|
|
Greetings Friends,
Welcome to the sixth Green Mountain Tai chi Newsletter.
As of this writing we are 12 days into our 100 day commitment. For those of you who are participating, if you are receiving even a small percentage of the benefit that I am this year than I am very happy for you. If you are struggling, keep going, you are not alone, you will be so pleased with your efforts.
In February a number of Master Chen's students
(including myself) travelled to Fort Collins, CO to surprise Master Chen. We went to help celebrate the Chinese New Year and to see him off. He is returning back to China for a while. We were all so happy we put in the effort to go. The party was a blast, so much fun and lots of great food. It was great re-connecting in person with old friends and classmates as well as to connect with classmates that we have not had the prior good fortune to get to know.
We were treated as well to some informal yet very deep teachings by Master Chen. He took the time to fill us in on his plans, give us some individual and group direction and guidance and spoke of his connection to us. One of the first things he talked about is to keep to the simple, to not complicate things, this is the way of Tao. I went there unsure of what this year held for me, I came home with a very clear intent and new found focus on my practice and life. I am so looking forward to seeing how 2008 unfolds.
Peace, prayers and happiness,
Rich
|
|
Announcements
New class offering
Simplified Tai chi for Seniors
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
at the American Legion Hall
East Arlington Road in Arlington
|
Tai chi Tip
General rule of thumb
When you want to turn the waist in Tai chi form there are two general rules of thumb. If you are going to be shifting the weight from one leg to the other and moving then you will want to shift the weight prior to turning the waist. Here the process of; from the foot, through the leg, to the waist, up the spine to the shoulders and out through the hands is evident. However if we are not shifting from one leg to the other than we want to sink prior to turning the waist. It is important though not just to drop and lose the structure of the post leg. We are looking to drop the hip and keep integrity in the structure of the post leg which then will result in a natural turning of the pelvis. Other wise the knee will turn in setting us up for injury and loss of root. Please note that doing this correctly results in those big muscles in the legs working real hard. Enjoy the burn as this is the Qi condensing.
Happy practice!
Beginner and intermediate/advanced
Tai-chi classes are held each week in both Manchester and Pawlet
|
|
Qigong
Wudang Primordial (Huan Yuan) Qigong
It has been my experience that three of the factors in staying healthy are; maintaining a calm mind, harmonizing internal and external and cultivating a strong reserve of energy. Wudang huan yuan qigong helps us to accomplish all three of these. I cannot say if it is the orginal intent of this simple set of exercises, however this is what I have observed from my own practice. Master Chen has taught us that this is one of the first exercises that is taught when someone go from society to retreat to the mountain, that it restores and rejuvenates mind and body. One of the aspects that appeals to me about huan yuan qigong is its simplicity. I have taught it to a number of people of all abilities and ages and out of the 12 movements there are only two that sometimes present a challenge in learning. In addition, to practice this set all that is needed is a quiet space and it does not even have to be large as the set is preformed in one place, not moving across the floor. Perhaps opportunity will knock for you to learn this wonderful qigong, if so I recommend you answer the door.
Qigong classes are held each Tuesday evening 5:30-6:30 in Manchester
|
|
Life philosophy
Jing - essence
I would like to begin this with a disclaimer. My understanding of jing is very limited and shallow. In this short space I am unable to write my understanding of the whole process of jing but I will do my best.
As I stated last month, there are three treasures of the body; jing, qi and shen. Although I will attempt to explain each, in reality they cannot be separated.
Jing can be translated as the essence of the body. It is the foundation and maintains our lives. It has two aspects, yin (post-heaven) and yang (pre-heaven). We receive yang jing from our parents. Yang jing becomes sperm and egg. When we consume food and water this combines with our essence and becomes blood which is yin jing. Yang jing creates yang qi and yin jing creates yin qi. Jing and qi combined are like the water for the fish, our spirit or shen. When we deplete our resource of jing our qi decreases. When we spend or leak qi our jing depletes. When this happens our spirit is diminished. This is the most basic idea of why in Taoist philosophy it is said, spiritual practice needs the human body. As Master Chen says " Do not reject the body. Respect the mud and enjoy the flower".
|
Thoughts For The Month
Prayer can be a method of opening a window
so there is a free exchange of the fresh air
from inside to outside and outside to inside
-Rich
I came upon the following saying from my first Tai chi/ Qigong teacher, but I am not sure who the author is.
Knowing where and how to settle the mind,
one will be calm.
Having attained calmness,
one will be undisturbed.
Having attained an undisturbed mind,
one will have peace.
Having attained peace,
one's mind will respond correctly to all situations.
One who responds correctly to all situation,
will find the Way.
.
|
Sites worth checking out
my site, of course
Definitely worth checking out
Master Chen's site
I have never personally experienced Holotropic Breathwork, but I know Lenny and Elizabeth Gibson very well and feel confident in recommending them and their work if it resonates with you.
|
|
Richard Marantz www.GreenMountainTaiChi.com
|
|
|
