Ki Development

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It doesn't matter if you use the term ki, chi, prana or inner strength. It’s all talking about the same thing. If we look at the kanji used for ki, it looks like a pot over a fire with steam being released. This leads me to believe that at a foundational level the inner strength is comprised of our internal combustion system.

With that being said one of the most important aspects of developing ki would deal with the fueling and maintenance of our body. It stands to reason that a body that is physically fit and consumes a healthy diet is better suited for sustaining and releasing energy. The funny thing about ki is that most people look at it as an outside force that gives its practitioners magical abilities.

These abilities center on esoteric practices involving concentration, relaxation and deep breathing. I believe that there is nothing wrong with this practice. When you think about it, concentration is just a method of focusing all of your energies to one task. This in and of itself helps make the burning of energy more efficient. Relaxation on the other hand is also a method of increasing efficiency in the burning of the body’s fuel. Without extra tension especially where movement is concerned helps prevent the body working against itself. Then if we consider deep breathing there is nothing more important than getting oxygen to help burn the needed calories. Breathing also increases relaxation especially when coupled with a concentrated focus.

So by utilizing our mind and body together along with the proper training and diet we are well on the way to developing ki. Still I believe that there is more to the development of ki than just eating a good meal. There is also more to be said for the mental development portion of this task. Repetition coupled with concentration enhances our body's abilities to perform a task in a relaxed manner. Having a skill ingrained where you can do it without thought brings us near the state of mind called mushin.

There is nothing mystical about this anyone who has driven a car long distances over familiar terrain can recall entering this state of mind especially when you’re driving alone. If you think about it, you should be able to remember a time where you arrived at your destination and you can recall leaving and arriving but have no recollection of the drive in between. This is, of course, when you are sober and alert and there was nothing unusual happening along your route. If anything happened out of the ordinary, you may have recalled it; for example, instinctively breaking to avoid hitting a deer that ran out onto the road. When you are in this mind set, your senses are extra alert but the internal dialogue of your mind has relinquished its constant barrage.

Ki is also connected with our ability to mentally psych ourselves up, where we utilize our chemical and hormonal responses to enhance our efforts. Breathing remains a bridge in this function also. I do not recommend this type of self-talk where we make ourselves angry to get prepared for a confrontation. Studies have shown that individuals who are constantly subjected to adrenal stimulation in their line of work often suffer ill effects that are supposedly attributed to it. I like to stick with imagining positive outcomes from negative situations to help maintain a relaxed and adaptive state of mind.

I also believe that there is a strong argument for ki being an aura that extends beyond our body. This is the invisible force that sensitive people and especially those who meditate or practice some sort of chi-kung seem to have a developed awareness. For years people have maintained that science could not prove or disprove the existence of ki.

However, it is my belief that if you look at the electromagnetic waves that extend from our brain beyond the surface of our skin you may have an explanation for ki. This is especially true when you look at the electromagnetic waves that extend not only pass the surface of our skin, but even beyond the reach of our limbs that extends from our center. These electromagnetic waves from our heart are vastly stronger than the output from the waves that extend from our brain. Our sensitivity to these electromagnetic waves may help us interpret thoughts, feelings, and reactions especially when we are in close proximity to the electromagnetic aura of others. That is my take on developing internal strength, which can be enhanced if we utilize all of these factors of mind and body together.

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