tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70019851262322992902024-03-05T04:50:19.209-08:00Nagual TimeA journal of extraordinary moments: The Yaqui Indians considered the Nagual Time as an other-than-ordinary, mystical time. Zen Buddhism considers all moments as other-than-ordinary. This journal is a record of my mindful moments, philosophical thoughts, and martial arts experiences.Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-48019819780972416012014-01-28T11:18:00.001-08:002021-08-23T09:18:47.143-07:00Moving On...Moving on, we will be moving on. I have posted many blog entries here over the past few years. From now on, I will be blogging from my personal website: <a href="http://rodneyjowen.com">rodneyjowen.com</a><div><br />
Please drop in and see what we are up to, and thanks for visiting Nagualtime.</div>Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-81655342435474358862013-10-07T08:14:00.003-07:002013-10-07T08:16:53.670-07:00And Qigong is?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the most frequent questions I get is, "What is Qigong?" Honestly, it should be the easiest to answer, because Qigong practice is simply a way to return to our natural, healthy, spiritually aware state. But somehow I still struggle to articulate what Qigong is. There are literally thousands of variations and approaches to Qigong. Some have a lot in common, some are totally different from each other. But they are all Qigong. In a nutshell, Qigong is energy work. A closer definition, at least for our practice, is <i>self-nurturing energy work</i>.<br />
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The lineage of Qigong in which I train and teach is called Hunyuan, which can also be translated as Primordial. This style of Qigong draws from Daoism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Chinese Martial Arts. The majority of our practice comes to us from one the headstone figures in our lineage, <a href="http://chentaiji.com/about/huyaozhen.html">Grandmaster Hu Yoazhen</a>. Further information on the complete lineage in which I train can be found here: <a href="http://chentaiji.com/about/lineage.html">http://chentaiji.com/about/lineage.html</a><br />
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We can also sum our practice up as being Wujigong, or the practice of nurturing stillness. That is one reason we place so much emphasis on meditation and standing Qigong. A key component to all our practices is nurture; nurturing ourselves, nurturing our training partners and nurturing our world. We nurture in stillness and silence; we nurture in all our movement; and we nurture as we move through life.<br />
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Following is very good video on The Primordial Qigong State: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIwyIseuMwI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIwyIseuMwI</a><br />
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And, here is nice summary of self-nurture from Pema Chodron:<br />
<i>"As adults, we begin to cultivate a sense of loving-kindness for ourselves—by ourselves, for ourselves. The whole process of meditation is one of creating that good ground, that cradle of loving-kindness where we actually are nurtured. What’s being nurtured is our confidence in our own wisdom, our own health, and our own courage, our own goodheartedness. We develop some sense that the way we are—the kind of personality that we have and the way we express life—is good, and that by being who we are completely and by totally accepting that and having respect for ourselves, we are standing on the ground of warriorship."</i><br />
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But the key to good Qigong is Qigong itself: Nurturing Qi, our inherent wholeness; and simply being--now. Yes, it's really that simple--and that powerful.Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-38928851445715797262013-04-06T05:56:00.000-07:002013-04-06T11:52:47.120-07:00The Alpha and Omega, All Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-size: x-large;">"Radical times require radical action and the most radical thing we can do is to start a revolution in consciousness." </i>Amoda Maa Jeevan</div>
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Life is a process of change. But it is not a separate process that happens to us or outside of our existence. We are all con-conspirators in the process. And that can be a bit obvious if you consider that each of us is as much a part of the life process, the ever-unfolding mystery, as the others. One may easily think that life is passing her by. When in reality, she is still contributing to the process even by attempting to sit it out on the sidelines. The bottom line is there is no sitting out. One is always a part, always co-creating. The only variable is awareness of this fact.<br />
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There is a definitive evolutionary process happening every nanosecond. It has been happening for all eternity, and will continue to happen--forever. It is a spiritual evolution happening in the body human toward a collective awakened state. Granted, the world population far from fully realized in totality. But that is not really the point. The point is that the stream is flowing in a positive direction. And we have choices. In this regard, we have two: we can jump in and go with the flow, or we can retreat to our small ego-driven selves and miss the parade.<br />
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Either choice is relatively easy. It's more about intention than it is effort. If the intent to awaken is there, the procedural details (so to speak) will emerge and the rest will take care of itself, as long as intention is firm. The same process applies to the other choice. Unfortunately, that one is even easier because of conditioning. We have so much experience with living out of ego, it just happens--or continues to happen providing we don't make the other choice.<br />
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The process of awakening is unpredictable, as is all of life. The underlying Truth here is that we are already awake within. We just have to remove all the "stuff" we have accumulated over the years that has served to cover it up. And it's at this point that words cease to work. We can explain intention, and we can explain the various practices, and then we must leave the process to itself and bathe in the experience, feel the Presence. As this occurs, we add to the unfolding of the world. And in some inexplicable way the process is that much easier for the next guy.<br />
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Today is the day. Breathe.Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-72809275792797119732013-03-18T10:38:00.000-07:002013-03-18T10:38:04.807-07:00Why Do You Do It?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Need you even ask?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ocHDCKHxaBo" width="560"></iframe>Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-17482607969265161812013-03-06T09:48:00.000-08:002013-03-06T09:48:33.385-08:00Martial and ArtThe Essence of Aikido from the Common Artistic Project:<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/17766255">Martial and Art "Common Artistic Project" - The Essence Of Aikido -</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/sukidojo">Suki Dojo</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-55758580793631679372013-02-26T14:45:00.000-08:002013-02-26T14:45:21.774-08:00Transcending<i>You say you are not happy. But you were happy in sleep. What has transpired in the meantime that the happiness of sleep has broken down? It is the ego. And that arises with the waking state. There was no ego in sleep. The birth of the ego is called the birth of the person. There is no other birth. Whatever is born is bound to die. Kill the ego! There is no fear of death for that which is already dead. The Self remains after the death of the ego. That is Bliss that is immortality.</i><br /><b>Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi</b><br /><br />If they don't serve any other purpose, the martial arts should serve as a vehicle for true transcendence. It's easy to conceive of this watching a lone practitioner performing his Taiji form in the park, or watching old Kung Fu TV series reruns. But once we begin the practice, we can easily become bogged down in the technical details or consumed with latent or blatant competitive drive and miss the forest for the trees. Sure, technical details are important but they shouldn't override the spirit. And spirit is both the easiest and the hardest aspect of our practice to realize. In essence it is always available, always with us. Yet, we have to acknowledge it and nurture it. The way to do that is to first destroy ego, then place your attention where you know it should be.<br />
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As O'Sensei said, "Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train." The technical details only give us the how-to of training. The rest is up to us.<br />
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<br />Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-80647158198554271542013-02-25T11:55:00.001-08:002013-02-25T11:55:05.728-08:00A Full Understanding of Peng Jing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Most practitioners of the internal martial arts are familiar with Peng. However, for many it's just "ward-off", or the lifting, expanding energy present in the form. However, there is much more to Peng. In many systems the true nature of Peng Jing is never explored. It is rather marginalized or described as an arm motion or position. This is unfortunate since Peng Jing is a cornerstone component of the internal arts. Following is an article by Sifu Sam Chin presenting a complete, full understanding of Peng Jing.<br />
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<i><b>One man defeating many. A strike that no one sees delivered unbelievably fast. What appears to be a tiny push sends an attacker tens of feet away. Small motions that are so internal, you can't understand why you're off balance and on the edges of your feet. In front of such a person, all your techniques seem useless. What's going on?</b></i></div>
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<i><b>According to Master Sam Chin, one of the main requirements for high-level kung fu is what he calls the "Merging of the Spheres." This article will describe the preliminary physical and mental levels of merging the spheres. Merging the spheres is a very refined expression of an internal energy commonly known as <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">peng-jing</span>. Merging the spheres with <span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">peng-jing</span> will result in strong-rooted movements which naturally enhance internal energy, mental alertness and martial art. Not only that, but if you train well - then, as Master Sam Chin says, you can "even transcend technique itself."</b></i></div>
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<a href="http://iliqchuan.com/content/matrix-i-liq-chuan" target="_blank">The complete article</a></div>
Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-388829775863058552013-02-14T12:17:00.001-08:002013-02-14T12:18:42.702-08:00No Wrestling at the Olympics?This is just about the strangest thing I've heard: <a href="http://www.economist.com/blogs/gametheory/2013/02/wrestling-and-olympics" target="_blank">Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestling have been dropped from the 2020 Summer Olympics</a>. Isn't that like a sacrilege? Wrestling is one of the original Greek games. Somewhere on a divine mountain, Odysseus is rolling over in his grave. Of course, as a martial artist specifically interested in the grappling arts, this is unsettling. But I also have a pretty big traditionalist streak, and frankly this just rubs me the wrong way. On the other hand, The Olympics seem to be moving in the direction of so many popular sports nowadays, where the emphasis is more on entertainment and less on sport. Still, I wouldn't want to be around when Zeus hears about it.<br />
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<br />Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-64933349616386556042013-02-10T08:02:00.000-08:002013-02-14T12:22:30.450-08:00Transition with The Water Snake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to the year of The Water Snake. It is said that the Year of the Snake is the Yin to the Year of the Dragon's Yang. So, if one follows these things, one can expect quite a different experience upcoming. Personally, I expect quite a different experience anyway, if for no other reason than life is itself change. For me, rather than getting too deep in the astrological predictions of the new year, I note the mythological characteristics for what they are and approach life with an empty cup, dealing with the changes that happen, whatever the characteristic. At least that is my philosophical intention, and a major reason for training in the first place.<br />
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As we have for the past few years, my Taiji friends and I will accept the 100 Day Challenge and work on specific practices each day for 100 days. Personally, I have tossed this around and have had lots of lofty goals, but am going to revert once again to the basics. Last year my intention was to practice Zhan Zhuang, standing Qigong, for my challenge. However, one month in and my father died. This came on the heels of my mother passing some four months earlier. So, pretty much all discipline went out the window till I regained my grounding and composure. But in the spirit of stubbornness and determination, I will begin again: 100 days of various standing practices.<br />
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As I age and progress in my training, I more and more appreciate the basics. It is often difficult to see how the most obscure Kung Fu practices reward us in unexpected ways. It is frankly tempting to put off meditation, Qigong, standing, and the basic exercises and spend time at the gym, or with form, push hands, sparring, or just reading. But we all know, just the same, that the foundation for transformation is in these obscure practices. The 100 Day Challenge should hopefully give us a format for strengthening this foundation.<br />
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As far as snakes go, I have never been a fan. I do respect them and admire their beauty from afar, but I like to keep my distance. Apparently, Chinese wisdom has it that a snake in the house is a good omen. I'm afraid I would likely blow that omen should it appear in my life. I would prefer another sign.<br />
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<br />Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-27565817642469836792013-01-31T15:52:00.002-08:002013-01-31T15:52:38.819-08:00The Hunyuan YiluThere are times when words just don't do justice. Viewing the below video is a good example of one of those times. This is a great performance.<br />
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Enjoy:<br />
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Nuff SaidRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-8872770197851847082013-01-14T09:35:00.000-08:002013-01-14T09:35:43.816-08:00Time: Making It, Finding It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How diligent are we? How often do we set our intention to practice, work on certain skills, begin a new practice, or even read something related to our practice only to never really do it? It's not as if we set out to deceive ourselves, or to set goals that we know we won't live up to. It's not uncommon to really mean to do this or that, but never really get around to it. So, how does that happen? Really. What is up with that?<br />
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Despite paving the road to hell, and so forth, good intentions do have their place. And, even though most of us would rather not face up to it, it's really not about time. Is it? In so many cases, it's about follow through. It's about discipline. Further, it's about changing behavior. And it's about priorities. One has to get to a place in life where he/she faces the question: What do I want; really want?<br />
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We practice these arts because we believe in and want transformation. And that is of course possible, but we have to do the hard work. We must have the time. We have to find it or make it. The best way to do that is to take a hard look at life. What do we do with the time we have? How much of it is spent surfing the internet; playing on Facebook; watching sitcom reruns? Perhaps we feel we deserve a glass of wine after work, and then we don't really want to practice after having a drink. Or perhaps we have a hobby that is taking a lot of our time. Again, ask the question: What do I really want?<br />
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If these arts lead to transformation, and that is what one wants, then one makes the time to practice. The way to do that is to look. Look at your priorities. Look at your current activities. Look at your practice; maybe it's not the right one for you, or with the right teacher. Look at the hours in your day and how you spend them. Look in your heart; determine if you really want to do the hard work, or if it's a romantic dream. Better, determine if you really want to do this at all.<br />
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I am not writing this from a place on high, as one who has conquered these challenges. I struggle as much as the next guy. I'm also not saying that my path is the right and only path. What I am saying is, if you are really interested in these arts and want more from the practice, put more in to the practice. If at the end of the day, you look back and say "I didn't practice today because I didn't have time.", be honest with yourself. You will likely get another chance tomorrow. Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-78232723650011247322013-01-01T11:29:00.001-08:002013-01-01T11:31:53.213-08:00Same as It Ever Was<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to 2013. Now, what to expect? Probably much the same as 2012, and 1992, and 1962.... I mean that in terms of our actual, internal experience. While "the world", that that is out there, changes and spins and turns, and rises and falls, "the Self", that that is within, and always has been, always will be, is pretty much the same. The Self, is unconditioned, eternal, is beyond the grasp of "the world" and all our associated ups and downs. Thus, if we focus within, we find this rock; we find real peace.<br />
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Granted, that is easy to say, another thing altogether to do. But that is why we practice: to transcend the conditioned and abide in the unconditioned. We must remember, the unconditioned is and always has been present. Realization is just a matter of where we attune our awareness. Do we reside in the world of ups and downs, or a world of rock-solid peace? Of course, as sentient beings we do reside in the material world, but the trick, the aim of our practice, is to be in the world and not of the world; to sail through these storms and not be affected. And that is exactly where practice comes in.<br />
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The one notable contradiction I have been struggling with over the last couple of years has been my motivation to write, or perhaps my resistance to writing. Writing is something that has defined me for some time now--pretty much most of my life. Upon reflection I realized that that in itself is the problem. As practice leads us to focus within, we begin to notice conditioning, and how we ourselves contribute to the process. Writing, as a method of self-definition, is a major ego exercise. It has taken me a year to come to terms with that statement. Rather, it has taken me a year to get that statement past the well-honed defenses of my ego. I am not saying that writing is wrong, or a bad practice. I am saying that as we progress in our practice we need to examine everything, especially our communication.<br />
<br />
Sri Ramana Maharshi was reluctant to speak, even though he had a constant group of followers and devotees surrounding him. It is said that he could impart much knowledge and understanding just by his presence. However, there is a time and place for words, and even Ramana would speak when necessary. And those words have had a profound effect for many, many people.<br />
<br />
Which leaves me, as a communicator, in the position to carefully examine the words I use, however I use them. I am not going to quit writing, or take a vow of silence. However, I will try to be more mindful of my communication in all forms.<br />
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<b><i>“All this is only activity of the mind. The more you exercise the mind and the more success you have in composing verses the less peace you have. What use is it to acquire such accomplishments if you don’t acquire peace? But if you tell such people this it doesn’t appeal to them; they can’t keep quiet." </i>Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi</b>Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-11338774756792570002012-12-29T07:59:00.002-08:002012-12-29T07:59:53.801-08:00The Process of LearningFollowing on my last post, I want to share this video by Sam Chin on the process of learning. "There is nothing to learn." What we learn is to be. To realize. What we don't want to do is build new habits, new conditions. We simply realize things as they are and change with the change<br />
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Simple enough? Yeah, right.Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-40651959388338372262012-12-27T13:49:00.000-08:002012-12-27T14:06:50.330-08:00Dancing into '13This year is almost over. All-in-all it has been a good one for me. Specifically, I have increased my focus on the Chen 48 form and have taken my meditation and Qigong practice to new levels of depth. Of course, I have also spent time with the various other aspects of my path, but I put particular emphasis on these components. The benefits are obvious and profound. If I merely maintain what I have developed so far, my life will be all the better. Of course, I will aim higher. That's the idea.<br />
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At the same time, I think it is important to realize that it is not so much a process of gain as it is one of realization. We already are immortal, we just typically don't realize it because of all the levels of ego. The practice is a process of peeling away the ego, much like the layers of an onion. At the core is The Self (Dharmakaya; Tao; Christ Consciousness; Buddha Mind; Brahman; I Am): pure, healthy, enlightened, aware, and awake. Until we make that connection, we dance.<br />
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From <a href="http://www.advaita.org/">Wayne Liquorman, of The Advaita Fellowship:</a><br />
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<b><i>"Life is a dance. We are dancing...we are being danced...we twirl and spin and leap and exalt in the sheer joy of this dance. There are no wallflowers here. It is all dance floor. It matters not if we have a partner dancing opposite us. We are joined in the dance by all the other dancers. We are all in this ballroom together, bound by the music and compelled to move to its rhythm.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>No it is not always graceful. We bump into each other, trip over feet...others and our own. Sometimes we fall.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Funny thing about this dance of ours...the harder we try the more clumsy we become. Our grace is in the letting go. When we surrender to the music it is free to move through us unrestricted. Our bodies and minds sway freely, smooth and effortless. It is ecstasy, in its purest, simplest and most mundane form.</i></b><br />
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<b><i>We are blessed indeed to hear the divine choruses, even though</i></b><br />
<b><i>those who hear not the music, think we dancers are mad!"</i></b><br />
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So, dance your dance and peel your onions.<br />
Peace and many blessings in the coming year.<br />
NamasteRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-15840222137908708122012-12-12T08:39:00.000-08:002012-12-12T08:45:53.105-08:00Warriorly Advice<b>From Buddhist Monk, Pema Chodron:</b><br />
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<b><i>"Many of us prefer practices that will not cause discomfort, yet at the same time we want to be healed. But bodhichitta training doesn’t work that way. A warrior accepts that we can never know what will happen to us next. We can try to control the uncontrollable by looking for security and predictability, always hoping to be comfortable and safe. But the truth is that we can never avoid uncertainty. This not knowing is part of the adventure, and it’s also what makes us afraid."</i> Excerpted from her book<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">,</span></span> <a href="http://www.shambhala.com/the-places-that-scare-you-1.html?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Book+cover&utm_content=Quote+of+the+Week+%7C+Training+with+Uncertainty&utm_campaign=HA+12%2F12%2F12">The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times</a></b><br />
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Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-103172160515228892012-12-10T10:25:00.002-08:002012-12-10T10:25:25.674-08:00Classical Bushido in Modern JapanThe practitioners of Katori Shinto Ryu are preserving the art of true Bushido in modern Japan. Members of the dojo take a blood vow to live by the virtues of Bushido. Such discipline is key to personal transformation. Would that there were more examples of such virtue, dedication, and discipline here in the 21st Century.<br />
<br />
From <a href="http://emptymindfilms.com/">Empty Mind Films</a>:<br />
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Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-71486487194150019692012-10-18T06:48:00.002-07:002012-10-18T06:48:40.257-07:00An Easy Guide to Meditation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several, several years ago I started my spiritual/healing/personal growth adventure after listening to <a href="http://csa-davis.org/pages/bio.html">Roy Eugene Davis</a> speak. Davis was a direct disciple of <a href="http://www.yogananda-srf.org/Paramahansa_Yogananda.aspx">Paramahansa Yogananda</a> and is the president and director of The Center for Spiritual Awareness. That one event was life-changing for me. Over the next couple of decades plus, I ventured into various aspects of this adventure and still find myself firmly on the path. Over the last five or six years I have been revisiting Davis' and Yogananda's teaching, which has further served to introduce me to the philosophy of <a href="http://www.sriramanamaharshi.org/bhagvan.html">Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi.</a> <br />
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Ramana Marharshi is a Buddha/Christ figure, in that like these Masters he realized full enlightenment without following a specific teaching, having a guru, or sticking to a prescribed path. As such, his teaching is unique and sincere and there is not a single trace of ego-inflation. His teaching is simple and direct and does not require anything from the practitioner other than sincerity.<br />
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I have been spending a lot of time with Ramana's <a href="http://www.sriramanamaharshi.org/teachings.html">teaching</a> and his method of <a href="http://www.messagefrommasters.com/ramana_meditation/atma_vichara.htm">Atma Vichara</a>, Self Inquiry. Ramana's approach speaks to me like nothing has since that time back in the eighties when I first heard Mr. Davis speak. However, I still find inspiration and much grounding and advice from the works of both Yogananda and Roy Eugene Davis. To that end, I thought I would share one of Mr. Davis' books on meditation, available for free on the internet. This is a really good book and is instructive regardless your favorite method of meditation, or even if you are a novice and don't have a favorite just yet.<br />
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Enjoy: <a href="http://csa-davis.org/booksonline/Free_Booklets_Online/Books_Online/Entries/2011/2/20_An_Easy_Guide_to_Meditation.html">http://csa-davis.org/booksonline/Free_Booklets_Online/Books_Online/Entries/2011/2/20_An_Easy_Guide_to_Meditation.html</a><br />
<br />Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-5363071881153163892012-10-03T13:51:00.001-07:002012-10-03T13:51:28.447-07:00Superb Budo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christian Tissier is one of the most talented martial artists I have ever seen. His immediate control of his training partner and his dynamic technique are unparalleled. But rather than follow my marginal compliments, observe for yourself.<br />
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Enjoy<br />
<br />Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-73195856607973507512012-07-25T08:25:00.001-07:002012-07-25T08:36:31.073-07:00Finding Padma in North Georgia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In keeping with <a href="http://nagualtime.blogspot.com/2012/01/discipline-and-simplicity-in-year-of.html">my focus</a> for The Year of the Dragon, I have been working more on Qigong and meditation. To that end, I just participated in a Neigong workshop with the folks at <a href="http://therisinglotus.com/index.php">The Rising Lotus</a> in Atlanta, GA. It was a great experience and I recommend them to anyone interested in learning more about Qigong, Medical Qigong, Neigong, and associated practices.<br />
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As anyone who knows me or reads my blog can attest to, I am and have been a big proponent of Qigong. However, I have found that in-depth study in quality Qigong is not that easy to find. Many Taiji and Kung Fu schools offer some Qigong practice, generally related to the martial arts. And my experience with this has been good. However, it is rare to find a school that focuses <i>primarily</i> on Qigong that offers real, deep, solid instruction. Qigong practice in the West has unfortunately attracted many New-agers and the associated quirks that go along with that thought: Angels, levitation, aliens, tarot, etc... There is obviously a market for this in our world, it's just not my thing. I have <a href="http://chentaiji.com/">a background in well-grounded, scientifically sound Taiji and Qigong practice</a>. Accordingly, when I go looking for further training, I expect a similar environment. This is what I found at The Rising Lotus.<br />
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The Rising Lotus is operated by husband and wife team, Peyton and Christina Barea Young. They offer Qigong classes, Medical Qigong Therapy, and Medical Qigong training and certification via <a href="http://www.medicalqigong.org/">The International Institute of Medical Qigong</a>. They offer spiritual Qigong practice, as Peyton is a Buddhist priest and Christina a Taoist priest, and they are both martial artists and offer martial training as well. So in keeping with solid Taoist principles, they see no distinction between Qigong for health, spiritual growth, or martial skills. For them it is, like all of life, all Qigong.<br />
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So, last weekend a Taiji brother and I made our way south to their studio north of Atlanta. While many of the external Qigong movements were immediately familiar to me, the focus of the workshop was Neigong, or internal Qi development, which was not as familiar to me, but something I have been needing instruction in for some time. The class was a mixture of folks with much Qigong experience and rank beginners. Regardless, our teachers expertly guided us all through the movements and into the depth of Neigong practice. On the second day of the workshop we worked on Qi emission and basic Qigong healing technique. This was all brand new to me. But again, the level of instruction was superb. I not only learned new skills, I left energized and satisfied, which is the benchmark of any good Qigong.<br />
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I don't really ever see myself being a full-fledged Medical Qigong practitioner. However, I consider this practice to be a major part of <a href="http://nagualtime.blogspot.com/2012/06/way-sort-of.html">the path</a>, and something I have been needing and wanting to do for some time. I not only benefited greatly, I look forward to further study in the future. The Youngs have further plans for developing a Buddhist/Taoist monastery that will serve as a holistic space for spiritual, health, and martial growth. There is definitely a need for something like that in the Southeast US. I hope for them, and the rest of us, that it comes to fruition soon. In the meantime, if you are interested in solid in-depth Qigong training, you will find The Rising Lotus hard to beat.Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-48461516526317910312012-07-13T13:37:00.000-07:002012-07-13T13:37:00.210-07:00The True Transmission<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I recently ran across someone interested in the true transmission of Taiji. So, what is and how does one obtain this mystical "True Transmission"? Is it only available to a select few? Is it shared through touch, energetic presence, authentic family lineage? I wonder. I'm not even sure what "True Transmission" means. I do know there is one sure way to take your Taiji to the highest level: hard work. Practice, and lots of it. But the ironic thing is, once one reaches a certain stage in his/her Taiji training, he/she can't help but practice a lot. Taiji is addictive. The more you do, the more you want to do. Consequently, the more you do, the better you get. Perhaps a sincere practice of Taiji is in itself the best transmission one could ever receive. By following your chosen system you are taking advantage of honest transmission. The transmission from teacher-to-student(who becomes a teacher)-to the next student, and on... And even better, Taiji is a system that to some degree is self-evident. Once we learn a form we can practice alone and learn from the form itself. We still need corrections and exposure to teachers, but there is a lot that can be gained through solo practice.<br />
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And perhaps exposure to a good, well-trained, well-qualified teacher is the essence of this "True Transmission". That I can understand. As subjective as that could be, there are surely grades of Taiji practice and teachers. And there are folks teaching something called Taiji, that is arguably a weak representation. But typically, the transmission one speaks of is referring to or is synonymous with the concept of spiritual transmission, where the depth and breadth of knowledge, or even enlightenment itself is obtained immediately, transmitted directly from guru to follower. I am in no position to doubt this practice or to call any such spiritual event into question. However, I don't see this with Taiji. Not because I doubt the spiritual aspect of Taiji practice. A quick survey of this blog will indicate otherwise. However, Taiji in its totality is a mind body practice that delivers results through practice. Solid teaching from a good teacher and lots of practice will over time reveal the true essence of the art.<br />
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There are lots of promises in the field of Internal Arts. Everything from basically increasing your health and longevity to levitation and no-touch punches. I'll take the improved health, you can keep the magic. Honestly, the practice of Taiji has a lot to offer and the benefits are solid and backed by sound research. I not only doubt the new age promises often attributed to Taiji practice, I see no need for them. Rather than seeking a teacher who can pass knowledge along to you by touching you, or throw you without touching you, look for a teacher with solid knowledge and skill who will work your ass off and keep raising the bar. That is as true a transmission as anyone will ever receive and a damn good one to boot.Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-14020002967983017532012-06-18T14:28:00.000-07:002012-07-25T08:31:43.422-07:00The Warrior's Way<br />
<h2>
The
Warriors Way, Sort of..</h2>
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The name for this site, Nagual
Time, comes from the teachings of Don Juan Matus, via Carlos Castaneda. I chose the name because these teachings have
been influential to me for a long time. Castaneda was an apprentice to Don Juan in the
shamanic tradition of the Yaqui Indians that he referred to simply as the Warrior’s
Way. Many cultures throughout history
have utilized similar methods of self-cultivation. In China the Warrior’s Way is known as Kung
Fu, in Japan it is Budo.</div>
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The crucial
thing about the Warrior’s Way is the depth and breadth of the path. It’s more than training to be a “warrior” in
the sense of one who fights to protect the tribe. It’s really more about intensive
self-cultivation. In Don Juan’s words,
it is living impeccably. The Warrior
doesn’t engage in foolishness; doesn’t make mistakes; is always at the top of
his/her game, so to speak. The Warrior
lives his life impeccably because death is always just over her left shoulder;
death is always at hand and the Warrior knows this and is motivated by this.</div>
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I don’t
differentiate the specifics of my path. For me, Taiji and Qigong are the same as
meditation, which is the same as Hapkido training, which is the same as prayer,
which is the same as cardio and/or weight training, which is the same as getting
enough sleep, eating properly, and resting when I need to. It is all practice. I prefer Budo as the description of my path,
even though my primary practices are not Japanese in origin. But I also don’t like to focus much on country
of origin, family or style, denomination, school of thought, or any other
titles and names we use to define and separate ourselves. I look for practices that resonate with me and
adopt them if they work for me.</div>
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The martial
artists who inspire me the most are Bruce Lee, O’Sensei Ueshiba, and
Grandmaster Feng Zhiqiang. These men all
fused different styles to create new practices.
I not only appreciate their arts, I appreciate their insights and the spirit
they brought to practice. More
importantly to me, they were not afraid to break the mold, to follow their
hearts. What they bring to the arts is
priceless. Lee gave us a focus on
finding the true path, taking what really works and discarding what doesn’t (and
yes, that is very subjective). O’Sensei
said he found the secret to Budo, which is ironically peace. And GM Feng emphasized Qigong and nurturing
above all else. The approach these men
founded is at once counterintuitive and innovative, each in its own way.</div>
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Accordingly,
my own practice is reflective of these three approaches. I appreciate the ecumenical nature of Lee’s
Jeet Kune Do and utilize those principles in my practice. I have an eclectic approach to martial,
spiritual, and health practice. I am
constantly looking and adapting. My main
practice is the Hunyuan Taiji of GM Feng, and accordingly I place the highest
value on Qigong and meditation. Before
all else we must be healthy and awake—or at least working on waking up. And I approach it all as one practice, the
practice of peace. The goal is first
inner peace, then peace with the world; all the pieces of practice work
together to accomplish this. But, in keeping with Don Juan's Warrior's Path, he also described it as the path of knowledge, knowledge being the crucial thing here. And it's not just knowledge in the day-to-day sense of that term. For Don Juan, knowledge is much deeper and esoteric. It is mystical but includes all knowledge and all impeccable practices are approaches to knowledge. </div>
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When asked
about my religion or spiritual practices, or style of martial art, I always
hesitate to answer. I just don’t like
labels. Typically, I will come up with some answer, but it will rarely explain my practice
so much as satisfy the questioner and get me off the hook. But I really think that most of the time, most people hear what they want to hear rather than what we say anyway. And the more complicated or convoluted the answer, the less interested they are. It's not my intention to be complicated as much as it is to be true, true to myself and my practice, whatever that may be. It would be easier to pick one way, perhaps something popular that everyone is familiar with and leave it at that. But the easy path is rarely the most rewarding</div>Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-8316278628689353442012-02-22T12:08:00.004-08:002012-02-22T13:01:23.816-08:00The Magic of Titles and Outfits<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n2eHFOMA6wGQ6yAspcAVHGVP_0ThnRdtLr-DVxKKmuYZEXebIQZYB-SbZg04PmK2SBpsk79W23CMVWiRZaRHslkvzN932haf4QA64GFbewIG_22wl4LW2bg6paJmEtkPmsNZwT-s_5Tv/s1600/rexkwando.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3n2eHFOMA6wGQ6yAspcAVHGVP_0ThnRdtLr-DVxKKmuYZEXebIQZYB-SbZg04PmK2SBpsk79W23CMVWiRZaRHslkvzN932haf4QA64GFbewIG_22wl4LW2bg6paJmEtkPmsNZwT-s_5Tv/s320/rexkwando.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712067122729463778" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: normal; ">A little while back, I had a potential student contact me about training with me. He had just moved to the area and wanted to resume his Taiji training. Our first conversation was energetic and engaging. He appeared to have a solid grounding in Chinese martial arts and enthusiasm for training. He promised to drop in on our next class, but never made it. We talked again a couple of weeks later and he assured me again that he was coming to my class. Then we proceeded to discuss particulars of my training approach. All seemed to be going well until he asked about sashes. I politely informed him that while I do use a curriculum, I don't award rank and we don't wear colored sashes. "Well, what about uniforms?" he asked. "At my old school we wore the silk Kung Fu uniform." Again, I informed him that we don't do that either. At this point he was surprised. "No? Really? Well what </span><i>do</i> you wear?" "Um, I don't know--street clothes. In the summer we usually wear shorts and T-shirts; or sometimes jeans; or whatever one would wear to play basketball or go for a walk around the block. I mean, everyone is welcome to wear whatever they want. We just wear comfortable clothes fit to work out in." The other end of the phone got silent. After an agonizingly long wait, he asked if my students referred to me as Sifu, or Master. At that point I laughed. I know, I shouldn't have done that. It was extremely rude and inappropriate. But I couldn't help it.<div><br /></div><div>I attempted to salvage the conversation by telling him that, while I really understand the cultural significance of those terms, I don't use them in my classes nor expect my students to. No Sifu, or Laoshi, or Master, or Mister, or Sir, or anything else. My name is Rodney. I teach in the US to American students. In that aspect of things, we follow Western customs. I do respect any Chinese teachers I have or have had, who wish to be addressed this way. The same goes for American teachers I have had who teach Japanese and/or Korean arts and have asked to be addressed as Sensei, Master, or Sir. I don't have a problem with the concept, in context. It just doesn't apply in the context of my classes.</div><div><br /></div><div>The potential student never showed up nor ever called again. I suspect he found a Taiji teacher with silk pajamas, and possibly even an Asian-sounding name with a high-ranking prefix. I don't know. There are plenty around here. But, that will never happen in my classes. I have made rank with colored belts in other systems and the belts mean nothing to me. It's the knowledge that counts, and the humility that should go with the knowledge. Such humility has no desire for anything that pumps the ego and sets any of us apart from each other. I am no master. I know some things, and I share them with the folks who wish to attend my classes. At the same time, I am still a student. I am still learning. I hope I always will. And I endeavor to maintain the humility of a student. Beginners Mind and all that.</div><div><br /></div><div>As far as the clothing, I say whatever works, works. For me, comfortable clothing works. I don't own any silk pajamas, but I do sometimes wear cotton Kung Fu pants. They are comfortable, durable, and practical. But then again, so are the blue jeans, basketball shorts, and athletic jogging pants, that I also wear. I also have a large selection of martial art T-shirts. I usually wear them to class as well. I also wear boxing shoes in the colder months. In the summer, I usually go barefoot or wear sandals. But I don't require my students to wear anything other than what they feel is comfortable. When I played Judo and Aikido, we wore the Judogi. But it is very practical in the dojo, and arguably necessary and preferable for those arts. There are no such requirements for Taiji clothes. In fact, since I emphasize the practical aspects of this art, everyday clothes are better and preferred, so one never has the idea that Taiji, Qigong, meditation, or defending oneself requires anything other than what one is wearing at any given moment.</div>Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-49132660605429831772012-01-22T11:35:00.001-08:002012-01-22T11:59:45.514-08:00Discipline and Simplicity in the Year of the Water Dragon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XGfh6IvxdoVU9W7wBT1G7xF0l5ITyGqnMxp2RSvI-rfXbokAJyGYQs-04pbCwia8hz6cPRHk0xhEXFOA1sUsMAgsW4LakvKNHqx6-JEbVAq1JUSID5Epwjg4ihwDP0dpmRpIexfUZOwJ/s1600/zilla.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XGfh6IvxdoVU9W7wBT1G7xF0l5ITyGqnMxp2RSvI-rfXbokAJyGYQs-04pbCwia8hz6cPRHk0xhEXFOA1sUsMAgsW4LakvKNHqx6-JEbVAq1JUSID5Epwjg4ihwDP0dpmRpIexfUZOwJ/s320/zilla.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700548063539430162" /></a><br />The Chinese New Year is upon us again. After much thought and consideration, I have decided to participate in the 100 Day Challenge again this year. It has been a very good thing for me the last couple of years. I have been able to finish training goals I had started but could never quite bring to fruition. Taking the time to work on a single skill every day, for 100 days, will take one's game to the next level.<div><br /></div><div>This year in general my focus is on simplicity. I want to contain my practice a bit so that I can better focus on certain skills that I feel are necessary. I have already begun this, but the 100 Day Challenge allows me to narrow my overall focus to certain skills. This year I will be working on Zhan Zhuang, standing meditation. Since that is already a crucial part of my practice, one could say I'm not setting the bar very high. But, on the other hand, it's not always a process of learning a new skill. It's also a process of instilling discipline. While I do practice standing often, I'm not always as diligent as I could be, especially on the days when time is short. And since I have a day job that is not Taiji, I have to make time to practice. Most of the time that's not so hard. And I always find some time to practice. However, on the more challenging days, I may only do the form or sitting meditation, or just a little dynamic Qigong together with aerobic, weight-bearing, or martial training and never get to standing at all. For the next 100 days, at least, I will find time every day for at least some standing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Concurrently, I am going to re-read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Stillness-Vol-Meditative-Stillness-Meditative/dp/0964997606/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327260837&sr=1-1">Warriors of Stillness</a>, one of the best books I have ever read on the discipline and practice of standing meditation. Also, to instill discipline, I will keep a record in my journal of my practice, insights, challenges.</div><div><br /></div><div>The crucial and important thing about the 100 Day Challenge, is it's not simply a New Year's resolution. It's a practice. For those of us who are already practicing, it is, or should be, an adjustment to our practice. Since it is life, I expect some changes, some challenges, some new insights to arise by the time it's all over. In the meantime, let's saddle up and take a ride.</div>Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-72467721014420960122011-12-30T13:42:00.000-08:002011-12-30T14:55:11.895-08:00What Did I Learn in 2011?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN3ULawycZ_UIVG3DhTKhyphenhyphenSYqzXKGAltMTEMSgj4hhcVEFKU_mI9FXmgdPuCID7q0FlQ2d1jOaGTOx7aQK95S6EHYAEI7h9tUhIr1P0PRELhxNTNTKasEXCbwp6h5ZlbDVUkcfAp-wCFL/s1600/bbunny.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 181px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN3ULawycZ_UIVG3DhTKhyphenhyphenSYqzXKGAltMTEMSgj4hhcVEFKU_mI9FXmgdPuCID7q0FlQ2d1jOaGTOx7aQK95S6EHYAEI7h9tUhIr1P0PRELhxNTNTKasEXCbwp6h5ZlbDVUkcfAp-wCFL/s320/bbunny.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692057968219852066" /></a><br /><br /><br />I feel compelled, as I often do at the end of the year, to reflect on the previous year and review what I learned. The problem I usually have is that of short-term/long-term memory. Recent events are more cogent for me. But alas, I will do my best.<br /><br />In general terms:<br />I learned I'm not as diligent at writing as I used to be. And i just can't seem to get much better, or more diligent.<br /><br />I've learned to let go--rather, I've gotten better at it.<br /><br />I've learned I need to work on getting beyond duality and the ego.<br /><br />I've learned to appreciate Qigong and sitting meditation a lot more.<br /><br /><br />In specific terms:<br />I learned the Yang LuChan Taiji form.<br /><br />I made significant improvements in my understanding of and abilities in I Liq Chaun and appreciate the depth of the art much more.<br /><br />To that end, I have increased my appreciation of my primary art, Chen-Hunyuan Taiji much much more--specifically the importance of nurturing.<br /><br />I have improved my Chin Na and sparring skills<br /><br />I have learned that I don't fit in well with many Tai Chi groups and organizations, and I am quite content with that realization.<br /><br />I have learned the the Yang LuChan Taiji form is the best Qigong I have ever experienced. I have every good reason to simplify my practice--but I won't be dropping that. It's just that powerful.<br /><br />To that end, I have learned I am better off being multi-dimensional and not sticking too rigidly to any one system. I just operate better that way--always have.<br /><br />I have come to appreciate my religious beliefs and realize I need my faith community.<br /><br />To that end, I have come back around to really valuing silence and simplicity.<br /><br />Further, I realize the internal need to slow down.<br /><br />In the past year my Taiji skills have improved. I have trained and practiced a lot.<br /><br />I have increased my time in meditation and can feel the gains.<br /><br />A teacher I really looked up to and appreciated passed away.<br /><br />My mom passed away, and I am still hurting from that. I feel the need to spend some time alone--possibly a retreat.<br /><br /><br /><div><b>In the coming year (The Dragon):</b><br /><div>For the past couple of years I have participated in The One Hundred Day Challenge on the Chinese New Year. I'm not sure I'm up to that this year--not sure I want to. But the jury is still out on that.<br /><br />I am going to spend more time on the healing arts and meditation this year. Following the Chen-Hunyuan tradition, I am placing a higher priority on nurturing and contemplation. As far as my art goes, I will be working more on depth and less on width or breadth. I am also going to engage in the art of subtraction, or practical simplicity; live more through less. And that's about as far as I will go in terms of resolutions or predictions.<br /><br />I do expect 2012 to be good, to be different. And that's enough for anyone.</div></div>Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001985126232299290.post-83442828482192163302011-12-16T11:29:00.000-08:002011-12-16T11:57:22.167-08:00And the Knees Have ItI have been having trouble with one of my knees lately, which has directed me in a different direction with my training--at least till this heals and/or passes. In any case, the shift in focus has highlighted some areas of my training that need more attention. The first of these, and the most important, is meditation. The latest slow-down has given me the opportunity to notice how much more I should meditate. I do meditate on a regular basis, and meditation is a core aspect of the Taiji/Qigong classes I teach. However, time is short, life is busy, and I don't get enough long sessions on the Zafu.<br /><br />I have, over the last two years, increased my practice of Qigong and Taiji form. And the benefits have been enormous. However, there is no substitute for sitting. And, as I have said numerous times before, nothing is more important than waking up. Nothing. So, with a little pain comes insight. I'll take it however I get it.<br /><br />It appears this latest injury may take a little more time than I expected for healing. In the meantime, I am cutting out any boxing, heavy push hands, the Pao Cui (Erlu), Hao Chuan, and any fajin practice. I'm going to use the time to work on meditation and investigate various healing modalities. Ahh, the joy of getting old.Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02917660766431587100noreply@blogger.com0