Throwing the sticks… not literally, is the process of meditatively using “Yarrow Stalks” to dive deep into the sub-conscious of cause and effect and emerge with a morsel, a pearl of wisdom. Before I began my study of Tai Chi (1968), four sisters took me into a room, handed me some foraged sticks and the […]
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Standing Meditation – Right Hand Over Left or the Other Way?
Back in 2013 I posted 12 lessons on Facebook during the holiday season. In lesson nine I focused on the Standing Meditation where you overlap your hands over the tan tien (CV or REN 6). I stated, women put left over right and men right over left – and that I would write more on […]
Grasping the Essence – Knowing the Kanji
Grasping the Essence At the Peaceful Dragon School, in the Chi Kung Certification Program, among other program qualifications, students submit a project paper. The following is an excerpt from Junko’s Chi Kung certification project. This perspective can be helpful in deepening your understanding of what it means to “relax” and/or “letting your weight sink”. […]
Invoking Imagery – 2
IMAGE DEFINED 1. the formation of mental images, figures, or likenesses of things, or of such images collectively 2. pictorial images, as in works of art. 3. mental images especially those produced by the action of imagination. ______________________________________ Imagery can invoke a feeling, inspire writing, movement, and choice of colors/shapes. Let’s talk about the power […]
Tai Chi as a Moving Mudra
In the classical sense a “mudra” is a hand posture or gesture used in Hindu and Buddhist meditation. Along with the breath, it can also be an internal action. Both are employed to create energetic responses. Over the years I have come to realize tai chi as a moving mudra. As you move through the […]
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Fun was had by all and joy shared. December 15, 2018
Sword – Forming the Striking Fingers
Striking Fingers When forming a fist, it is important to place the thumb outside the closed fingers and tucked away from the edge of the knuckles. We know this from experience… keep the thumb safe from getting caught or crushed. But, did you know that in the sword form, when using the striking fingers, of […]
Transitions and Rituals – 1
“Life Transitions are often marked with a ceremony or ritual. The very act creates a flow – a change in perspective and offers another vantage point.” By Wasentha Young (an excerpt from her Meeting with the Masters short story) The blade, made of stainless steel, was inserted into the brass hand guard with two brass […]
How Much Imagery Do You Use?
Today, while preparing to teach I over heard students talking… Student 1: “You do the ‘windshield wiper and go around the world, then you row the boat and then comes the zombie.” Student 2: “When do you do the ‘squirrel on the tree’?” ______________________________________________________________________________________ When I was a student teacher, I asked one of my […]
Bridge Healing Arts with Martial Arts
Within the martial arts community how do we explore and engage what is called the “healing arts” – Consider whether the healing art form has a direct connection to the martial arts. For example – flower arrangement as a meditative practice promoting presence and finding balance in nature and as such has been practiced in […]