Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's   at the house. The sunrise was at 7:25. The low tide was at 10:55. Slight wind coming in from the west.

I was overdressed and needed to take my hoodie off.

The Practice:

I was a bit late getting down to the beach again, I finally got on the beach right after the sunrise.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on overall health, consistency, balance and mobility/agility.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics in Part I & II. I tuned into the feeling between my palms when holding the ball and developing a profound connection to nature Qi.

Next I did Standing Post Training (SPT) tuned into Song.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima focused on agility, mobility and applications.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on consistency and agility.

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao using my Dragon Canes focused on shoulder health and agility.

I finished with Healing Qigong while I returned to the house

Sunday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 57 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:25. The low tide was at 10:00. There was a slight bit of wind from the N N/W on the beach. I was overdressed and the gentle breeze felt great!

The Practice:

I got out to the beach a little late for the actual sunrise (see above). But I'm trying to be consistent with my sunrise beach practices and I had a lot of inner dialogue  this morning; "It's Sunday, you can take a day off once in awhile etc. etc." Blah, blah, blah IMO once that starts just put you shoes on and start. There's only:

Doing and Not Doing

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency, overall health, balance and mobility.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I found myself focusing on the feeling between my palms when they were facing each other; ala "Pulling Qi" Qigong.

Next I did a full round of Standing Post Training using the Taoist training sequence, focused on breathing and Song.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim focused on the sequence using full extension on kicks and punches.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into consistency and mobility.

I finished with Healing Qigong.

Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 52 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:26. The low tide was at 10:00. Very little wind.

The Practice:

I started inside reading the poem "Water" by Mary Oliver. I thought it was an appropriate reading given that I was about to go out to the beach for sunrise.

Just before sunrise I QW to the beach.

After shooting the sunrise with my phone camera (easier than a tripod and my Cannon camera) I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency, overall health, agility, mobility, relaxed balance and developing my Jin Lu.

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on The Four F's, especially function and feeling.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on correct sequence, I had questions so I did a second round to be sure I had the correct sequence.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on correct form and deep stances.

Next I did a full round of Yin Style Baguazhang 1st Set focused on correct sequence, postures and consistency. It's been a bit too long since I've done this set; I've been primarily working on Yin Fu 8 Palms. They are similar, which makes the correct sequence and postures even more challenging. I work on keeping them separate and discrete. 

I finished with Healing Qigong while I returned to the house.

Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's a cool 52 at the house and I'll be dressing for it when I go out to the beach for sunrise. The sunrise was at 7:27. The low tide was at 9:05. It's Friday so I have a 8 video meeting with Jeff.

The Practice:

I QW to the beach for sunrise practice. It was a short practice so I can get back in time for my 8 am meeting with Jeff.

I started with a brief warm up using the first few of The 10 focused on consistency (practicing at sunrise on the beach), health and mobility.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on feeling and function.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I returned to the house for my 8 am meeting with Jeff.

Note: It was cold and windy on the beach this morning. I could really feel my right big toe. Ugh!

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's   at the house. The sunrise was at 7:29. The low tide was at 7:24. Yesterday didn't work out for my guitar lesson so I rescheduled it for this morning at 11 am.

The Practice:

I QW to the beach around sunrise and did a brief warm up.

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on not being distracted (popping out mentally/emotionally) by the numerous passersby and the consistency of doing a Round at sunrise. The sunrise practices are super productive. I feel fortunate to be able to do them. 

Next I did a round of Yin Fu 8 Palms on both sides with all 8 Changes.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

Once I got back to the house I put a GoPro 11 on a tripod and shot a video of The 10 Exercises.

Wednesday Practice

 The Details:

It's 52 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:29. The low tide was at 7:24. Perfect for a beach sunrise practice.

I've got an 11 am guitar lesson on Zoom with Shubal.

The Practice:

I QW to the beach just before sunrise.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on overall health, agility, mobility, balance, breathing and consistency.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on "Whole Body Power":

One part starts,

All parts start,

One part stops,

All parts stop.

Next I did SPT and Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into quality stances, punches and kicks.

Next I did a round Seisan Kata tuned into quality basics and agility.

Next I did a round of Yin Fu 8 Palms Set 1-6 focused on reciting the names of the postures and correct sequence.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

Tuesday Practice

 The Details:

It's a cool 52 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:30. The low tide was at 6:36.

The Practice:

I QW to the beach just before sunrise. After setting up my tripod and camera I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on overall health, mobility, agility, balance and connecting with natures qi. 

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part II. I tuned into a meditative mind set, observing with little to no conscious thought. Marvelous!

Next I did a full round of Standing Post Training (SPT) and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on the correct sequence. I had a little glitch after the progressive step.

Next I did a round of Niahanchi Kata focused on the adjustments I'm making to that Kata. I also focused on the preparation for the kicks. 

I finished with Healing Qigong as I returned to the house.

Next when I got back to the house I downloaded the images from my camera to my laptop and continued to process the images.

Next I read "Halleluiah" from Mary Oliver's book of poems "Evidence" - Stay amazed at the world and nature!

Next I did acoustic guitar practice and continued to write the progress notes from this mornings practice.

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 63 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:33. The low tide was at 5:51. It's forecast to be a little cooler today. 

The Practice:

I QW to the beach for sunrise this morning. There was a heavy cloud bank on the horizon. There was a little splash of color once the sun cleared the cloud bank.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on health, mobility and consistency.

Next I did a Round (right side) stopping at the end of Part I and II. I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I. I stopped to take a few photos and chat with Nevin before returning to my Round. Stopping during the Round never helps things out. I focused on getting back to the correct inner 'feeling'.

Next I did SPT (focused on Song) and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into the quality of my basic kicks, punches and stances as well as applications.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on linking my breathing from the T'an Tien to the punches and finger strikes.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house

Sunday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 73 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:33. The last low tide was at 5:08. 

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency, balance, health and mobility.

Next I did a Round (left side) I started on the right side and realized that I should have started on the left side, so at the first Single Whip I changed from right to left. It's interesting how changing sides from day to day sparks awareness of long term memory, because I have to remember which side I did the day before, then the short term memory of what move I just did. 

Next I did Standing Post Training and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on the correct sequence and direction of postures. I have been having some challenges with this Anyo.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on sequence, agility and consistency.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I returned to the house.

 

Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 67 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:34. The high tide was at 10:27. It's forecast to be in the 80's this afternoon. Bonus rocket launch just as I arrived on the beach. IMO that's the best kind of rocket launch; you just show up and there it is!

The Practice:

I QW to the beach for sunrise. 

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on health, consistency, balance and agility. 

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into my waist being the controlling axis with smooth and slow movements. I entered a calm and centered state of mind and a profound connection to nature. I gazed upon the horizon and witnessed the sunrise.  

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the quality of my basics and applications.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on agility, mobility, balance and leg strength.  Kusanku remains the most challenging (physically) of the American Karate-do Kata's. I remain focused on using the deepest Zen Dashi's that I'm currently capable of (without injuring myself!).

I finished with Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house. 

                                                            Walking on the beach!

Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:35. The high tide was at 9:50. Looks like a beautiful day! It's Friday so I have a 8 am video meeting with Jeff and then a Zoom guitar lesson with Shubal at 10:30. Busy morning. Our guests are off paddle boarding and a local spring.

The Practice: 

I QW to the beach about 20 minutes before sunrise to shoot the sunrise and practice (exercise).

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on health, mobility, balance and consistency.

Next I did Parts I & II before heading back to the house for my 8:00 meeting with Jeff. 

I did a Round of Part III in the backyard

I finished with SPT and Healing Qigong.

Paco

 

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:24. The high tide was at 9:10. We have house guests for the next 4 days.

The Practice:

I went out to the beach to practice. After shooting the sunrise I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on overall health, agility, mobility and consistency. These are special exercises and are really marvelous for health and longevity if they are done daily (a gentle reminder to myself - don't hesitate just Do Them!)

Next I did a Round (left side) I was able to stay on the left side throughout the round, Yay!

I also focused on maintaining my 'inside meditative state of mind' in spite of the tourists walking by. I find it both helpful and challenging to practice in such a public space, but practicing on the East facing beach at sunrise easily balances out the challenges. I find it especially powerful to practice as the sun is rising on the beach. I played tag (push-hands) with the ocean this morning as the tide was rising. There were several times that I had to move up the beach to keep my sneakers dry. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima focused on applications, sequence and quality stances, punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on agility, mobility, quality turns and progressive steps.

I finished with SPT and Healing Qigong.

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:38. The high tide was at 8:27. I'm up early, determined to make it to the beach to take photos and practice at sunrise. I plan on bringing my Cannon camera and a tripod.

We have guests coming in later today.

The Practice:

I QW to the beach for sunrise this morning. After shooting the sunrise I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on health and consistency. Stretching not only stretches muscle but also nerves, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Stretching encourages blood flow, elasticity and overall health of tissue. 

Use It Or Loose It

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I tuned into keeping my hips level and using stability around my supporting hip to assist in keeping my balance. Focusing on keeping my hips level when trying to balance on one leg was super helpful. 

Next I did Healing Qigong from Wuji Posture.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into correct sequence and direction of postures and applications.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on consistency.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I QW back to the house.