In a recent issue of The Empty Vessel magazine, I read an enlightening article by qigong teacher Francesco Garripolli simply entitled “Conduit or Container?”, and I’d like to share a bit of it with you. The article states that many of us hold certain beliefs that can influence our development and ability to heal, not only when practicing qigong or yoga, but also as we walk though life. In both a physical and energetic sense, do you consider yourself a conduit (channel) or a container (vessel)? Answer the following questions with the first answer that has the strongest pull for you:
When practicing qigong, tai chi, yoga, Reiki, or any energy art, I feel…
1. I am gathering energy and storing it.
2. I am channeling energy and being recycled by it.
When I breathe,…
1. I fill up with air and absorb it.
2. I fill up with air and simultaneously let it go.
When my body feels sick or uncomfortable…
1. I feel my energy (qi) is low.
2. I feel my energy (qi) is blocked.
When I am feeling tired or exhausted…
1. I feel I have run out of qi.
2. I feel my qi is stagnant.
If you chose even one “1.” answer, you may be living with the belief system that you are a container. If you chose more “2.” answers, you probably align more with the notion that you are a conduit.
If we see ourselves as a container, we are limiting our capacity. In fear of not having enough, we will forever strive to feel full (of food, money, employment, relationships, etc.). We feel terrific when we feel full and feel lacking when we are empty, riding a roller coaster through life.
If we see ourselves as a conduit, we live in abundance. Embracing the cyclical nature of the universe, we allow everything to flow through us without grasping. We realize that an exhale can be as fulfilling as an inhale. We can let go of a relationship, a job, or a material item, knowing that we are creating space for something new and inspiring to flow in.
A conduit does not need to grasp for money, situations, people, or things. A conduit knows that the universe is a boundless sea of energy. A conduit simply holds a clear space for the abundant possibilities to flow through.
Autumn is the season of letting go, clearing, and restructuring. I invite you to walk through the next few weeks with both freedom to release and freedom to receive, knowing that there will always be enough.
Embracing the continual winds of change.
