by Sonia Dezius
The Five Element theory of the Chinese health philosophy gives us a good awareness of how both in nature and in our bodies, which really mirror each other, we move through seasons. Summer is nature's season of growth and maturation, and the Element of Fire is seen most obviously, giving us the energy to grow and mature. Fire energy resonates with the heart.
In Chinese Acupressure, the Sea of Tranquility is the name given to the Fire point at the very centre of your chest, (the space called the heart centre or heart chakra). It is where the shen, the spirit of the heart, resides. We can all agree, it is the place we experience the warm expanse of love, whatever kind of love, we feel it here, and our ability to give, receive and express love comes from the health of our Fire Element.
The harmonious Fire Element is not a bushfire burning out of control, nor is it a flame smouldering about to extinguish. Rather it is as delicate as a candle flame flickering in the breeze of an open doorway. With this view, Fire is warmth, intimate, dancing, joyful. Its power is both vigorous and contained. Even during the weather of stress, anxiety, uncertainty, Fire illuminates and brings heartfelt-ness.
As the sun reaches its zenith in Summer, and you feel this is the time, ripe for opening, remember bring your hands to your heart, liberate your light. And if you need help, which we all do, light a candle, as well. Now is the time to practice GRATITUDE. Oh that wondrous and transformative thing that happens when we say thank you. Today, choose gratitude, one positive thought can cause a flood of healing, it synchronises the heart and brain. In fact, when we align heart with body and mind, we impact our hearts electromagnetic field. Hold the Sea of Tranquility, think of one thing you are thankful for right now, big or small. Now connect with a visceral quality of gratitude, not conceptually, but actually feel gratitude in your body.
This piece of information from the HeartMath Institute gets me every time, "The heart’s magnetic field, which is the strongest rhythmic field produced by the human body, not only envelops every cell of the body, but also extends out in all directions into the space around us. The heart’s magnetic field can be measured several feet away from the body by sensitive magnetometers. Research conducted at HMI suggests the heart’s field is an important carrier of information."
Yoga, whether it be the physical postures of Hatha yoga, breath work, or meditation, becomes a beautiful embodiment of love when we anchor awareness in the boundless nature of the heart. Move from this heart-centre during the practice. Getting-out-of-the-head. This is a foundational practice, and how yoga really works. It is the heart-essence that stays with you after you roll up the mat.
"We are stars wrapped in skin.
The light you have been seeking has always been within" Rumi
Sea of Tranquility
(CV 17)
Locate at the centre of the sternum (breastbone). In-line with the armpit. Gently rub with finger tips feeling for indentation, a shallow hollow, it can sometimes feel sore. Hold point with 3 fingertips OR Bring your hands together in anjali mudra (see pic), soft palms, base of thumbs makes a perfect fit at the 'sea of tranquility' OR more gently still (and perhaps less triggering) is to place the whole palm over the point.
Rest your awareness right there.
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