There are various ways of interpreting what is meant by Thor's belt. You could just see it as something like a weight lifter's wide leather belt. These are worn to hold your back together when lifting weights far to heavy for the human body to safely cope with. I did have one for when I did weights but realised that there was not much point in being strong enough to lift something but not being able to do it if I wasn't wearing my belt. Actually the strength has to come from inside. There is a nice image of Thor dressing up for battle by strapping on a wide belt, pulling on strong gloves and then hefting a massive metal hammer with a slightly short handle. Then striding off to wreak havoc among the Jotuns.

So how can we add that belt of Megin to our strength and empower ourselves? I believe it is a similar idea to finding ones Ki as the Japanese would put it or building up ones Chi as the Chinese see it. But what do we mean by Ki, Chi or Megin? There is the idea in the West that the orientals mean some kind of mystical, magical energy which they can call upon to give them super human powers. If you watch kung fu movies you can get the impression that is the case. But that is a mythological interpretation it has a realistic meaning too. The basis of finding this power is is clear intention, focus on a worthy aim and perseverance in working towards that goal. There are many ways we can build up that power, self-discipline in what we eat and drink. Appropriate activity in terms of both training the body and meaningful work towards our goal. Thinking clearly about what we are aiming for and acknowledging the doubts, fears and character traits which hold us back.

It really comes down to knowledge of what works for us in terms of building up our health and well-being and then having a reason for setting out to make a difference. It is in the working and trying that we get stronger and find our power. The Megin is the energy which flows through us when we find a sense of where we are going and are prepared to release the things that hold us back. It is a practice, a state of mind and a way of life. A battle that is never over, but never to soon to begin struggling with.

Tomorrow I will start looking at how I work with Stav as a martial art and how it can help us find our megin.

Regards

Graham