Shapeshifter: Channeling The Tiger: A Path To Enlightenment

Through the essence of spirit I channel the energy of Tiger.

An essence of spirit contains all that is. All that is the Tiger. His piercing eyes the glistening coat of stripes with a color that conveys danger. All that is the Tiger, is the essence the past of Tiger. His trials, tribulations and strengths all found in spirit as a collective form of energy, that may be called upon and used. This may be said about all living things.

Through our connection with mind, body and spirit the channel needed to tune into the essence of spirit is learned. A familiar animal one you already may have a connection with is the wisest choice to bring through. It may not be the Tiger it does not matter as the principles remain the same.

In the Chinese Martial Arts of Kung-fu the animal's physical characteristics were mimicked. The five animal system which originated in the Henan Shaolin Temple consisted of the Crane, Snake, leopard, Tiger and Dragon. The intense enduring dedication of training involved to achieve such a feat is astonishing. And revered in Martial Arts even today.

The stresses and manipulations associated with the body by doing this over the long-term are caused by going against the natural human bio-mechanical movements. For we do not have the same body structure as an animal therefore it is unnatural for us to try to move like one. With no offence intended actually I believe they were on to something. Which led me to write this article wanting to share what my guides taught me oh so long ago.

No matter if we a Boxer a Martial Artist of any style or even a Yoga master. The essence of spirit, animal or otherwise may be channeled. To bring back our example, channeling of Tiger will allow you to react, hear, sense and feel and be one with the animal. Enter super human super natural abilities as two become one. An ever nourishing ever lasting resource of energy available at will while in physical motion. Bio-mechanically moving by the instincts of what training you may have.

The famous Bruce Lee knew this Magic. Bruce instinctively intuitively channeled the essence of Dragon and Tiger. The Mythical animal that has access to both Heaven and Earth and acts as messenger between the two. If you are a fan The Way of The Dragon or The Return of The Dragon as it was released in the United States, co-starring Chuck Norris is the best example of Bruce trying to convey his experiences with the essence of spirit.

The two animals used to symbolize the duality of Martial Arts are the Tiger and Dragon. Tiger representing the Physical Dragon the spirit. Combined with a highly accomplished meditation of mind, this path to enlightenment leads one to peace, peace of mind and a love for planet Earth.

Becoming one with the Earth is a natural part of the Spiritual Warriors path to enlightenment. Martial Arts, Dance and all other various forms of the arts of human movement create a divine connection to the universal whole. Inspiring and sending love out to the universe and all who witness this divine connection in motion. We have words for it but they only describe the witness's feelings such as a tingle up my spine, goose bumps or one I get a giggle from, someone just walked over my grave.