Subtle body-building

All of us know the benefits of daily exercise. Keeping our physical bodies fit is an accepted aspect of quality living. We also have subtle bodies. These are the non-physical parts of ourselves. Our being stressed, irritable and unhappy is an indication that our subtle bodies probably need some exercising as well.

Ways Of Developing Our Subtle Bodies

Meditation. It’s a key way to develop our subtle bodies. Silence and touching higher levels of consciousness is like rest and an injection of light and energy into a “body” that gets drained by its own weaknesses and the influence and effects of the “outside” world.

Nature. Not just going to a place, but feeling the energy of the place; opening up to it. In the Philippines we are so fortunate to have a huge spectrum of healing land energies: our volcanoes, our seas, our mountains… this is a goldmine and we have not even begun to scratch the surface!

Flurping. This means just letting go. Going to a spa, or floating in a swimming pool, or lying down in the grass facing the sky. Whatever — just getting away from the grind, and letting go. Incessant pressure leads to burnout.

Yoga Postures. There are deeper non-commercial aspects to yoga postures that actually lead you “into yourself” and are energetic in nature. An awareness and cultivation of this has tremendous benefits for our subtle bodies such as calming and strengthening your energy.

I have also found some activities that are very beneficial for me:

Ballroom dancing. The mixture of music and movement has a great effect on my heart and belly. The effects depend on the music and the dance. Foxtrot is romantic, Rumba is sensual, Swing is just great fun. I have found that it’s a great way to address and release inhibitions, and to learn freedom.

Belly-dancing. I have done this a few times. I wish I had the time for more, but I find this to be great release. And it helps tighten and develop our belly area.

Diving. The silence, the environment beneath the water’s surface has a very soothing effect on our subtle bodies.

And it doesn’t just have to be soothing. It can also be invigorating activities, like jogging. Doing rhythmic exercises and focusing on the subtle aspects of the exercise will leave you with a greater sense of well-being than just doing it for the pure physicality of it all.

Sex. I once attended a study circle on sex. Sex is not just physical —it creates an awareness of the etheric and energetic principles and can be highly spiritual. It can be healing and uplifting. It can be used as a process to touch deeper levels of ourselves and our partner.

In doing all of this, a vital part that needs to be developed is the third eye. The term is unfortunately connected to misconceptions. But it’s not merely hocus-pocus; it’s an organ of perception. It’s our connection – our portal to the subtler, non-physical parts of our existence. It’s a tool we can use in eating, exercising, driving, sex, planning, discerning, hiring — anything and everything. If you use your third eye, whatever you do becomes deeper and more enjoyable. Because the activity is not just physical. Its includes the subtler layers of energy. Try traveling and touring with the third eye open. A whole new world opens.

Personally, I have really benefited in the practice of empathy. I can feel people more. My communication skills have improved, whether it be talking to one person and feeling them out — or talking to a big crowd. Filipinos are actually deeply spiritual in this way. Many of you use your third eye, but don’t even know it. My father, for example, had a very accurate “gut feel” about what to do, who to hire. That’s not intellectual or rational; that’s intuitive. That’s what the third eye is all about. Most CEOs use their intuition. Most geniuses have flashes of intuition. But we all have it in us. So why not just develop it?

For enjoying life: what can I say? Feeling the subtler aspects of nature — even through movies and books — life is just different when one develops a keener perception

It can be great for business — hiring, for instance. Imagine seeing the potential in prospective employees. Or in really seeing your kids’ true being. Hmmm… even for knowing who is being true to you. I would say that developing, in a systematic way, our subtle bodies, our organs of perception, can lead to a much, much fuller life.

But the most significant value of the third eye is the access it gives to spiritual reality. God, angels, truth — all are facets of life that need to be experienced, not merely believed in. The third eye has led to a wondrous experience of being guided, being loved — I know, now, that this physical world is just a minute fraction of the beauty that exists. For fleeting moments I have felt the softness in higher realms, and the world and people look so different from there. During those precious moments, I felt I was home.

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For more questions I can be reached at regina_lopez@abs-cbn.com. There is an “Awakening the Third Eye” retreat at the La Mesa Guest House on Sept. 27 and 28. Those interested can call or text (0920)851-9717 or e-mail clairvision.phil@gmail.com.