Smile
The Inner Smile meditation is a Taoist practice focused on cultivating inner peace, gratitude, and well-being by directing loving, positive energy to different parts of the body. Originating in ancient China, the practice is designed to foster a deep connection between mind and body, encouraging relaxation and harmony within.
The Inner Smile involves visualizing a gentle, loving smile and directing that positive feeling to your internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. It’s believed that each organ stores specific emotions—such as fear, anger, sadness, or joy—so consciously “smiling” to these areas can help release tension, improve energy flow, and boost emotional well-being.
Benefits of the Inner Smile Meditation
- Stress Reduction: By bringing awareness to the body and releasing held tension, this meditation reduces stress and calms the mind.
- Emotional Healing: The practice helps cultivate a positive relationship with the self, encouraging self-acceptance and emotional resilience.
- Improved Physical Health: Taoist teachings suggest that positive energy directed towards the organs can support better health and balance within the body.
- Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: Regular practice strengthens the mind-body connection, which can lead to greater mindfulness and improved awareness of internal states.
Basic Steps for Practicing the Inner Smile
- Sit Comfortably: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax.
- Smile Gently: Imagine a gentle smile spreading across your face. Visualize that warmth and positive energy filling your whole body.
- Focus on Your Heart: Bring your attention to your heart. Imagine it smiling back at you, radiating warmth and joy. Thank your heart for all it does to keep you alive.
- Move Through the Organs: Gradually, move your focus to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, and stomach. Imagine each organ smiling, thanking it for its work, and releasing any negative emotions it may hold.
- Expand the Smile: Finally, expand that feeling of warmth and joy throughout your entire body. Let it fill you completely, relaxing every cell.
- Finish Gently: Take a few deep breaths, slowly open your eyes, and bring yourself back to the present moment.
Regular practice can help integrate the Inner Smile into daily life, creating a baseline of gratitude, compassion, and inner calm.
The mediation audio below of The Inner Smile is narrated by Alan Stuart: Founder and Lead Trainer for SanBaoWay.
SANBAOWAY: YOUTUBE GALLERY
STANDING LIKE A TREE
Zhan Zhuang, also known as “standing like a tree” or “standing post,” is a traditional Chinese standing meditation exercise. It involves standing still in a relaxed yet upright posture, with knees slightly bent, arms in a loose, rounded shape, and the body aligned to promote a calm, stable energy flow. Practiced in martial arts like Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Zhan Zhuang helps to build strength, improve posture, increase body awareness, and cultivate inner stillness and energy (Qi).
QI SELF MASSAGE
Taoist Qi Self-Massage is a gentle, meditative practice rooted in Taoist philosophy and traditional Chinese medicine. This self-care technique involves using light pressure, tapping, and circular motions on specific points along the body’s meridians to stimulate the flow of Qi (life energy). The goal is to release tension, balance energy, and promote healing from within. Taoist Qi Self-Massage can help enhance relaxation, improve circulation, boost immunity, and bring the body and mind into harmony. Practiced regularly, it’s an effective way to cultivate self-awareness, reduce stress, and support overall wellness.