Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:14. The high tide was at 9:59. Sharon is flying into Daytona this morning to stay with Echo while we are gone to Little Cayman.

The Practice:

I started inside with reading a poem from Evidence and acoustic guitar practice.

Next I did a brief warm up inside using the first few of The 10.

Next I started my Round (left side) inside and when I got to Part III I went out to the backyard.

Today we had a schedule to pick up Sharon so I was mostly focused on getting a Round in before we got busier with showing Sharon the particulars of our home and the area in general.

Next I did Healing Qigong before getting ready to drive up to Daytona International Airport.

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:14. The high tide was at 9:15. 

The Practice:

I started inside reading a poem from Evidence and acoustic guitar practice.

Next I QW to the beach stopping to chat with Jerry on the to the beach and then to Micheline on the way back to the house.

Once I arrived at the beach I used the shade from the seawall at the condos on 22nd Ave. and did a full round of The 10+ focused on health, agility, balance and consistency.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I and II. I focused on my whole body being light, spirited and agile throughout the round. I had a profound connection to the horizon during Part The Wild Horses Maine.

Next I did SPT and Healing Qigong, cultivating profoundly during the Raise Hands and Step Up posture.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on the quality of my basic kicks and punches as well as monitoring my Stance Work.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata tuned into the changes that I'm making to this Kata. FYI - The Angle Kicks need revising IMO.

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

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 57 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:15. The high tide was at 8:32. We have someone coming between 9 and 9:30 to help with a deep cleaning of our house before our trip. Don't blink! We fly out of Orlando on Sunday for Grand Cayman. Then a puddle jumper to Little Cayman. Oh Boy!

It's warmer and very calm on the beach this morning; excellent for internal martial arts practice, especially when compared to last week's cold and windy weather. 

The Practice:

I started inside with a reading from Evidence and acoustic guitar practice.

Next I QW to the beach to practice. I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on health, mobility, agility, relaxed balance and abdominal breathing. 

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. Somewhere in Part II, I noticed that I had inadvertently seguide to the right side...Oy! The downside of having right and left sides feeling the same. It was tough to get both sides to feel the same, but apparently staying on the same side that you started on, is a project all it's own! The answer is to stay focused and aware throughout. If I space out even a little, then I may inadvertently end up on the other side. I notice this especially when I'm mentally focusing on something new, whether it is an actual technique or just a feeling that I'm trying to access.

Next I did Standing Post Training (STP) cultivating Atlantic Ocean Qi.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on snap and focus on my punches and kicks and the overall flow of the Anyo.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on resistance in all directions, breathing and connecting my Hara (Tan T'ien) to my punches and strikes.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house, to be there while Karin was doing a deep cleaning.

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 57 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:15. The high tide was at 7:47. I'm planning on driving up to visit my Mom in Jacksonville later this morning.

The Practice:

I started inside with acoustic guitar practice and a reading from Mary Oliver's book Evidence.

Next I QW to the beach and did a full round of The 10+ tuned into consistency, willpower and health. If I don't do The 10+ daily, I am the only one that loses.....These exercises are essential to longevity. I'm lucky enough to know them. I have been doing them regularly since I learned them in 1978 from Dr. Leung Kay-Chi. Bow from the waist!

Next I did a Round of Taijiquan reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I tuned into feeling a stretch and release in my fascia. Releasing down and feeling Peng Jin rise up from my feet, to my legs, directed by my waist, move up my spine and finally formed in my fingers. I also focused on The Three Bowls.

During part III Elizabeth stopped by for a chat. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito (#8), then I realized that I should have done Anyo Walo (#7) so I did a round of Anyo Walo. I focused on the quality of my basics and correct sequence. 

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on sequence and applications.

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

I had a nice visit with Mom. We played several rounds of Rubicon. 

Next I drove back to New Smyrna Beach. The traffic was terrible, mostly because of awful drivers. 

Exercise for longevity

 

Exercise for longevity

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:16. The high tide was at 7:01. It's still cool but better than last week. We'll be on Little Cayman preparing to go out for our first 'check out' dive with Reef Divers. Oh Boy!

The Practice:

I started inside with reading a poem from Evidence and acoustic guitar practice.

At 9:30 I QW to the beach and started with a full round of The 10+ focused on health, willpower and consistency. I've added Knee Ups to #6 and have gone back to the original #9 focused on thigh and hip strength and stretch. 

Next I did a Round of Taijiquan (right side) tuned into Relaxed Balance and Alignment. 

Next I did Standing Post Training (SPT) focused on cultivating nature's Qi.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim focused on applications and agility.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata tuned into the health aspect of this Kata, especially the low and deep stances for thigh and hip health and stretch to my big toes, the soles of my feet and Achilles tendon. 

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

Big Toe Mobility

 

Big Toe Mobility

Sunday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:16. The high tide was at 6:15. I'm watching Rolex 24 this morning. The  #31 had an 'incident' just after midnight and they are currently in 9th place but they are 28 laps behind the leader at 9:24 am with just 4 hours and 15 minutes to go. I had more interest when Paul was here for the race and when Eric was driving for Wheelen. We had several good years at the Rolex 24 (one year we received passes to the Sunoco Booth!). Paul and I also went a couple of times to the 12 hour Sebring Race; one time we received passes to Alan Jay's booth at Sebring. One year we got to see a rocket launch at night and witnessed a strong wind and rain storm that stopped the race until it was over. Oy!

The Practice:

I started inside with reading a poem from Evidence and acoustic guitar practice. I was also staging and packing for our upcoming trip to Little Cayman. 

I finally went out to The Backyard (I've been having a hard time starting lately) and did a round of Taiji Double Dao with my aluminum broadswords. I focused on shoulder health and flow. Very enjoyable round!

Next I did a full round of The 10+ focused on health, mobility and balance. At #6 I added 10 "Knee Ups" before the "Leg Ups". I've been adjusting #9 lately too, going back to the original #9 focused on leg strength, stretch and mobility.

Next I did a Round of Taijiquan (left side) focused on long and short term memory. 

Next I did Standing Post Training focused on cultivating Qi

Next I did a full round of Cheng Style Baguazhang's 8 Animal Set focused on proper sequence and the overall quality of my postures.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into applications and stance work

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

I finished with Healing Qigong

Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 47 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:16. The high tide was at 5:28. It's cool but sunny. I'm getting a late start this morning...Again!

The Practice:

I started out in The Backyard with a full round of The 10+ tuned into health and consistency.

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian with my wooden Jian. I recited the names of the postures throughout the form. I also focused on the tip of the sword.

Next I did Lazy D with the left side focused on empty stepping and the tip.

Next I QW to the beach and did a Round (right side) just south of Las Brisas seawall. It's warmer but the north wind is still humming so to be comfortable I used the seawall as a wind block. I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I tuning into using my spine opening and closing and on my feet. I was practicing in soft sand making it more challenging to get firm footing. I was able to increase my feeling and awareness of the soles of my feet. In the soft sand if it's not perfect the weight of my body will greatly alter the original position of my foot. It's imperative and obvious if my body weight is not perfectly centered on my balancing foot. This is especially noticeable during the kick sequences. 

Next I did SPT and Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the quality of my basics, adding focus and proper extension.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on flow, consistency and applications.

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

When I got back to the house I did a reading from Evidence.

Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 45 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:17. The low tide was at 11:10. It's another cold and grey start to the day. It's forecast to be sunny this afternoon. It's Friday so I have a standing 8-9 am video meeting with Jeff then lunch with Walker at 11:30 at The Boston's Fish House. Busy morning!

The Practice: 

I started with Jeff with a brief warm up and the first few postures of Master Choi's Baguazhang Standing Set. I discussed the coiling from the foot up and proper hip position for single leg Standing Post Training, recommending holding The Wild Goose Leaves The Flock posture to tune into the coiling that happens in the lower body and to think of the rib cage as opposed the shoulders when thinking of coiling and alignment. If the ribs move then the shoulders will follow. The movement of the shoulders is reflected and originates in the movement of the rib cage.

After the meeting with Jeff I did a Round (left side) in the living room, calibrating my mind to observe from a meditative view point. I had discussed this with Jeff so I was mainly 'practicing what I preach' and this is a training method that I've been using lately. I find calibrating the mind (frequency) is necessary to get in the correct mindset (spirit or Shen) for internal practice; Calm - Centered - Relaxed - Observing - Neutral - (Without Expectation). 

IMPORTANT NOTE: When you see, feel or otherwise realize that you've made an error, the goal is to not react negatively, rather use it as an opportunity to train Indomitable Spirit and how you react when something is not quite right. 

Imagine how special you are!

 Just imagine how special you are!

Thursday Practice

 The Details:

It's 50 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:17. The low tide was at 10:17. It's another grey and windy day. I'll be going out to the beach to practice a little later this morning.

The Practice:

I started inside with reading a poem from Evidence and acoustic guitar practice.

At 10 I QW to the beach to practice. I started on the south side of the 22nd Ave Walkover but soon realized it was going to be too cold and windy to continue. So I walked up to 21st Ave and snuggled to the seawall on the south side of Las Brisas, like I did yesterday. It was still chilly but I was sufficiently out of the north wind to make practice doable. 

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and health. I was practicing in soft sand so I was especially focused on my feet and ankles, attempting to carefully place my feet so that I could achieve relaxed balance throughout the practice session.

Next I did a Round (right side) with a similar mental focus to the warm up. I recited the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I tuned into opening and closing my spine, relaxed balance and abdominal breathing. 

Next I did Standing Post Training (SPT) tuned into my posture, releasing (Song) and TLB (Taoist Longevity Breathing) and connecting to the horizon to cultivate nature's Qi. I worked on Wild Goose Leaves The Flock posture from Yin Baguazhang.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into applications and sequences.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on Stance work and the specific techniques that are unique to this Kata.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I returned to the house. It was brutal weather on the beach....Again! Oy!!

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details: 

It's 49 at the house. (-10 in Leyden!). The sunrise was at 7:17. The low tide was at 9:21. We had high winds yesterday that blew over our arbor and sun umbrella. It's cold, super windy and grey outside so I'll be waiting a little to go down to the beach to practice. 

The Practice:

I started inside with reading a poem from Evidence and acoustic guitar practice.

Around 9:00 I QW to the beach. I went down the 22nd Ave Walkover but found it too windy and cold even on the south side of the Walkover. So walked Hill Street North to 21st Ave and practiced on the south side of the seawall in front of Las Brisas.

I started with a brief warm up using the first few of The 10 focused on health and consistency.

Next I did a Round (right side) once again I found myself on the 'other' side, but easily and without emotion I simply transitioned back to the right side. It's amazing to me that both sides actually feel the same. I'm having to use outside cues to determine which side I'm on and I'm finding it more and more challenging to start and stop on the 'side of the day'. I alternate sides day by day, or at least that's my intention.

Next I did SPT and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa focused on flow, balance (soft sand) and applications.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into health and the correct techniques and sequence.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I was walking back to the house.

It's been as cold, wet and windy that I've ever seen here in NSB! Oy!!

Tuesday Practice

 The Details;

It's 57 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:18. The low tide was at 8:25. Packing and preparing for our upcoming dive/photo trip to Little Cayman.

The Practice:

I started inside with a reading from Evidence.

Next I QW to the beach. 

After shooting the sunrise I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and overall health and mobility. I adjusted #6 and when I got to #9 I did a few rounds of Snake and Hawk Palm from Yin Fu 8 Palms Set (#3).

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

 Note: I seem to be extra challenged to stay on the side that I started on. I find it's good for short and long term memory. I've got it so that both sides feel exactly the same, so now it's even more challenging to switch sides day after day. Oy!

Next I did SPT and Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa tuned into quality basics and light body during the progressive step sequence.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata focused on the changes I'm making to the Kata.

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

Monday Practice

 

                                                     Cactus flowers blooming in the backyard.

The Details:

It's 44 at the house. It's forecast to only reach 50 this afternoon. Brrr! The sunrise was at 7:18. The low tide was at 7:32. It's cold so I'm going to let it warm up a bit before I go outside to practice. 

The Practice:

I started inside with reading a poem from Evidence and acoustic guitar practice.

I did a full round of The 10+ inside focused on health.

Next I went out to The Backyard and did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I.

I tuned into the feeling of all the principles happening simultaneously. 

I finished with SPT and Healing Qigong.

Sunday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:18. The low tide was at 6:39. It's warmer this morning but there's a cold front coming in this afternoon. It's forecast to only reach 50 tomorrow. There was a foot race on A1A this morning.

The Practice:

I QW to the beach to practice around 9 this morning. There were a lot of tourists on the beach. 

I started with an abbreviated version of The 10 (1-5) focused on health and consistency. I stopped at #6 because there were just too many folks walking by and I felt uncomfortable.

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on consistency, health and a profound connection to nature's Qi.

Next I did a brief SPT and Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on full extension of my punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata tuned into abdominal breathing connected to my punches as well as increasing my awareness of internally aligning my diaphragm with my pelvic floor.

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

Saturday Practice

 

A feature in the backyard; I've lit up with solar lights that I received from Travis and kids for Christmas. Love 'em!!

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:18. The low tide was at 5:47. It's drizzling and grey this morning.

The Practice:

I worked on u/w photo gear and preparing the garage for moving in my drum kit, guitar amps and various music studio gear as well as pumping up the tires in the beach bikes. Busy morning!!

I went out to the backyard to practice around 11;30 or so. 

I started with a modified version (less reps overall) of The 10+ tuned into Willpower and health.

Next I did a Round (left side) at some point in Part III I realized I had switched to the right side and while doing 'Jade Maiden' I switched back. 

Note: Now that the right and left sides of the Solo Form feel exactly the same. It's even more challenging to start and stop on either side without inadvertently switching sides. Maintaining awareness of which side I started on, and which side I did yesterday is excellent mental work to maintain cognition and short and long term memory. Excellent stuff!!

Next I did a brief Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on the sequence and kicks.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on hand positions and kicks.

I finished with SPT and Healing Qigong. Lunch from Izzy's today!

"The Way of the Warrior: Tai Chi, the Soft Way"

Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:19. The low tide was at 5:36. I've got a 8-9 video meeting with Jeff. I'll be practicing after the meeting.

The Practice:

I went out to the Backyard to practice after my meeting with Jeff. We started to work on Master Choi's Baguazhang Standing Set. We got up to 'The Wild Goose Leaves The Flock' before running out of time.

I started inside with reading a poem from Evidence.

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian with my wooden Jian (photo above) focused on the tip of the sword with my eyes and relaxed balancing throughout the form. Relaxed balancing is easier on the patio bricks. Yay!

Next I did a full round of The 10+ focused on health, willpower and consistency.

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on health and relaxed balance while empty stepping, full squats and manifesting Jin in my fingers and hands.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim focused on applications.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on mobility, agility and health. There are few movements in this Kata that become more difficult to at 73! I'm making adjustments where needed but I'm also interested in 'pushing the envelope' getting lower and deeper in my stances.

I finished with Healing Qigong.

Thursday Practice

 

The solar lights in the backyard lighting up a few features. I'm fortunate to have this wonderful backyard to practice in, especially when I'm short on time and can't make it down to The Beach to practice. I love the privacy and the patio to practice on. The Patio is much easier to single leg balance on, compared to the soft sand or quicksand on the beach. With gratitude and appreciation! 

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:19. The low tide was at 4:53. I've got a haircut at 9 this morning.

The Practice:

I started inside with reading a poem from Evidence and a brief acoustic guitar practice.

I went out to the backyard around 8:15 to practice.

I started with a brief warm up using the first few of The 10 focused on health and consistency.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part II tuned into expanding and contracting, folding and unfolding the various triangles throughout my body, especially my spine and hips.

I ended with Healing Qigong before preparing to go into town for my haircut appointment at 9.

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's   at the house. The sunrise was at 7:19. The high tide was at 9:43. I'm going to drive up to Jacksonville to visit my Mom later this morning. 

The Practice:

I started inside with reading a poem from Evidence and a brief acoustic guitar practice.

I went out to the backyard to practice before driving up to Moose Haven.

I started with a brief warm up using the first few of The 10 focused on health and consistency.

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

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima focused on flow and applications.

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

I finished with SPT and Healing Qigong before getting ready to drive up to Jacksonville.

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 55 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:19. The high tide was at 8:58. I'm moving a bit slow, enjoying a relaxed morning.

The Practice:

I started inside with a reading from Evidence and a brief acoustic guitar practice.

I QW to the beach around 10 and practiced near the sea wall at Ocean Sands Beach Club where I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into health, consistency and the benefit of doing something that I don't really want to do (lazy or too comfortable?) and the benefit of forming a habit. I've learned so much from my nightly oral care routine that I rarely feel like doing. My advice is to DO, without overthinking of allowing the self-speak to procrastinate. 

After finishing The 10+ I moved further north to get the wind break afforded by the seawall and walkover at Las Brisas at 21st Ave. and did a Round (left side) tuned into observing from a third party perspective and connecting to nature.

Next I did a brief Standing Post Training tuned into cultivating Nature's Qi.

Next I moved out on the beach closer to the water line and firmer sand to do a round of Anyo Apat tuned into applications and sequence.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the quality of the techniques and health and consistency. 

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

Monday Practice

What it looked like when I got down to the beach around 10 ish. I did notice a lot of color (reds/pinks/purples) around 7:10 this morning, just before sunrise. I was moving too slow to make it down to photograph it.

The Details:

It's 57 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:19. The high tide was at 8:10.

The Practice:

I started inside reading a poem from Evidence.

After I QW to the beach I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and willpower.

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on Function, Feeling and Forgetting (observing the principles without consciously thinking about them.) Deliberately not (over) thinking.

I finished with a SPT and Healing Qigong before returning to the house. The coffee that I drank this morning was calling me....Oy!

 

Sunday Practice

 

The Details:

It's a cool 44 at the house. It's forecast to be cooler again today. Oy! The sunrise was at 7:19. The high tide was at 7:19. I slept in this morning so I'm going to wait until it warms up a little to down to the beach to practice.

The Practice:

I started inside with a reading from Evidence.

Around 10 I QW down to the beach. I chose a shady spot on the north side of the seawall for the Ocean Sands Beach Club at the end of our street. 

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

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on maintaining a observing (meditation) state of mind. Observing from a third party state of mind. I also tuned into Longevity Breathing throughout the form. 

Next I did SPT and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on light body, applications and health.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on Relaxed Balance and consistency.

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

Note: I stopped and talked to Dave on the way to the beach and again on the way home. He was working on the palm trees in his yard.

 

Saturday Practice

 

Yet another cloudy, grey washout of a sunrise! Oy!!

The Details:

It's 59 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:19. The high tide was at 6:36. It's warmer but cloudy and grey this morning. 

The Practice:

I started inside with a reading from Mary Oliver's book of poems "Evidence"

Next I QW to the beach and did a full round of The 10+ tuned into health, consistency and willpower. 

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part II. I focused on the internal alignment of Pelvic Floor, Diaphragm and Head as well as Counterbalancing throughout the form. 

I've noticed this season that single leg balancing on the beach is more challenging; between the 'quicksand'  near the water line and the diminishing feeling on the bottoms of my feet as I age; I've read that at 80 years old it takes 75% more weight to get the same feeling from the proprioceptive cells on the bottoms of my feet. Oy!

Next I did Standing Post Training (SPT) and Healing Qigong, emptying myself of ANY expectations. 

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

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into the timing of stance and strike using quality kicks and punches.

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

Friday Practice

 The Details:

It's 44 at the house. Brrr! Another cold morning. I'll be dressing appropriately for the beach. The sunrise was at 7:19. The high tide was at 5:31. It's Friday so I have an 8-9 am video meeting with Jeff. 

The Practice:

I started with a brief warm up using the first few of The 10.

Next I did a Round (right side) after I started I realized that i should be doing the left side, but I decided to stay on the right side. I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I and tuned into maintaining relaxed balance and contemplating the Three Bowls for internal alignment and the Three external alignments of: Hand/Foot, Elbow/Knee, Shoulders/Hips.

I ran out of time so I did a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house for my meeting with Jeff.

Willpower - Anterior midcingulate cortex

 

Willpower

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 41 at the house. The coldest morning yet this season. Oy! The sunrise was at 7:19. The high tide was at 4:34. I'm not rushing out to the beach this morning. I haven't decided where or when I'll practice this morning. It was a little too cold to practice on the beach yesterday,

The Practice:

I went out to the backyard once it warmed up a bit. Oy!

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and employing a fair amount of Willpower to get going. I was truly trying to 'warm up' Oy! I did a full round of Yin Fu 8 Palms when I got to #9.

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Broadsword focused on shoulder health and agility.

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on "No Mind" just feeling Song (Released and Relaxed) everywhere as well as expanding and contracting throughout the Round. I had one instance where I somehow slipped into the left side. Once I recognized the error I easily went back to the right side. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on light body during the Progressive Step and snap and focus on the punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata tuned in to the changes that I'm making to that form. The changes are coming along nicely.

I ended with Healing Qigong 

Longevity Breathing

 Longevity Breathing

Wednesday Practice

 

                          Just after sunrise this morning Wednesday January 8, 2024

The Details:

It's 44 at the house. Brrr! The sunrise was at 7:19. The low tide was at 10:01. It's cold and I'm waiting for it to warm up a little before I go down to the beach to practice. I've got an 11 am online guitar lesson.

The Practice:

It was cold this morning with a stiff N wind...Brrrr!

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on 'warming up'. I felt a little stiff from the cold and resistance training on Monday. I was gentle with my 72 year old self, working on accepting my current age and physical condition. The 10+ helped but still.....

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics at the start. I tuned in to:

 "Whole Body Is One Unit" 

"When One Part Moves, All Parts Move, When One Part Stops, All Parts Stop."

I also tuned into consistency and a profound connection to the horizon and the Atlantic Ocean.

It was too cold to continue so I ended with Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

The best ways to change your mood

 The best way to change your mood

Kintsukuroi

  

                                                       Kintsukuroi 

Tuesday Practice

 

           It was very cold this morning, with a stiff N N/W breeze....Brrrr! Total wash out, grey sunrise.

The Details:

It's 45 at the house. Brrr! The sunrise was at 7:19. The low tide was at 8:55. There was a brisk N N/W breeze. I was dressed in layers but I still had to move up the beach towards the dunes attempting to get out of the wind. Brrrr!

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on health and consistency. I turned my back to the wind whenever possible. Stretching in the cold in your 70's is challenging. I did the best I could!

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics while doing Part I. I tuned into "In every movement my entire body is light, agile and spirited." I also tuned into the internal alignment of 'The Three Bowls' and the external alignments of Hand-Foot, Elbow-Knee, Shoulder-Hip.

Next I did a brief Standing Post Training (SPT)

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into 'warming up' with faster and more external basics in an attempt to keep my fingers from freezing! It sort of worked!

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on breathing and connecting my Tan T'ien (Hara) with my punches and hand techniques. I also tuned in to having strength in all directions with all my hand techniques.

I finished with Healing Qigong while walking back to the house.

Note: It's the coldest morning yet, forecast to be even colder tomorrow! Oy!!

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 55 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:19. The low tide was 7:51. It's warmer this morning. Yay!

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on overall health and consistency. I've been feeling a bit tight and stiff lately. I did loosen up as I did The 10+. 

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I & II tuned into being in the moment and observing with a meditative mindset. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito tuned into the correct sequence; #7 Anyo is Pito and #7 Kata is Sunsu. I've been confusing the sequence lately. But I think I'm on track now.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on a smooth flow of postures. The end of this Kata is really coming along. 

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

Lymph

Lymph

 

Sunday Practice

 

                                      Sunrise Sunday 1.5.25 shot with my phone camera

The Details:

It's a chilly 47 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:19. The low tide was at 6:48.

The Practice:

I've decided to stop bringing a designated camera and tripod to the beach but to use my phone camera to shoot one or two photos of the sunrise as soon as I get down there. I felt pulled between my practice and photography. Each task takes full attention. Initially I used photography as a technique to get me down to the beach on time for sunrise so that I could practice during sunrise. I did that for the last two seasons in NSB. I do not practice at sunrise in Leyden. At this point I don't feel as though I need that technique to get me down to the beach on time. It's actually better (for me) to just go down at sunrise to practice without the distraction of photography.  I feel that I got a little too deep into the habit of posting sunrise photos to social media. I've decided to just take a simple photo of the sunrise to post to this blog as part of my practice.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into health, mobility and agility. 

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I tuned into a relaxed balance while standing on one leg. The quicksand close to the water line makes single leg balancing a challenge.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito tuned into the sequence of postures.

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

Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 49 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:19. The low tide was at 5:46. It's cold out and I'm going to wait a little bit to go down to the beach to practice. Brrr!

The Practice:

I started inside with a reading from Mary Oliver's book Evidence.

Next I QW to The Beach just after sunrise.

After shooting the sunrise I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and health.

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on connecting to nature, The Atlantic Ocean, the sea birds, the sky, the wind and the waves. I've cultivated an extraordinary appreciation of nature. I can see the beauty of nature everywhere I look. I am part of what I'm observing; inside of me is a little universe. My goal is to obscure and diffuse the separation between myself, nature and the universe.

Next I did Standing Post Training (SPT) and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the flow and applications.

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

Grand Master Xiong Yang He (1889-1981), performed Classic Taijiquan, video taken around 1960's.

Grand Master Xiong Yang He - Taijiquan

Friday Practice

 

                                                               Sunrise 1.3.2025

The Details:

It's a chilly 49 at the house. With a slight N N/W breeze it was mighty chilly on the Beach. I've got a 8-9 video call with Jeff and after that we are traveling up I95 to Jacksonville to visit with Mom. We brought Echo and he fussed and whined all the there and all the way back. Oy!

The Practice:

I QW to The Beach just before sunrise. Once I arrived I snapped a few photos with my phone camera.

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

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into relaxed balance (Zhong Ding) and The Three Bowls along with the proper placement of my rib cage.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim tuned into health and full extension and balance while kicking.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata. I realize I did Wansu Kata yesterday but since I did the Modern Arnis Anyo out of sequence I decided that in and effort to keep organized I'll repeact Wansu today so that I can move forward to Anyo Lima and Chinto Kata tomorrow. 

I ended with SPT and Healing Qigong before returning to the house for my 8:00 a=

Thursday Practice

 

                                                             Sunrise January 2, 2025

The Details:

It's 51 at the house. Brrrr! The sunrise was at 7:18. The low tide was at 3:56.

The Practice:

I QW to The Beach just before sunrise. After snapping a few photos of the sunrise with my phone camera I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on overall health, connecting to the horizon and breathing. 

Note:

I saw John The Surfer for the first time this season. He's one of the first regular early morning beach walkers that I've seen to chat with this season.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I tuned into the horizon and Relaxed Balance.

Next I did SPT and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima (I now realized that it should have been Anyo Apat) tuned into applications and mobility.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on health and mobility. 

I did Healing Qigong as I QW back to the house.

The Oldest KATA in KARATE History (セーサン)

Master Sam Chin - DAOI Talks -

Wednesday New Years Day Practice - Day 8, 586 - Happy New Year!

 

        Just before sunrise the beach walkers disturbed this flock of seagulls. They took off flying north.......

The Details:

It's in the high 50's at the house. I just checked and it's 63 at 10:20. The sunrise was at 7:18. The high tide was at 9:38. 

The Practice:

My entire focus lately is using willpower to continue being consistent with my daily practice. 

For reasons I don't entirely understand it's simultaneously easier to practice on the beach during sunrise even though it's challenging to get up on time and dressed appropriately for the beach. 

It's really great to practice at sunrise on the beach, totally worth the extra effort. I'm hoping I can muster the willpower to continue making it to sunrise. 

I made the extra effort to get out to the beach for sunrise this morning. Just before sunrise I QW to the beach with a camera and tripod. 

After shooting the sunrise I started to practice; I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into consistency and overall health.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into mobility, agility and feeling Jin moving down and up my body through the JinLu and the 9 Zig Zag Path. I practiced in soft sand and felt the challenge to my single leg balancing. 

Next I did SPT and Healing Qigong

Next I did a round on Anyo Tatlo tuned into the applications and mobility in this form.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on deep stances, consistency and mobility.

Yesterday at dusk, I QW up to the beached sailboat. I did mobility stretching at the 1/2 point and then again on the 21st Ave Walkover. I also did a round of The 21 Qigong on the beach. 

Tatsuo Shimabuku "Isshin-Ryu Karate Seiunchin Kata"