Light Jedi: Lecture #21

Feeling the Force
Lightside@forceacademy.com

Many students I talk to, including my own Padawan, are understandably excited when they first feel the Force within them. And it is very common for a Jedi student to feel the Force first in his or her upper body, i.e. arms, hands, head, face, neck, etc. Many students experiencing this phenomenon wonder why it is that they should feel the Force there, as opposed to all over. The answer lies, as my Master taught me, in the Hindu chakra system, or the systems of upper and lower energies in the body.

It is quite common for a Jedi's upper, or higher, energy centers (those of love, insight, compassion, self-confidence, etc.) to be stronger than the lower ones (those of baser emotions such as anger, fear, greed, lust, etc.), as Jedi tend to transcend these lower emotions. However, although we Jedi no longer act through those emotions, we must realize that they still exist, and serve as an anchor for our higher energy centers.

Hence, attaining a balance between these two energy centers is paramount to a Jedi feeling the Force flow fully through his or her body. To do this, I have found that the most effective method is to enter a light to middling state of meditation, placing the palms of the hands on the thighs, and focusing Force energy through the palms into the thighs. This energy will feed the lower energy centers, and bring the entire body into balance. Once this method is implemented, it will not be long before a Jedi will begin feel the Force flowing fully and freely.

In addition, balance is necessary from a psychological standpoint as well as physical. In order to help others, we Jedi must stay in touch with our baser emotions, in order to be able to relate to another's pain, hatred, and so forth. It does not help to counsel or otherwise intervene with a person who knows that you have no idea where he or she is coming from. A person in pain of any sort has a rare gift for spotting pretense, however deeply buried it might be. A Jedi who completely abandons his or her lower emotions in essence ceases to be human, because he or she will no longer be able to relate to humanity in its natural state.

I would be happy to answer any further questions on this topic as I am able, or to refer you to another of my colleagues who would be able to help. May the Force be with you.

Ellen Merrit
EdmRead@aol.com