Spleen & Stomach Organ Meridians and why do they matter?
In this contrasting and yet complimentary combo, Spleen, represents the YIN and Stomach, the YANG in the energetics as we explore the meridians flowing through them.
These 2 organs are most affected by your diet – and diet is on the mind of many as the season transitions from spring to early summer… The spleen is a primary organ of digestion and is a blood reservoir. It resides right behind the stomach on the left side under the diaphragm. The stomach lies to the left of the diaphragm, between the esophagus and the intestines. The spleen is thought of as the source of life for other organs because it extracts the nutrients and converts them into blood and Chi, Prana, Life Force, Energy – whatever you like to call it that keeps us going…
More later…
I am influenced by a yogi who breathes yin yoga and that would be Paul Grilley, teacher of teachers. He shows that we are all unique inside and out – a pose that’s easy for someone is not necessarily so for another because we are structurally different. Add to that, difference in age, history and training… Check this out – so clear visually. With this understanding, you no longer have to compare yourself to others and wonder what’s wrong. Nothing is wrong – it’s all good:) Just find the luminous clarity.
Take a couple of poses and you can have a lovely home practice as I do – but surprisingly, when the poses are strung together and linked into a sequence for meridian opening, I find the group setting to be more beneficial. In Yang practices, hooked on an endorphin high we make great deal of effort, but sometimes the contest like nature of the class gets in the way of true learning. Then, depleted – far from cultivating peace, I start craving for a refuge of one-to-one private lessons – then feeling improved enough, getting back to the group – or journey over to a mini-spa escape, to recharge, rejuvenate – the “relax & renew” quiet time; such as – Restorative – a quite before a storm is what I used to call it:) – the personalized attention and care with use of many many props can sometimes be challenging in a large group – to which point I abbreviate and do with less – Seldom would I want to do these quiet practices alone…it’s about the steady, grounding energy… with the right guidance, the calming energy can pervade the space where there are other human beings to just breathe with; keep time with. It’s a tribal thing we all seek – we need to be with other human beings, even in quiet meditation – take a look at these monks at a temple! At my ” temple”, home alone, I cannot set up the right mood … too sedative…to keep time – and thus too easy to come out of … balance. If I were in authentic “ZAZEN” session in Japan, a monk would (gently tap or ) strike me with a stick if I were to come out of focus… I guess they can tell when a student’s mind drifts off into review of To-Do-List or Projects-to-get-done and their deadlines – luckily I am here… just here and now – and yes, always breathing:) Yoga is so liberating!
“Emily and the Butterfly Duet” by Bao Hoang, Oil on canvas…
“Heart of the Matter” exhibit at Oceana Art Gallery… It was all about the Heart not Spleen and Stomach, lol…It’s true – Heart is hard to reach … but… we will get to the Heart … sooner or later.
