Meditation in Action Retreat Booklet 2025

by Tez Sawicki

The Master Game - A Retreat

 Developing Alchemical Intelligence Transforming Base Elements into Shen

Transforming Shen into the Golden Light Body

Awareness of Breathing - By observing the processes that shape our various breathing patterns, we gradually become aware of the conditioning that influences how we breath, as well as the mental intent guiding the pressures that regulate and shape our breath and sensations. Through this observation, we can recognise the habitual tendencies of the mind which are involved in breathing and become conscious of the pressures affecting the lungs and the heart, sensation, feeling and emotions.

In the cultivation and contemplation of the art of breathing. and in the centering of embodied presence, we direct our attention to the thoughts and attitudes that influence respiration, sensation, emotions, and the psychophysiological conditions that shape our experience. This mindful awareness

allows us to observe how our mental patterns and states affect the way we breathe and feel, fostering deeper connection and clarity within our being.

The pressurising tendencies, and the rigid fulcruming ingrained in our habituated attitudes and bodily tension, are the energies which are being transformed in the alchemical development of our Daoyin practice. The conditioning factors shaping the body-mind-spirit trinity within the three dantian become the fuel for transformation. Breathing mirrors the mind state effecting and shaping our sense of self. During cultivation, embodying coherence and clarity of mind favours the embryological energies that develop coherence and vibration throughout the tissue body, and the conditioned mind, resulting in the capacity to embody universal field consciousness, and the regulation of vibration into resonance, into fusion.

 Alchemical Transformation through Daoyin practice and Understanding the Energies and the Conditioning Factors 

In our cultivation of Daoyin, we recognise the tendency toward habituated pressure, and the rigid fulcruming that becomes ingrained in our habitual attitudes and body tension. These bodily tensions are energies ripe for transformation, recognising them and regulating their conditioning patterns. Cultivating coherence and unity of body, mind, and spirit within the three Dantian, serve as the fuel for deep Alchemical transformation.

Breathing as a Reflection of Inner States

 Breathing acts as a mirror to our mental physical and emotional states. Each breath influences and shapes our sense of self. By cultivating coherence and clarity of mind, we support the development of embryological energies, those foundational energies that shape systemic function and biodynamic coherence.

 Embryological Energy and Blueprint of Systemic Function

The embryological blueprint contains the potential to embody and harmonise coherent function and embody planetary and universal field consciousness. The development of these energies through mindful breath work, sitting, standing and laying down, in motion or stillness, empowers us to connect with greater scales of consciousness and energy systems.   

Shen and Embodied Presence

As the divine Shen settles in the mind, it gradually guides the mind to settle in the heart-mind which then cultivates embodied presence, mindfulness, compassion, and generosity. These qualities arise when we practice breathing within our natural range of ease, which helps to regulate and deepen systemic coherence.

Practical Application in Practise

* Work within your range of ease: Gentle, mindful breathing supports coherence and balances the central nervous system.

* Focus and intention: Use the breath to direct your awareness toward fostering harmony and resonance within the body-mind-spirit complex.

* Cultivate presence: As we engage in mindful breathing within our range of ease, we support the development of embodied presence, an alert yet relaxed state of awareness. This practice helps anchor our attention in the present moment. By maintaining coherence-through gentle, conscious breath and intentional focus-we create a grounded foundation for the embodied energies to regulate and release dissonant tone. Allowing our cultivation to be steady and able to process the body's sensation and energy flow.

Awareness and regulation of inner sensory experience, Understanding the inner landscape: Sensory, emotional, and neural dynamics.

* The sensations and feelings associated with how we are breathing, as well as the effort we engage in, shape the emotive atmosphere permeating our sense of self. The subtle nuances of the felt sense are revealed through direct observation, allowing us to regulate and clarify these inner conditions. As we feel into the airflow, the tension in our chest and abdomen, and the sensations in our throat, shoulders, and neck, we also become aware of the emotions, feelings, sensations, thoughts and attitudes that arise in our response and in reactions to these arising states.

 In our practice, we awaken to and learn to embrace our sense of sovereign sentience. Cultivating the ability to understand what our breathing patterns reveal about us, we become more attuned to our sensory data, more able to clarify and to regulate, able and willing to feel and process, to recognise how our inner conditions can shift, can change. This is a fundamental goal in the cultivation of Mindfulness of Breathing.

* Peripheral sensors

* Regulating our pulmonary mechanoreceptors and stretch receptors in the lungs and chest wall.

These structures and the feeling tones that are generated can be constrictive and overtly reactive. favouring negative conditioning that permeates into the subconscious body-mind patterning responsible for shaping negative physical and psychological tendencies. In this level of psychophysiological Pressure, we become bogged down, and largely disconnected to our greater potential. We live in various degrees of ignorance, and in our behaviour, we will often exclude the possibility of integration with the wider deeper, and internal dimensions deep within.  We feel unable or reluctant to cultivate the grace of a more flexible and integral sense of self, we are often unwilling or unable to regulate our internal sense of rigid Pressure habituated in mind and body.

 The lungs regulate Qi, Qi regulates Pressure, Mind regulates Qi. Where the mind goes Qi follows.

* Brain stem respiratory centres that generate rhythm in breathing, and the higher centres that modulate it.

Some major tendencies in conditioning are held in negative pressure, becoming physically and mentally counter-productive. They produce negative back-pressure that works against core rhythm and the higher centres of modulation. The result is a downgrading of the potential of these regulating processes. The refining and fluid empowerment of sensorial consciousness are corrupted over time. The sense-self becomes more rigid, coarser in feeling, more reactive in mind, and inadequate in gathering and furthering the necessary potency and wisdom to generate coherent Pressure. The coherent pressure and the potency that is able to ground and centre embodied heart-mind intelligence is as yet undeveloped.

* Interoceptive pathways and the regions involved in conscious sensations and affects.

The empowerments of Gathering Essence Daoyin are developed through the understanding and acceptance of our embodied feelings and sensations, thoughts and actions.

In intention we are developing greater awareness and capacity for regulating the breath body, "Fire", and the fluid body, "Water", resulting in greater systemic coherence of the tissue body, "Earth", the emotional body, the mental body, and the light body.

Through mindfulness and embodied presence, and through processing our manifesting conditions we awaken our natural intelligence. We empower the desire for the bounty of insightful attention and the wisdom to cultivate its virtues. Through the refinement of our proprioception and the regulation of our sensorial consciousness we open to the potency and fluid potential of who we are, and what we are. By manifesting biodynamic coherence throughout our awareness of the sense-self, the Sensorium, and through the regulating intelligence of our Essence, we embody and open into the universal nature of Being, entering into the depth of Samadhi, our Quantum Field Consciousness.

* Proprioception.

 Our proprioception is our body's ability to sense and regulate our movement, position and balance. In our Daoyin arts we are developing the ability to sense our bodies balance, position pressures and movement with greater attention and dexterity. We develop the capacity to regulate Pressure which involves regulating the sensors in the muscles, tendons joints, inner ear and connective tissue. Our sensory receptors provide feed-back, but it takes attention to regulate them in structure and develop greater dexterity in our limbs, in our joints, and in our tissue elasticity. The inner ear regulates balance and develops gravitational centering. Cultivation of Reeling Silk routines develops our capacity for gravitational centering, and balance in motion.

When we empower our proprioception, our movement become fluid, rhythmic, precise, and well-coordinated systemically. The regulated feeling tone is tuned to vibrate coherently, giving rise to greater points of balanced tension and the potential for resonance, embodied field consciousness, developing the potential of Alchemical Intelligence.

Our Daoyin/Qigong routines for Muscle Tendon Changing develop proprioception within the above structures. They are regulated and cultivated toward greater capacity, clarity, coherence, elasticity and strength.  Movement skills become more fluid, and the connective tissue more flexible, as the fluid drive is potentised and exchanged throughout the tissue beds. Internal dissonance is processed and regulated toward coherent vibration and fluid potency. The development of biodynamic potential, fluids, mental acuity, and form work is essential for fine motor control and balance, and is cultivated in the following arts.

1. Internal energy cultivation.

2. Breathing regulation.

3. Physical postures and movement.

4. Water and fire integration through breathing.

5. Meditative focus.

6. Contemplative regulation.

Inner wisdom suggests

Working within one's range of ease is a primary rule for wise practice in all of the above arts.

* Autonomic modulation

The parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves influences linking our breath to heart rate and arousal. The sympathetic nerves are part of the body's nervous system that helps prepare you for action. These nerves help your body respond quickly to emergencies or stress. When coherently active they can make your heart beat faster, and help you, breath more easily, they release energy so you can react quickly.

We are often poorly configured in this respect, reacting consistently and inadequately in a habituated way. Developing awareness empowers our capacity to regulate poor flight or fight reactions, and develops greater ability to process in present time.

The parasympathetic nervous system is part of your body's nervous system that helps you relax and recover. It helps you slow down your heart rate, and relaxes your muscles. Developing the power of Song cultivates parasympathetic coherence and develops greater vagal tone regulation. Vagal nerve regulation supports greater capacity for processing stress and changes in circumstance, grounding attention and response to the challenges we face in life. As the vagal nerve is responsible for many important functions. It helps regulate things like your heart, lungs, and stomach, helping to regulate breathing and digestion, keeping your body balance and working properly. All three dantian are developed through efficient vagal innervation.

* Attention networks

The attention systems determine whether, our breathe is noticed, and in particular, the value of noticing the psychological and the biological factors involved. Developing our awareness and skill in supporting our attention networks has profound potential, regulating how we shape psychological and biological process. Developing good systemic networking turns Qi into Shen by regulating the elemental balance of the body-mind conditions, and by refining the vibration of our qi into resonance, and resonance into fusion with the quantum field and the profound absorption of unity and wholeness.

Fusion fosters the Golden Light Body

*Psychological and cognitive factors

Cultivating attention and interoceptive ability, develops capacity to deal with anxiety and to regulate hypervigilant tendencies, such as over-worrying, storing resentment, projecting blame, and inadequate appraisal of circumstance. 

In cultivation we are awakening to the underlying biophysical conditions of our general anatomy and the psychological and mental-visceral processes manifesting our emotions and attitudes. As an awareness practice it is a grounding in developing our insight, revealing how we habitually generate the conditions of our mental reactions, and potentise our emotive and physical states. In developing our capacity through practice, we open the doorway to building the necessary potential that is able to regulate coherence resulting in cellular resonance.

As we look directly at the range of breathing habits and processes that manifest and express or suppress our relationship to feelings and sensations, we can through mindfulness and presence acquire a deepening cultivation of clarity on the attitudes governing how we are feeling and breathing. Subconscious negative breathing patterning are gradually resolved in mindful contemplation. How we are responding or reacting in life becomes a potent empowerment for understanding and rectifying dissonant Qi and poor habits of mind. Simply valuing and regulating a good enough observation of mind-body-breathing configurations is a prerequisite for alchemical aptitude.

Observation of our generated reactions and responses to the bodily feelings and sensations of our life's mental and emotional tendencies via the breath state empowers greater insight. In this capacity awareness of the applied pressures of our breath, such as a held breath, a shallow breath, a deep breath, a rough breath, a smooth breath and so on, exposes the tendencies and conditioning factors expressed in how we are shaping our experience through subconscious control and habituated pressure.

Meditation in Action

When you breathe in, breath with the whole body.

When you breathe out, breath with the whole body.

Alchemical breathing skills.

Cultivating elastic coherence in the activation of applied pressure to regulate the felt sense in breathing, and in bodily sensations.

 Our practice of refining internal awareness and regulating Qi, fluids, breath, and tissues is essential for cultivating coherent body-mind harmonics. Through the alchemical process of working with potentized fluid essences, which are gradually

refined and transported throughout the body-mind complex.

And with the additional cultivation of mindfulness of breathing-its inhalation and exhalation-while applying gentle pressure that fosters clarity of sensation, including its intensity and its location, we activate the optimum level of intent and sensitivity to cultivate transformation.

In practice, we pay close attention to the subtle movements and sensations within the lungs and pleural tissues as they stretch and condense. By working within the elastic boundaries of these tissues, we cultivate resilience and ease through subtle attention and the powers of Song, that is regulated through the parasympathetic nervous system. Coherent and balanced internal activation [pressure], guided by wise intention and subtle ignition, supports a harmonious breathing process that nurtures inner calm and physical resilience.   

Through visualisation and internal focus, we gradually apply gentle pressure to cultivate elasticity. This allows Qi and fluid pressure to flow smoothly without exerting excessive force on the pleura, chest wall, or diaphragm. Over time, the elastic capacity of our breathing, along with our sense of ease and depth, help regulate our stretch sensors-beginning in the lung tissue and then extending to the pleura and diaphragm. This process fosters deepening toned relaxation and gradually develops elasticity, throughout the entire tissue body.

The developing sense of mindfulness of fluid ease and the activation of biodynamic elastic integration deepen our connection with the Dao. As our alchemical capacity increases, our sense of inner stillness is enhanced and quickened. Balance naturally increases as we cultivate and nurture our inherent flow of Essence, Qi, and Shen, harmonizing our internal energies and deepening our spiritual connection to the universal field.

There are two levels of pleural tissue: one that is attached to the lungs and another that lines the interior of the chest cavity. Developing the skilful application of applied pressure

within the stretch sensors of the lungs and chest wall enhances our awareness and sensitivity in working with these tissues, gradually advancing elastic capacity throughout the whole body.

1. Skill development

  * Applying gentle, coherent pressure within stretch sensors

  * Enhancing tissue elasticity and resilience

2. Refining internal sensing and regulation

  * Practice mindful awareness of:

  * Breath [inhalation and exhalation]

  * Tissue sensations [pleasant and unpleasant]

  * Mastering Internal pressure

  * Working within elastic boundaries to foster resilience and ease.

3. Breath Awareness and Mindfulness

* Incorporate Buddhist mindfulness:

  * Observe each breath calmly and non-judgmentally

  *Focus attention on subtle movements and sensations

  * Use visualisation and location to support internal regulation

4. Practicing coherent Breathing

* Aim for:

  * Smooth, balanced inhalation and exhalation

  * Gentle, intentional pressure

 * Benefits:

   * Internal coherence

   * Calmness and clarity

   * Enhanced elasticity

5. Application in Daoist Neigong.

   * Cultivate internal flow and vitality

   * Use internal focus to develop elasticity and resilience

   * Support overall harmony and energy balance

6. Alchemical and Inner Flow Development

   * Foster:

    * Inner stillness

    * Balance of Essence Qi and Shen

    * Deepening connection with the Dao

7. Practical skills to develop

    * Sensory awareness of tissue-stretch during breathing

    * Gentle application of pressure within elastic limits

    * Visualisation and internal focus for internal harmony

8. Benefits of regular practice

    * Increased tissue elasticity and resilience

    * Deeper body-mind connection

    * Inner calm and mental clarity

    * Support for internal alchemy and spiritual growth.

Cultivating Fluid dynamics and systemic coherence.

Understanding and Practice Overview

In the practice of cultivating fluid dynamics, the focus is on opening and regulating the body's entire fluid passageways. This involves building tissue elasticity through rhythmic flow, oscillation, and the alchemical art of conscious, systemic breathing.

Patterns of Flow

By understanding the natural patterns-of flow such as seeping, pumping, absorbing and vibrating-we foster resonance and fusion within the body's internal systems. These patterns support a seamless exchange of energy and matter, promoting vitality and coherence.

Vibrational Exchange and Systemic Coherence

This vibrational exchange occurs within and across the body's systemic networks, including fluid channels and Qi gateways. Cultivating this exchange requires acquiring knowledge and honing practical skills to develop the potency and intention necessary for systemic coherence.

Grounding Biodynamic Consciousness 

All practices are grounded in Biodynamic field consciousness,nurturing an internal environment of harmony and resilience. This holistic approach supports the cultivation of inner flow, resonance, and systemic integration at every level.

Practice instructions: Cultivating Fluid Dynamics & Systemic Coherence

Preparation:

     * Find a quiet spot, a comfortable space where you can stand, sit or lie down with ease.

     * Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself, allowing your awareness to settle inward.

Step 1: Establish Rhythmic Breathing

     *Begin to breath slowly and rhythmically, focussing on creating smooth, flowing inhalations and exhalations.

     * Visualise the breath as a wave, flowing gently through your entire body.

Step 2: Open and regulate the body's fluid Passageways

* With each breath, imagine opening your body's fluid channels from the crown of your head to your feet.

* As you breath, visualise fluids and the Qi of your breath igniting, potentising, and charging the fluid drive. Pumping, seeping, flowing, into your tissues, absorbing life force and vibrating through these pathways.

Step 3: Cultivate Elasticity and Resonance

 * Use your internal focus to feel tissue and energised elastic force. Gently intend the tissues to soften and become more resilient with each rhythmic flow.

  * Sense the resonance building as vibrations fuse, creating internal harmony.

Step 4: Focus on Vibration and energy exchange

   * Visualise a vibrational exchange within your systemic systems through Qi gateways and fluid channels and meridians.

   * Feel how these vibrations support systemic coherence, fostering a sense of internal unity and flow.

Step 5: Set power and intention

   * With clear intention, focus on cultivating internal power by cultivating ignition with energy flowing and circulating smoothly and coherently throughout your body and mind.

    * Hold a gentle awareness of your sense of presence and awaken and expand your connection to its biodynamic field, engage in conscious presence.

Step 6: Deepen and Integrate

    * Continue this rhythmic flow for some time, maintaining relaxed yet firm attention.

     * Toward the end of your practise, gradually soften your focus, allowing your awareness to rest within the overall coherence you've cultivated.

Analyses on gentle rhythmic oscillation on the body's energy and fluid exchange.

  * Gentle rhythmic oscillation of the body fluid and energy exchange.

Circulation and lymphatic flow

  * Enhances venous return: rhythmic compressions and changes in intrathoracic/intra-abdominal pressure help push blood back to the heart, improving cardiac preload and peripheral circulation.

  * Stimulates lymphatic drainage; altering compression of tissues, moves lymph, reducing oedema and aiding immune cell trafficking and waste clearance.

Microcirculation and tissue perfusion: 

 * Improves capillary perfusion: gentle motion can recruit capillary beds and enhance microvascular exchange of oxygen, nutrients and metabolites.

 * Promotes endothelial shear signalling: rhythmic flow produces low-frequency shear stress that supports nitric oxide release and vascular tone regulation.

Interstitial fluid dynamics

 * Enhances convective transport: oscillation augments movement of interstitial fluid, improving solute dispersion beyond pure diffusion; supporting nutrient delivery and metabolite removal.

* Reduces tissue stasis: prevents localised pooling of fluids that can impair tissue health.

Neuromuscular and fascial effects

 *Modulates muscle tone: slow rhythmic input down-regulates hypertonic muscles via spinal and supraspinal reflexes [e. g. through Golgi tendon and muscle spindle influences], promoting relaxation and more efficient blood/lymph flow.

 * Mobilises fascia: gentle shear and stretch can increase fascial sliding and fluid movement within fascial layers, reducing adhesions that impede flow.

Analyses of gentle rotation in movement

Analysis of rotation in movement involves examining how the body turns or spins around an axis during practice.

 * Core stability: Rotation requires engagement of core muscles/tendon/fascia to control and stabilise movement, best developed by working within one's range of ease, to prevent injury and build elasticity and potency.

 * Range of motion: Effective rotation depends on flexibility and mobility in joints such as the hips, shoulders, and spine to allow smooth and controlled turning.

 * Functional movement: Rotation is essential for coherent movement, twisting, reaching out, swinging, turning. Proper rotation improves efficiency of circular motion, and reduces strain.

 * Energy efficiency: Controlled rotational movement uses energy efficiently by leveraging the body's pivot points and rotational muscles, reducing fatigue and risk.

 *Injury prevention: Proper technique in rotational movement helps prevent injuries like strains, sprains, or spinal issues, especially when performed with good alignment and strength.

In summary, rotation in movement is a vital biomechanical action that enhances flexibility, coordination, and strength while supporting functional movement and injury prevention. The basic rule is to work within your range of ease. Warm up warm down.

Biomechanical perspective:

 * The kinetic chain of the body referring to the interconnected systems of muscle, tendon, bones joints, and connective tissue.

 * Kinetic chain involvement: Rotation engages the entire kinetic chain, from the feet to hips, through the core to the shoulders and arms, requiring coordinated activation of pressure within multiple muscle groups.

  * Torque Generation: Effective rotational movement involves generation torque [rotational energy], primarily through the core muscles/tendon/facia gradually developing capacity to absorb and transfer force and potency efficiently. 

 * Joint mechanics: The natural axes of joints such as the spine, pelvis, and shoulder girdle, facilitates controlled rotation while maintaining stability. Restricted joint mobility can lead to compensatory movements or injury.

Neuromuscular Control:

 * Proprioception and Kinaesthetic Awareness:

Precise control of rotation depends on sensory feedback from muscles tendons and joints to optimise movement and maintain balance.

 * Motor Learning and adaptation: Repeated practice enhances neuromuscular coordination, leading to smoother, more powerful, and more energy-efficient rotational movements, empowered and integrated Qi and fluid balance.

 * Energetic and Energetic Flow: Proper rotation utilises the body's natural rhythmic energies, reducing unnecessary muscular effort, whiles conserving and building energy. 

 * Energy Centre Activation: In holistic energetic frameworks, rotation may stimulate or activate internal energy centres, aiding in the flow of vital energy; [embryological potency through the Qi pathways].

Implications for Health and Performance:

 * Injury Prevention: Strengthening and improving flexibility in coherent rotational patterns can prevent injuries related to twisting and turning motions.

 * Rehabilitation: Controlled rotational exercises are crucial in rehab protocols to restore normal mobility and stability.

 * Performance Enhancement: Daoyin practitioners benefit from optimised rotational mechanics, neuromuscular control to improve power, agility, and coordination in practice of the movement arts and embodied presence.

In essence deep analyses of rotational movement reveals it is a complex integration of biomechanics and biodynamic forces, neuromuscular control, energetic flow, and psychological focus, all contributing to functional efficiency and holistic well-being.

Gathering Essence Daoyin

Key Principles:

 * Regulating Qi, life force that flows through all living biology.

 * Qi moves along primary meridian pathways and through the extraordinary vessels; through the fluid vessels and the energy centres, primarily the three treasures of the Dantian, Essence Qi and Shen.

 * The smooth flow of Qi and Fluid exchange regulates health and emancipates embodied presence, turning Qi into Shen and Shen into multidimensional field consciousness.

 Fluid as Qi Movement:

 * Bodily fluids, blood lymph and cerebrospinal fluid are considered expressions of Qi. They carry Qi, nourish tissues, and maintain balance.

* Fluids are also seen as dynamic pools of Jing [Essence], that can be transformed into Qi through regulated and cultivated practice.

Interconnection of fluids and energy:

 * Energy and fluids are mutually supportive; fluid movement facilitates Qi flow, and Qi energises fluid circulation. Disruptions in fluid flow create stagnation, deficiency or excess. Leading to imbalance, stagnation energetic blockages, or dis-ease.

 * Natural harmonics: Aligning with the natural flow off biodynamic forces [the Dao], cultivating the fundamental forces inherent in the rhythmic elemental forces of mother earth. And building field consciousness by means of electromagnetic field coordination; grounded in the body-mind's Biodynamic Essences. The flow of water represents the ideal state of the body's capacity to regulate balance and alignment with the natural rhythms of Creation. Water holds its own intelligence.

Fire and Water Principles in Gathering Essence Daoyin Practice:

* Fire represents heat, energy, activity, expansion and transformation. In practice it symbolises vitality, passion, enthusiasm, and the power of transformation in the body and in the mind. Active movement generates warmth or heat, strong breathing patterns generate heat, and the activation of energetic centres.

 * Water represents coolness, fluidity, receptivity and inward motion. It symbolises calm and nurturing restoration, and the flow of Essence and Qi. It represents gravitational consciousness and the centring of pressure.

Dynamic Interaction:

 * Fire and Water are natural opposites that either balance or destroy each other. Fire's outward heating energy is invigorating, potentising, while Water's energy helps to cool, calms, nourish and ground. Regulating these elements cultivate transformational cycles of balanced potency, transforming and stabilising dynamics. The goal is to cultivate internal harmony, supporting health, longevity, and spiritual cultivation.

Summary:

Gathering Essence internal cultivation

 * The principles of Fire and Water in GE cultivation embody the dynamic interplay and transformative alchemical exchange of energy, fluid, and mental coherence.

Fire symbolises the activation of inner power, the warmth that softens stagnation/fixation, and the force that drives transformation, Embryological Potency/Essence. By stimulating fire, we process and regulate dissonant conditioning patterns, fostering resilience vitality and coherent vibration into resonance.

Water introduces the cooling, calming influence necessary to balance excess heat, promote mental clarity, clear toxicity and distribute nutrient; moistening regulating and cultivating wholeness and well-being. It harmonises energetic fluctuations and fixations, reducing turbulence and soothing the body-mind.

The Practice emphasises cultivating internal balance, and through these principles activating fire to soften rigidity, while cooling with water to retain serenity. This balanced interplay leads to the development of internal coherence, creating positive harmonic states. 

The outcome of practice

 The successful integration of Fire and Water principles result in a profound state of internal harmony and resilience. This dynamic process fosters the development of a balanced energetic state where mental clarity, emotional stability, and vitality coexist in seamless coherence.

As resonance deepens into fusion, the practitioner experiences:

 * Enhanced inner balance: A stable yet adaptable energetic field that can respond gracefully to external and internal fluctuations.

 * Refined vibrational state: Vibrations are consciously regulated, creating a harmonious resonance that supports mental focus, emotional equilibrium, and physical vitality.

 * Elevated consciousness: Achieving a higher level of awareness where conditioned patterns are softened, and authentic self-expression emerges with clarity and confidence.

 * Flowing creative energy: The interplay of fire and water unlocks creative potential, allowing new insights and innovations to surface effortlessly.

 * Resilience and stability: Building a resilient internal infrastructure that sustains well-being amidst life’s challenges.

Gradually, the practice empowers the practitioner to begin to stabilise and maintain a state of vibrant coherence, fostering continuous growth, deepened self- awareness, and a harmonious flow of energy through all aspects of life.

 In time as practice becomes more seamless and naturally integrated into life, the flow of alchemical force intensifies, and internal resonance deepens into a state of sustained harmony. This ongoing process facilitates a profound transformation of the energies within the field of consciousness, supporting a continuous evolution towards higher states of awareness.

 With consistent engagement, these transformative energies gradually lead to the materialisation of the field of Golden Essences, pure refined aspects of innate potential and intrinsic wisdom. These alchemised Essences serve as luminous symbols of inner mastery, embodying qualities of clarity, vitality, and enlightened understanding.

Through this alchemical journey, the practitioner moves beyond transient states, cultivating a resilient, harmonious existence where the inner and outer world coalesce. The deeper integration of these principles unlocks the subtle layers of consciousness, allowing the inherent brilliance of the Golden Essences to manifest more fully, illuminating the path toward sustained inner harmony and transformation.

 Dynamic exchange and flow of the Life Force

Soft vibration, oscillation,

the life force flow's, intrinsically.

Fluidic, oceanic, robust and bright,

gold, translucent, expanding light.

Soft vibration resonating, penetrating.

The life force centres magnetically,

biodynamic crystallisation orchestration.

multi-organic integration, contemplation.

Glossary of Key Terms

Awareness of Breathing
The practice of observing and becoming conscious of one’s breathing patterns, mental influences, sensations, and emotions to foster mindfulness and self-awareness.

Conditioning Factors
Habituated mental and physical patterns that influence breathing, thoughts, and emotional responses, often resulting from subconscious pressures or attitudes.

Mindful Breathing
Conscious, gentle awareness of the breath within a range of ease to cultivate coherence, presence, and systemic balance.

Centred Embodied Presence
A state of internal stability and awareness where mind, body, and spirit are harmonized through focused attention and mindfulness practices.

Pressurising Tendencies
Ingrained habits of creating internal tension, rigidity, and rigid fulcruming that restrict energetic flow and self-expression.

Alchemical Transformation
Inner process of converting conditioned, rigid energies into coherent, fluid states through practices like Daoyin, leading to spiritual and energetic refinement.

Daoyin
An ancient Chinese practice involving mindful movement, breath regulation, and energy cultivation aimed at harmonizing body, mind, and spirit.

Three Dantian
Energy centres located in the lower abdomen, chest, and head, considered vital in Chinese medicine and Taoist practices for cultivating and transforming energy.

Embryological Energies
Foundational energies developed during practice that shape systemic function and promote biodynamic coherence, originating from early developmental blueprints.

Shen
Divine spirit or consciousness in Chinese philosophy, guiding mental clarity, mindfulness, and emotional stability.

Embodied Presence
A state of awareness rooted deeply in bodily sensations, integrating mental, emotional, and physical states through mindful regulation.

Systemic Coherence
Harmony and balanced function across the body-mind-spirit complex, enabling optimal energy flow and health.

Resonance
The synchronization of energies within the body or with universal fields, fostering coherence and alignment of vibrations.

Alchemical Intelligence
Inner wisdom gained through transformation practices, enabling refined energy regulation, coherence, and spiritual development.

Biodynamic Coherence
Aligned, harmonious functioning of bodily systems, energies, and consciousness, often cultivated through mindful movement and breath.

Blueprint of Systemic Function
The inherent energetic and developmental patterning encoded in embryological blueprint, guiding physical and energetic health.

Qi (Chi)
Vital life energy that flows through the body's meridians, essential for health, vitality, and spiritual cultivation.

Pressure
Energetic tension or resistance within the body that influences systemic flow and emotional states.

Mind-Body-Qi Relationship
The interconnected influence where mental states direct and shape Qi flow, affecting physical and emotional health.

Brain Stem Respiratory Centres
Neural regions that generate and regulate the rhythm of breathing, influenced by higher brain centres for modulation.

Interoceptive Pathways
Nervous system channels that transmit internal sensory information, enabling conscious awareness of internal states.

Sensory Data
Information received from sensory receptors about physical, emotional, or environmental conditions.

Proprioception
The body's sense of its position, movement, and balance, critical for coordination and fluid motion.

Vagal Tone
The activity and strength of the vagus nerve, influencing relaxation, emotional regulation, and overall autonomic balance.

Autonomic Nervous System
The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, including sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.

Sympathetic Nervous System
Subsystem responsible for stress responses, activating fight-or-flight reactions.

Parasympathetic Nervous System
Subsystem promoting relaxation and recovery, supporting calm states and bodily regeneration.

Attention Networks
Neural systems that regulate focus, awareness, and the ability to sustain mindful attention on internal processes.

Interoception
The perception of internal bodily sensations including heartbeat, breath, and visceral feelings.

Hypervigilance
An intensified state of alertness often associated with anxiety, over-attention to internal cues, and stress.

Resonance & Fusion
Processes where energies or vibrations become aligned or unified, leading to heightened coherence and spiritual integration.

Golden Light Body
A metaphorical or energetic state of luminous, radiant self-awareness and spiritual harmony.

Dissonant Tone
Unbalanced or conflicting energetic or emotional patterns that hinder coherence and health.

Inner Wisdom / Inner Intelligence
Innate, intuitive understanding and insight cultivated through mindful awareness and energetic refinement.

Quantum Field Consciousness
A state of universal interconnected awareness, where individual consciousness merges into a field of wholeness.

Samadhi
Deep meditative absorption or realization state in which individual consciousness dissolves into universal awareness.

Autumn Retreat Daily Practice Schedule. Open to change.

6:30 am-Morning Bell.

7:00 am - Awakening Session.

* Format:

 * 30 minuets of Daoyin.

Movement-based energy and fluid exchange cultivation

 * 30 minutes of seated meditation.

 Mindfulness, breath observation, or gentle focus

8.30 am. Breakfast bell.

10 am. Fire and Water Daoyin practice.

 * Developing the elastic potential of the tissue body through rhythmic movement.

 * Regulating electromagnetic potency within the fluid drive systemically.

 * Applying frequency and pressure techniques to influence tissues fluid and energy integration and flow.

 * Working within, throughout and beyond the tissue body, to open field awareness

1: pm. Dinner bell.

3:00 Second Daoyin Session

Main focus:

 * Further regulating tissue elasticity and expanding the fluid and energetic systems.

 * Deepening the development of internal energetic systems.

 * Practice:

 * Focus on sensing and regulating the energy flow and resonance within the system.

5:30 pm. Supper bell

7:30 pm. Open practice session

 * Flexibility:

 * Grounding and Consolidating, the day's energetic cultivation

 *Deepening elasticity in breathing and fluid exchange

8:15 pm Sitting meditation.

 * Focus:

 * Seated meditation, internal awareness and reflection on deepening

integration of insights gained during the day.

9:00 Completion, lights out in main space by 10:pm please.

Embodying field consciousness xxxxx

 Copyright of Tez Sawicki, 2025

The following essay is from the 2024 Autumn Retreat Booklet by Tez Sawicki

Gathering Essence: Training in Body-Mind Consciousness

San Bao Meditation, Harmonic Oscillation, Fusion of the Five Elements

Regulating the Sense-Body and the Processes of the Sense-Mind

Welcome to our retreat for seasoned practitioners. As a small, informed group we have come together to continue developing the skills to harmonise a more stable field consciousness. We aim to do this by cultivating and honing the potential to process our inner shadow and hidden entanglements, building the potential to regulate the shadow self’s compromising conditions, and establish connection to the integral embodiment of natural self.

In essence, an internal awareness via the realignment of systemic fluid exchange.

As we mature our relationship with arising vibrations within the sense-body and the dualities and processes of the sense-mind, the relationships between Qi and the mind are clarified, processed, rectified, and cleared of stagnation. This allows us to develop a skill base to cultivate and regulate the forces of duality toward Taiji, the mother of Yin and Yang.

The union of the three dan tian regulates the elements and returns the dual dynamics of positive and negative charge towards a balanced, centralising point of tension - Taiji. The balance of yin and yang gradually becomes aligned with the orientation and resonance of Wholeness.

Welcome Om Shanti

Developing the Powers of Cultivation and Regulation

The cultivation of the Three Treasures (the three dan tian) involves the transformation of Jing into original Qi, our integral potency.  The dynamics of cultivation are further developed through the processes and emancipation of internalised mindfulness and sublimated presence.

Our alchemical potencies are regulated within the fluid drive through good quality food Qi, water Qi and air Qi.  The mental body’s abilities to process and regulate psychophysical conditionings and build systemic coherence are developed and oriented with equanimity and sensitivity. The coherent application of Qi pressure within depth perception illuminates and regulates, and over time awakens to the embryonic, ordering principle of original Qi, and the gradual distribution of the water and fire elements throughout the body.

The relationships between Mind and Qi are formed within a dual sense consciousness; the sense-body and the sense-self conditions of mind states.  Enquiry into the conditions of the sense-body and clearing unhelpful conditioning are primary skills that can lead to a wholesome integral consciousness.  An understanding that consciousness of the conditioned self is of paramount importance as it gives us the power and incentive to propagate wisdom. In this retreat we will utilise sense-data to regulate poor conditions and compromising dualities.  The sense-self and the sense-body are contemplated, with the integral intelligence of the body-mind’s biodynamic wholeness as the focus. The wisdom-mind is oriented towards anchoring and grounding in the ordering principle of systemic integration and emotional intelligence. This is the ground of internal Daoyin practice, where potency and wisdom gradually form the Yi, our wisdom mind.

Intermediate Development & Original Qi

The intermediate stages of practice are oriented towards the embryological ordering principle of original Qi, turning Jing into original Qi and the potentisation and transportation of systemic fluid exchange. The mind’s relationship to sensation, feeling and clarity tends to be restrictive and contractive due to ignorance, habit, or trauma; generally, all three. Mind and body form tendencies and these tendencies form attitudes and preferences that significantly limit feeling and presence and restrict a coherent range of good emotive grounding. Periods of activity that are more automated become commonplace; a condition that is often described as being asleep.

Under these conditions the fluid body slowly loses its universal fluid exchange due to a Qi degradation and an imbalance of fluid. The balance between fire and water gradually becomes destructive - fire insults water, water controls fire. Excessive fire can lead to burnt out fluidity and excessive water extinguishes fire. Coherence and balance within the sense-body and sense-self become compromised and well-resourced physical, emotional and psychological equilibrium become eroded, resulting in stagnation and blockages. This gradually becomes normalised as self-suffering limitations. The shadow self begins to govern and joy in life is diminished as the mind and Qi fixate in sensorial bondage.

To prevent and alleviate this happening it makes sense to develop a ‘good enough’ aptitude to readdress the balance of the systemic tension and regulate the sense body and sense mind. By following this practice, a growing relationship to wholeness, clarity and insight are developed. In developing our internal awareness, we can create the opportunity to orient towards insight and process subconscious habits of body and mind. Unwholesome emotional conditions, beliefs and insecurities can change, blockages can be cleared, poor insight can be regulated and strengthened, and body and mind can be nourished by Daoyin longevity practices.

With a degree of presence, the mind’s relationship to body sensation and feelings are perceived with degrees of precision allowing us to gain insight into our mind states and attitudes so we can shape and generate change. We become aware of the character of the charge, its meaning and consequences. With maturation and awareness, we enter the progressive understanding of the nature and nuances of our sense of self. Our ability to feel and process consciousness ripens, deepening into engagement with an integral sense of self. Our comprehension comes and goes as destructive or inadequate mind states are illuminated, understood and gradually resolved. The sensorial dynamics of perception are brought into clarity, and coherent systemic vibration can be supported to regulate throughout the Fluid Drives. In this Daoyin of illumination, Shen potentises and resonates.

Fluid Cultivation and Regulation

The fluid drives are the prime agents for transportation and biodynamic transformation. These include:

Cerebrospinal fluid

Intravascular fluid

Interstitial fluid

Intercellular fluid

Lymphatic fluid

Synovial fluid

Digestive fluid

The pressurising amplitude of force being applied within our fluid systems differ in their expression of hydrodynamic power and fluid potency. The various fluid’s structural passageways differ according to what they contain and transport, such as tissue conductivity or fluid absorption.  Fluid consistency also varies in composition; some flow like streams or rivers, some ooze, marinate, absorb and further still some form lakes and tributaries. All systems regulate through exchange under differing pressures and chemistry. Each system can integrate systemically when the fluid pressure is well-regulated and able to facilitate capacity for fluid interchange. One system supports another through the transformational power of potency and the transportation and clearing of waste. This applies to the Whole Body and to various states of mind.

The Benefits of Good Fluid Drive Function

Internal Daoyin works with fluid drive function to open and clear blockages, develop elasticity and improve the body-mind complex and establish resonance.

So how does it all work? Intercellular fluid makes up around 66% of the human body, and extracellular fluid makes up 33%, all of which are maintained through some form of hydrostatic and thermodynamic pressure. The ability to regulate the water element is dependent on good irrigation. Hydrostatic pressure is the force of fluid volume against a membrane, forcing fluid out the capillary with osmotic pressure and drawing fresh fluid back in. It is akin to breathing and is supported by biodynamic rhythmic breath and biodynamic rhythmic movement, such as in Daoyin meditation. A breathing practice is an important skill in facilitating this.  Rhythmic breathing (often in patterns of two and four) regulates and harmonises to allow mind, Qi and body to become calm and equitable. Where possible these breathing skills can ground us in stressful circumstances.

When activating the fluid body during movement, the level of pressure activation is regulated creating a coherent range of ease. Percolation and states of ignition are expressions of good hydrostatic and thermogenetic potential (i.e. the appropriate production of heat within the fluid systems) and propels water exchange. Fire and water regulate the balance between Yin and Yang forces.

Whole-Body Resonance

As a Daoyin practitioner, we work with whole-body resonance and this requires elasticity.  Elasticity is dependent on fluid potency and a coherent hydrostatic pressure.  As a Daoyin practitioner, these core skills need conscious activation and the fire element - the ignition of thermodynamic potency. Yang activates yin, yin responds.

Yang Qi’s generative force (thermogenesis) warms and expands fluid volume, empowering fluid exchange and elasticating tissue with the uptake of biochemical fluid absorption. The water element’s hydrodynamic systems absorb generative force empowering thermodynamic potency within the fluid drive. Positive regard in relation to the water element’s molecular structure creates high functioning crystalline formations, capable of high levels of conscious capability. The cooling, dense energies and nutrients of Yin Qi are distributed through the balance of fire and water oscillation, promoting coherent vibration.

Harmonic Oscillation

When activating the fluid body through movement the level of pressure activation is developed to a high standard. We call this advanced skill ‘harmonic oscillation’. A good enough whole-body breath pressure throughout the sense-body and the sense-mind regulates and creates advanced vibrational oscillation leading to non-dual awareness.

Working within Your Range of Ease

Effective pressure management and mastering the ability to operate within one's range of ease are essential skills. These balance the elements of fire and water, enabling the regulation of Yin and Yang.  This key skill will open the door to whole-body transformation. In developing a sensitivity to applied pressure, our acquired wisdom states that working within one’s range of ease builds potency and balances vibration.  In doing so our positive intent can erode dissonance and blockages throughout the body. In practice, a hydrodynamic fluid movement between compartments are regulated - not forced – thus improving the distribution of yang Qi’s bioelectrical magnetics, and Yin Qi’s biochemical nutrients.

These empowering forces awaken the mind to the virtues of coherent vibration and the unifying potential of resonance. The fluid drive can facilitate the transportation of nutritional potency as well as waste disposal. In our standing and sitting forms we aim to balance excess heat or cold by upgrading if deficient or downgrading if there’s an excess.

A good enough balance ignites potential throughout the body, orienting the mind to the ordering principles of original Qi.

By acknowledging and processing any dissonant feeling tone, and by nurturing our comprehension, attention and intention, we can engage the virtues of coherence and clarity.  An advanced practise which incorporates systemic vibration and grounding and regulating field awareness can result in various stations of realisation.

The Mind-body Relationship and the Perception of Sensation

Through observation and practise, the energies of attention and the activation and projection of intent become harmonised. The physical condition of the body is regulated, harmonised, and transformed through the clearing of stagnation and the realignment of the biodynamic ordering principle within the embryological potency of original Qi. Sense data is illuminated, registered and centred.

Embryology, Ignition & Sense Data

The origins of sense data begin with the first major ignition in fertilisation: the fusion of the nuclei of sperm and egg. A new form emerges and proceeds to travel down the fallopian tube, changing form as it rolls into the uterus and burrows into the uterine wall, securing implantation and triggering embryonic cell division. This is the second major ignition of biodynamic embryological potency. The growing embryo’s cellular systems now unfold into expanding networks with deep rhythms and pulsations, fluctuations and flow, whilst developing an intensity of sensation. The third major ignition is the first beating of the heart, and the fourth ignition is the first breath integrating the heart and lungs with one another.

The unborn mind - the deep unprogrammed aspects of spirit that will define sentience - becomes magnetised through the energies of ignition but are in the early stages of incarnating. Spirit is unidentified with the sensations of cellular ignition.  There is no manifest fixed sense of form, and the spirit comes and goes.

As the foetal body develops so too does sensation. The unborn mind registers and becomes identified with sensations. In time the spirit within the evolving embryo will gradually come to its senses. The sense-self develops from the sensations of the sense-body. Feelings, reactions and responses all register through a centring of attention and the sensory states of ignition. The body-mind takes shape according to the nature and conditioning of the sense-body and so the sensorium unfolds its potential within these conditions and the experiences of life.

A delicacy of sense perception – sublimation - is required to access depth and personal inquiry.  Developing the constitution to regulate pressure and flow along with being able to process sensations, feelings, and mind states are at the heart of the Muscle Tendon Changing formulas in Gathering Essence Daoyin practise. This is the key to the regulation of vibration, resonance and states of fusion - the fusion of the five elements in Harmonic Oscillation.

Building potency brings substantial potential to our perception and working within one's range of ease develops the wisdom mind. The relationship between mind and Qi constitutes how we hold shape, how we define our sense of self, how we feel and what we generate.

Sensorial Consciousness

In our work at Gathering Essence, and on this retreat, we aim to increase our understanding of the relationship between mind and Qi, known as The Palace of the Sensorium. To do this, our direct awareness is centred in the sense organs of the three dan tian. This in turn coordinates the polar dynamics between mind and Qi and through balancing sense consciousness we can regulate the five elements.

Equanimity and a balance of Yin and Yang energies can be achieved by a willingness to process our inner content and our capacity to regulate attention and process feelings/emotions/mental intent. In regulating the data of direct experience, we develop the skills to regulate that which is held in tension (both positive and negative aspects of mind and body) We then encounter the relationship between mind and Qi and habits of tension and emotion. Positive tension regulates coherent aptitude and how we hold shape and form relationship.  Negative tension is a call to pay attention and, where possible process, rather than stack that which needs serviced.

Grounding and processing feeling tone, becoming aware of dissonance and states of balanced or unbalanced tension, and awareness of the attitudes that govern within the sense self are all grounds for contemplation and engagement.  It is within this depth of engagement that we can understand and learn to regulate the edges of resistance shaping our sense of self. We begin to understand the importance of clarity and its role in reflecting the wisdom of wholeness within sensorial consciousness.

The application of direct experience and intention define the vibration of the Sense-Self. The alchemy of refined observation and internal insight helps to evolve mind states, from inadequacy and ignorance into coherent vibration and resonance. This refining of Qi is a transformation from gross vibration into resonating frequencies of Shen. The inner field becomes redefined, rewired and the planetary field reconnected.

The relationship between mind and Qi gradually evolves towards integral vibration and resonance.  In effect, sentience matures. Clarity is established by means of presence and mindfulness. Integral consciousness is re-established.  Our felt-sense regulates and shapes meaning. It follows that servicing the sense-body services the sense mind. Sensing is to feel, to register, to react, to respond, to learn, to render meaning. Patterns of behaviour are developed from sensation into feeling.  Function and meaning are unconsciously shaped by our dominant attitudes.

Becoming Sovereign

Becoming sovereign in the Palace of the Sensorium is a central theme in the Gathering Essence work. Harnessing the ability to centre the relationship between the mind and the Qi negates compromising polarity and we can return our attention to non-dual consciousness through the fusion of the five elements. The wind of harmonic oscillation will blow and the doors of perception open.

 Om Shanti

Copyright of Tez Sawicki, 2025

Edited for the website by Emily Gibb