In eastern philosophy, the “dantian” is the energetic center of the human body.
Likewise, the Dantian Project endeavors to find the “center” of today’s modern world.
From issues ranging from politics to legends and lore, the Dantian Project uses the written word to insight thoughtful contemplation.
Major themes include:
Seeking Truth
“It’s better to have your purpose defeated than to have no purpose.”
-Dastem
Climbing out of the darkness of the abyss is no small feat for anyone lacking purpose in their life.
Asking yourself “what’s the point” is a slippery slope, because there are only two ways you can answer–
You either find a reason to fight for your life, or you don’t.
The latter will will leech the last of your strength from your very soul, like the dull, orange glow of a fading dome light, leaving you stranded on some forsaken byway of a forlorn existence.
But choosing to fight will give you the strength you’ll need to find your next foothold, as you desperately claw your way back up to the light of day.
Reaching that light becomes your purpose. Win, lose or draw.
In a world where so many are searching for order and meaning amid an onslaught of chaos and confusion, the Dantian Project is dedicated to seeking the light of truth.
Balancing Scales
“Show me one who has found peace, and I’ll show you one who has fought bitter wars.”
-Dastem
If life has taught me anything, it’s that nothing ever stays the same. Yesterday’s enemy may very well become tomorrow’s ally.
Likewise, the torment of making mistakes is what leads to the joy of success. It is true, growth requires pain.
Yet, through it all, and despite the unpredictability of the trials and tribulations we endure, there is one constant of which we can be sure–
Each of us was born, each of us lives, and one day, each of us will die. It’s what we do with the time in between that matters most.
When all hope is lost and trust has been eroded, there will always be one thing you can hang you hat on:
The sun will rise again.
The Dantian Project seeks to balance the scales of life’s greatest polarities.
Fostering Tolerance
“The imperfection of mankind is a perfect design.”
-Dastem
With it left on the table, balled up like a straw wrapper, ready to be flicked into the corner at closing time, I ignore the dirty looks of the patrons behind you.
I know they disdain my disregard for the cleaning crew.
But you had a tough day…
You put your whole heart into something that someone else laughed at. With great shame, you hung your head in painful heartbreak.
It’s only now that I see the faint crack of a smile breaking through once again.
I position my finger in front of it, prepared to send it sailing. Like a well placed shot, it proves to be the fatal blow to your sorrow.
You flick it back at me, the light slowly returning to your eyes.
By the time we’re done, the floor around us is littered with little balls of trash we’ve made into playthings. We’ll clean most of it up before we leave.
Yet, some will be left behind, and it drives those patrons mad.
Don’t worry. The Dantian Project isn’t meant for them.
It’s meant for you…
The one brave enough to face heartbreak with honesty, the one strong enough to overcome it… And the one who will one day have tolerance for a father flicking straw wrappers at his son for no other reason than to put a smile on his face.
Tolerance is a key component of finding “center”. Only when we acknowledge and accept the imperfection in ourselves will we understand the imperfection in others.
Actively Engaging
Wisdom seeks the unity of interaction.
It dwells in the nuances of our lived experiences.
Therefore, the Dantian Project is not limited to the musings of one, single author, opining over the matters that make us all uniquely human. It is something we’re all a part of, simply by way of being alive.
So, I invite you to engage in the conversation. Leave comments, invite others, and subscribe for regular updates.
If you’d like to contribute to the mission as a guest author, feel free to check out the Submission Guidelines page.
Together, we hold the keys to the world of our choosing. Let’s make it something great!
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