The Benefits of SunDo and Taoism
The art of integration with SunDo Meditation
Ever feel like your mind is a crowded city with too many people running in every direction and yelling over each other constantly? You’re not alone. Taoist practices have intrigued people across the Western world now for well over a century — and with good reason: they hold the answer to a better, less stressful life. |
As many of us are all too aware, our version of modern society is not necessarily a recipe for good mental health and all-around well-being. In reality, it’s increasingly become quite the opposite with our hyperconnected smartphone lifestyles and constant social media stimulation.
SunDo meditation is one of the most integral practices of Taoism; it’s a blend of breath refinement, yoga-like postures and concentration on the “tan dien,” an energy center in the lower abdomen also known as the “sacral chakra.”
Benefits of SunDo-Taoist meditation practice include healthier breathing, mind/body connection, and self-discovery. It’s a powerful tool for self-mastery and, for a growing number of people, it’s the difference between living well and living in distraction.
SunDo meditation is one of the most integral practices of Taoism; it’s a blend of breath refinement, yoga-like postures and concentration on the “tan dien,” an energy center in the lower abdomen also known as the “sacral chakra.”
Benefits of SunDo-Taoist meditation practice include healthier breathing, mind/body connection, and self-discovery. It’s a powerful tool for self-mastery and, for a growing number of people, it’s the difference between living well and living in distraction.
“Within man is the soul of the whole;
the wise silence; the universal balance”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
the wise silence; the universal balance”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Breaking the “tunnel vision” of life
Our interest in Taoism in the West stems primarily from the writings of the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. Jung grew up with the conventions of his mentor Sigmund Freud and his concept of the mind existing as three separate but jumbled pieces: the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious minds.
We notice all the time how easy it is for our minds to wander and for us to find ourselves lost in thought. We fight so hard to keep our minds on the tasks at hand, but often feel unsatisfied when we finish them and notice that no matter what we do, strange feelings of unease continue to bother us.
These are Freud’s three levels of consciousness shouting over and bumping into each other all day long!
Jung broke with this school of thought as he became fascinated by Taoism, and ultimately created his own approach to psychology based on bringing the unconscious mind to the surface — instead of burying it as we often do to get through the day.
Our interest in Taoism in the West stems primarily from the writings of the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. Jung grew up with the conventions of his mentor Sigmund Freud and his concept of the mind existing as three separate but jumbled pieces: the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious minds.
We notice all the time how easy it is for our minds to wander and for us to find ourselves lost in thought. We fight so hard to keep our minds on the tasks at hand, but often feel unsatisfied when we finish them and notice that no matter what we do, strange feelings of unease continue to bother us.
These are Freud’s three levels of consciousness shouting over and bumping into each other all day long!
Jung broke with this school of thought as he became fascinated by Taoism, and ultimately created his own approach to psychology based on bringing the unconscious mind to the surface — instead of burying it as we often do to get through the day.
Finding light by confronting the darkness
Which parts of our psyche usually get buried? The things we don’t want to think about!
These thoughts wander in the depths of our minds, like lost children, waiting for us to guide them back home to become united aspects of our full selves. Until we do this, they whine and pull at our sleeves making it hard for us to focus or relax. We feel unsatisfied and incomplete.
We often want to confront our problems, but many of them may be too frightening or threatening to us, pressing against the boundaries of our comfort zones.
By openly acknowledging these hidden sides of ourselves and reconciling them with our conscious thought, we break from the tunnel vision of everyday life, balance our minds, and open ourselves to more productive and flexible thinking.
By seeing the big picture in life, we can take in the breathtaking beauty of the mountains and the darkest depths of a murky swamp — both at the same time, as integral parts of our world. Our minds reflect an inner equilibrium where opposites unite in balance. We’re not as distracted and can now focus on the more important and rewarding aspects of life.
“Your vision will become clear
only when you look into your heart…
Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.”
~ Carl Jung, Depth Psychologist
only when you look into your heart…
Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.”
~ Carl Jung, Depth Psychologist
Unlocking the power of balance From Jung’s desire to unite the wisdom of Eastern and Western thought, as well as the conflicting pieces of the mind, we see a common theme of balance that’s perfectly captured in a Taoist symbol we know all too well — the ubiquitous yin and yang. Dark and light, surface and interior, mind and body, self and others — the famous, but glossed-over symbol gets us to the root of Taoism and the power its practices have to help us live better, more meaningful lives: the interplay of yin and yang emphasizes our need to reclaim balance and live at peace with ourselves and the world. And Taoist practice is one of the most effective ways to find this powerful sense of harmony. |
“Breath is a sacred communication.
All living things join together to circulate energy in the universe.”
~ Taoist Master Hymoon Kim
All living things join together to circulate energy in the universe.”
~ Taoist Master Hymoon Kim
The change you’ll see from SunDo Taoist Meditation
SunDo meditation is directly connected to this theme of balance. Its exercises awaken old memories of stress, denial or trauma stored within the body or mind. The awakening process occurs slowly, over time, and only when we feel confident and resilient enough in our practice to experience change.
Through deep breathing, SunDo gently brings these repressed parts of our subconsciousness into conscious awareness, uniting them to create greater physical and mental well-being.
A shift in temperament takes place as practitioners gain the benefits of SunDo breathing meditation and the Taoist principle of oneness. They establish an essential foundation for on-going practice in their individual journeys toward personal well-being and wholeness.
As we better ourselves through meditation, not only will we see a change in each other, we may also see more peace, balance and integrity in our world. In SunDo, we strive to connect our breath to a greater sense of self. We invite you to do the same.
Whether you simply begin paying attention to your breathing or become immersed in a daily deep breathing routine, SunDo meditation can help you find a way to create more balance and harmony in your life.