Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:04. The low tide was at 9:23. It's still very windy.

Notes:

The strong N N/E wind made the kick sequences much more challenging. I only saw tourists on the beach this morning. I guess it was just too windy for any of the 'regulars'.

I think Sharon and her company left the Ocean Beach Club. I haven't seen them on the deck for days.

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10 and added a bit to #7 and #10. I've made some changes to #2 and have been able to look up and watch my palms as the hand is arcing up as I step to the side.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I tuned in to observing my consciousness 

"We may be the universes attempt to observe and experience itself"

It's fascinating to me to realize that I'm actually a living breathing part of the universe itself. The 'conscious' part.

What is consciousness? Hmmmm!

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

I finished with a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides) focused on reciting the names of the Postures (where I could) and observing consciousness.

I returned to the house, realizing that in order to be on Day #8 in the Rotation I needed to be doing Cheng Style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms and Anyo Walo and Sanchin Kata. Maybe tomorrow? So I guess that I'm in a holding pattern. 

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 67 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:05. The low tide was at 8:32. There's been a very stiff  N N/E wind (gale force) for the past couple of days.

Notes:

It was very windy (N N/W) again this morning. 

There was a rainbow that I noticed towards the end of my practice. 

The rainbow was to the west.

Josh the new owner had this sign painted on the side of the building. Nice! Maybe now I'll be able to remember the name of the rental's? 

The Practice:

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

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on observing my consciousness and Relaxed Balance which the wind made a wee bit more challenging.

Next I did Standing and Healing Qigong focused on releasing any irritability. I also reviewed Master Choi's Baguazhang Standing Set although I didn't hold each posture very long I remembered the order and Postures correctly. I focused on observing my consciousness throughout.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides) reciting the names of the postures where I could. Focused on turning to the rear and Balancing on one leg. 

Next I went up past the big black pipe into the soft sand (It was getting too busy with tourists near the waters edge) and did a round of Anyo Pito focused on Consciousness and Sequence.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on Sequence and Consciousness.

I returned to the house. 

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:06. The low tide was at 7:42.

Notes:

It rained hard overnight and there was a lot of rain all around us. I'll be practicing out back this morning. 

After a brief Warm Up I went down to the beach.

I saw one regular walker. I don't know her name but I see her on a regular basis. She broke her ankle last season but she still walks (fast) daily. 

The Practice:

I did a brief Warm Up in the back yard.

Next I QW to the beach and did a Round (right side) focused on consciousness and observing the internal process as I practiced.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong Session.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides) focused on observing my consciousness as I practiced the form.

I was getting soaked so I cut my practice a little short and returned to the house to make and eat breakfast and journal today's practices.

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 72 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:07. The low tide was at 6:53.

Notes:

Sharon (2nd floor left at the Ocean Beach Club) made a point to come and tell me how much she enjoys watching me practice at sunrise. When she doesn't see me out there she says that she worries about me! She mentioned that she thought I was 'smooth' in my motions and could tell by watching me that I probably taught Taiji. 

I noticed Dave and Tonya walking back from Flagler Ave. They did not look over or stop to talk. (I was still practicing)

I talked a bit to Wes Millard (from the Nautilus Gym) after I finished. He said the new gym owner is better and actually gives a dang.

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+ including The Dragons Back and Ba Shi as well as The Three Swings and Song Gong. I was focused on consistency and overall health. This set is the BOMB. I should be doing it daily! Don't think, just DO!

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on being smooth;

Slow is Smooth, 

Smooth is Fast

and Relaxed Balance during the kick sequences as well as touching the ground during Snake Creeps Down.

Next I did a full round of Standing Meditation and Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms Changes 1-4 reciting the names of the postures throughout.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim tuned into sequence, direction and applications.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on mobility and agility, going as low as I felt good about during the Zen Dashi sequences.

I spoke with Wes before returning to the house to eat breakfast and journal today's practices.

Sunday Practice - Easter

 

The Details:

It's 72 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:10. The low tide was at 6:06.

Notes:

It's Easter Sunday so there were a lot of tourists on the beach this morning. Some were considerate and some were not. Ugh! The tide was coming in and I played tag with the ocean. I wanted to practice in the harder sand down by the water's edge. So there were some walkers and joggers that came very, very close to me. I did my best to 'stay inside' and maintain a good quality Shen. Other folks were more considerate and that is always nice.

The Practice:

I started with a brief Warm Up focused on Soong and Consistency.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into Counter Balancing and Soong.

Next I did Standing Meditation (all 8 Postures) and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides) focused on sequence and postures.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into sequence and basics.

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

I returned to the house to eat breakfast and journal today's practices.

Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 72 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:11. The high tide was at 11:11 (2.2'). 

Notes:

I've got a 10-11 video call with Jeff this morning. 

As soon as I returned to the house, I waxed the hood of Big Bertha this morning. I wanted to get it done before the sun came up enough to hit it.

I practiced in the middle and upper level soft sand. It made the single leg balancing more challenging. I guess I'm getting used to that.

I'm counting this as Day #3 in the Rotation. Although I did some Day #4's Empty Hand Forms.

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10. My left knee is still bothering me so I adjusted #9 and only added to #7 

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into Relaxed Balance, observing, connecting to the Atlantic Ocean and consistency.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Changes 1-8 (alternating sides) focused on sequence, direction and placement on the circle.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat (again). I'm in a holding pattern until I can catch up with my weapons forms rotation.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata (again) 

I returned to the house to wax the hood of the truck, eat breakfast, journal today's practices and prepare to meet with Jeff

Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 72 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:12. The high tide was at 10:31.

Notes:

I got up late this morning. I'm going to practice in the backyard today. I need to change it up a bit.

It's Shannen and Morgans 26th (I think) birthday today! I remember going to their 1st birthday in Newton MA. 

I had a long conversation with my sister Chris this morning discussing about the family, my mom's service and our upcoming trip to Italy.

This is Day #5 in the Rotation.

The Practice:

I started with a brief Warm Up using the first few of The 10

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on observing and consistency.

Next I did a very brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides) focused on using the correct sequence in the correct direction and place on the circle.

I cut my practice a bit short today. I'm feeling a bit under the weather. I had already eaten breakfast. I needed to change things up a bit.

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:13. The high tide was at 9:50.

Notes:

I got a haircut at 9:00. 

It's trash day.

I saw Rita to talk to. She had Loui in tow.

I saw Dave and Tonya walking while I was practicing Taiji.

There was a Falcon 9 rocket launch that I noticed while I was practicing Baguazhang.

My left knee has been acting up....Ugh! I suspect it's from doing The Ba Shi a little too low a couple of day's ago. Some of those stances can be hard on the knees especially if your inconsistently doing them and then do them too enthusiastically. 

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10. Adding to #7 and #10 focused on overall health and consistency.

Next I did a Round (left side) observing throughout.

Muscle Down,

Bone Up!

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Next I reviewed the introduction to Wuji Hundun Qigong that I learned from Master Duan (I need to video tape this set. I almost did that this morning.)

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms Changes 1-4 focused on sequence.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat focused on Basics and full extension as well as applications.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on sequence and Basics.

I returned to the house to make and eat breakfast and prepare for my 9 am appointment. 

Wednesday Practice - Day 9,041

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:14. The high tide was at 9:08 (2.5'). 

Notes:

I've got a 9 am appointment for an oil change and filter at Stuarts with Big Bertha. 

There was a rocket launch (manned - Artemis II - The largest rocket ever launched anywhere) this evening at 6:24. 

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10, adding to #7 and #10 focused on consistency.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides) tuned into consistency and overall health. I was mostly focused on Relaxed Balance (during the kick ups, single leg standing and circle walking) and turning fully towards the rear.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo. I got confused with the sequence but flushed it out once I got back at the house. (It was after the first progressive step)

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata tuned into stance work and full extension.

I returned to the house to make and eat breakfast and get to my 9 am appointment at Stuarts.

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:15. The high tide was at 8:23. 

Notes:

Lori is coming to help clean at 9:30 this morning.

I had a good talk (phone call) with Phil yesterday. I'm on the fence about WTCD with 

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10 focused on consistency, leg strength, balance and Soong.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I.

Next I did Standing and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 1-4 focused on balance and turning at the waist to the rear.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa focused on overall health.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata tuned into the Angle Kicks and Side Punches.

I returned to the house to eat breakfast and journal today's practices. 

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:17. The high tide was at 7:36 (2.7').

Notes:

I need to text Phil, pick up a prescription at CVS and go to Public's for groceries.

I'm counting this as Day #1 in the rotation.

The Practice:

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

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into "Neither Severance or Splice" observing Relaxed Balance throughout. Balance is trickier on soft sand.

Next I did a full round of Standing Meditation and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Yin Yang Walking. I tuned into the pattern I left in the sand and Kai Bu Bei Bu (Hook Step and Swing Step)

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on full extension, light body and applications.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into using quality Basics.

I returned to the house to put the trash and recycling out. I had perhaps the worst trash spill ever when I went to put my jacket on a hook. White rice and coffee ground were everywhere....Ugh! and Yuck!!

I also made breakfast and journaled today's practices.....

Sunday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:18. The high tide was at 6:46.

Notes:

It was super windy this morning with sand blowing everywhere. I was blowing in from the east and the tide was up too! Oy Vey!! Sand got all over my tripod, camera and IPhone. Not the best day to bring a camera to the beach.

I made home fries this morning and washed the sheets too!

The Practice:

I did a short practtice this morning in the soft sand. It was just too windy to do more....

I started with a brief Warm Up using the first few of The 10

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong before returning to the house to make breakfast and journal today's practices.

It was super windy yesterday afternoon and again this morning.....Ugh!

Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:19. The high tide was at 5:53 (2.7'). 

Notes:

It's NO KINGS day with a rally/demonstration on State Street in downtown NSB. 

I brought my Sony camera and tripod to the beach for sunrise this morning. Yay! It was a good one!!

I spoke with Janet for a few minutes. She's leaving next week but will return to help Doris pack up to migrate north.

I was back on track with the rotation. I counted this as Day #8 in the rotation. I'm good with everything except the Weapons Forms. I find that's just too much added to be consistent with it. 

I still need to video the Qigong Forms that I know.

The Practice:

After setting up my tripod and camera and snapping a few photos 

I started with a full round of The 10 adding to #3, #7 and #10 focused on consistency and overall health.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned in to observing the principles throughout the form.

Next I did Cheng Style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms Changes 1-8 (both sides) focused on 1. The change of direction 2. Turning my waist and shoulders towards the center of the circle. I started using Mud Wadding Step then changed to Lion Walking as it was better for facing the center of the circle while Circle Walking.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on full extension and the overall quality of my basics.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on breathing out all the way.

I returned to the house to eat breakfast and journal today's practices.

Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:20. The high tide was at 4:53 (2.8').

Notes:

Melinda called. Sunday is Guilia's 25th birthday and Dylan and Guilia's 1st Wedding Anniversary.

I noticed a woman on the second floor of the SeaSide Condo's following me as I did #3. She disappeared inside shortly afterwards.

The Practice:

I made it out to the beach just as the sun was rising. It's better to get out there early before the flocks of tourists arrive! I'm getting sick of the tourists on the beach in the morning. I'm ready for the peace and quiet of Leyden. Just the birds, the trees and me!

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into observing and Relaxed Balance. During Part III I realized I should have been doing the left side but decided to stay on the right, after all the right is the 'primary' side.

Next I did a full round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms (both sides) Changes 1-8 focused on full rotation to the rear on 'Hide the Flower Beneath the Leaves.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on using the correct sequence in the correct direction.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned into sequence and full extension.

I returned to the house to eat breakfast and journal today's practices.

I started with a full round of The 10 adding to #7 and #10 focused on consistency and overall health.

Next I