Beyond Mindfulness: Centering Leadership through Sundo’s Somatic Path of Jung–Ki–Shin
Abstract
Leadership in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environments requires more than cognitive skill or technical expertise; it demands embodied presence, resilience, and authenticity. Somatic leadership development, which emphasizes awareness of the body as a site of learning and transformation, addresses this need but remains under-theorized in connection with non-Western contemplative practices. This conceptual article introduces Sundo (國仙道), a Korean Taoist tradition of breathing meditation and energy cultivation, as a complementary framework for somatic leadership. Sundo’s core practices—danjeon breathing, energy circulation, and the integration of jung–ki–shin (essence–energy–spirit)—resonate strongly with somatic approaches to centering, emotional regulation, and relational presence. We propose an integrated model of embodied leadership that links Sundo’s stages of cultivation to leadership competencies such as authenticity, adaptive decision-making, and ethical action. Implications for human resource development include applications in executive coaching, leadership education, and organizational practice, as well as directions for future empirical research.
1. Introduction
Leadership in the twenty-first century increasingly unfolds in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) contexts. Conventional approaches to leadership development—rooted primarily in cognitive models, technical skill-building, and behavioral competencies—may not fully prepare leaders to embody the resilience, authenticity, and relational awareness demanded by contemporary organizations (Day et al., 2014). Scholars and practitioners alike have begun to emphasize the importance of embodiment in leadership, recognizing that how leaders inhabit their bodies—through breath, posture, presence, and energy—shapes how they influence, inspire, and guide others (Ladkin, 2020; Strozzi-Heckler, 2014). This perspective, often referred to as somatic leadership development, regards the body not merely as a vessel for the mind but as a source of wisdom and transformation in its own right.
Somatic leadership development emphasizes practices that cultivate awareness of bodily sensations, emotional regulation, and relational attunement. By engaging the body as an active site of learning, leaders may access deeper levels of resilience, authenticity, and ethical alignment (Scharmer, 2018). However, while the somatic paradigm has gained traction in Western organizational and leadership studies, it remains largely under-theorized in connection with non-Western contemplative traditions that have long regarded the body as central to spiritual and moral cultivation.
One such tradition is Sundo (仙道), a Korean Taoist meditation and breathing practice transmitted through mountain hermit lineages for millennia (Kim, 2002; Kim, 2025). Sundo emphasizes abdominal breathing (danjeon hoheup), cultivation of vital energy (ki), and integration of body, energy, and spirit (jung–ki–shin) as pathways to personal transformation and harmony with the Tao. Its disciplined approach to posture, breath, and energy circulation resonates strongly with the goals of somatic leadership: centering under pressure, embodying calm authority, and aligning action with higher purpose.
The purpose of this article is to conceptualize the integration of Sundo meditation with somatic leadership development. By examining how Sundo’s ancient Taoist framework may enrich contemporary leadership practices, we aim to advance both the theory and pedagogy of embodied leadership. Specifically, we ask: How might Sundo’s principles and methods contribute to the cultivation of embodied presence, resilience, and ethical action in organizational leaders?
This exploration contributes to the human resource development (HRD) and leadership education literature in three ways. First, it situates somatic leadership within a cross-cultural framework, drawing on Eastern contemplative traditions to broaden Western conceptualizations of embodiment. Second, it introduces Sundo as a structured, evidence-informed practice that can be integrated into leadership development interventions. Third, it proposes a conceptual model linking Sundo’s stages of cultivation with leadership competencies relevant to contemporary organizations.
Ultimately, this article argues that leadership is not solely a cognitive or behavioral enterprise but an embodied way of being. Sundo offers a distinctive pathway for leaders to harmonize body, energy, and spirit with the demands of organizational life, thereby enriching the field of somatic leadership development with timeless Taoist wisdom.
2.1 Somatic Leadership Development
Leadership research has historically emphasized cognition, behavior, and traits as the central domains of development (Day et al., 2014). While these paradigms have generated valuable insights, they often neglect the role of the body as an active site of leadership learning. The emerging field of somatic leadership development addresses this gap by positing that leadership is not only enacted through ideas and decisions but is embodied in posture, breath, movement, and presence (Strozzi-Heckler, 2014; Ladkin, 2020). The term somatic derives from the Greek soma, meaning “the living body,” and emphasizes the inseparability of body, mind, and spirit in human functioning.
Embodied Awareness
At the heart of somatic leadership is the cultivation of embodied awareness—an intentional attunement to sensations, breathing patterns, and energy states in the body (Brown & Cregan, 2008). Leaders who develop embodied awareness can recognize the subtle physiological cues that signal stress, defensiveness, or disconnection. This awareness provides the foundation for intentional choice rather than automatic reaction.
Emotional Regulation and Resilience
Somatic leadership practices often emphasize centering techniques, such as mindful breathing or grounded postural alignment, to help leaders regulate emotions under pressure (Silsbee, 2008). This embodied resilience allows leaders to remain calm, responsive, and clear-minded in volatile or conflictual situations, enhancing their capacity to make ethical and strategic decisions.
Alignment of Values and Action
Somatic theories of leadership further highlight the body as a site of integrity. Commitments and values are not simply cognitive declarations but are “held” in the body through habitual patterns of stance, gesture, and movement (Strozzi-Heckler, 2014). Training the body to embody commitments can help leaders act with greater consistency, authenticity, and trustworthiness.
Relational Presence
A key leadership capacity is relational presence—the ability to engage others with openness, empathy, and attentiveness (Ladkin, 2020). Somatic development fosters this by training leaders to ground themselves physically in order to fully listen and respond to others. Leaders who embody presence signal safety and trust, conditions that support collaboration, innovation, and collective purpose.
Applications in Leadership Development
Somatic leadership approaches have been applied in executive coaching, leadership retreats, and organizational development programs (Scharmer, 2018). Practices often include centering exercises, martial arts–inspired movement, guided breathwork, and reflective dialogue. Empirical studies, though still emerging, suggest that embodied methods enhance emotional intelligence, reduce stress, and increase perceived leadership effectiveness (McGonigal, 2015).
Despite these advances, the field remains primarily grounded in Western somatic psychology and coaching traditions. Less attention has been given to how non-Western contemplative practices, many of which have cultivated embodied awareness for millennia, may deepen and diversify the somatic leadership paradigm. Integrating such traditions can provide a more comprehensive and cross-culturally inclusive model of embodied leadership.
2.2 Sundo Meditation (仙道)
Sundo (also Kouk Sun Do; Kuksundo; Bak-Dol-Beop) is a Korean Taoist tradition of breathing meditation and energy cultivation that traces its lineage to mountain hermits (sundo-in) who practiced in seclusion for centuries (Kim, 2002; Kim, 2025). The term “Sundo” combines two Sun (仙, immortal, hermit, or sage) and do (道, the way). Together, the term signifies “the way of the sages” or “the Tao of immortal cultivation,” reflecting both its cultural roots in Korean spiritual heritage and its philosophical grounding in Taoism.
Historical Background
Sundo emerged from Korea’s mountain Taoist tradition, which emphasized harmony with nature, cultivation of inner energy (ki), and alignment with the Tao. The practice was transmitted orally and experientially through teacher-disciple lineages, often in isolated hermitages. In the twentieth century, Chung-San (靑山, “Blue Mountain”) introduced Sundo to the public after receiving the teachings from his master, Cheongwoon-do-in (靑雲道人, "Blue Cloud"), thereby making the practice accessible beyond the hermit tradition (Kim, 2025).
Core Practices
Sundo is structured around a system of breath, posture, and meditation that integrates body, energy, and spirit:
- Danjeon Breathing (단전호흡): Abdominal breathing focused on the lower danjeon (energy center below the navel). Practitioners draw breath deeply, storing and circulating energy through the body. This cultivates grounding, vitality, and emotional balance.
- Energy Cultivation (氣, Ki): Sundo emphasizes circulation of ki through energy pathways, promoting health, emotional regulation, and heightened awareness. Advanced practices involve refining jung–ki–shin (essence–energy–spirit) into integrated wholeness.
- Posture and Movement (자세와 동작): Static postures and flowing movements train practitioners to embody stability, openness, and resilience. Physical discipline serves as a gateway to spiritual clarity.
- Meditation on Tao (道): At its deepest level, Sundo aligns the practitioner with the rhythms of heaven (cheon), earth (ji), and humanity (in). This triadic harmony reflects Taoist cosmology and provides a path toward inner peace and spiritual awakening.
Philosophical Foundations
The philosophy of Sundo rests on three interrelated principles:
- Integration of Jung–Ki–Shin (精氣神): The practice aims to cultivate essence (jung), energy (ki), and spirit (shin) as inseparable dimensions of human existence. When harmonized, these generate health, resilience, and wisdom.
- Living in Accord with Nature: Sundo emphasizes gentleness, non-resistance, and alignment with natural rhythms, echoing Taoist notions of wu-wei (effortless action).
- Embodied Transformation: Unlike purely intellectual or doctrinal approaches, Sundo regards the body as the primary site of transformation. Breath and posture are not preparatory techniques but central to realizing Tao.
Relevance for Contemporary Leadership
Although rooted in ancient Taoist wisdom, Sundo offers contemporary relevance for leadership and organizational life. Its practices develop centeredness under stress, emotional balance, and embodied presence—qualities increasingly recognized as essential for effective leadership in turbulent environments (Ladkin, 2020). Furthermore, Sundo situates personal growth within a cosmological framework, reminding leaders that ethical action arises from harmony not only with oneself and others but also with the larger natural and spiritual order.
3. Integrating Somatic Leadership and Sundo
Somatic leadership development and Sundo meditation emerge from different cultural lineages—Western somatic psychology and coaching on the one hand, and Korean Taoist spiritual practice on the other. Yet both traditions converge on a central insight: leadership is an embodied phenomenon. Leaders do not merely influence through cognition, strategy, or rhetoric; they transmit presence through their body, breath, and energy. The integration of somatic leadership and Sundo may therefore provide a more holistic pathway for cultivating leaders who are resilient, authentic, and aligned with both organizational and natural systems.
3.1 Breath as Leadership Grounding
In somatic leadership, centering practices often begin with mindful breathing to restore equilibrium and clarity in the midst of stress (Strozzi-Heckler, 2014). Similarly, Sundo places danjeon breathing at the foundation of practice. By breathing into the lower abdomen, leaders cultivate a grounded presence that stabilizes both body and mind. For organizational leaders, this grounding serves as an anchor in moments of uncertainty, allowing them to make decisions from calm responsiveness rather than anxious reactivity.
3.2 Body and Presence in Leadership
Somatic leadership highlights the importance of posture and embodied awareness in projecting confidence and openness (Ladkin, 2020). Sundo’s postures, with upright spine, relaxed shoulders, and rooted stance, train practitioners to embody dignity and receptivity. Leaders who integrate these practices may exude executive gravitas—a quiet authority that emerges not from dominance but from inner alignment. Such embodied presence can shift organizational dynamics, fostering trust and psychological safety.
3.3 Emotion, Energy, and Relational Presence
Somatic approaches emphasize the body as a site of emotional regulation and relational attunement (Brown & Cregan, 2008). Sundo extends this by cultivating ki circulation, which balances internal energy and promotes equanimity. A leader whose energy flows freely may more readily engage with empathy, patience, and attentiveness, rather than defensiveness or aggression. In practice, this means that Sundo-informed leaders can enter challenging conversations with clarity and compassion, enhancing their capacity for inclusive and relational leadership.
3.4 Alignment with Natural Rhythms (Tao)
A distinctive contribution of Sundo is its emphasis on harmony with the Tao, the underlying order of nature. In Taoist philosophy, effective action arises not from forceful control but from wu-wei (effortless action)—aligning with the flow of circumstances. In leadership, this translates to guiding organizations not by rigid command but by sensing and moving with emergent patterns. Sundo thus expands somatic leadership beyond individual presence toward ecological and cosmological attunement, reminding leaders that they are participants in larger systems of life.
3.5 Toward an Integrated Model of Embodied Leadership
Together, somatic leadership and Sundo suggest a model of embodied leadership development with three interdependent dimensions:
(1) Foundation (Breath and Centering) – regulating stress and cultivating grounded presence;
(2) Integration (Body–Energy–Emotion) – aligning posture, energy, and emotion to project authenticity and relational trust;
(3) Expression (Alignment with Tao) – leading adaptively by attuning to collective, ecological, and spiritual flows.
This integrated model advances leadership theory by bridging Western empirical approaches to embodiment with Eastern wisdom traditions. For practice, it provides a structured pathway—through Sundo meditation—for leaders to embody presence, resilience, and ethical action in complex organizational contexts.
4. Conceptual Model
To integrate somatic leadership development with Sundo meditation, we propose a conceptual model of Embodied Leadership Through Sundo. This model frames leadership as a progressive cultivation of body, breath, energy, and spirit, aligned with both organizational needs and natural rhythms. It highlights how Sundo’s traditional stages of practice map onto contemporary leadership competencies.
4.1 Foundations: Breath and Centering
The practice of danjeon breathing in Sundo establishes a leader’s physiological and psychological grounding. By stabilizing breath in the lower abdomen, leaders enhance stress regulation, attentional focus, and emotional calm. This corresponds to somatic leadership’s emphasis on centering as the basis for presence and resilience.
4.2 Integration: Body–Energy–Emotion
Sundo’s cultivation of jung–ki–shin (essence, energy, spirit) teaches practitioners to align body posture, energy circulation, and emotional balance. In leadership contexts, this integration strengthens authenticity, coherence between values and action, and relational trust. Leaders who embody such integration project consistency and reliability, enhancing their moral authority.
4.3 Expression: Alignment with Tao
At the most advanced stage, Sundo emphasizes attunement with the Tao—the natural flow of the universe. Applied to leadership, this reflects wu-wei (effortless action), guiding organizations adaptively by sensing and aligning with emergent patterns rather than imposing rigid control. This cultivates leaders who are flexible, systemic thinkers, and capable of ethical decision-making in complex environments.
4.4 Conceptual Diagram
Below is a text-based representation of the proposed model:
| Sundo Principle | Leadership Competency |
| Danjeon Breathing (Lower energy center) | Centering, Stress Regulation, Resilience |
| Jung–Ki–Shin Integration (Essence–Energy–Spirit) | Authenticity, Alignment of Values & Action, Relational Trust |
| Harmony with Tao (Wu-wei, Natural Flow) | Adaptive Leadership, Ethical Action, Systems Thinking, Ecological Awareness |
This model positions Sundo as more than a wellness practice; it is a structured developmental pathway for embodied leadership. By beginning with physiological grounding, moving toward integration of body–energy–emotion, and culminating in ecological and spiritual alignment, Sundo provides leaders with both immediate tools for resilience and a long-term path toward wisdom and ethical presence.
5. Implications for HRD and Leadership Practice
The integration of somatic leadership development and Sundo meditation offers important implications for human resource development (HRD), leadership education, and organizational practice. By reframing leadership as an embodied phenomenon, Sundo provides HRD professionals with tools that move beyond cognitive or behavioral training toward whole-person development.
5.1 Executive Coaching and Leadership Training
Sundo’s structured breathing and posture practices can be adapted for executive coaching and leadership development programs. For instance, centering through danjeon breathing may be taught as a practical technique for managing stress during high-stakes negotiations or public speaking. Body–energy–emotion integration practices may be incorporated into coaching sessions to help leaders align personal values with professional commitments. Unlike purely cognitive approaches, Sundo enables leaders to feel integrity within their body, strengthening authenticity and resilience.
5.2 Leadership Retreats and Organizational Programs
Sundo’s meditative and movement practices are well-suited for leadership retreats and organizational wellness initiatives. Structured sessions combining breathwork, meditation, and reflective dialogue can help leaders develop embodied awareness while fostering community and trust among participants. As organizations increasingly value holistic well-being and psychological safety, Sundo provides a culturally rich and empirically grounded methodology that complements mindfulness and resilience programs already in place.
5.3 Higher Education and Leadership Education
Business schools and leadership education programs can benefit from integrating Sundo into curricula. Courses on responsible leadership, ethics, or organizational behavior may incorporate Sundo sessions to demonstrate the embodied dimensions of leadership. Such integration bridges theory with practice, showing students how Taoist principles of wu-wei (effortless action) and harmony with nature can translate into adaptive and ethical leadership in modern organizations.
5.4 Organizational Culture and Ethical Leadership
At an organizational level, Sundo einforces values of balance, sustainability, and harmony with the environment. Leaders trained in Sundo may encourage decision-making that prioritizes long-term ecological and social well-being rather than short-term profit. This aligns with contemporary calls for sustainable and ethical leadership in HRD literature. By embodying principles of Taoist balance, leaders may shape cultures that value respect, inclusivity, and alignment with natural and social systems.
5.5 Practical Guidelines for Implementation
For HRD professionals seeking to apply Sundo in leadership contexts, several practical guidelines are recommended:
- Begin with Breath – Teach danjeon breathing as a simple yet powerful entry point into embodied leadership.
- Integrate Gradually – Incorporate short Sundo practices into coaching, retreats, or leadership classes before moving into advanced energy cultivation.
- Contextualize Philosophically – Frame Sundo not merely as wellness training but as a practice rooted in Taoist philosophy and Korean tradition, emphasizing harmony, humility, and service.
- Blend with Evidence-Based HRD – Combine Sundo with established somatic and mindfulness research to strengthen credibility and cross-cultural integration.
- Measure Outcomes – Use both qualitative (reflection journals, interviews) and quantitative (stress reduction, HRV, leadership effectiveness surveys) measures to assess Sundo’s impact.
In sum, Sundo offers HRD professionals and leadership educators a unique and timely contribution: a comprehensive embodied practice that cultivates resilience, authenticity, relational trust, and ethical alignment. By embedding Sundo into leadership development, organizations can nurture leaders who not only manage complexity but embody the wisdom, presence, and balance necessary for sustainable leadership in the twenty-first century.
6. Future Research Directions
Although Sundo meditation and somatic leadership development share strong conceptual alignment, empirical research that explicitly connects these domains remains limited. Advancing this integration will require systematic studies that explore how embodied practices influence leadership behaviors, organizational outcomes, and individual well-being. Below, I outline several promising research directions.
6.1 Longitudinal Effects of Sundo on Leadership Development
Future research could examine the impact of Sundo practice over time on leadership competencies such as resilience, authenticity, ethical decision-making, and relational presence. Longitudinal designs would allow researchers to track developmental trajectories across months or years of practice. Such studies could clarify whether consistent Sundo training results in sustained improvements in leadership effectiveness.
6.2 Physiological and Psychological Measures
Sundo's emphasis on abdominal breathing and energy circulation suggests measurable effects on physiological indicators of stress and resilience. Studies may employ metrics such as heart rate variability (HRV), cortisol levels, or neuroimaging to assess changes in autonomic regulation. Psychological measures—including mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-efficacy—could be paired with these physiological data to provide a multidimensional picture of Sundo’s influence on leadership functioning.
6.3 Cross-Cultural Comparisons
Given Sundo’s Korean Taoist roots, cross-cultural research could explore whether leaders in Korea and the West experience and apply Sundo differently. Prior research on spiritual practices shows that cultural context significantly shapes interpretation and application (Kim, 2002). Comparative studies may reveal both universal benefits (e.g., stress regulation) and culturally distinct outcomes (e.g., relational norms, spiritual interpretations).
6.4 Sundo in Organizational Settings
Experimental or quasi-experimental designs could test Sundo-based interventions in corporate or public-sector contexts. For example, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) might evaluate Sundo training as part of leadership development programs, comparing outcomes with mindfulness-based interventions or standard leadership curricula. Such research could provide evidence for Sundo's unique contribution to HRD practices.
6.5 Methodological Innovations
Qualitative and mixed-methods approaches are especially well-suited to studying embodied and spiritual practices. Phenomenological interviews may capture leaders’ lived experiences of Sundo practice. Narrative methods could explore how Sundo influences leaders’ identity development. Mixed-method designs combining surveys, physiological data, and reflective journals would provide rich, triangulated insights.
6.6 Expanding Theoretical Integration
Beyond empirical validation, future scholarship can deepen theoretical connections between Sundo, somatic leadership, and broader leadership theories. Potential avenues include:
- Linking Sundo’s jung–ki–shin framework to models of authentic, servant, or ethical leadership.
- Examining how Taoist principles of wu-wei and harmony with nature resonate with complexity leadership and adaptive leadership theories.
- Exploring Sundo’s communal and ecological dimensions as contributions to sustainability leadership and corporate social responsibility.
In summary, research on Sundo and leadership is in its early stages but holds substantial promise. By employing rigorous methods across physiological, psychological, and organizational domains, future studies can demonstrate how Sundo not only complements but advances the field of somatic leadership development. Such work will provide HRD practitioners with evidence-based approaches to cultivate leaders who embody resilience, authenticity, and harmony with the larger systems of life.
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