Sunday Practice - Easter 2024 -

 

                            I shot this with my phone camera soon as I arrived on the beach.

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:15, low tide at 8:22. I couldn't feel any breeze and I didn't notice any noseeums until I got back to the house.

There were a lot of tourists on the beach for Easter Sunrise.

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+ on the beach at the 22nd Ave walkover. 

When I saw Bill R. yesterday he said he was going to try and make it to the beach for sunrise on Easter. I kept my eye out for him on the 17th Ave walkover. I spotted him soon after finishing The 10+, so I walked up to 17th Ave to chat. After he left I resumed my practice near the 20th Ave walkover, where I did a Round (right side). Bill (the beach walker), is one of the regular walkers. He stopped by to ask why I moved from my regular practice spot at 22nd Ave. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo and Sanchin Kata I continue to refine and adjust Sanchin, I added more snap to Anyo Walo's punches, kicks and strikes.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao with my wooden broadsword. Tuned into the timing of stance and sword.

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

Saturday Practice

 The Details:

It's 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:16, low tide at 7:30. It was warm with very little wind. I was overdressed. I took my jacket off 1/2 way through my Round.

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+  tuned in 

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned in

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito and Sunsu Kata tuned into agility.

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian with my wooden broadsword.

I finished with a Healing Qigong before returning to the house

Friday Practice

 I wished I had brought my camera and tripod (rig) but alas I shot this with my phone camera just as the sun was rising over the horizon. It was one of those clear and cold mornings. Very crisp it was!

The Details:

It's 61 here at the house. Sunrise was at 7:17, low tide at 6:40. There was a slight breeze from the S S/E and plenty of beach to practice on.

The Practice:

It's so much easier to balance my photography and internal martial arts practices when I just have my phone in my pocket. Although this morning I wish I had my rig. There's been a lot of dudes (washouts) this season. If I can see that the sunrise is going to be colorful, I'll be bringing my rig. 

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into opening and transforming my body and mind. 

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into the slow transformation and changes that Taiji is having on me. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim and Kusanku Kata tuned into the health aspect of practicing these forms. Kusanku is excellent for agility and stretching out the hip flexors. 

Next I did a round of Taiji Cane with a Broadsword. I changed the beginning and ending ala Sifu Haywards latest video. I tuned into the angle of the blade. I always do that when I use a cane, so I barely notice a difference and I find I can do it with very little effort.

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

I have a standing video meeting with Jeff on Friday mornings 8-9 

Thursday Practice

           I shot this with my phone as soon as I arrived on the beach. It was another washout of sunrise.
 

The Details:

It's 70 here at the house. Sunrise at 7:18, last low tide at 5:54. A barely discernible wind, not enough to keep the noseeums away. I was happy that I had long sleeves and sweatpants on. They still buzzed around my face, neck and hands.

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into the consistency of practice and the awesome environment all around me and of course the horizon.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into Mind No Mind, simply experiencing and not overthinking.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima and Chinto Kata. I did another round of Wansu Kata, I wasn't certain that I did that yesterday afternoon. I think I did but still, just in case. I simply tuned into the quality of my postures.

Next I did a round of Arnis Cane Anyo's 1-4 first on the right side then all four on the left. My right thumb injury is healed enough to start working my weapons forms with the right hand again. 

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

Wednesday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera just after I arrived on the beach. 

The Details:

It's 69 here at the house. The sunrise at 7:19, last low tide at 5:12. There was a steady, pleasant breeze from the south that kept the noseeums away. Yay!

The Practice:

I started with a modified warm up with The 10+

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into the horizon

I had a 8:15 appointment for Big Bertha at Stuarts

I left the beach with a Healing Qigong to head back to the house.

After getting back from Stuarts I resumed my practice in the backyard.

I did a round of Taiji Jian reciting the names of the postures throughout. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat and Wansu Kata - It felt different to practice on the patio. 

Tuesday Practice

 

I tried to practice in the backyard but it was very still and the noseeums were the worst I've ever seen. So I went out to the beach, albeit a little late. 

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:21, next high tide at 10:26. It was still at the house but a soft south wind on the beach. There was very little beach to practice on and I almost got caught by the dominant wave set a few times. 

The Practice:

I started with a modified round of The 10+ tuned into consistency. 

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into connecting with natures energies focusing on the horizon. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo and Seiunchin Kata tuned into the quality of my basics.

Next I did  around of Taiji Dao with my wooden katana tuned into the timing of the stance work.

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

Monday Practice - Wayne and Bobby arrive at noon

I shot this photo with my phone camera shortly after arriving on the beach. Initially it was a a washout with a very heavy cloud bank on the horizon. I've been choosing not to take my 'real' camera and tripod to the beach for sunrise photography; There have been so many 'washouts' over the past few months and the wind has blown over my camera and tripod a few times (I really don't care for that!). Taking a camera rig is also a lot more involved both at the house and coming and going on the beach. But it's the wind that really gives me pause. I really don't like having the wind knock my tripod and camera over....Ugh! 

                                              I shot this when I first arrived on the beach.
 

The Details:

It's 66 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:23, the next high tide is 9:51. I played push-hands (tag) with the Atlantic. I kept my sneakers dry! 

There was very little beach to practice on and only very soft and deep sand. Challenging!!

The Practice:

I ended up practicing up by the sea wall at the Ocean Beach Club at the 22nd Ave walkover.

I had to move further up the beach on a couple of occasions when the dominant wave set threatened to get my sneakers wet. I was playing tag (push-hands) with the Atlantic. That's fun for me! 

I practiced in very soft and deep sand. Challenging for balance!

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into adjusting my frequency/vibration to match mother nature. I kept my gaze on the horizon.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into being aware of my mental state and adjusting my frequency/vibration to be one with mother nature. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa and Seisan Kata tuned into stance work, agility and relaxed balance with fully extended kicks and punches. 

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

We have a trip to the Orlando Airport at noon to pick up Wayne and Bobby. They will be here until next Monday. I will be adjusting my practices and writings accordingly. 

Sunday Practice

 

It was super windy coming out of the N N/E. The ocean was angry. 

The Details:

It's 65 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:23, high tide at 9:14. Steady wind out of the north with the tide still rising. There was very little beach to practice on. I ended up snuggled up to the south side of the walkover at 21st Ave.

The Practice:

When I got down to the beach the north wind was so strong that I walked up to Las Brisas to get some wind block from the sea wall and walkover. 

There was very little beach to practice on and the tide was still rising. I practiced in very loose sand, not my favorite but I made due. I also used the 4 square feet method with a lot of change steps.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned in to my surroundings.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned in to being soft (relaxed) and smooth, feeling the effects on my nervous system and state of mind.

I had to use the bathroom, so I ended the beach session with a Healing Qigong before returning to the house. 

After using the bathroom, I resumed my routine in the backyard, where I started with a round of Anyo Isa and Naihanchi Kata tuned in to being consistent and agility. 

I finished with a round of Taiji Double Dao using my aluminum double broadswords that are light weight so they didn't irritate my right thumb injury. I'm still dealing with that. 

                                    A storm cloud just of shore on my late afternoon beach walk.

3rd Palm Change from Yin Fu Ba Gua Zhang with Sifu Ray Hayward

Double Palm Change applications with Sifu Ray Hayward

Double Palm Change from Yin Fu Ba Gua Zhang with Sifu Ray Hayward

Single Palm Change from Yin Fu Ba Gua Zhang - Sifu Ray Hayward

Saturday Practice

 

I shot this image with my phone camera soon after I got down to the beach. Initially there was a heavy cloud bank on the horizon, slowly the sun outlined the cloud bank.

The Details:

It's 66 here at the house. The sunrise was at 7:24, high tide at 8:35.

The Practice:

There was zero wind on the beach and the tide was high and still coming up. I had to retreat up the beach several times to keep my sneakers dry. The noseeums were a problem. It was warm and eventually I took my rain jacket off, but kept my long sleeve top on so I wouldn't be eaten alive!

I practiced way up the beach against the sea wall at Coastal Condo's in very loose sand. The footing was challenging. I'm so used to practicing in sand I've developed some unconscious ways to keep my feet, ankles, knees and hips/lower back safe as I attempt to remain in a state of relaxed balance throughout the session.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned in to where I was and what I was doing without being distracted.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned in to the principles and quality basics.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito and Sanchin Kata tuned in to the quality of the basics.

Next I did a round of the 4 Arnis Cane Anyo with my left hand. #4 proved to be challenging as I ended up facing away from the sea. I then did #4 with my right hand to solidify and review the directions of the postures and stance work.

I injured my right thumb earlier this week working on the triplet in White Rabbit using the index, middle and ring finger with my thumb on the neck pickup. I was using way too much tension in and odd position while I was practicing the three finger method for the first time and created a problem with my right thumb. It's been pretty uncomfortable. The injury has reminded me of just how much I use my thumbs in daily life and especially when I play drums, bass and guitar and when I type! Oy!!

I finished with a Healing Qigong while I was returning to the house.

Friday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone as soon as I got down to the beach. It's raining and cloudy a total wash out of a sunrise. There wasn't another soul on the beach. That part was wonderful! I was going to give myself the morning off, but since it wasn't thundering or lightning I felt that I could still got down and at least get a Round of Taiji in.

The Details:

It's 67 at the house. The sunrise was at 7:25, high tide at 7:54. It's raining medium hard, but no thunder and lightning.

The Practice:

I started with a modified round of The 10+. A few I only did one repetition and some I only did half of my normal reps. 

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned in to consistency of practice. Internal practices slowly accumulate skill and qi, if you're consistent. 

Doing - Not Doing

That's all there is.....

                    I had my rain gear on this morning. With my hood up, it kept me warm and toasty!

I finished with a Healing Qigong before returning to the house. 

I have a standing video meeting with Jeff 8-9 on Fridays.