In a world that is constantly asking us to do more, faster and better, more and more people are finding that the most difficult challenge is staying connected to themselves.
Shi Heng Zuan Photo: shaolintemple.eu
Master Shi Heng Zuan, director of Shaolin Center Europe, and one of the guest speakers at The Inner conference, speaks for “The Truth” about the balance between mind and heart, about discipline that does not mean coercion but care, and about the path to an inner freedom that many confuse with the simple satisfaction of momentary desires.
Truth: In your teachings you talk about the balance between mind and heart. What does this mean for modern man, who lives constantly under the pressure of time and obligations?
Master Zuan: All the teachings we share with people are first and foremost about self-discovery – getting to know yourself better before you can evolve or truly take your life into your own hands. One of the first things we discover is that many of us live in an imbalance. There is no harmony between mind and heart. Simply put, between thinking and feeling. Between yin and yang.
In today's world, that means coming back to yourself, your breath, your body, and what you really feel. It means rediscovering what you really need, beyond the noise and fast pace of everyday life.
Many people today feel mentally overstimulated and emotionally disconnected. Why is it so hard for them to hear their inner voice?
Because we never stop. We are always on the move and constantly consuming something: music, social networks, series, shopping, information, opinions, noise. There is always something coming from the outside that captures our attention.
A mind that is constantly fed from the outside slowly loses touch with the inside. It's that simple. We must learn to stop and turn to ourselves.
In the Shaolin tradition, what is the relationship between discipline and inner freedom?
Many people have the wrong idea about freedom. I think freedom means doing whatever you want. But if every emotion controls you, are you truly free? Discipline is what allows you to remain stable even when the mind becomes chaotic. Without discipline, true inner freedom is not possible.
Many people associate discipline with coercion. How can it actually become a source of balance, inner strength and peace?
Discipline is just one of the many virtues we teach our students. Discipline without wisdom and without heart becomes rigid and punitive. Discipline accompanied by wisdom and compassion means care. Care for yourself and care for others. It is important to understand and cultivate all the ingredients necessary for healthy development.
What simple habits do you recommend for those who feel they have lost their balance and want to regain peace and clarity?
Start by getting out of your mind and reconnecting with your body. Get up a little earlier. Give yourself a few minutes of silence and breathe consciously!
Many people start their day by checking their phone, answering emails, or worrying about everything they have to do. I recommend something else: in the first 30 minutes after waking up, try to be present. Notice your breath, body and inner state. Before you start thinking about everything you're going to do, take the time to feel like you're here.
Why is so much emphasis placed on the body and breath when talking about emotional balance?
When the breath is restless, the mind also becomes restless. When the body relaxes, the heart opens.
Many people seek emotional balance through thought. I believe that if they understand the problem well enough, they will also find peace. But more often than not, peace first appears in the body and only then in the mind.
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What are the most common myths about Shaolin and what this practice means?
Most people think of strength, speed, fighting and physical endurance. This is the picture I see on the outside. In reality, Shaolin practice is much more than that. It aims to cultivate values such as patience, discipline, respect and self-control. It's not just about getting stronger physically, it's about becoming more balanced as a person.
Many associate martial arts with strength and competition. Can they help people become gentler and more understanding?
Of course. When you truly understand what power means, you no longer feel the need to dominate others. Often times, the really strong people are also the most peaceful. They no longer need to prove anything or impose their force on others.
How can a man stay connected to himself in a world where everything is fast forward?
The first step is to slow down enough to really notice what you are experiencing.
Many people are present with their body in one place, but their mind in another: to what happened yesterday, to what is coming tomorrow or to the next concern. I'm rarely really where they are.
That's why it's important to have a practice that brings you back to yourself. It can be breathing, meditation, movement, or any other exercise that helps you stay grounded when life gets hectic.
What does inner harmony mean to you? How can anyone tell when they are starting to find it?
Inner harmony occurs when you are no longer in a constant struggle with reality. You stop trying to change every situation or every person you meet.
You learn to accept things as they are and respond with more clarity and less resistance. Then you feel that you carry less weight inside and that life flows more naturally.
What can someone do, in the moment, when they feel overwhelmed by stress or emotions?
Inhale slowly and exhale slowly. Then repeat as many times as needed. In difficult moments, it is the body that can bring us back to balance. When the breath calms down, the mind begins to calm down too.
Many people try to control their thoughts to find peace. Why is this not enough?
When you try to control your mind, you often do it out of fear. You want to eliminate suffering, understand everything, anticipate what's next and feel safe.
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A healthy relationship with one's own mind, however, is built on compassion and acceptance. It does not start from the need for control, but from the desire to understand yourself more deeply.
Externally, the difference may not be visible. But inside, the intention is quite different.
What do you do in those moments when you run out of motivation and everyday worries end up taking up all the space?
Don't rely on spur of the moment inspiration. She comes and goes. Instead, remember why you chose this path and what you are really looking for. The goal is not to feel good every day, but to become freer and more at peace with yourself.
It is a road that is built every day, step by step, both for you and for those around you.
What really changes a person: a turning point or everyday habits?
Life changes us every moment. The question is in which direction we are going.
Deep and lasting changes don't usually happen overnight. They are built through consistency, through the choices and small gestures that we repeat day by day.
What is the most important lesson you would like those who come into contact with your teachings to understand?
You don't have to become someone else to find peace.
You just have to reconnect with that part of you that you lost or forgot along the way. In the end, everything is a journey to yourself.
