Have you ever thought about life like a big, winding river?
Imagine it flowing through all dimensions of us – our body, mind, heart, soul, and spirit. Throughout Living Tao we put Practice at the core of our being to enrich and influence the diverse terrains of our existence. Living Tao is a way to find deeper meaning and connection in every aspect of our lives.
Living Tao is a dynamic, living journey of change and growth. It’s a shared odyssey towards awakening to our timeless essence and wholeness.
Through the teachings, practices, and community support, the Living Tao Wisdom Circle is a catalyst for overcoming physical ailments, emotional barriers, and to achieving newfound peace and spiritual connection.
It’s also an experience of life as an interconnected dance of energy resonating with the rhythm of the universe, where each individual contributes to the awakening of the collective.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the heart-touching and life-changing experiences of several individuals who have embarked on this transformative path with Master Mingtong Gu as mentor to the Living Tao Wisdom Circle.
These snippets are vivid reflections of real struggles, victories, and self-realization — and are testament to the resilience and inner strength of ordinary individuals guided by the profound principles of Living Tao.
Embracing Life’s Challenges: Healing as a Spiritual Path
The journey of Living Tao transcends physical healing, ascending into the realms of spiritual awakening. Participants in this article share how their paths have evolved, moving beyond the tangible to embrace a deeper, more intensive form of healing – one that touches the soul and transforms the spirit.
Let’s dive into some real-life stories from people who have walked this path showing how Living Tao has touched their lives.
Picture Joyce, a woman feeling weighed down by the years and the routines of thought she couldn’t change. She stepped into the world of Living Tao and started feeling more youthful, shedding out-dated habits and behaviors that kept her stuck in the past. “I feel younger and can let go of old patterns,” she says, with a newfound lightness in her voice.
Adele, another Living Tao traveler, discovered an inestimable truth. She embraced the present moment and opened to new dimensions of wisdom she had been seeking about life and death. “Being present helps me find answers and love in our presence of being,” she shared, her eyes reflecting a deep peace.
J.D. faces Parkinson’s with a remarkable sense of bliss during his Qigong meditations. His energetic connection helps him find ways to transform and move beyond the challenges of his physical limitations.
Elizabeth discovered genuine love and appreciation for her body, embracing it fully despite its limitations. Rather than judge or condemn her circumstances, “After embracing limitation, suffering, and aging, I was able to connect with just how amazing my body is. It’s a sanctuary, the home of my essence and my 3 essential qualities of love, joy, and freedom”.
Limitations, whether physical, emotional, or mental, are not barriers to experiencing life’s unqualified joys. Instead, they can be transformed into catalysts for discovering deeper levels of love, freedom, and happiness.
Living Tao teaches us to view challenges as opportunities for growth and self-realization, finding beauty and happiness in every moment, irrespective of circumstances.
Emotional and Relationship Growth
Elizabeth’s story is like a scene from a heartfelt movie. After a typically reactive conversation with her husband, she took a walk in nature to change her perspective and emotional state while being mindful to stay present and connected to the chi field. Emerging from a grove of trees, she found him searching for her too, open to a new way of relating, beyond their repetitive and worn-out patterns. “I walked out of the woods, and there he was… looking for me, wanting to connect more openly,” she recalled, amazed at the change.
Another Living Tao Wisdom Circle member, John, shared how his transformation during an annual Retreat with Master Mingtong allowed him to possess less recrimination and bickering in his marriage. “I’m finding that I can come home with less judgment each time,” he said. He is also discovering new ways to approach all his relationships with more understanding and compassion.
Mental and Spiritual Evolution
Sara feels an ever-present and powerful connection to the “chi field” and a deep sense of belonging within her community. Her Living Tao journey gives her mental clarity and a spiritual anchor.
Kate highlights her perspective gained through Living Tao, “The work that Living Tao offers … has allowed us all to truly see the layers of life where shadows keep us from seeing our light and we’ve seen ways to transform these patterns”. Her awareness of life’s layers and the transformation of energetic patterns is a key aspect of the mental and spiritual growth nurtured by Living Tao.
Luke’s story adds another dimension – now his intentions feel more clear, settled, and aligned with the universal energy of love and wisdom. His process of working through emotional patterns and aligning with higher energies is a cornerstone of the mental and spiritual transformation that Living Tao facilitates.
Influence of the Tao Te Ching Within the Wisdom Circle and Beyond
The Living Tao Wisdom Circle brings individuals together, weaving their stories into a tapestry of interconnectedness and collective awakening. The ancient wisdom of the Tao Te Ching flows through and nurtures all the teachings, conversations, sharings, and experiences of Wisdom Circle members.
Rachelle recalled an enlightening moment, “At the end of the practice… I had an overwhelming feeling of I Am Love”! She shared how her realization illuminated the heart of her essence, and she has the capacity to radiate that love and understanding outward, impacting her relationships and the entire world.
Joyce found that group practice magnifies and expedites the transformation of her pain and worry into tears of joy for humanity, feeling a deep connection to the world. Adele treasures the precious support she receives and is able to give during community sharing. While Judy beautifully describes the journey as a cooperative dance guided by Master Mingtong.
Wisdom Projects for Personal Transformation and Inner Realization
Each Living Tao Wisdom Circle member creates their own Wisdom Life Project – a means for each to express their unique essence and gifts through their chosen activities or work.
Rather than retiring, Annie shared her readiness to share Wisdom Healing Qigong with others through her coaching work. Joyce rediscovered her love of dance and music, finding new ways to bring joy into her life. Elizabeth shared , “I have been meditating on the truth that the limitations in my life have invited me into much deeper creativity.” She emerged with a surge of inspiration for self-expression.
Because Luke has released and transformed energetic blocks caused by trauma through his Qigong practice, he now lives with more trust and confidence. “I’ve seen a complete change in my worldview. I am slowly coming to see the world as a more friendly and inviting place… I am more filled with hope and trust, letting go of my expectations and embracing whatever comes my way”.
Alma’s journey Living Tao at the age of 80 is a meaningful example that learning and self-discovery enriches us at every stage of life. Her decision to volunteer at a haven for grieving children, teens, and families, marks a pivotal chapter for her. Reflecting on her decision, Alma shares, “I’ve thought about volunteering there for years, and it’s Living Tao that’s created movement”. Her Wisdom Project transcends volunteering; it’s a new venture into personal leadership and growth. After she led small group gatherings in the Wisdom Circle she was prepared “to become a true leader from the inside out.”
Neither age or circumstance are true barriers to finding purpose or experiencing transformation. Instead, Living Tao shows us that every stage of life offers opportunities for meaningful engagement, personal leadership, and deep inner growth.
A Mosaic of Collective Awakening
In the heart of Living Tao lies the sangha, transcending beyond a mere community to become a circle of wisdom, illuminated by a spiritual mentor and guide. It’s a collective odyssey, where each individual’s journey is interwoven into a grand energetic ballet of oneness.
Here, the timeless essence of our being is expressed through the unity of mind, body, heart, and spirit, experienced as a dance of interconnectedness.
“I feel genuinely supported by Master Mingtong and the Living Tao Wisdom Circle. This is a truly unique group and it’s very precious to me.” Adele’s words reflect the sacred jewels that each member contributes to the collective mosaic of awakening, shared victories, and growth that cannot be created by any one person alone.
Judy adds another dimension to this picture with her poetic words, “Oh, how transported I am… the smell of trees, the crunch of feet imprinting the journey… Master Mingtong’s tender hands guiding each one of us to come home to ease and openness.” She illustrates the essence of unity, beauty, and strength, where the natural world and the mentor’s guidance converge to facilitate collective awakening and equanimity.
Conclusion: Embracing the Eternal Dance of Wholeness and Oneness
Living Tao offers a journey that nurtures every aspect of our being – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Through the stories shared, we see how Living Tao brings holistic healing, emotional growth, mental clarity, and spiritual alignment. It empowers individuals to embrace life’s challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth.
With the support of ancient wisdom and a caring community, members find limitless joy, deep connections, and a sense of belonging. The continuous path of discovery and transformation within the Living Tao Wisdom Circle enriches every moment, guiding us towards a life full of joy, love, and connection.
Note: The Living Tao Mentorship Wisdom Circle is for advanced students of Wisdom Healing Qigong who have been deeply immersed in Wisdom Healing Qigong Pure Consciousness practices for two or more years and are interested in exploring the ancient writings the Tao te Ching as applied to modern life. The Wisdom Circle is personally mentored by Master Mingtong Gu. To review the program and apply for membership during open enrollment at the beginning of each new year, go to chicenter.com/mentorship
