Rewiring the Human Nervous System: Adapting to a High-Voltage World

Rewiring the Nervous System: Ancient Practices for Modern Resilience

The human nervous system can be likened to an electrical system designed for specific voltage and amperage. Traditionally, it is assumed that most individuals are wired for 110 volts and 15 amps. However, contemporary society necessitates functioning at 220 volts and 30 amps, far exceeding the capacity originally intended by our biology. This increased “voltage” manifests as chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, and various physical ailments.

Nevertheless, just as an electrical system can be rewired to handle greater loads, the human nervous system can also be trained to adapt. Ancient practices such as martial arts, qigong, Dao Yin (Taoist yoga), yoga, and breathwork serve as effective interventions. These time-tested methods bridge the gap between the body’s inherent capabilities and the demands of modern life, enabling the nervous system to withstand higher levels of stress without succumbing to being overwhelmed.

The Role of Stance Training and Controlled Stress

With over 45 years of experience in martial arts, qigong, Dao Yin, and yoga, it has been observed that certain methods can effectively enhance the nervous system. One such method is stance training, which involves holding postures for specific durations while integrating breath control.

For beginners, basic stances are introduced in succession, initially without prolonged holds. As they progress, duration gradually increases. Once students can hold each stance for 30 seconds, controlled breathing is incorporated, typically three breaths per 30 seconds. With consistent practice, the duration is extended to one-minute holds, adjusting breath cycles to around four to six respirations per minute.

This approach serves multiple purposes. On a physical level, it strengthens the legs, core, and other stabilizing muscles. On a neurological level, it encourages the nervous system to adapt to discomfort, fostering resilience, endurance, and focus. On an energetic level, it stimulates the body’s internal pathways, potentially leading to enhanced vitality and internal balance.

The Science Behind the Training: The Anterior Midcingulate Cortex (aMCC)

While these practices have been in use for centuries, contemporary neuroscience provides insight into their effectiveness. A critical region of the brain implicated in resilience is the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC).

The aMCC is responsible for effortful control, emotional regulation, and persistence in the face of challenges. Research indicates that engaging in controlled stress, such as maintaining difficult stances, regulating breath, or training under discomfort, strengthens and enlarges the aMCC. Consequently, individuals who practice these methods may enhance their ability to manage stress more effectively, increase mental toughness, and maintain composure under pressure.

In essence, deliberate training can augment our capacity to handle life’s challenges, analogous to how lifting heavier weights strengthens muscles. This concept is consistent with the principle of progressive overload, which is well-established in strength training and equally applicable to the nervous system and mental resilience.

“Burning the Chong Mai” – The Energetic Dimension

Beyond the physical and neurological aspects, these practices have deep roots in Taoist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). An important concept in energetic cultivation is “burning the Chong Mai.”

The Chong Mai (penetrating or thrusting Vessel) is one of the eight extraordinary meridians in TCM. It serves as a primary channel for deep energy reserves, influencing the body’s overall energy flow. When stance work and controlled breathing are practiced regularly, this meridian can be activated, which may allow for greater energy circulation through the other seven extraordinary vessels and the twelve main meridians.

This process can be compared to upgrading a power grid. By increasing the capacity of the Chong Mai, the entire energetic system can become more efficient, stable, and resilient. This observation might explain why long-term practitioners of qigong, Dao Yin, and martial arts often report higher energy levels, improved focus, and a significant sense of internal strength.

Resilience Through Discomfort: The Path to Transformation

The old adage “That which does not kill us makes us stronger” perfectly encapsulates the philosophy behind these training methods. Rather than avoiding stress, we use it as a tool for growth.

Physically, stance training builds strength, endurance, and structural integrity.
Mentally, breath control and effortful posture-holding train the nervous system to remain calm under pressure.
Neurologically, the aMCC adapts and strengthens, improving stress management and persistence.
Energetically, activating the Chong Mai and meridian system enhances internal power and resilience.

Instead of being overwhelmed by modern life’s “220 volts,” we can upgrade our own internal wiring, ensuring that we remain grounded, adaptive, and powerful in an ever-changing world.

For those seeking true strength, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually- these ancient methods offer a proven path to transformation. The keys are consistency, patience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort as a gateway to resilience.

I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

The Fabled History of the 108 Tai Chi Wudang Long Form

World Tai Chi Day 2025 will be celebrated on April 26th. It’s a global event aimed at promoting health, wellness, and mindfulness through Tai Chi practice. Note that not all qigong is tai chi. However, all tai chi is qigong. A distinction that is good to understand when an individual chooses to make the commitment of time, energy and resources to learn a time-proven and legitimate lineage of these practices.

In 1314, at the age of 71, Chen Wangting (or Chen Sheng Feng, as sometimes referenced in folklore) is said to have moved to Wudang Mountain. Inspired by an intense encounter between a snake and a bird, he observed how softness could overcome hardness and how yielding could neutralize force. Combining the deadly precision of their movements with his extensive knowledge of military Longfist (Changquan) techniques, he began to refine his martial practice.

To this foundation, he integrated:

The dynamic interplay of Yin and Yang, expresses the natural balance of opposing forces.
The Five Element (Wu Xing) energy movements of ancient Taoists.
Ancient Dao Yin exercises promote internal health and longevity.
The environmental harmony of the I Ching emphasizes adaptability and flow.
The philosophy of the Tao Te Ching guides the practitioner toward a path of spiritual harmony and natural wisdom.

This synthesis evolved into what became known as Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan or “supreme ultimate fist”), later branching into the Five Element Tai Chi system.

Tai Chi can be likened to:

A doctor, as it promotes healing and internal balance.
A soldier, as it is an effective method of self-defense.
Vitality for the elderly and a focus for the young.

It is an exercise that strengthens the body, a meditation that calms the mind, a combat system that trains awareness and control, and a path of personal development that leads to deeper understanding. Tai Chi is like yoga in its pursuit of flexibility and balance, like dance in its graceful movements, and like self-defense in its strategic applications.

Ultimately, Tai Chi seeks to cultivate harmony with nature, instill discipline through spirituality, foster health and resilience in the individual, and align one’s being with the heavens. It is hundreds of years old, a living expression of the Dao, or the Way of Tai Chi Chuan.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

The Physiology of Breathing: Muscle Functions and Their Impact on Well-Being

The Mechanics of Breathing: An In-Depth Look at Respiratory Muscles

Breathing involves various muscles throughout the body, working together to facilitate the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide. This process is orchestrated by different muscle groups that support both relaxed respiration and the increased demands of exercise or stress. This article examines the primary and accessory muscles involved in breathing, including the diaphragm, neck, and chest muscles, and analyzes their contribution to respiratory efficiency and posture.

Primary Muscles of Respiration

The diaphragm plays a crucial role in respiration, accounting for approximately 75% of the effort during relaxed or “tidal” breathing. Situated below the lungs and above the abdominal cavity, this dome-shaped muscle contracts and flattens downward with each inhalation, creating negative pressure within the thoracic cavity and allowing air to enter the lungs. Upon exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its dome shape, gently pushing air out as the lungs recoil. Efficient diaphragmatic function is essential for relaxed breathing and overall respiratory health, particularly when breathing through the nose.

The intercostal muscles work in conjunction with the diaphragm to expand and contract the rib cage, supporting respiration. Located between the ribs, these muscles are divided into two groups:

External intercostals, which are primarily active during inhalation, lift the rib cage up and outward, expanding the chest cavity and allowing more air into the lungs.
Internal intercostals, which are mainly involved during forced exhalation, pull the rib cage down and inward, compressing the chest to expel air forcefully.

Together, the diaphragm and intercostals comprise the primary muscles of breathing, efficiently managing inhalation and exhalation during quiet respiration without requiring assistance from other muscles. The costovertebral joints and sternocostal joints are important for respiration by enabling the movement of the rib cage during breathing.

Costovertebral Joints: These are the articulations between the ribs and the thoracic vertebrae. Each rib connects to the vertebral column at two points—the costovertebral joint (where the rib meets the vertebral body) and the costotransverse joint (where the rib meets the transverse process of the vertebra). These joints allow the ribs to move in a pump-handle (expanding the chest upward) and bucket-handle (widening the chest laterally) motion, which increases the volume of the thoracic cavity during inhalation.

Sternocostal Joints: These are the connections between the ribs and the sternum. The first rib forms a direct synchondrosis (cartilaginous joint) with the sternum, while ribs 2–7 have synovial joints that allow for slight gliding movements. These joints enable the sternum to elevate and expand along with rib movement, assisting in lung expansion.

Together, these joints provide flexibility and stability to the rib cage, supporting efficient breathing by accommodating the expansion and contraction required for proper lung function. Issues or stiffness in these joints can restrict breathing efficiency and contribute to postural problems.

The Role of Accessory Muscles in Breathing

During labored breathing, such as physical exertion, illness, or stress, additional muscles assist the diaphragm and intercostals in expanding and contracting the rib cage and chest. These accessory muscles of respiration include:

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and scalene muscles in the neck are particularly important accessory muscles. The SCM connects the base of the skull to the sternum and clavicle, helping lift the sternum and clavicle during inhalation to expand the upper chest. Similarly, the scalenes (anterior, middle, and posterior) attach from the cervical vertebrae to the first two ribs, assisting in lifting the upper chest and creating additional space in the lungs. During high-effort breathing, these muscles help maximize airflow but can lead to neck tension if overused, especially in those with shallow breathing patterns.

The pectoralis minor, located beneath the larger pectoralis major in the upper chest, attaches from the ribs to the scapula (shoulder blade). During forced inhalation, it helps lift the upper ribs, expanding the chest cavity.

The serratus anterior also supports respiration, particularly during heavy breathing. Attached to the ribs and scapula, it stabilizes the upper chest, allowing greater lung expansion. While effective in aiding respiration, overuse of the pectoralis minor and serratus anterior can cause tightness in the chest and shoulders, contributing to poor posture and reduced respiratory efficiency.

Other accessory muscles include the levator scapulae and upper trapezius, which elevate and stabilize the shoulders and engage in upper chest breathing in response to stress or poor posture. Although not intended specifically for breathing, these muscles often become involved when the diaphragm is not fully engaged, potentially leading to chronic tension in the neck and upper back.

The Role of Abdominal Muscles and Core Stabilizers

The abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis, and obliques, play essential roles in forceful exhalation by increasing abdominal pressure and pushing the diaphragm up, expelling air during activities such as coughing, singing, or exercising. While these muscles do not contribute to inhalation during quiet breathing, strong abdominal muscles support core stability and posture, indirectly promoting efficient diaphragm function.

Smaller, deeper muscles like the multifidus and deep cervical flexors support posture and spinal alignment, ensuring that the rib cage can expand without restriction. These muscles indirectly contribute to breathing by maintaining good posture, reducing unnecessary tension, and keeping the airway open.

Implications of Respiratory Muscle Engagement on Health and Posture

Efficient breathing relies on primary respiratory muscles, with the diaphragm and intercostals as key players. When these muscles are effectively engaged, the body maintains a relaxed, steady respiratory rhythm, promoting effective oxygenation and minimizing muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Nasal breathing encourages diaphragmatic engagement, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting relaxation.

However, many individuals develop shallow, chest-driven breathing patterns due to stress, poor posture, or habits like mouth breathing, which lead to over-reliance on accessory muscles and result in chronic neck, shoulder, and upper chest tension. Shallow breathing also activates the sympathetic nervous system, exacerbating stress and creating a cycle of inefficient respiration and muscular strain.

The Influence of Breath-Centered Movement Practices

Exercise methods like yoga, tai chi, qigong, and martial arts use breathing techniques to optimize respiration and lung function. They focus on deep diaphragmatic breathing paired with slow, controlled movements, such as torso twists, to stretch the intercostal and oblique muscles, expand lung capacity, and fully engage the diaphragm. Practitioners often report increased energy or transformation, with physiological benefits including optimized oxygen intake, reduced tension, and improved respiratory efficiency. These practices promote nasal breathing, effective diaphragm engagement, and a balanced autonomic nervous system, leading to better respiratory health and less stress.

Conclusion

Breathing is supported by a complex system of muscles, with the diaphragm and intercostals playing primary roles in quiet, relaxed breathing, while accessory muscles like the SCM, scalenes, and pectoralis minor assist during times of physical exertion or respiratory distress. Maintaining balanced breathing patterns focused on diaphragmatic and nasal breathing minimizes tension in the neck, shoulders, and chest, promoting relaxation and better oxygenation. Understanding and nurturing this system can enhance respiratory health, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall well-being.

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

Challenging the Narrative: Why Some Doctors Risk Their Careers to Question Mainstream Medicine

Public trust in physicians and hospitals has decreased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with a notable drop from 71.5% in April 2020 to 40.1% in January 2024. This decline in trust is associated with factors like age, gender, lower educational level, income, and rural living (Hibbert, 2024). However, In recent years, a growing number of doctors and medical professionals have taken bold and often controversial stances that challenge mainstream medical paradigms. These individuals, many of whom have established careers and financial stability, risk their reputations and livelihoods to question the safety and efficacy of widely accepted interventions, particularly vaccination. Their actions raise an important question: Why would accomplished professionals jeopardize their careers when there is seemingly little to gain? The answer lies in a convergence of ethical convictions, clinical observations, and growing concerns about the influence of industry on public health.

Moral and Ethical Convictions

For many dissenting doctors, the decision to speak out is rooted in their ethical obligation to protect patient well-being. The Hippocratic Oath, which emphasizes “doing no harm,” compels these professionals to prioritize the safety of their patients, even when their views place them at odds with the medical establishment. Dr. Suzanne Humphries, a nephrologist and co-author of Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History, is one such example. Humphries transitioned from conventional nephrology to integrative medicine after observing patterns in her patients that led her to question the safety and effectiveness of vaccines (Humphries & Bystrianyk, 2013). Her journey reflects a broader trend among doctors who feel morally compelled to share their findings despite the potential consequences.

Firsthand Experiences and Clinical Pattern Recognition

Many of these professionals cite their clinical experiences as the catalyst for their change in perspective. They report encountering unexpected adverse reactions, inconsistencies between patient outcomes and established guidelines, and patterns that contradict the mainstream narrative. When such observations accumulate, they often prompt these doctors to dig deeper into medical history, epidemiological data, and alternative research, leading them to challenge conventional wisdom. Humphries (2013) highlights that her shift in perspective began after observing kidney patients suffering from vaccine-related complications, which prompted her to investigate the history of vaccines and public health.

Disillusionment with the Medical System

A growing number of physicians have become disillusioned with the modern medical system, which they believe prioritizes pharmaceutical interventions over addressing the root causes of disease. These doctors argue that the system operates within a profit-driven framework that emphasizes symptom management rather than long-term health promotion. As medical protocols increasingly align with pharmaceutical interests, some professionals feel constrained by hospital policies and insurance limitations that discourage holistic or preventative approaches to care.

Scientific Integrity and the Spirit of Inquiry

Another motivating factor for these dissenting professionals is their commitment to scientific integrity and open inquiry. Science, by its very nature, thrives on questioning established paradigms and re-evaluating conclusions in light of new evidence. However, many of these doctors argue that the current medical landscape discourages open debate, often labeling dissenting voices as “misinformation” without addressing their concerns. Humphries and Bystrianyk (2013) emphasize the importance of revisiting historical data and re-examining the role of vaccines in disease decline, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of public health history.

Concerns About Censorship and Suppression

Many doctors who speak out also point to the growing suppression of alternative viewpoints in medicine and public health. They argue that meaningful scientific progress requires open dialogue and that silencing dissenting voices undermines public trust. When legitimate concerns about vaccine safety, adverse reactions, and long-term consequences are dismissed without consideration, these doctors feel compelled to advocate for a more balanced discussion.

Intrinsic Motivation and Legacy

For some, the decision to challenge mainstream medical practices stems from a profound sense of purpose and desire to make a lasting impact. After decades of practice, these professionals often feel they have little to lose but much to gain by advocating for what they believe is right. Their motivation extends beyond financial gain or career advancement, reflecting a genuine desire to protect public health and encourage informed decision-making.

Are They on to Something?

Given the risks involved, it is worth considering whether these professionals might be highlighting genuine gaps and biases in the medical establishment. Their critiques often align with concerns about:

Over-reliance on pharmaceutical interventions.
Insufficient emphasis on lifestyle, nutrition, and preventive care.
Long-term consequences of mass vaccination and immune system dysregulation.
Lack of informed consent and transparency regarding potential risks.

While their views challenge mainstream paradigms, history has shown that dissenting voices have often been instrumental in driving scientific progress. Galileo’s heliocentric theory and Semmelweis’s (1861) advocacy for handwashing were once considered heretical but eventually transformed scientific understanding. Likewise, today’s dissenting doctors may be raising critical questions that deserve serious consideration and further investigation.

Conclusion

The decision of respected doctors and medical professionals to challenge established medical norms is most often not driven by financial gain or career advancement. Rather, it is rooted in ethical convictions, clinical observations, and a commitment to scientific inquiry. As these voices grow louder, they encourage a much-needed conversation about medical interventions’ safety, efficacy, and long-term consequences. Their willingness to question prevailing narratives may lead to a more balanced, patient-centered approach to healthcare.

References

Gai, & Gai. (2024, August 1). When you’ve lost trust in doctors. . . » Global Autoimmune Institute. Global Autoimmune Institute ». https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/articles/when-youve-lost-trust-in-doctors/

Hibbert, C. M. (2024, August 7). Trust in physicians and hospitals plummeted since the COVID pandemic, Northeastern research says. Northeastern Global News. https://news.northeastern.edu/2024/08/07/trust-in-physicians-hospitals-research/

Humphries, S., & Bystrianyk, R. (2013). Dissolving illusions: Disease, vaccines, and the forgotten history. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Semmelweis, I. (1861). Die Ätiologie, der Begriff und die Prophylaxis des Kindbettfiebers. C.A. Hartleben’s Verlags-Expedition.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

The Buddhist Eightfold Path & the Taoist 8 Keys of Wisdom

The Eightfold Path in Buddhism and the Eight Keys of Wisdom both emphasize self-awareness, ethical living, and inner transformation, but they approach wisdom from different angles. Buddhism focuses on liberation from suffering and Taoism emphasizes harmony with the Tao (the Way). Below are summaries and correlations between them.

The Buddhist Eightfold Path is a core teaching of the Buddha, forming the practical aspect of the Four Noble Truths. It guides ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, leading to the cessation of suffering and enlightenment (nirvana).

The Eightfold Path consists of:

Wisdom (Prajñā / Panna)

Right View (Sammā-diṭṭhi) – Understanding the Four Noble Truths and seeing reality as it is.
Right Intention (Sammā-saṅkappa) – Cultivating thoughts of goodwill, and harmlessness, avoiding harmful desires and ill-will.

Ethical Conduct (Śīla / Sīla)

Right Speech (Sammā-vācā) – Speaking truthfully, kindly, and avoiding lying, gossip, or harmful words
Right Action (Sammā-kammanta) – Acting ethically by resisting from harming living beings, stealing, and engaging in improper sexual conduct.
Right Livelihood (Sammā-ājīva) – Earning a living in a way that does not cause harm or exploit others.

Mental Discipline (Samādhi)

Right Effort (Sammā-vāyāma) – Cultivating positive states of mind, preventing negative thoughts, and striving for self-improvement.
Right Mindfulness (Sammā-sati) – Maintaining awareness of one’s body, feelings, thoughts, and phenomena through consistent mindfulness practice.
Right Concentration (Sammā-samādhi) – Developing deep meditative states of focus to achieve insight and tranquility.

Like the Eightfold Path, The Eight Keys of Wisdom is a core teaching in ancient wisdom, drawing from Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. It guides ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, leading to the cessation of suffering and enlightenment (nirvana).

Eight Keys of Wisdom

Reflection – See yourself as others see you
Make correct choices (Hun & Po) – Discerning true, right, and correct. Dealing with the inner conflict
Overcome your delusion – 5 agents, 7 distractions
Turn on your light – See and be seen, plant good seeds
Be the mountain – Attain honor rooted in principle
Change your reality – Assume responsibility of your fate or destiny
Become a vessel of wisdom – Practice what you preach, become a role model rather than a warning
Water over fire – Draw from nature’s energies

Correlations Between the Eightfold Path and 8 Keys of Wisdom

Reflection – Right View (Sammā-diṭṭhi)
- Taoist Wisdom: See yourself as others see you.
- Buddhist Parallel: The Right View teaches seeing reality as it is, free from illusion. In Buddhism, self-awareness includes understanding how others perceive us and recognizing our attachments and biases.
True, Right and Correct (Hun & Po) – Right Intention (Sammā-saṅkappa)
- Taoist Wisdom: Manage and cope with inner conflicts.
- Buddhist Parallel: Right Intention involves aligning thoughts with ethical and wholesome goals, reducing inner conflict between desire (Po) and higher wisdom (Hun). Both traditions emphasize balancing these opposing aspects of the psyche.
Overcome Your Delusion – Right Effort (Sammā-vāyāma)
- Taoist Wisdom: 5 agents, 7 distractions (Five Elements & Emotional Imbalances).
- Buddhist Parallel: Right Effort means actively working to remove unwholesome states (such as greed, anger, and delusion) and cultivate wisdom. In Taoism, recognizing the interplay of the Five Elements and overcoming distractions aligns with maintaining mental clarity.
Turn on Your Light – Right Mindfulness (Sammā-sati)
- Taoist Wisdom: See and be seen. Plant good seeds to leave a legacy of knowledge.
- Buddhist Parallel: Right Mindfulness is about clear awareness of one’s actions, emotions, and thoughts. “Turning on the light” in Taoism refers to conscious self-awareness, which aligns with the Buddhist practice of mindfulness meditation.
Be the Mountain – Right Action (Sammā-kammanta)
- Taoist Wisdom: Achieve honor and respect by being rooted in principle.
- Buddhist Parallel: Right Action means living with integrity, abstaining from harm and unethical behavior. Being “the mountain” represents stability in virtue, just as Right Action is about unwavering moral conduct.
Change Your Reality – Right Livelihood (Sammā-ājīva)
- Taoist Wisdom: Assume responsibility for your fate or destiny.
- Buddhist Parallel: Right Livelihood encourages earning a living ethically and shaping one’s future through right choices. Taoism’s view that we shape our destiny aligns with Buddhism’s emphasis on karma and responsibility for one’s path.
Become the Vessel of Wisdom – Right Speech (Sammā-vācā)
- Taoist Wisdom: Practice what you preach. Strive to live as an example and not a warning to others.
- Buddhist Parallel: Right Speech teaches honest, compassionate communication. In Taoism, becoming a “vessel of wisdom” means embodying truth, much like Right Speech requires sincerity in words.
Water Over Fire – Right Concentration (Sammā-samādhi)
- Taoist Wisdom: Balance the elements; maintain peace in chaos.
- Buddhist Parallel: Right Concentration cultivates mental stillness and deep meditative absorption, similar to Taoist teachings on harmonizing the forces of water (yin) and fire (yang) to maintain balance and clarity.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119