Qigong practice by the sea - Eastport ME - A few years back.....
Odd day, Echo had his last Heartworm shot yesterday. He's doing better but it's been a tough 48 hours. I'm off for my annual physical later this morning. Oh boy!
I had a tough time approaching my daily practices today so I decided to so a short Warm Up and a Round (right side) with a Healing Qigong and a little Standing at the end.
It was one of those "get it done" days with no frills. Some days are just like that.
Before class formed I used the time to review the Tai-Chi 13 Spear Set with the long pole and the plastic practice spear tip.
I had five join me Read, Sally, Nancy, LJ and Janee. I had to leave promptly at 9:30 but Janee and Read worked on the Tai-Chi Jian Form after class.
We focused on the relationship between fascia and vagus nerves, using a stretch/release technique as a means of accessing the parasympathetic nervous system inducing a deep state of inner calm.
I started with a Full Warm up using The 10+ Exercises to which I added a Deck Railing Stretch, Four Way Slow Kicks and Cheng Style Bagua Zhang Single Leg Standing Set.
I then did a Round (left side). I'm still researching the feeling from the slight stretch and release of my fascia and it's effect on the Vagus Nerve. I'm going to do more research on that relationship later today.
After my Round I did a full Spear review, with the exception of the Bagua Spear Set that I've been working on. Maybe later today? After we get back from the heartworm shot.
I started my practice out in the driveway with Tai-Chi Broadsword
Specifically, the vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms your body after you've been in a stressful situation. The vagus nerve carries signals from your brain to other parts of your body, like your heart or intestines, to initiate this process."
The opposite of the parasympathetic nervous system is the sympathetic nervous system. This is another part of the autonomic nervous system. It helps you enter fight-or-flight mode when needed.
This information comes from: WebMD.com
This sword was given to me by my students Tom Sokol and Maggie Madden back in the 1980's to replace a sword the was given to my by my teacher Sifu Ray Hayward. Unfortunately my original Jian was stolen out of my office on Wells Street along with a few more personal weapons and a large outside (expensive) J. R. Roy Studio sign I had commissioned back in the late 1970's.
I started my practice today with a full Jian Sword session; Basics and Form
I moved on to work on the Double Dao (Broadsword) Form.
I did a short Warm Up and then raked up my main practice area. Then I proceeded to do a Round (left side). About 1/2 way through I was getting bit by mosquito's so I moved into The Barn for Part III.
I continue to contemplate the relationship between the slight stretch/release of fascia and the Vagus Nerve.
I vocalized The Tai-Chi Classics while doing the Form. I've been getting a lot from:
"Neither excess nor deficiency
Hollow nor projection
Severance nor splice"
Notes:
"To contemplate does not necessarily lead to an answer."
Strive to be equanimous with 'not knowing'.
Sifu
I started my Warm Up inside with The 10+ Exercises. After my Warm Up there was a break in the rain so I went outside on the deck to do a Round (right side).
Today I was focused on the connection between the slight stretch and release of the fascia and it's effect on the Vagus Nerve. I'm very interested in this relationship. I had a visceral experience as I focused on Stretch/Release of Fascia....As I continued to focus on that I became more and more aware of a deepening of my meditative state of mind. It felt almost like shifting into a higher gear.....Everything became lighter and more 'spirited'....A wonderful feeling that I've experienced before but it was different this time. There was a deepening of the feeling and instantaneous 'transformation' to this set of movements that I've been practicing since 1978. There was a profound change in the way the Round felt.
Cool Beans!!
After my round I spent some time on the #1 Change of the second Yin Fu Bagua Zhang Set. I recited the names of the postures out loud.
- Lean on the Horse to Inquire the Way
- Hide the Flowers Beneath the Leaves
- The Wild Goose Leaves the Flock
- (Bagua Guard)
- Mount the Horse and Draw the Bow
- Close the Door and Push the Moon
If you have any insight or information regarding the connection between fascia and the vagus nerve please pass it along. Thanks
Whale Sharks at Oslob, Cebu, Philippines.
Huge schools of Sardines near Kasai Village, Cebu, Philippines.
The above three experiences were promised and delivered. The best of those experiences from my perspective was the 10 early morning dives with Thresher Sharks. We saw multiple individuals each and every dive. Oh and each of those dives were about 1 hour per. That's almost 10 hours underwater with these magnificent creatures.
Kemod Shoal is the only place currently (world wide) that can guarantee sightings of Thresher Sharks. We were lucky to see them on every dive.
With gratitude and appreciation.
BUT, we did have to pay the price. The travel to get to Kemod Shoal and the other two place was extreme and grueling.
For example this is the itinerary of our trip back home:
Saturday 5/27/23
I did my practice in the room before we left on Saturday 5.27.23
We left Kasai Village on the west coast of Cebu at 11 am on Saturday, by van for Lupa Lupa City and the Cebu International Airport. We had to be at the front office with our luggage by 10:45. It was a 3+ hour van ride to the airport. After a long wait, we checked in our 4 bags of luggage and went through security. Our gate was closed because our flight wasn't until 7 pm. We waited and walked and waited some more. The original flight was Cebu to Doha, Qatar but the airline added a stop in Davao, that added 3 hours to our 10 hour flight. We had to stay in the plane on the tarmack during the lay over in Davao. The really weird thing was that they LOCKED the restrooms!!!! Oy! I told the stewardess' that locking the restrooms was "not resonable". They eventually unlocked the bathroom doors. Yay! I also had to ask for lower cabin temperatures on both flights and the crew did so and even checked with me later to see if I was satisfied with the temperature. Yay again!
We finally made it to Doha in the wee hours of Sunday 5/28/23
We had a shortened lay over in Doha and spent 3-4 hours in the Al Maha Lounge which was very comfy with good food, bathrooms and showers.
We gained 5 hours
We left Doha, Qatar mid morning for Boston, Ma, USA. It's a 12 hour flight and we gain 7 hours. We arrived in Boston mid afternoon on Sunday. (Early Monday morning in Cebu).
Bus ride from Logan airport to Norm's house in Amherst 2 hours. We arrived at Norms around 6 pm.
We loaded our bags into the 4-Runner and headed towards Greenfield. We stopped at Big Y for some provisions. Got to Leyden a little past 7 pm on Sunday.
We gained 12 hours on the way back. We actually left Kasai Village on Saturday at 11 pm and arrived in Leyden on Monday just after 7 am. I count that as 40+ hours of travel, including lay overs.
I'd add 'grueling' travel.
At 9:30 I drove down to Hatfield to work with Paul C. from 10-11 ish. I consider these sessions some of the most important in my career. I've witnessed two full transformations while we were training.
FYI - Internal martial arts practices like T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Bagua Zhang are designed to be transformative. The practitioner must look to become more and more aware of this transformation. I'm able to recognize when a transformation takes place. In both instances the transformation was instant for Paul. I merely pointed it out.
We started upstairs in his 'tai-chi' room. Beautiful space to exercise in. I led him through several Rounds of the first half of Part I. Focusing on the proper amount of stretch in the fascia to turn it 'on' and I pointed out the fascia's connection to the Vagus Nerve which is important to fend off anxiety and panic attack. It's one of the reasons why these arts can help calm and center a person. Some of the effect one feels is the unconscious connection between the fascia and vagus nerve. Moving helps stretch and release the fascia and has a positive effect on the Vagus Nerve. Cool Beans!
After a few Rounds we did Bagua Zhang circle walking around my napsack. Nothing fancy, but walking is one of the things that is transformative for Paul. I merely had him walk around something stationary and encouraged him to change directions. From clockwise to counter-clockwise etc. When we went downstairs I encouraged figure eight walking around his kitchen counter and dinning room table.
After Bagua Walking we did a bit of single hand Push-Hands. Once he was able to close his eyes and 'feel' the contact with me he had a transformation that happened instantly. He felt it too!! Again..Cool Beans!
A little more conversation downstairs with Paul and Jean and I drove back north stopping at Chyzlecks for corn on the cob and then Fosters for a shrimp ring and supplies.
I saw Doug H. in the parking lot. Kay broke her wrist....Ugh! Wrists are tough to heal....Complicated joint.
The notes on the white board; On the left Jeff's notes from yesterday and on right my notes for this morning class. I had four folks email or text me that they were unable to join in this morning. Last week I had a recent record of 11 students join me, we had some awesome energy coming from the group. This week I only had 4 students join me but they also brought some excellent energy and questions to our practice.
As written on the right hand side of the whiteboard (above) the theme for this mornings class was "Refining". Once your past the 'new' aspect of your study (sequence), for the rest of your practice life you will be Refining movements and postures that you already 'know'.
There are many avenues of refinement in Tai-Chi training. One of the most important (IMO) is simply holding at the end of postures. The next step is observing (w/ a meditative point of view) and adjusting (without emotion) the alignment and quality of your:
1. Feet - The quality of the contact - Weight dead center
2. Legs - Which one is working - Which one is resting
3. Waist - Evenly relaxed/releases 360 degrees
4. Shoulders - Like a suspension bridge - Elbows down
5. Head - Chin slightly in - Open the upper spine - "Rub The Neck On The Collar"
We started with the above ideas and went on to a short Warm Up
Then a Round (right side) pausing at the end of postures to observe and adjust (Refine) Part I. Then we did Parts II and III without pausing but still observing from the perspective of what we learned from stopping in postures during Part I. It's much more challenging to observe and adjust on the fly but eventually what needs to happen to reach the ultimate goal of fully realized T'ai Chi Ch'uan.
I stayed after class to work with Lucy on the Tai-Chi Jian Form, The Dance and Single Arm Push-Hands.
At the end a little talking about Breathing and her older, failing Mom.
I needed to get back to the house to meet my Granddaughter Genna who was coming up to help us with yard work. Really great to have her here! Win/Win!!
Here she is weed whacking the southern fence line.
I had an odd morning starting with fasting blood work for my annual physical next. I got there and found that the order was never placed by the doctor and she's on vacation and not reachable. Confusion ensued. After a lengthy wait, I did eventually get my blood drawn. Yay!!
In celebration of this beautiful day I'd like to take a moment to express my intention with writing these daily practice posts. These are simply an effort by me to journal various elements (Frankly, whatever pleases me) of my daily practice. I've turned these posts into an integral part of my daily practice. I'm finding it beneficial. I've learned a lot by looking back on posts from the past. I think I started posting to this Blog back in 2009 ish? Back then I was still teaching full time and this Blog was more compiling information a receptacle for videos (Flip back then) and photos. When I look back...I'm glad I filmed and took as many photos as I did!
Once a 'time or 'era' passes......It's gone forever! Take youth for example;^)
Anyway, I'm happy your enjoying taking my Daily Practice Journey (DPJ) with me. Thanks for looking!
Tell me a little about yourself.
Today's DPJ:
I practiced on the deck this morning; I wanted to practice to classical music, drink tea and take a few photos, so there was too much 'stuff' involved to practice elsewhere. Plus it's a spectacular day;^)
I started this morning with Holding The Moon on a Bosu Ball.
Then I used the Bosu Ball as the center of my Bagua Walking Circle and proceeded to practice the #1 Change of the Second Yin Fu (Bagua Zhang) Set.
I then went on to The 10+
- During #2 I emphasized the slap on the IT Band > Transferring through the connective tissue and having an effect on the opposite arm and then the opposite leg too. Think hanging balls when ball hits on either end the other end moves. Interesting theory....
- Afterwards I did a full Deck Railing Stretch. I'm getting to some hip and quad stretches that I'm needing. Good results from approaching this for past couple of weeks.
- I performed 10 reps of #8 against a corner; Keeping my back relatively straight and feeling the tailbone curl under at the bottom. So far I'm getting away with adding the straight back and lower end position, my knees appear to be tolerating the lowness. Perhaps adding the Deck Railing Stretches are helping?
- During #6 (kick-ups) I emphasized the mildly stretching the skin and connective tissue in my torso/hips/shoulders.
- I substituted the FaJin version of #9 today. This is a version that I did regularly for years. Lately I've been using the Single Leg Standing Set from Cheng Bagua Zhang.
- I finished my Qigong Warm Up with The Three Swings and The Song Gong Series.
I did a Round (left side) to Classical Music. It's Sunday morning practice and I'm thinking of Master Paul (I'm serving tea too;^) and Sifu Ray.
In solidarity with all other practitioners........I practice!
During my Round, I adjusted a few things about how I've been vocalizing The Classics while I practice. The main adjustment was to my intent and grammar. I want to say that I AM_____(fill in the blank), as opposed I WILL BE or INTEND TO BECOME.
For example:
"Ch'i permeates my bones"
*The idea is that it's already happened, I'm not evoking it to happen at some point in the future.....
It's already transformed!
(Inner Alchemy)
While holding this posture The Moon represents your true self.
Feel as if you are gently compressing a large balloon towards your chest.
Feel the finger tips connecting to an unbroken line from finger tip to finger tip (including arms and back).
Be aware of all the 'triangles' created at the joints
The joints feel open, slightly stretched and springy
Imagine standing on a mirror
Feel the earth pushing up at the soles of the feet.
After the Standing Meditation session I proceeded to Warm Up with The 10+ 1-4
Then I produced a short video clip (GoPro 11 Black) of Part I of The Wild Goose Qigong (WGQ). I did the first section 3 times with feeling. WGQ is a complete system of Inner Cultivation. A true treasure to practice. The main ideas while practicing WGQ are:
- Open Channels
- Release turbid ch'i
- Gather new ch'i from the earth, the universe and nature
- Circulate and balance ch'i
Afterwards I continued with The 10+ at #5 and added the deck railing stretch series that I've been doing lately.
I added increased awareness of my torso's connective tissue stretching side to side (ala XC skiing) during #6
I added The Dragons Back series before #7
I did #8 against a corner, keeping my back straight and going low enough to feel my tailbone releasing down.
I did The Old Eight Palms from Cheng T'ing Hwa Bagua Zhang (Excellent meditative internal set) for #9
For #10 I did The Three Swings and The Song Gong series.
I then did a Round (right side) using No Mind - Focusing on my connection to the Tao and the energies of nature that are all around me.
Excellent session! I can't wait to watch the video I shot of The Wild Goose Qigong!!
Drop me a line and let me know what you're practicing.
I started with a full Warm Up - The 10+ Exercises - I'm adjusting exactly what and how much I do on a day to day basis. Listen first......Then adjust to what you're hearing. My advice is to be kind but not lazy and strive to be able to distinguish.
Giving in to procrastination will kill a daily practice. Hold the standard the best you can...But still be kind to yourself;^)
Among other adjustments and additions to The 10:
-Shoulder rolls before #2
- Angle changes at the end of #2
- Accentuating the twist in the mid body during the kick ups #6
- Added the Dragons Back before #7
- Used HuiYin and Hun/Haah Breathing in #7
- Substituted the Cheng Style Bagua Single Leg Standing Set - I held #1 and 2 longer and added more stretch in #7 and 8.
- I've been substituting The Three Swings (from Bruce Franzis) and Song Gong for #10
After the Warm Up I proceeded to do a Round (left side) reciting The Classics out loud as I started to practice.
- I've also been adjusting the exact position of the tip of my tongue.
- I continue to feel the expansion and contraction of my body and mind connection. That feeling is becoming easier and easier to access.
I hope that you're enjoying you practice. Let me know what you're working on....
I've been practicing Single Leg Standing regularly in the #9 Exercise. I've started to use the Cheng Style Bagua Single Let Standing Set. Lui Bin's Bagua Zhang (Cheng T'ing Hwa Style practiced in Bejing) is noted for it's Single and Double Leg Standing Postures. This set primarily works the lower body while the 'Old Eight Palms' primarily works the upper body. Together they help develop the whole person.
Then I drove down to Hatfield to help my friend/student Paul C.
As with most humans as we age and with injury etc.....He's concerned about his balance.
Since this is one of the primary principles in all martial arts and especially 'internal' training, balance work is being done continuously. First consciously progressing to unconscious balance.
The training involves paying close attention to the feelings at the bottoms of your feet. The interaction with the ground. Imagining your standing on a mirror, imagine you own image below the floor, then feel the floor pushing upward into the soles of the feet.
Align the bones from the soles of the feet to the top of the head. Proper vertical alignment is essential!
I then 'Tai-Chi-ized' the PT exercise 'lift your knee up', that Paul has been practicing; I put a chair on either side of him, with him standing in the middle, in a modified Wuji Stance, holding on lightly as possible for assistance, once he felt 'situated' then lift the knee. He was able to lift his knee hip high.
We also used stretch band to exercise his upper body, mainly upper back and biceps. Then substituted 2 1/2 lb hand weights for the bicep curls. My original idea was to us stretch band holding one end down with your foot. My idea is to internally connect the foot to the upper body (hand).
I noticed some of Paul's best movement was walking. He could find a released and relaxed state that was fluid and smooth. That walking really works well for him when he 'freezes'. Kudos!!
I'm interested to help folks adjust their exercises to be a better fit. Ultimately a better fit will help it become a healthier practice, primarily because it makes it more likely that you will be regularly.
Then I worked on cleaning up the Tack area.
I went of to Arnis Double Cane w/ 2lb wrist weights - Mostly improvising but reviewing all the Basics.
Then I reviewed the Tai-Chi Double Sabre Form with the Canes and wrist weights.
I did a 10 minute drum set session with t-shirts to muffle ala Ringo
Then a short Chinese Ball session for finger dexterity and 60 seconds of hanging by my fingers.
Then back to house to finish on the deck
First a short Warm Up and then a Round (left side)
My focus for today's Round was 'getting out of the way'. Observing my unconscious mind able to accurately enforce the principles involved with inner cultivation practices.
Bob, Lenny, Sally, Rob, Read, Paul, Janee, Nancy, Lucy, LJ and Wes. It was wonderful to have so many 'old timers' and a couple of newer students too! I found the group very inspiring.
There was a lot of 'visiting' going on in the hallway first then in the room. I consider the social aspect of The Studio and the study of martial arts to be essential. So the visiting continued.....
I then talked about the many "Paradox" in T'ai Chi training. I also talked about the dot's in the Yin/Yang symbol; Being the part of these arts that can't be explained. It's a feeling that cannot be described with mere words. (IMO)
"The Tao that can be named is not the true Tao"
A lot of things can be explained with science and physics, but there is always an aspect of everything that cannot be explained and will remain a mystery.
"Equanimity in the face of confusion leads to insight"
I also talked about stretching the skin from soles of the feet to the finger tips. I used bungee cords to give a visual reference to the feeling of stretching the fascia.
I then went through a version of The 10+ focusing on 'smoothing out the whole body sheet of fascia'.
Coordinating the internal (feeling) with the external (movement); First a have the feeling of being in balance THEN test that feeling by merely lifting the unweighted leg, checking that you were in the accurate position. (You shouldn't have to move to lift the leg)
During the Round (right side) we focused on the paradox:
"Neither severance nor splice"
Concluding (without actually physically stopping) the end of postures and continual movement throughout the transitions. The paradox is Stopping without Stopping.
We also attempted to coordinate the internal with the external by using Hun/Haah (silently) visualizing ch'i coming in to the center (core) and expanding out to the extremities.
I also did a few repetitions of 'Sweep the Lotus' kick with a breakdown of the side to side action to counter balance.
After class visiting with Bob, Lenny and Sally
When everyone left I did a Spear session with the long pole and the plastic Spear Head.
I was too tired to go to the YMCA so I just came straight home.....Pooped!
I found myself deeply feeling the slight stretch of my skin from head to toe and from finger tips to the soles of my feet.
I imagined my skin being a single sheet and after awhile I could feel the individual stretches (soft tissue?) like a series of stretch bands some slightly stretching and some a bit more. I could also feel where there was resistance to the slight stretch (tension?). I trained to release the less stretchy areas and monitored the 'over' stretching of the rest of the tissue. My goal is to increase the conductivity of my connective tissue and to get my movement to be oriented by release and stretch as opposed contract and shorten. When you start involving the entire body in the equation it becomes a life long project. Mainly because as we age we contract. One has to work at it to keep the body open......Daily!
I kept this mental focus and feeling throughout The 10+ and my Round (right side).
I started with a full Warm Up - The 10+ Cheng Bagua Single Leg Standing Set, The Three Swings, The Song Gong Set. I think adding the Single Leg Standing Set and the opening to it has been having a positive effect (transformative) on my overall connection to the Tao. I've been getting some very palpable connections with the energies of Nature all around me.
Breathing in the new and fresh
Breathing out the old and the used
Breathing in through the pores to the marrow of the bones - Ch'i permeates my bones
Breathing out into the space that is all around me and inside of me - Ch'i saturates every cell
All systems are functioning perfectly!
After The 10+ I did a Round (left side) focusing on connecting to the Tao. Afterwards I did a Standing Meditation Set that included Posture #1, #2 and #3 (Holding The Moon) and Single Leg Raise Hands and Step Up on both sides.
Very productive practice!
I hope you're enjoying your practices too. Please drop me a line and let me know what you're interested in. Thanks!
I started with The 10+. I did the Single Leg Standing Set from the Cheng Style Bagua Zhang. I tweaking the Set so that it'll be healthy for a 70+ year old to do regularly. I ended with a Standing Meditation session and then a round of Wild Goose Qigong. What a great qigong that is. Very complete with sections on Opening the channels, Releasing turbid ch'i, Cultivating ch'i and Balancing ch'i. It's rather long and somewhat complicated to learn but very healthy to practice. Many thanks to Master Zhang Jie for teaching it to me back in the early 1990's. [Bow]
I spent some time on the 3 swings and Song Gong + exercises then I did a Round of T'ai Chi Ch'uan (left side). Focusing on my connection to the Tao.
Very productive session.
After training on the deck I worked a little on The Barn Gym set up. I moved the TRX set up and brought the 20lb and the 10lb Dumbbells from the garage. Once I got things in order I did a full TRX and Dumbbell routine. I need to bring one of the big balls out for a sit up routine and I need to add push-ups too. Next time.....
I started with a full Spear session focusing on the Bagua Spear Set that I'm working on. I flushed out the intro and Change #1, 2 and possibly 3. It's still a work in progress. I took some video of this to help flush out what to and not to do. I'm going to use Jab, Thrust and Coiling. Basics will be the focus on both sides. I found that the Spear tip in relationship to the tree trunk gave me lots of insights and assisted in my Bagua Walking a lot. Excellent for distancing and meditation/focus.
I then reviewed the two Staff Forms that I'm repurposing to Spear Forms. Afterwards I cleaned my double Jian Swords with the new 3M metal and chrome polish. Then I practiced Tai-Chi Jian Tassel Basics then Knife Flowers w/ Bagua Walking. Excellent exercise!!
I then did a Round (right side). One of the (many) things that I was focused on during this Round was the position of the tip of my tongue touching the soft palate. I also focused on silent Hun/Haah Breathing visualizing the Chi expanding out to my finger tips and then retracting back and concentrating in my lower abdomen (Tan T'ien) throughout the Round.
When I finished I reviewed the video I shot of the Bagua Spear Set that I'm working on. I'm making progress! I also shot the Single Leg Standing Meditation Set from Cheng T'ing Hwa Bagua Zhang. I've started to do that regularly and find myself needing to adjust some of the postures to accommodate age and injury.
I find it's better to adjust as we age, rather than letting things that go!
To adjust what we do according to out age and injuries is the natural way....The way of the Tao!!
The Standing Meditation went so well I decided to do a round of The 21 on the Bosu Ball. It went well. I found the most challenging part the new side bends from Master Choi and the turning side to side at the hips/waist and head. I also did a single leg balancing session on the low balance board. Also very productive practice that added Zhong Ding to the rest of my practices this morning. All in all a great way to start the Warm Ups.
"If those who learn T'ai Chi Ch'uan do not know what Mencius (孟子) meant by "Seek the released mind," they will find that their cultivation of ch'i is meaningless and simply tiresome. The Classics say that the mind and the ch'i stay together in the tan t'ien. This is the "seeking of the released mind" to arrive at the perfect place of cultivation without harm. Do not force it and do not forget it. Let the Great Ch'i be naturally cultivated. When people practice in this manner, then they can establish their merit, their virtue, and their words. Do not worry about other matters. The way is simple and easy. Do not waste time...You can cultivate the ch'i while walking, sitting, standing, lying down, speaking, laughing, drinking or eating. You can cultivate the ch'i at every opportunity, inseparable from daily life."
- Professor Cheng Man Ch'ing (鄭曼青), Cheng Tzu's Thirteen Chapters on T'ai Chi Ch'uan
We started with a discussion on Hun/Haah Sounds using short and long Haah Sounds, and Hui/Yin Breathing with Abdominal Breathing and Reverse Breathing using #7 Exercise and then a round of The 21 using long Haah Sounds. I introduced Sifu Rays new additions and timing ideas from Master Choi.
We then flushed out the #1 Change of the 8 Palms Set from Yin Fu Bagua Zhang. Focusing on the intro and then reviewing through the #1 Chang a number of times, vocalizing the names of the postures throughout:
- Lean on the horse, to inquire the way
- Hide the flowers beneath the leaves
- The wild goose leaves the flock
- Mount the horse and draw the bow
- Close the door and push the moon
We then moved on to Tai-Chi 13 Spear Set. First basics and Bagua Guard Walking w/ Spear, then section #1 - Blocking, then section #2 - Coiling and finally section #3 - Disarming.
Then some coiling basics and some discussion around the size of the circles and block, the point being only block you and attempt to set a good position (close) to make a counter attack successful.
We started to run out of time. We did a short session on the Ice Pick Knife Drill (give and take). Again the idea of coiling came up with the same old strengths and weakness'.
At this point we were out of time. Good session. Really great to be able to flush out the Tai-Chi 13 Spear Set. It's very different with a partner.....Very!
*I had 1/2 bottle of Griots Best of Show Wax explode over the instrument panel on my BMW motorcycle. Ugh!! Ya just can't make this crap up!!
"It take 4 hands to acquire internal skills"
Partner work is a must!!
I started with a full Warm Up and a Standing Meditation session using the Bosu Ball. I was more successful at the single leg standing on the Bosu Ball this morning. I've been doing the #1 Posture from the Single Leg Standing Meditation Set from Cheng T'ing Hwas Bagua Zhang.
Afterwards I did a Round (left side) I had my Round interrupted a few times by Echo. More than usual I lost my place by unwittingly switching to the right side. I was able to stay centered when I realize the switch and merely switched back to the left side.
After the Round I did another Standing Meditation session and a Healing Qigong.
I then did full session with Jian w/ Tassel. First going through all the basic tassel twirls culminating in the double knife flowers with Bagua Circle Walking.
I then reviewed the Tai-Chi Jian Form w/ Tassel. I'm slowly flushing out when to do what with the tassel. I actually like the non-tassel version of the Jian Form a little better than w/ tassel. But I do think it's good training for waist (yao) directing movement. It's small, but it's there. Reminds me of hola hopping from my youth!
I practiced on the deck again this morning. I used the Bosu Ball for a bunch of the 10 Exercises (when appropriate) and then double and single leg Standing Meditation. The single leg Standing on the Bosu Ball is VERY challenging. I focused on feeling the earth pushing back up into my feet; The more I Song'd (released tension) my body and mind the more I could feel the earth pushing upward. Eventually I could feel the 'energy' rising up through my structure and manifesting in my finger tips.
The 'feeling'
Originates in the hips
Is rooted in the feet
Developed in the legs
Directed by the waist (Yao)
Formed in the fingers
From the hips, to feet, to legs, to waist, to fingers All must act as one integrated whole.
I then did a Round (left side) focusing on feeling the 'counter balancing' first at the end of postures and then throughout the transitions. I also tuned into the feeling of expanding (yang) and contracting (yin) throughout the Round (using Hun/Haah Sounds)
After the round I did another Standing Meditation session and then a round of Yin/Yang Bagua Zhang Walking from the Cheng T'ing Hwa system.
I noticed that the Yin/Yang Walking Exercise uses both the inside and the outside foot to start the walk and it also alternates the foot that starts the turn into the center of the circle. By the time you complete one iteration you've balanced both side. Marvelous exercise....Bow to Master Zhang Jie for teaching it to me all those years ago. (late 1980's)
Bagua Zhang Yin/Yang Walking is a treasure that I'll continue to practice until I can no longer physically do it. In the meantime I'll enjoy the heck out of doing it. If you've learned this practice from myself or anyone else please take a moment to try and resurrect it. If you have been doing it all along....Simply Enjoy!!
Hey please drop me a line if you're looking at this. Let me know what you're interested in. Thanks!
This morning I started with watching the video that Jeff sent of the Spear seminar with Sifu Ray. I focused on the 2nd section (coiling). After watching it a few times I went out to the deck to see if I could re-create it. I had better luck than yesterday. Knowing the targets and direction of the circles (coiling) in relationship to which side is forward. Note: Sifu Ray started with left foot forward bow stance and his circles were clockwise (making the receivers circles counterclockwise.)
Echo didn't seem to care for the rattle of my Spear! I may have to switch back to my silent Wushu Spear?
After a short Spear session I moved on to Knife Flowers with a Jian and Tassle. I started working on this earlier this week. This is the first session where I feel that I'm making progress; Especially the right side is feeling more comfortable. I could really feel the work out on my hands and fingers.
I used the Bosu Ball for some of my Warm Ups and then for Standing Meditation. During the Standing I used mind intent to imagine that I was standing on a mirror, feeling the 'push-up' from the earth as I release (Song) downward.
I then did a Round (left side). I focused on the tip of my tongue on the soft palate and feeling the end of the Du Channel (tip of tongue) and the beginning of the Conception Vessel (soft palate). I noticed that this tongue position produced much more saliva and even more when I introduced a slight smile to the corners of my mouth.
I finished with Standing Meditation and Centering of my Breath.
I hope that you're enjoying your practice or exercise today. Please drop me a short note to let me know if you're looking at my blog. Thanks!
My assistant Echo's really good at standing still....and attentive too, although he could relax more. Especially when he see's or smells the local deer herd!
I practiced on the deck again this morning. I started with a full Warm Up using the Bosu Ball when appropriate and Hun/Haah Breathing too. I moved on to do a Round (right side).
I mostly focused on feeling my Chi and Yi coming into my center (Hun sound) and then extending out to my extremities (Haah sound).
I also focused on adjusting my rear hand position during the kick sequence to have better balance.
Towards the end I focused on Mind, No Mind - Letting my trained unconscious mind do the Round.
After the Round I did a Standing Meditation session. Focusing on Heavenly Circulation and Hun/Yin Breathing.
Afterwards I did a Spear session after watching the Spear video seminar with Sifu Ray. I attempted to re-create the 2nd Section (coiling/sticking) but I didn't have much success. I'll need to watch the video again and have a session with a partner....Jeff?
I then did a review of the Tai-Chi Broadsword Form using Master Liang's Broadsword, afterwards I did a left side 'Push the Blade' practice, then a couple of rounds of the Pakua Knife Form that I learned from Dr. Leung Kay-Chi. I'm adjusting that form because there's a few moves like the butterfly kicks and the super low stances that I shouldn't do in my 70's (and beyond).
*Adjusting forms as we age is essential to continue to practice them.
Practicing my Spear Jab to a target
Tea with Master Paul....Looking towards Deer Mountain.