Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:56, The high tide was at 8:29 (2.5')

Notes:

We have a visit (to say goodbye) with Al and Claire at 1 pm today.

It's our last day here in NSB this season. It's time to pack the Honda!

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10 adding to #7, #9 and #10 focused on consistency, health, Soong and Relaxed Balance. 

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into observing my consciousness throughout the round.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

I cut my practice a little short, I had to pee and I have a million chores to do today.

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:57. The high tide was at 7:42 (2.5')

Notes:

We have appointments with Dr. Nagrani this morning. 

More packing and house cleaning in preparation for migrating north on Friday morning.

Dave and Tonya were out washing Tonya's car so I stopped by to say goodbye for the season.  They asked what airline we were flying and I said I didn't know. I asked Ginnie and she said ITA out of Logan. Don't blink and we'll be flying to Rome then on to Bari, Puglia. 

I'm on a holding pattern in my forms rotation. I'm still counting this as Day #3

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10 in the soft sand because the tide was still coming up. I played push-hands (tag) with the Atlantic Ocean.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned in to observing my consciousness cultivating with nature and smooth relaxed balance. I've noticed that I'm getting better at single leg balancing in the soft sand. Yay!

Next I did a full round of Standing focused on cultivating my Qi and then Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 5-8 reciting the names of the postures where I could and emphasizing full extension and turning to the rear.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on full extension with my Basic Punches and Kicks as well as applications and agility.

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

I returned to the house to eat breakfast, pack and prepare for the appointments later this morning.

Tuesday Practice

 

I really appreciated being able to do internal practices at the waters edge. With gratitude and appreciation!

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:58. The high tide was at 6:57 (2.5').

Notes:

No Lori this morning. She texted me yesterday that she was running a fever and asked to reschedule but with our plan to leave for Leyden early Friday morning it'll have to wait until next season.

I'll be doing more packing today. There's a lot to do before we travel north.

I'm still counting today as Day #3 in the rotation. I'm in a holding pattern while we are traveling north.

The Practice:

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

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into observing my consciousness while connecting with nature to cultivate nature's Qi.

Next I did a full round of Standing Meditation using all 8 Postures focused on creating space in my body and cultivating Qi.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides) I had a snafu with #6 but went back to take care of it. I tuned into extending without contraction and the relationship between my upper and lower body.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on using quality Basics and leaping during the Progressive Steps.

Next I did a round of Seiunching Kata tuned into the postures

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

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:59. The high tide was at 6:11 (2.5').

Notes:

I got up at 6:30 ish this morning. A little late to be on the beach at sunrise. It was 8 ish or so before I got myself down there after putting the trash together. I realized that when I get down there a little bit later I see a different group of people. The 'second shift'? 

I saw Wes but he stopped too far south to talk to. 

I had an unusual number of folks show some consideration for my practice. 

We are preparing to leave for Leyden Friday morning. There's a lot to do! 

Yesterday morning I power washed the back of the house and visited with Bill in the afternoon. 

I talked to Gabe to on the way back. I also saw Phil but we did not talk, just waved. 

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10 focused on 'doing them' for Soong, leg strength and coordination.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part II and observing consciousness while connecting to nature. 

Next I did a full round of Standing (all 8 Postures) and Healing Qigong focused on releasing any irritability.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides) focused on Opening the Joints, Channels and Cavities. I'm becoming more comfortable doing Baguazhang in public, especially the Circle Walking with  The Wild Goose Leaves The Flock posture.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on amping up the leaps, punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata tuned into mapping the sequence, direction and postures. 

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

Sunday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:00. The high tide was at 5:33 (2.4'). 

Notes:

I got up late this morning. I was just too cozy in bed! 

It looks like the wind has died down. Yay!!

I saw and talked to Rocco and Nancy. 

The Practice:

I've been working on releasing any irritability and encouraging a positive attitude and humor when the issue comes up.

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

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on being as smooth as possible and Relaxed Balance.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazang 8 Linking Palms Changes 1-4 reciting the names of the postures where I could and fully extending my arms in The Wild Goose Leaves The Flock.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into using quality Basics and applications.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata focused on Angle Kicks and the changes that I've made to this Kata.

The Big Secret

 

                                                                   The Big Secret

Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:02. The low tide was at 11:04. 

Notes:

I have a 10-11 video meeting with Jeff this morning. I played push-hands (tag) with the Atlantic and the Atlantic won!

I saw Rocco and Nancy on the way back. We talked a little about their new paint (with abrasives) on their driveway. Rocco started to go on and on about the 36 counties he's lived in and his 'daily' routine. I reminded him to pay attention to who he is talking (bull shitting) to and that I'd like to see what he calls a 'kata'. Oy Vey! Nancy gave me the shush signal when he started his BS; remember who you're talking to.

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10 adding to #7 and #10. I was focused on Strength and Soong.

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on moving from my waist. Observing my Consciousness throughout the Round. I also focused on feeling my Jin move up the 9 zig zag path to my finger tips.

Next I did Standing and while I was in the second posture while I had my eyes closed, I felt the Atlantic on my feet and ankles, when I opened my eyes and the ocean water was up beyond my ankles. I was soaked, my sneakers, my socks and sweat pants were wet. I immediately stopped and walked up the beach to the soft sand and decided to continue my practice. 

Next I did a round of Taiji Cane (right side) tuned into consciousness and sequence.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Circle Walking. I focused on Hook Step and Swing Step and the number of steps and placement on the circle.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa using a light body and jumping during the Progressive Step.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into fully extending, retracting my kicks, kicking high where appropriate.

Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The low tide was at 10:14. The sunrise was at 7:03.

Notes:

I got up late this morning. I was up just lounging in bed. I needed a change.

The Practice:

I started my practice out in the backyard this morning; a little later than usual, but I still got it in!

I began with a round of Taiji Staff on both sides focused on observing consciousness and mapping the sequence. I used 'light body' getting a little hop before the low single leg squatting Stances. I was more successful on the right side.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into using quality basics and mapping out the correct sequences and techniques.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on breathing out all the way, (as in Navy Seal Box Breathing) dynamic tension and Stances.

Next I did a very brief Warm Up to prepare for a Round.

Next I did a Round (left side). I inadvertently switched side somewhere in Part II. I went back to 'get it right'.

Next I stopped because I was having a difficult time getting in the correct 'head space' (Shen)

After eating breakfast I did Part III inside

I finished with a brief Standing and Healing Qigong. This wasn't the best practice I've ever had but I stayed consistent. 

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