Sunbeam

Interesting way to put that. My Sifu would say this same sort of thing in a different way (to be formless/shapeless, thus unable to be found energetically speaking -- he is a master of this). I see what you are saying about clearing the reaction. In some senses I feel I've come to understand that naturally and it does help release the attachment to the experience of someone else's emotions which then clarifies the situation considerably. I think with practice, perhaps, this process can happen more quickly so that I can more immediately discern what is mine and what is someone else's. It's weird that that is not clear to me right away... but I guess I've just been so used to unconsciously taking on people's stuff my whole life that it's more of a realization to be like, "Wait -- but that's not mine!!" Also, I don't think there's anything unTao about working with one's psychic abilities. I think psychic abilities are natural and normal, and everybody has them in one way or another. Plus, the opening of one's psychic centers is a natural part of cultivation. Else, how would you be able to open to and experience the spiritual realms? Of course if this is not your focus (doing psychic work to assist others, for example), that's legit. Just, to me, I see it as a part of Tao, spiritual work, and the experience of oneness originally inquired about

I haven't quite learned to close it down, but I guess there are times where I make a conscious effort to avoid tuning in because the situation seems scary or something. It has recently occurred to me that I need to cultivate psychic protection -- though cultivation itself has been tremendously helpful at deflecting a lot of the woebegone types that used to come to me like magnets! I have more of an energetic shield than I used to, but there are still times that I feel drained or invaded. I do readings for people now as well using astrology and sometimes those charts just linger around and information pops up at inconvenient times haha, or I'll get so zinged up reading them that I lose my grounding. I've actually started to feel like I need to wear a bunch of hematite or something while I do readings for all the above reasons! I've yet to test that one, but I think I have a few hematite bracelets hanging around.

Also Chuang Tzu does address this... from the Feng / English translation of the Inner Chapters ::: "If there is no other, there is no I. If there is no I, there is no one to perceive. This is close to the truth but we do not know why. There must be some primal force, but we cannot discover any proof. I believe it acts, but I cannot see it. I can feel it but it has no form..."

I've lived my life as an empath and it can be challenging to know ones own feelings among everyone else's. If I tune in very closely to a person's energy I can usually see their perspective and experience in a situation pretty clearly. I've had to learn boundaries because this trait tends to lead to giving up all your energy for others... Esp and including those who prey on your empathy! Not all psychics are empaths, I've discovered. So even people who can see don't always feel the other people that way. It's a blessings and a curse. The more I cultivate, the more this gets stronger too. To the point that if I send someone a letter or an email out of the blue, I can feel their reaction to it if it's a strong one. I stopped engaging in online discussions about any hot topics because it would tie up my energy emotionally and I could feel people attacking me if I offered some contrary suggestion (my entire thing is all about peace and love, and still people find fault in this haha...) When I'm around someone who is upset and angry I can become overwhelmed with similar feelings or sometimes feel it's directed towards me and get really guilty like I did something wrong and wonder why... Hahaha... So anyway, the answer is yes -- and I am telling you so

I work quite a bit with astrology and the I Ching. But I will still pull out the cards from time to time. It's useful to understand the cycles of your life and see what kinds of energies are current/past/ahead. Even if you are unable to prepare for the specific circumstances you at least can draw an understanding of how to recognize it, work with it, and most importantly... Know that it passes!

Love Helen Liang -- have you ever seen her snake style? Emei, is what it is called.

The Akashic records can help cue you into past lives, and perhaps give you some further understanding as to why you chose to go this path. Maybe perhaps good to find someone who can help you in that arena?

It's all relative... my 2c.

Hello Tao Bums, I am a Taoist martial artist and I enjoy reading your topics so I figured I'd drop in and join the forum! I am relatively new to internal but have practiced martial arts for almost 14 years and internal specifically for almost 4. At my school we practice Chen Tai Chi & Silk Reeling, Xingyi, Bagua Zhang, some Praying Mantis and Shandong weaponry, and a creative martial art called Tao style created by our Sifu. Tao has always resonated deeply with me ever since I first came across a Tao Te Ching in high school. In life I am an artist, astrologer (currently using western tropical, hoping to explore the akashic records soon), and teach some qigong and martial arts on a basic level OK, I hope this is a good introduction! I get nervous about these things. Look forward to being a part of the community.