tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54207697425020966972024-03-05T16:12:11.684-05:00 Yin Side Notes...Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-22031723956422893522021-01-01T17:50:00.000-05:002021-01-01T17:50:30.219-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 42<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiRi52qWvzlQA28AgpepuEbQlzeDvdk_mAD1u8-1q-klCSwGb24XZvgRPMR9bqaURC64xJqdI_nCj3FhNcUil7aNXemfRM1V0tCYonFYONC6v-eyPuhuvZrsF5-fhWYxMasjXDcCjK6w/s2381/98D00530-62CB-4CA4-8B6B-F6CA4F4BA345_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2381" data-original-width="1023" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiRi52qWvzlQA28AgpepuEbQlzeDvdk_mAD1u8-1q-klCSwGb24XZvgRPMR9bqaURC64xJqdI_nCj3FhNcUil7aNXemfRM1V0tCYonFYONC6v-eyPuhuvZrsF5-fhWYxMasjXDcCjK6w/w300-h640/98D00530-62CB-4CA4-8B6B-F6CA4F4BA345_1_201_a.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Happy </span><span style="color: #04ff00;">New</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: #741b47;">Year</span><span style="color: red;">! </span></b></i></span><p></p><p>This may sound odd to say, but I'm grateful for the past four years. Not happy, grateful. </p><p>Admittedly, the "emperor" is a genius at sucking the air out of any room and sloppily grafting himself onto one's mental and emotional space (icky enough to want to psychically shower every day). The economic construct we live in made it easy for him to manipulate the media for his benefit and our detriment. Bad news especially sells!</p><p>He had years of practice in New York amidst its false glamour as well as guidance and support by nefarious surrogates, at home and internationally, prior to overreaching for the throne. And during these past four years, there were ample numbers of congressional 'Renfields' (men AND women) complicit in maintaining the illusion, satisfied to feast on their token insect and rat blood meals of misplaced loyalty. </p><p>However, the heat of Truth has sufficiently begun melting his pan-cake coverage of alternate facts. Ultimately, the pendulum must swing in the opposite direction from any extreme trajectory. That's not fake news. And although his shenanigans continue and their reverberations will persist long after he's gone, someday he'll be buried in some cemetery that no one visits and his name will no longer be a licensing instrument, but rather just a research footnote about failed narcissistic bullies.</p><p>I'm grateful that he and his ilk have laid completely bare the blatant and wretched pathology of the heart and Spirit that is endemic to the past and current history of America. It is not only the "emperor" that has no clothes, America stands stark naked, too, reconstruction scars and careless implants plainly visible. More importantly, the more I sit in quiet meditation, the more clear it becomes that these inequities have their root in spiritual vacuity, not in personality. </p><p>So, I continue to sit each morning and I appreciate that you are sitting, too. Day 42 with 58 remaining in this 100-Dat Practice!</p><p>Blessings,</p><p><b><i>"To be great, get it done!,</i></b></p><p><br /></p>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-4475265511794062672020-12-20T18:00:00.003-05:002020-12-20T18:01:12.931-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 30<p> It's been sixteen days since my previous post and we're now thirty days into our daily practice of sitting and moving. It is said that it takes about twenty-eight days to establish a new habit. Hopefully, you're now feeling more enthused to exercise your daily sitting devotion and much less reluctant to stop. </p><p>At about 5:00am EST tomorrow morning, the winter solstice will occur and the winter season officially begins! The naturally contractive energies of this season are ideal for sitting meditation and to explore your inner Self. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuohwfV4W9QMLaxATpr7pwfJ070FcofUKl5_IzY2bDVxU_rblOSl65iH3gy6Rxh5bX7o3wia4weAvLZ5Bp7uOWsn9S6WUhO2XXyrmpZ8QUdp254XHpJpwlgDznoiW-TeZtPuvc6pQSDo/s2048/94BFE8E7-9EC8-455D-AB20-09C77A041A21.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuohwfV4W9QMLaxATpr7pwfJ070FcofUKl5_IzY2bDVxU_rblOSl65iH3gy6Rxh5bX7o3wia4weAvLZ5Bp7uOWsn9S6WUhO2XXyrmpZ8QUdp254XHpJpwlgDznoiW-TeZtPuvc6pQSDo/w400-h266/94BFE8E7-9EC8-455D-AB20-09C77A041A21.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Part of the process now is to settle in becoming the observer of the experience without expectation, judgment. Just continued faith each of the remaining seventy days in this 100-Day Practice!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>To be great, get it done! </b></i></div><p></p>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-21646421341360878942020-12-04T13:30:00.003-05:002020-12-04T13:30:32.271-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 14<p><b>Day 14</b><br /><br /></p><p>If you find yourself doubting the benefits of sitting every day at 5:00am or perhaps you're rationalizing that missing just one day won't make any real difference over the span of 100, welcome to the oh so typical "commitment remorse" period. This quite common sense of doubt and regret about your resolution to create a new and beneficial habit is really an opportunity in disguise. </p><p>It's been my personal and vicarious experience that sometime between the 14th and 21st days of a new endeavor a rebellious toddler energy is evoked that disdains change. This "toddler" energy is comfortable with things as they are and fights tooth and nail to maintain the status quo. This is the opportunity for the burgeoning adult spirit within us to step in. The evolving adult within us needs to gently and firmly coax the toddler to do it in spite of the seeming inanity or discomfort of it all at the moment. </p><p>Within another 7-10 days, those rebellious sentiments seem to wither and fade away and a growing sense of freedom to choose and act in our self-interest bursts forth. This is the energy we embrace and which then propels us forward to complete the task.</p><p>Sit and enjoy your process...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyt0hCe0HRWvy9Im643ezsSv65Kwu7hdAXDmtU3xPKVsybSLXFmE5uYnLS2rRR_91ctc4-CFPuNDYMn2J39fw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First chapter: Yang Family Style Taijiquan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blessings!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>"To be great, get it done!"</i></b></div><p></p>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-1959369448567582020-12-03T12:32:00.000-05:002020-12-03T12:32:36.378-05:00100-Day Practice! Days 12-13<div class="separator"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="40+ African Buddha ideas | buddha, black buddha, african" class="n3VNCb" data-iml="120119" height="150" jsaction="load:XAeZkd;" jsname="HiaYvf" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/8c/c2/fc/8cc2fcd4d951c1ea0e2314b978f26e9e--borobudur-buddha.jpg" style="height: 552px; margin: 0px auto; width: 736px;" title="Sitting meditation..." width="200" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting Meditation...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b>Days 12-13</b> </p><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Blessings!</p><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>To be great, get it done! </i></p></div>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-63865090353341840632020-12-01T12:27:00.003-05:002020-12-01T14:34:21.137-05:00100-Day Practice! Days 10 & 11<p><b> Day 10 (11/30/20)</b></p><p>This morning's session was punctuated by the sound of the rain's pitter patter on the AC in the window. My right knee was more reluctant than usual to participate in sitting. I massaged it a little longer this time and it was fine. Generally, I was more aware of my body being less comfortable than I typically am. That made for distraction from my internal focus for sometime. Eventually, I settled in...</p><p>As a courtesy, I am posting the following quote for Mr. Jamal Ashanti Bey who is participating in the 100-Day Practice!: <i>"It is better to move less than more; it is better to not move than to move less; moving while being immobile is the movement of creation."</i> <span style="text-align: right;">-<i>Master Wang Xiangzhai</i></span></p><p><span style="text-align: right;"><b>Day 11 (12/1/20)</b></span></p><p><span style="text-align: right;">The time sitting and moving seemed to pass by more quickly than usual this morning. Perhaps the recent energies of the Lunar eclipse and Beaver moon were contributing </span>factors in my experience yesterday and today? We <i>are </i>made of the stuff of celestial bodies and are a part of Nature. Though subtle, it stands to reason we are affected in some manner; especially when in a meditative state.</p><p>Blessings!</p><p><b><i>"To be great, get it done!"</i></b></p>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-21467888996849535292020-11-29T10:38:00.000-05:002020-11-29T10:38:04.817-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 9<p> <b>Day 9</b></p><p>I was feeling pretty tired last night and had doubts about waking up at 5:00am this morning to sit in meditation. I was rationalizing and negotiating with myself to feel okay with not doing the practice. What would it matter if I missed just one day out of 100; especially since I've been doing this kind of thing since 1985? And, anyway, no one would know if I did it or not. On and on my mind wandered...</p><p>It wasn't until I walked by our meditation room that my true Self emerged to take the reins and keep me on track. This is the Self that emerged over the years as a result of the investment I've made in trials and tribulations learning to be disciplined, tenacious, and diligent. It's the part of me that doesn't let me fail or fall without getting back up to continue my journey. </p><p>What I've learned is that it's okay to not <b><i>want</i> </b>to do a practice. Those feelings are rather normal when you choose to be at your best committed to a goal. What matters is whether or not you succumb to the feeling.</p><p>It's my belief that success must be earned and, therefore, that process is intrinsically challenging to help cultivate the muscles of character required to achieve one's aims. Thus, what truly matters is what you actually <b style="font-style: italic;">do</b>; especially when no one knows you're doing it and you are not going to be complimented for doing it. In the darkness of the enclosed chrysalis, a caterpillar transforms itself into a butterfly that must struggle and break through to emerge to fly!</p><p>As I walked by the meditation room, I stopped, entered the room and setup my seating space. I then got my clock and set the alarm for 5:00am. I heard it ringing way off in the distance this morning and my Self got me up out of my comfortable bed to go sit. One day closer to achieving my goal. No epiphanies this morning, no glorious revelations. However, it is a powerful link built in to the chain of constancy...</p><p>Blessings!</p><p><b><i>"To be great, get it done!"</i></b></p>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-46770913469163647252020-11-28T09:35:00.004-05:002020-11-28T09:35:31.212-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 8<p><b> Day 8</b></p><p>Wonderful morning sitting...</p><p>I spent my movement time (about 45 minutes) massaging my toes, feet, ankles, knees, groin and hips. Feel so much freer in my gait and standing...</p><p>Blessings!</p><p><b><i>"To be great, get it done!"</i></b></p>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-89793136083350034352020-11-27T14:39:00.005-05:002020-11-27T14:49:59.970-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 7<p><b><br />Day 7 </b></p><p>Here it is already--the first week of this 100-Day journey has arrived! Waking up at 5:00am each morning in order to prepare to begin sitting at 6:00am, has been rewarding; especially because I revel and thrive in the experience of discipline. Discipline is required to be successful in whatever endeavor you choose.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8sqfAwfVHL7UJjGpphVPFTQGML3fBFMdLqpUpIY3nEKmLA8qlovjm5naza8TxpODIGjJ_pGX4JrPxoViNkqOz1EozBoXfLWpge1pju7wWMJzrtyeGU1Xa8GtKFIVCT1DWF2VZ2bdJa8/s2048/IMG_2004+-+Copy+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8sqfAwfVHL7UJjGpphVPFTQGML3fBFMdLqpUpIY3nEKmLA8qlovjm5naza8TxpODIGjJ_pGX4JrPxoViNkqOz1EozBoXfLWpge1pju7wWMJzrtyeGU1Xa8GtKFIVCT1DWF2VZ2bdJa8/s320/IMG_2004+-+Copy+copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing on bricks (YMAA Retreat Center)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>There are several <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/types-of-meditation#mindfulness-meditation" target="_blank">types of meditation</a> which all seem to have a similar purpose: enhance awareness, focus attention, optimize health and well-being. and elevate spiritual pursuits. The best meditation is the one that you will do consistently. </p><p>While 100 days (now 93 days remaining) may seem daunting, consider dividing this period of time into four (4) phases:</p><p><b>PHASE 1</b>: The first 25 days (ending <u>December 15th</u>) This is a period when you may find yourself trying a variety of strategies to get comfortable with your choice of sitting and movement meditation. Be gentle with yourself if it seems challenging to settle in. Do not give up.</p><p><b>PHASE 2</b>: The second 25 days (ending <u>January 9, 2021</u>) It is said that it takes about 28 days to create a new habit. This period will help transition you from the previous period with panache. You will most likely feel rather settled with your choices of the first 25 days and can now revel in your rhythm.</p><p><b>PHASE 3</b>: The third 25 days (ending <u>February 3. 2021</u>) While you've been making observations since the first day, this period lends itself to going deeper in each day's experience. I strongly urge everyone to journal your experiences as a reference point for future self-evaluation.</p><p><b>PHASE 4</b>: The final 25 days (ending <u>February 28, 2021</u>) This last period is when you can almost be in automatic mode to just enjoy each moment of your sitting and moving meditations. You've consciously created a habit that will serve you for the remainder of your life. </p><p>Blessings</p><p><b><i>"To be great, get it done!"</i></b></p>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-79223035510912375782020-11-26T12:32:00.005-05:002020-11-26T12:32:50.717-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 6<p><b> Day 6</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">As I sit and as I move this morning, I am full of gratitude for each breath that courses through me. I am thankful for my health and well-being. I am grateful for my family, friends, teachers, students, fellow travelers. I am thankful for another day, a moment to think/do a new view, more than mere driftwood in the mainstream...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Pause</i>-</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Reflect on the historical roots of the creation of the United States of America and the prestidigitation and obfuscation served by the Thanksgiving Holiday: read about <a href="https://time.com/5911943/thanksgiving-wampanoag/" target="_blank">The First Thanksgiving</a>; the 1<a href="https://history.state.gov/milestones/1784-1800/pickney-treaty" target="_blank">795 Treaty of San Lorenzo</a> between Spain and the United States; the <a href="https://history.state.gov/milestones/1830-1860/indian-treaties" target="_blank">Indian Removal Act of 1830</a> and the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/trte/index.htm" target="_blank">Trail of Tears</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What this country experienced these past four years is not novel--just obvious and unadorned. The current president is part of this country's long legacy of <a href="https://newrepublic.com/article/158698/donald-trump-legacy-andrew-jackson" target="_blank">active indifference</a>...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Doc</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>"To be great, get it done!"</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-49686330180534540652020-11-25T22:28:00.003-05:002020-11-25T22:28:36.681-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 5<p><b> Day 5</b></p><p>Long before I began my specific trek in Qigong and Taijiquan, I was an avid long distance runner (Mile, X-country, and aspiring Marathoner). While X-country racing is scored as a team endeavor, each runner performs individually. No one except you puts one foot in front of the other up hills and across railroad tracks in frigid weather wearing a singlet. I remember one race when it actually began snowing midway through the event! You know I was't about to stop running to walk through the woods in a singlet just because I was tired or sore. </p><p>My point in sharing this is those experiences honed my awareness of the possibility to complete a task begun in spite of the obstacles. They cultivated my a ability to stay the course, literally, and not to quit until I finished. Did I ever have to change my tempo during a race? Did I ever have to make mental and emotional adjustments to keep going even when I was unfamiliar with the event's course? Did I ever run a race when I was hurt and in pain? The answer to all those questions is, "Yes, of course." Wha I learned was the beauty of never giving up and the flexibility and patience required to successfully complete a race. </p><p>These same fundamental character traits and skills are required to complete the 100-Day Practice. They are learned by going through the process </p><p>This day and the next several through the 14th day of the practice may prove challenging emotionally, mentally, and physically. Embrace that as part of the process of shedding what no longer serves you in preparation for the way you prefer to BE. There can be a built-in subconscious resistance to change despite your sincere desire to be different. If you can hold on to that awareness and allow yourself to observe rather than judge yourself or your commitment, those growing "pains" will be assuaged and you'll continue through to February 28th.</p><p>Many years ago my father shared this quotation with me, <i>"A quitter never wins, and a winner never quits!" </i></p><p>Blessings</p><p><b><i>"To be great, get it done!"</i></b></p>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-57270840576686180102020-11-24T19:14:00.005-05:002020-11-25T22:33:14.810-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 4<p><b>Day 4</b>: As is bound to occur, there are days when it is less easy or smooth to sit than most other days. This morning was such an occasion. Having been here before in my many years of training and disciplining my Self, I followed the flow and did sit. No particular revelations or epiphanies made themselves known.</p><p>But, that is not the point of mediation for me. It's not about the destination. Rather, it is always about the experience itself. Embracing the process, the moment, and allowing myself to let go without judgment or expectation. I learned a long time ago that time is going to pass regardless of what you do or do to do. Might as well act on faith and do "it." The "rewards" that come are always on time and appropriate to meet my needs at that moment or period.</p><p>So, sit even when you do not want to sit. Do it anyway:-)</p><p><br /></p><p>Blessings</p><p><b><i>"To be great, get it done!" </i></b> </p>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-6703230067709223332020-11-23T14:05:00.005-05:002020-11-23T14:05:36.980-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 3<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrKE3tuWsLlJ2cX931FynQw1-eBJtqAUdlsg1xk6Y3Xl-cWkHDaUxLkv80p5-EWI4lXQkdoRzrMMpbavv6rJrBOh6cYLVx701sbUv-9Vvz5OkxA-Hc8zJf0AebweN3_syFpbTCaxQgLk/s900/F45D7991-724A-4BC0-84AE-37F51C4E2F77.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="900" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifrKE3tuWsLlJ2cX931FynQw1-eBJtqAUdlsg1xk6Y3Xl-cWkHDaUxLkv80p5-EWI4lXQkdoRzrMMpbavv6rJrBOh6cYLVx701sbUv-9Vvz5OkxA-Hc8zJf0AebweN3_syFpbTCaxQgLk/w200-h146/F45D7991-724A-4BC0-84AE-37F51C4E2F77.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Focus and Single Mindedness</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <b>Day 3</b>--This morning, as I sat and heard the rain falling outside, I was overwhelmed with the deep satisfaction of each breath. The simplicity of just being. <div><br /><div>Synchronistically, one of the <i>100-Day Practice!</i> participants sent me a reference about the breath stated by Thich Nhat Hahn. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully, he'll contribute this and his other insights in the Comment section.<p></p><div>In preparation to teach an advanced Tai Chi For Arthritis class later in the morning, my movement meditation was focused on refining that form and configuring how best to shift the viewer angle for a Zoom screen format. That process of discovery was very helpful in refining my ongoing personal practice and teaching of this Sun Style Taijiquan. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope your day is blessed!</div><div>Doc</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>"To be great, get it done!"</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-14607127499453062722020-11-22T16:27:00.001-05:002020-11-22T18:53:40.258-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 2<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqLsPRIPIyRN0H4GGB5Ft92lMl08uzmYBkO4RUsyv7c6Y8Afj0E_r27DoJ1euXRI8bPWWTnqWPgIzedF9iVrqtPWbx3tnr0RyHZKXIARZLfeSomA1cq993S8p67g1l6IELeKEPZgQ02c/s916/6AE3E019-4CE4-4AE2-9547-3344ACF524B9_1_201_a.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="916" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqLsPRIPIyRN0H4GGB5Ft92lMl08uzmYBkO4RUsyv7c6Y8Afj0E_r27DoJ1euXRI8bPWWTnqWPgIzedF9iVrqtPWbx3tnr0RyHZKXIARZLfeSomA1cq993S8p67g1l6IELeKEPZgQ02c/w290-h228/6AE3E019-4CE4-4AE2-9547-3344ACF524B9_1_201_a.jpeg" width="290" /></a></div> <b>Day 2</b>--This was an interesting morning. The alarm was set to wake me up at 5:00am so I'd have enough time to do all the things I require to sit comfortably and then transition to moving. That was my routine for the three years of training on the mountain. <div><p></p><p>After going to bed last night, I woke up feeling like it was time to get up to start the day. However, it was only 3:30 or so. I went back to sleep expecting to hear the alarm at 5:00am. Lots of dreaming until I felt, again, that it was time to start my day. Well, this time it was 5:50am! </p><p>I hadn't heard the alarm at all. Realizing that I only had 10 minutes before I needed to sit, I got up and did all that was immediately necessary and was on the floor sitting in the meditation room at 6:01! What came up for me during sitting was immense feelings of gratitude for my mother, Rose, for choosing to give birth to me. Her daughter, who would have been my older sister, was stillborn. I celebrate my mother's courage and faith to have me in spite of the trauma she experienced with her first child.</p><p>I closed my sitting with a massage of both my feet and ankles to prepare for doing Taijiquan. I went to Morningside Park in the basketball court to practice the form and stayed there until 8:15am. Outside was windy and cold and the park was relatively empty save for several geese and the occasional passerby walking a dog. It was quiet and peaceful being amidst the trees. </p><p>By biggest challenge in doing the form was completing the 270 degree turn on the rough asphalt. The heel of my right sneaker kept getting "stuck" about 3/4 of the way through the clockwise rotation. I had to use my right arm more assertively to create enough spin without throwing my balance off. I chose to not overdo it to preserve my ability to return tomorrow to training again... All in all, it was a good and productive second day. </p><p><b><i>Question</i></b>: What is your clear intention for doing this sitting and moving meditation for the next 98 days?</p><p>Blessings, </p><p><b><i>"To be great, get it done!"</i></b></p></div>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-13529223790581489082020-11-21T19:10:00.006-05:002020-11-21T19:10:41.910-05:00100-Day Practice! Day 1<p> At about 5:45 this morning, I sent the following email invitation to my network of family, friends and students:<span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px;">Good morning!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>"Today is the first day of my <b>100-Day Practice</b> which concludes on Sunday, February 28, 2021! I will be doing a sitting meditation from 6:00am until 6:30am (1/2 hour) and then a moving meditation (Taijiquan/Qigong) from between 6:45/7:00am until 7:15/7:30am (1/2 hour) for a total of one hour. The duration of either may increase over the 100 days. I will chronicle my experiences in my Blog: <a class="" href="https://yinsidenotes.blogspot.com/">https://yinsidenotes.blogspot.com</a>. Will you join me?</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Thirty-six years ago, <span class="" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">in January 1985, I</span> started training Qigong and Taijiquan with Master Mantak Chia in Braintree, Massachusetts. Both he and all of the other teachers I’ve studied with since, emphasized the value of practicing 100 Days in succession in order to “own” and experience the nuances of any discipline. In fact, the 100 Days itself <span class=""><b class=""><u>is</u></b></span> the discipline. Once you create that foundation of diligence and tenacity, there is an inner momentum that carries you forward with all endeavors regardless of the inevitable distractions that occur in life. Your courage grows and you learn to improvise and adapt emotionally and mentally. Ultimately, this results in a quality of resilience that makes living more sweet.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>As the world we live in continues to change and evolve, we must be as prepared as possible to not only survive, but rather thrive. Daily meditation (mentally, physically, psychically, emotionally, and spiritually) is a self-referenced, internal practice that cannot be taken from you, requires no gym membership, and can be done anywhere at any time. You just have to do it! Let me now if you’ll join me on this journey.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I’m off to sit now…"</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm happy to note I received several enthusiastic responses later in the morning and in the afternoon. That's great! While each of us will exercise our individual commitment physically apart from each other, it is my intention that we begin together at the same time every day for the next 99 days. Although I have not set a specific focus of intention, I believe it suffices to acknowledge that we are behaving synergistically.The universe will take care of the remainder to create resonance and appropriate entrainment. As the days pass, I may be inspired to suggest a topic or two, but for now let's keep it simple: sit and breathe...</p><p style="text-align: left;">Choose whichever form of sitting meditation you gravitate to. In future posts, I will write about different meditation options to consider. For now, the power of this is in the <i><b>doing</b></i> of "it. The best "it" is the one you'll do when no one knows you're doing it and is void of accolades. </p><p style="text-align: left;">For the second part of the 100-Day practice, I am doing a moving meditation. I'm refining my Yang Family Style Taijiquan Long Form, but may include other interests. I have every intention of practicing outdoors every morning. And, yes, I know it is getting colder as winter approaches. That's alright. In some ways, I welcome it because of the familiarity (training every day on the mountain at Dr Yang's Retreat Center regardless of weather; running in the rain and snow when I was a x-country and long distance runner). </p><p style="text-align: left;">If you want to join me, let me know and I'll share where I'll be (near or in Central Park or Morningside Park). If you choose to join me, I won't be teaching the form. I'll just be doing the form and working out the kinks in my movements, etc. So, don't be disappointed if I don't spend time offering you corrections. Otherwise, you choose the movement meditation of your choice to do every morning for the next 99 days. It doesn't have to be Taijiquan.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I am strongly recommending that you journal your experiences (thoughts, feelings, etc.) throughout this journey. Choose a rhythm that works best for you. I plan to write daily even if it's just one or two sentences. Feel free to comment or ask questions on anything I post. I'll do my best to get back to you. It will be interesting to see how we each progress through the process. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I think it's a great idea to consider the possibility of reaching out to one another to exchange thoughts and experiences. It isn't mandatory or expected. If you're interested, let me know and I'll post your name and contact info for those who may want to share with you.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>DAY 1</b></p>Getting back into my rhythm with sitting and moving in more predictable ways to be better prepared for 2021. My knees rebelled a little and my right ankle when I sat this morning. It's been a minute since I sat every single day from 6:00am - 7:00am. The transition from being on the mountain has been longer than I anticipated; especially with having to accommodate to the COVID-19 paradigm. And, actually precisely in large measure due to COVID-19, I've been motivated to act NOW rather than later. <div><br /></div><div>It felt good emotionally to just sit and be the observer- breathing, letting go.</div><div><br /></div><div>Doing the form was not as uncomfortable as I thought it might be given my challenge with my lower back and hip. The physical therapy and the exercises I learned have really helped to strengthen my back and make me more limber. I'm stronger, just a little rusty. That will improve quickly now that I'm focused on training every morning at least. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, so far so good for the first day! Let's see what tomorrow provides. I'm also excited that several people have agreed to join me on this trek. I look forward to February 28, 2021 when we'll be celebrating our accomplishment together</div><div><br /></div><div>Blessings,</div><div>Doc</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>"To be great, get it done!"</b></i><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-37359141072924679722020-07-11T15:27:00.016-04:002020-07-11T15:36:00.987-04:00Happy Anniversary...Today is the anniversary of my Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgical procedure done seven years ago. It was and continues to be a true blessing in my life and I am forever grateful to Dr. Michael Parks, M.D., and the New York Hospital for Special Surgery. Literally, I became a new man free of excruciating and debilitating pain on this day.<div><br /></div><div>Prior to the surgery, I had lived with pain for the majority of my life. I experienced an injury to my knee when I was 14 years old which precipitated a series of physical compensations that eventually resulted in the deterioration of my hip joint 48 years later. The six months just before surgery were the most painful. I found myself unable to sit, stand or lie down for any length of time. I could no longer actively run to say, catch a bus. Walking was very painful and climbing stairs was worse; especially negotiating busy exits from the subways to street level. I avoided sexual intercourse because of the limited mobility during intercourse and the long painful recovery afterwards. The Qigong and other exercises I depended on over the years to give me some relief no longer did so.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dr. Parks and his staff were all excellent in assuring me that the procedure and outcome would be smooth and effective in relieving my pain. I remember the trepidation I felt entering the cold surgical theatre as the team made final preparations to begin my procedure early that morning seven years ago. I was able to count backwards to 97 I think... </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm told that the procedure took about forty-five minutes. When I awakened, I was a bit disoriented initially, but the fog slowly lifted. I was transported by a kind nurse to my shared room and fell asleep. When I woke up again, I realized that there was something missing. I was no longer in the kind of pain I had become accustomed to most of my life. It was gone! Nothing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I felt the discomfort of the surgical procedure itself which was masked by the various meds I had been given. However, I <i>knew </i>the difference and it was crystal clear that I was better. Not long after waking up, my nurse had me begin walking with a walker the length of the corridor and around. She had me sit up in a hip-high chair and not long afterwards stroll around the hospital floor again. </div><div><br /></div><div>The following day I was using a cane and walking up a set of mock stairs. On my third day, I was discharged and sent home with self-care instructions and an appointment for a home visiting nurse to provide physical therapy for several weeks. Luckily, my home nurse was a former martial artist and understood my recovery goals. She designed a prudent and assertive recovery program for me. I also did physical therapy for several weeks afterwards at a local physical therapy office. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seven months after my surgery, I was cleared to resume my normal physical activities with some minor, but important restrictions. A month later I began training with kettlebells doing swings and have never looked back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I am stronger and more flexible than I ever was in my youth. I was able to begin and successfully complete a 3-year intensive Training Program in Taijiquan and Qigong from 2016-2019. I am fit enough to continue training and exploring my physical boundaries. And, I am pain free! I truly believe that it is never too late and all things are possible with proper support and guidance.</div><div><br /></div><div>Respectfully,</div><div>Doc</div><div>Urban Qi FIT</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Tenacity | Diligence | Discipline | Courage | Resilience</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-34459636661311151272020-07-11T14:47:00.001-04:002020-07-11T14:48:57.120-04:00The Journey Continues...From 2016 through 2019, I shared my thoughts under the Blog name of <i>Qi Portals</i>. This was the period when I trained full-time as a martial arts student in the YMAA California Retreat Center's 3-Year Training Program in Taijiquan and Qigong. One purpose of <i>Qi Portals</i> was to document my training experiences to share with those who made it possible for me to participate in the YMAA program. Another goal was to share my exploration of the subtle energies of Qigong and Taijiquan I have had glimpses of since the early 1980s. Being in Northern California in the mountains away from the distractions of modern life, I thought I would have time to delve further into these, but I was mistaken. The demands of the training schedule as well as the community upkeep of the facilities left little time for anything else.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Today, June 30, 2020, marks one year since I graduated from the program and left the Retreat Center to return home. Until today, I had not written anything in <i>Qi Portals</i> since July 2, 2019. My first six months back home was time I needed to rest and heal from my physical injuries as well as from the mental-emotional fatigue of the program. Re-establishing my teaching rhythm with my students <i>and</i> negotiating a radically different personal training regimen has been challenging and immensely rewarding. Unfortunately, the absence of training partners with whom I could continue my progress has slowed down, but not deterred my momentum.</div><div><br /></div><div>I certainly miss the daily discipline of partner drills that were unveiling the deeper layers of the inherent power and grace of Taijiquan. Whether it is the fundamental nature of such a broad art or the design of the training program itself, there was an imbalance between the Yin and Yang aspects of my training experience on the mountain. While it is clear that Qigong <i>is</i> the root of Taijiquan (Taijiquan is loosely translated as the Grand Ultimate fist of the Mind), the overwhelming emphasis on the mountain was on the Yang side--the body. This makes sense because being physically conditioned to actually regulate one's body to execute the movements (the form, the weapons, the partner drills, etc.) is paramount. However, practicing Embryonic Breathing Qigong once in the morning was insufficient time to cultivate a higher awareness and facility with Qi itself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Five months ago, the world changed. The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to rethink and revamp how to continue my teaching and training. Now, all of my teaching is online these days and it has been an interesting shift for me and my students. Surprisingly, it's turned out better than I had anticipated. The emphasis of my classes is on the foundations and basics. So, we spend much more time understanding fundamentals and cultivating a clearer relationship with how we govern our bodies and movement.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have decided to rename my Blog <i>Yin Side Notes. </i>My interest is still in uncovering the hidden foundation(s) for what creates the seemingly facile and effortless treats of power and strength I have personally seen and experienced that are intrinsic to this martial art of Taijiquan. As such, I will share my thoughts and experiences as I explore and journey. My three years on the mountain provided me with some insight, but were insufficient to speak with any degree of authority. One day I know I'll be able to share more clearly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are able to join me along the way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Respectfully,</div><div>Doc</div><div>Urban Qi FIT</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Tenacity | Diligence | Discipline | Courage | Resilience </b></div><div><br /></div></div>Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-89433720665953842962019-07-02T11:54:00.001-04:002019-07-02T11:54:02.222-04:00Transitions—in “the valley” now...On my way back to the east coast, I departed from Northern California this past Sunday morning to catch a late morning flight out of Arcata connecting through San Francisco. My three years “on the mountain” were officially over having graduated from the Taijiquan and Qigong program the week before. I was eager to leave.<br />
My flights were uneventful and I got into Newark Liberty International Airport earlier than the scheduled 10:00 o’clock arrival. Worse case, I thought I’d be home in an hour. I didn’t get in until after 1:00am Monday.<br />
The shared ride car service I used at the airport picked me up last and about two hours after I had deplaned. When we finally entered Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel, it became clear I had returned to “The Valley”. The intensity of the bright red and green traffic signal lights was exacerbated by the seemingly endless red brake lights as our driver found himself ensnarled in stop and go traffic traveling east along 38th street. He couldn’t make any turns because those streets had been cordoned off by the police in celebration of the Pride Parade.<br />
As we moved along at less than snail’s pace, the overbearing signage from all the storefronts and the digital billboards were overwhelming visually. Consider that for the past six months I primarily looked at verdant scenery and the loudest sound I heard each day was the rooster or the dog barking. At one point, as we made finally made our way uptown, the wailing of an ambulance tracked behind us. And then there were the police car sirens...<br />
My toughest challenges in returning have been the incessant noise and the thickness of the air quality. Whether it’s people constantly talking loud enough to be heard from the 6th floor where I reside, the blaring of rap music, the trucks, police sirens, and fire engines passing by or the revved up engines of cheap motorcycles, the noise never ends. And the air is just thick and heavy making it difficult to breathe easily compared to being on the mountain. Part of it is the heat and humidity for sure, but there is something different that I’m not able to pin point right now. It leaves me feeling tired and heavy like being underwater.<br />
I haven’t been back a full two days yet. This morning I threw out the trash and was ‘welcomed’ by two large rats scurrying around from below the multitude of black trash bags overflowing from the metal bins. On the way to the subway station, the walking dead were shuffling about aimlessly, homeless, disheveled.<br />
Nothing here seems to have fundamentally changed for those who have always lived here these past three years. In fact, nothing seems to have changed since I first became painfully aware of this urban blight of the spirit fifty-four years ago...Gentrification continues at a steady pace and those that have have more and those that do not have have less.<br />
My hope, my prayer, my devotion is that this war of the Spirit can be waged successfully with those who are trained in the ways that promote and uplift the nature of who we truly are as spiritual beings having a temporary material experience. Learning and behaving as if we know how to be in the world, but not of it...Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-81903457570896888652019-06-24T00:12:00.002-04:002019-06-24T00:12:34.817-04:00Graduation Day, June 22, 2019..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCwywJq9bsxbgcZDKYokOk7qa-Db4w_DlqiilvEmz1Dj8y7IMhdBagqR1hyphenhyphenpY7tl08npG6ia0Ff6X8XdKZBpGZ75K9ag4aJMh_Ge06_Pn0FLyKCvJBgSwlC1JYlgpZCVv9wanw8g-qOA/s1600/IMG_4695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCwywJq9bsxbgcZDKYokOk7qa-Db4w_DlqiilvEmz1Dj8y7IMhdBagqR1hyphenhyphenpY7tl08npG6ia0Ff6X8XdKZBpGZ75K9ag4aJMh_Ge06_Pn0FLyKCvJBgSwlC1JYlgpZCVv9wanw8g-qOA/s320/IMG_4695.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Yang, Jing-Ming & Dr. Woodbine<br />Photo credit: Jonathan Chang</td></tr>
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Yesterday, June 22, 2019, my classmate, Nona Ikeda, and I officially graduated from the 3-Year Training Program in Taijiquan & Qigong at the YMAA Retreat Center in Northern California! The training experiences were demanding, arduous, challenging, and rewarding spiritually, emotionally, psychically, mentally, and physically. I gave my best efforts and, while I know how much more I need to refine what I've learned and continue to further explore this art, I am confident in what I learned and gained being here. The graduation marks the conclusion of the program, but it is not the end. Rather, it is a new beginning; a new chapter in my pursuit of being at my best in all ways to help others achieve their best...<br />
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All of my YMAA Retreat Center teachers, classmates, and visitors helped me appreciate more deeply these arts of Taijiquan and Qigong these past three years. I am honored to have trained with them. I am profoundly grateful to Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming for creating this center and for having chosen me to participate in the program. It is truly a lifelong study and practice.<br />
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This journey was precipitated by an unusual experience in a Boston Chinatown martial arts training loft in 1984 followed by my first exposure to Qigong and Tai Chi with Mantak Chia in Braintree, Massachusetts a year later. I have wondered about and sought answers to my experience ever since. In addition to the ten years I studied with Mantak Chia, I have been blessed to have had<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Yang, Jing-Ming, Dr. Woodbine & Nona Ikeda<br />Photo credit: Jonathan Chang </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Woodbine & Noan Ikeda</td></tr>
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training experiences with other notable teachers in these arts thereafter (Master Wang Qingyu, Heiner Fruehauf, Fabian Maman). However, these past three years broadened and deepened my understanding of the scope of what Taijiquan is as a viable and effective martial art and to Qigong's intrinsic capacity to tap into and connect with the Source of who we are. Dr. Yang's lifelong study, practice and training in the practical use of Shaolin Long Fist, White Crane, and Taijiquan provided insights about Taijiquan I had not received elsewhere.<br />
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This day arrived quickly after seemingly taking such a long, long time. I am not without scars both seen and unseen from my time here "on the mountain." These will all heal in time and with proper rest...<br />
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I sincerely thank all of you who believed in me and supported me these past three years. I look forward to sharing what I have learned with you.<br />
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I believe that each one of us is a physical manifestation of the Light and Source of all. I wish to play my role in assisting those who are like-minded to assist this Light to shine intently to brighten the dark...<br />
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With gratitude,<br />
Dr. Woodbine<br />
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<br />Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-32806258274532896492019-02-03T21:11:00.002-05:002019-02-03T21:11:47.287-05:00This Is It...I've been back "on the mountain" nineteen days since the winter break which I need so desperately. I enjoyed resting more thoroughly while at home; sleeping in without any self-imposed demands on my schedule or my body. It was great to see and teach many of my students at SAGE and St. Mary's. I spent time with friends, family, and colleagues. Had my annual health check with glowing results. Saw and listened to Kurt Elling live at the Birdland Jazz Club.<br />
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The first week back felt like I had been here a month already. Now that it's been almost a month, it feels like I've caught up with myself and the demands of the training schedule. I can honestly say, at this moment, I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life! While I still have so much that I want to refine regarding how I move in space and time (either in solo or partner drills), I've reached an unexpected level of coordination. I had glimpses of this when I was a long distance runner and then a basketball player many years ago.<br />
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The rains have returned today after a few days reprieve. It was unseasonably warm last week when the sun was bright. Today it's been a dismal gray all day. We're without heat or hot water once more because there's a problem with the heater again. It's bearable since it's not too cold outside. My room faces North which makes it more challenging to remain warm, but I'm fine. The challenge is mostly at night before going to sleep when I'm sitting at my desk. I may have to fill up my hot water bottle with heated water from the stove tonight to keep my legs warm.<br />
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Within the past two hours, we've experienced a couple of tremors from the apparent aftershocks of a nearby quake! The feeling is very unsettling when the seemingly stable room your quietly sitting in begins to shake and you simultaneously feel this deep rumble and vibration through your feet. Both lasted no more than three seconds each, but were disconcerting nevertheless. And, it takes at least one of those three seconds to clearly register in your conscious mind that something is amiss and what that something is--an earthquake aftershock. There is, after all, a dormant volcano southeast of the Retreat Center...<br />
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I've been putting in a lot of work with my legs (squats, lunges, hamstring curls, weighted kicks, hip flexor marches with resistance bands) and I resumed doing both forearm planks and reverse planks. My morning panther crawls are faster and less winded. My shoulder and elbow strains are greatly diminished from doing pull-ups on the parallel bars. These and other routines are helping me feel stronger and more stable in movement during partner drills.<br />
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We're spending focused time refining the Taiji Sword sequence with a focus on applications. We've added additional parts of the Taiji Spear sequence and continue to refine the medium speed Taijiquan form for the first chapter. We've improved our execution of the Yang side of the Yin-Yang Symbol partner stepping drills and are polishing the Yin side as well. The Taijiquan Fighting Set is steadily improving now that we've learned the sequence and can slow it down to refine the exchanges. We continue to explore executing Applications from stepping Pushing Hands while paying attention to the four elements of Striking, Kicking, Wrestling, and Seizing/Controlling. We recently added doing Applications from Centering as well. We're focused on improving the cross body side of the Peng Lu Ji An partner drill, too. And, we've begun studying the variations for the Large Rollback (Da Lu).<br />
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For our Qigong curriculum, we are focused on reviewing and practicing the sequences we've learned (Eight Pieces of Brocade, Five Animal Sports, Four Seasons Qigong, Embryonic Breathing, Small Circulation, Taiji Qigong, White Crane Soft Qigong, Taiji Sword Qigong, Taiji Ball Qigong) and preparing for our final exam. The emphasis will be on case studies and how Qigong might be useful.<br />
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Well, this is it! With only eighteen weeks remaining, this 3-Year journey is quickly coming to a close. There remains a lifetime worth of studying and refining to do in these arts of self-defense and personal cultivation which I'll continue after graduation. <b>Graduation is officially on June 22, 2019</b> here at the Retreat Center! I'm excited to complete my training and return home to teach. It has been a profound learning experience.<br />
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I sincerely thank all of you who have and continue to support me through this journey. I hope that these Blog entries have provided you with some level of access to my experiences along the way. It was one of the ways to express my gratitude. As this final semester progresses, I will keep you posted. Stay tuned...<br />
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Respectfully,<br />
Doc<br />
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Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-20179192859610343232018-12-09T03:30:00.000-05:002018-12-09T03:30:42.925-05:00Tangents and Inflection Points...<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">I finally have the mental energy to write an entry. It is the final one for this semester as I prepare to finish our training and tests before going on winter break at the end of next week. I have been demanding a lot of myself physically and mentally with the training and not getting sufficient quality rest. I've also been dealing with a consistent nagging shoulder pain which hasn't completely healed. It has interfered with my training and has been an energy drain, too. Nevertheless, I have chosen to persist...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">While I have been able to climb the vertical rope on several occasions this semester, my shoulder injury has prevented me from doing it consistently. I haven't gotten to the point where I can climb with speed safely. Therefore, I've chosen to forego that goal for this semester and postpone the effort to beat my previous climbing record until next semester when I'll have 6 months to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">The rainy season has finally started. With it has come colder mornings and nights. We now relegate most of our training indoors in the garage and gym. In spite of the rain and cold, I like walking the path between the main building and the gym without an umbrella. The trees along the way provide a good canopy from being drenched. One major drawback, however, is that the vertical climbing rope swells and becomes slick making it unsafe to climb with just my hands and arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br />Of the original six students that began the 3-Year Training Program in 2016, only two of us remain who will graduate next June. With only two of us to train, we've had to adjust our training to accommodate all of the other demands on our time. As a result, it's been an interesting and challenging semester in many other ways...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br />Midway through the semester, we were told we had to complete the Taiji Sword solo sequence by semester's end. Well, we recently finished the 54 sequence Taiji Sword routine! Now it will take us another 30 years to 'master' it and the sword applications...The Taiji Sword has become my favorite weapon for its grace, beauty, and deceptive power. Next week, when Dr. Yang returns from traveling to the Boston, we will have him check our form for corrections. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img align="left" alt="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/maths/images/figure_40.gif" height="166" hspace="12" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/aab0e022-9e21-450d-b31f-41963030dae2" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_4" width="147" /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The various partner drills that we practice- stationary and stepping Pushing Hands, Yin-Yang Symbol, and Peng Lu Ji An have taken us from the world of solo practice into a dynamic sphere of interactions with another body in motion. The coordination of muscles, tendons, ligaments, skeletal structure, and breath required to correctly react/respond to an oncoming strike or kick while maintaining personal equilibrium is a fascinating experience.</span><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br />Several weeks ago, we also were told we had to finish learning the entire Taijiquan Fighting Set by the end of the semester. I'm learning the defensive side of the set and my classmate is learning the offensive side. We are 3/4 of the way through it. Our goal is to finish it by Tuesday and have it checked for corrections by Dr. Yang before we depart next Saturday. Next semester, we'll switch roles and continue to refine the sequence. The objective is for us to know both the offensive and defensive roles of this choreographed fighting sequence in preparation for free-style sparring using Taijiquan principles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">My favorite math subject in High School was Geometry! I loved it. There is a saying in Chinese about the power of Taijiquan being able to use 4 ounces to deflect 1,000 pounds. While I had both an intellectual and experiential about this, it wasn't until I started practicing the Fighting Set that I gained a deeper appreciation for its meaning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">There have been moments; especially in the beginning stages of learning the sequence, when I literally felt stuck in place and unable to coordinate the proper and effective movement of my legs, torso, and arms. The beautiful thing is that one day after many, many repetitions with my classmate and then working alone with the heavy bag in the gym, it finally clicked for me. There is a moment when we make contact, call it a tangent that becomes an inflection point of departure or segue, that leads elegantly to the next movement(s) between us. Therein rests the power, beauty, and seductive mystery of this art for me. The ability to be so well coordinated and calm as to elegantly interact with an oncoming force with the timing to consciously and effortlessly neutralize it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img align="left" alt="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Tangent_circles.svg/600px-Tangent_circles.svg.png" height="197" hspace="12" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/11db2d98-b03b-4b4f-be08-3859c636b87e" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1" width="148" /><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">I have memories of doing something similar when I played street basketball and would use my defender's body, at just the right time, as the pivot point from which to make my next move toward the basket or to pass the ball to a teammate. Increasingly, I am embodying the clarity about the meaning and value of the first and thirteenth Taijiquan postures- Peng (Ward Off) and Zhong Ding (Central Equilibrium). This experience of being a sphere in dynamic balance with an opponent makes more sense with every practice session we have in the Fighting Set. I'll have more to say about these ideas next semester...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Finally, I'll have Dr. Yang check my progress in the Taijiquan form (first chapter-22 movements) executed at medium speed. Although far from perfect, I've made progress with this. It was challenging to switch from my ingrained reflexes of doing the form at slow speed (4 minutes) to medium speed (40-60 seconds) and still maintain a root throughout the movements. The medium speed progression from slow speed is preparation to do the form with Jing (issuing power with velocity and a firm root without injuring yourself). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">What became obvious to me about my form at medium speed earlier this semester was that I had habituated my movements in favor of my slow twitch muscle fibers. Trying to get all of this mass to move correctly at a faster pace while still being rooted proved to be challenging and highlighted several areas that needed focus. Most important among these was the weakness of my Psoas Muscles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">I did some research and implemented a daily program of hip flexor marches with Rubberbanditz latex bands (www.rubberbanditz.com) followed by squats and then back-to-back repetitions of the first chapter of the form. This strategy helped balance the power relationship between my glutes, sacrum and hip flexors and strengthened my ankles, knees, and hips/waist so that I could accelerate and be still be rooted rather than feeling like my body was ahead of itself and floating when doing the form at medium speed. Gradually, with other drills as well, I've gained the ability to use both my slow and fast twitch fibers in harmony with the joints to move quickly and have the connection from the soles of my feet up and through to my hands without any joint pain below my waist and with less leaning forward of my torso. The next phase will be to transfer this into moving at fast speed while issuing power...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">I'm truly looking forward to being at home during the Holidays! I wish you and your families the very best for the season and the coming year. When I return, it will be for the final semester of this program. We graduate on June 22, 2019!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Thank you for all of your encouragement and support!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Respectfully,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Doc<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tenacity</span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"> | </b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Discipline</span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"> | </b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Diligence</span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"> | </b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Resilience</span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"> | </b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Confidence</span></div>
Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-28715315512148688492018-09-29T12:04:00.000-04:002018-09-29T12:04:28.793-04:00Where did the time go?...Listening to "Hocus Pocus" from Terell Stafford's album <u>Brotherlee Love-Celebrating Lee Morgan</u> and "Shiva-Loka" from Alice Coltrane's album <u>Journey in Satchidananda</u>...<br />
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It was exactly 4 weeks ago that I returned back here "on the mountain" to resume my training. Like magic, I was transported by the wizards of United Airlines from the hot, humid, and rank city streets of Harlem, New York to this Northern California butte in the dark of night. When I finally arrived ten hours later at the Retreat Center around 1:30 in the morning, the most obvious difference was how exquisitely quiet it was compared to Harlem. I could actually see ALL of the stars in the night sky. And, the air was so fresh and sweet, breathing was like drinking down a cold glass of water every time I inspired.<br />
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The first week here felt as if a month had quickly come and gone. Now that a month <i>has</i> passed, the tempo is synchronizing to real time and my body and mind are finding a sane rhythm with which to complete this final year. Can you believe it (ironically, I'm now listening to "I've Known Rivers" by Gary Bartz...)-I'm at the tail end of the program already? Our graduation is tentatively scheduled for June 22, 2019. As I have more details, I'll pass them along to you.<br />
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It's my humble opinion that this program should have really been at least 4 years, if not 5 years, long. Three years is not sufficient time to grasp, practice, and embody all of the curriculum qualitatively. This is especially true of the partner-based training drills. Truth be known, this is a lifetime devotion and I will continue to train even after I graduate, still in search of that elusive 'power'. Practice makes progress...<br />
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While the graduates of the 10 and 5-year programs are no longer officially here en masse, several have returned as temporary guests focused on polishing up their areas of personal interest. It's good to have them here to answer training questions that come up unexpectedly. Our 3-Year group is down to only 2 active students. We're missing one teammate who will join us sometime this fall. We originally began with six. There are also five new students in the new 3-Year Program group and they are going through those initial pains of accommodating themselves to the daily grind. They are very enthused and dedicated to learning.<br />
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At the end of our first week, Dr. Yang strongly recommended my teammate and I do our Centering drills on bricks. This is to help us create a deeper ability to root when we're not standing on them. It's been a great practice to firm up our equilibrium. We are also 3/4 of the way through learning the Taiji Sword sequence. Of all the weapon sequences we have been taught, by far the Taiji Sword is my favorite. Grace and power are intricately woven together in a way absent from the other weapons (Staff, Saber, and Spear). I haven't been taught the White Crane Two Short Rods yet which I'm highly attracted to as well. So, I'll see how they fare against the sword...<br />
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We (Nona Ikeda and I) began learning the Taiji Fighting set. It is the extension and integration of the other skills we have been training these past two years: Pushing Hands, Yin-Yang Symbol, Taijiquan Form, Peng-Lu-Ji-An, Qin Na, and Applications. The set is a choreographed sequence that will prepare us to better execute our applications. <br />
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I've begun integrating more of the hard and soft White Crane Qigong and got a sampling of the basic repel and cover drills. In the next 2 weeks, I'll resume practicing the Shan He White Crane sequence and get instruction on the basics of Two Short Rods.<br />
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My conditioning is pretty much on target. I'm really happy to be back Panther Crawling up and down the hills at least 3 days weekly. My shoulder has improved considerably even though a slight twinge lingers. Yesterday I climbed up the vertical rope a little a little more than 1/2 way just using my hands and arms. It was a good climb, but didn't include speed yet. I resumed my pull ups, chin ups and dips this afternoon and will continue doing all of the hand and grip strengthening drills. My goal is to make it to the top in 10 seconds or less before the end of this semester which ends in 11 weeks.<br />
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On the Qigong front, we are doing the complete sequence of all the animals in the 5 Animal Sports routine. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and feels great to transition from the Tiger to Deer to Bear to Monkey and finally to Bird. The most challenging of them is one of the movements in the Monkey routine-combing. That really works the feet, knees, and buttocks!<br />
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We'e still doing Four Seasons Qigong and I've been practicing the All Seasons set on the bricks as well. I'm also now standing on 3 bricks doing Central Pole (Embracing the Tree).<br />
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With 11 weeks remaining in this first semester, there are several areas that I'm focused on: Qin Na, Applications, Taijiquan Form medium speed, the Fighting Set, and Taiji Sword. I'll keep you updated on how I'm progressing.<br />
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Thanks, again, for all of your encouragement and support!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Doc<br />
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<br />Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-59553797256300081422018-06-30T17:22:00.002-04:002018-06-30T17:33:57.780-04:00I CAN do it... Nothing compares to the feeling of having set a goal and accomplishing it! Nothing... Today, June 30th, is my final day “on the mountain” for this second year of the program. I slept later than usual since there was no group meditation this morning. When I finally got out of bed, I was focused on finishing my packing to get ready to leave in the afternoon to catch my evening flight to San Francisco.<br />
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As I moved about, I realized I wanted to take advantage of the morning to do some conditioning and review a couple of the sequences (Taiji Saber, Taiji Sword, and the Taijiquan form itself). Sitting in the airports between flights, as well as, the 5-6 hours on the plane itself was not appealing; especially after all the moving and training I’ve been doing these past 6 months. So, I skipped breakfast...<br />
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I began with Panther Crawling up the hill. I then did my trampoline push downs followed by pull ups and chin ups. Afterwards, I went to the enclosed gym and did my HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) routine using the 70 pound kettlebell (squats and swings). When I left the gym, I walked down the hill toward the main building. As I approached the vertical climbing rope, it beckoned me to the challenge.<br />
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Earlier this semester, I severely strained my right shoulder and had to stop climbing the rope as well as curtailed and/or modified several of the solo and partner drills. As my shoulder slowly healed, I promised myself to climb the rope all the way to the top before I left this semester. I made some good faith efforts along the way which were encouraging because I didn’t reinjure or aggravate the shoulder. I just didn’t have the extra power and strength to make it to the top.<br />
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Additionally, the focus of the past two months shifted to managing my time and energies around all the varied guests and prospective candidates for the upcoming new 3-Year Training program that begins in September. This last month, the focus was on preparing for the graduation ceremony for the Shaolin students. Needless to say, I hadn’t paid much attention to my climbing goal. However, this morning there it was right ahead of me. <br />
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At first, I wavered a bit. My arms felt good. It was my mind. I felt doubtful and a little nervous, too. Then again, I always felt nervous every time I got ready to climb the rope even when I had no problem doing it before. So, I reconciled those thoughts and feelings and made up my mind to do it. There was no one else around. I gripped the rope firmly; right hand above my head, left hand just below my chin; elbows tucked in tight. I took a few deep breaths and used my legs to literally jumpstart me upwards.<br />
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I surprised myself the first few feet because it wasn’t as hard as I thought it might be. However, not long after that feeling, the doubt returned. I fought it off each time I pulled my body up. It got more difficult and there was a moment when I felt like completely giving up, but it was the furthest I had climbed up the rope since I had stopped. I paused for a microsecond and then committed myself to reaching the top no matter what. And I did it! It wasn’t elegant and smooth. In fact, it was pretty ugly, but I did it. I didn’t give up on myself. I didn’t give in to the doubt and fear.<br />
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I descended slowly and part way down I had to use my legs to help. In the past, I was able to climb up and down just using my arms. I know that will come again. I know I can...<br />
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It took me several minutes to gather my wind and emotions after I got to the bottom. It’s been a long time for me not being able to make it to the top. Now I know I can again...<br />
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Once I got my wind back, I Panther Crawled down the hill to the main building. I spent some time doing the Taiji Sword basics and the Taiji Saber sequence and then called it a day. Now I’m ready to leave the mountain...<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Doc Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-46955298456082222852018-06-24T20:29:00.001-04:002018-06-24T20:34:56.582-04:00Faith, Discipline, Tenacity, and Diligence...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFXM9GjeO80MPqnXXUr0veiRhFxMit64L2KibDV8vBHbsDnOkas-WuyrceCkMshr9hobw3p1gIP70rXss6DTYx5Y2Ry87WDrxgDdgc_XGxkEya7234WIli_VhqFttP32YbfdZJlClEC0/s1600/IMG_3424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFXM9GjeO80MPqnXXUr0veiRhFxMit64L2KibDV8vBHbsDnOkas-WuyrceCkMshr9hobw3p1gIP70rXss6DTYx5Y2Ry87WDrxgDdgc_XGxkEya7234WIli_VhqFttP32YbfdZJlClEC0/s320/IMG_3424.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at the Retreat Center</td></tr>
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Faith has always been about things unseen for me. Absent of any concrete evidence to support one’s dream, there is this steadfast belief that a way <i>is</i> possible to fulfill it. And more than belief, there is the behavior, the actions that eventually shape the journey and manifest the goal. “Faith without works is dead.” -James 2:14-26 New King James Version<br />
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Yesterday, June 23, 2018, we celebrated the first graduating class of the YMAA Retreat Center training program! This was the initial culmination of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming’s vision to preserve the traditional Chinese martial arts and culture. Jonathan Chang trained here for 10 years, Javier Rodriguez and Frank Verhülsdonk trained for 9 years, Quentin Lopes trained for 6 years (and will be returning for an additional 3-5), and Michelle Lin, Piper Chan, and Enrico Tomei trained for 5 years. They trained in Shaolin White Crane, Long Fist, and Yang Family Style Taijiquan barehand and weapons.<br />
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To view this momentous event, Google the <u>YMAA Retreat Center FaceBook page</u> and either scroll down the Home page to yesterday’s live-stream video or click on the Videos button on the leftside of the page to open the video section. Once the video begins, make sure to turn up your volume on your device as well as on the video screen itself. You’ll see a variety of individual and partner demonstrations of barehand and weapons sequences performed by the graduates as well as members of the current 3-Year Training program; presentations by Dr. Yang and special guests; and the ceremony for accepting the new disciples into the YMAA family.<br />
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Dr. Yang provided the unique environment, opportunity, and mentorship for these young men and woman to experience this journey of self-mastery. The sponsors of the Retreat Center, the local community, and the families and friends gave their financial and moral support to help them achieve this goal. Most importantly, however, it is the graduates’ discipline, tenacity, and diligence which got the job done. This ability to make their bodies, minds, and emotions bend in service to their wills has rewarded their faith in themselves, Dr. Yang, and their process of personal, moral, and spiritual cultivation.<br />
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Yesterday was an inspiration for me! With just 5 days remaining now to conclude my second year of training, my aspirations have been further bolstered. The phrase, “Anything worthwhile having is worthwhile working for...” comes to mind and I understand it with crystal clarity. The challenges of a strained shoulder, recurrence of vertigo from a 21-year old car accident, and just the fatigue from these past 6 months of training stymied some of my goals this semester. Nevertheless, I learned so much and am looking forward to this summer’s break to then return for my final year “on the mountain.” Tomorrow we begin 2 days of oral testing on Qigong. Thereafter, we’ll devote time to preparing the Retreat Center for the summer seminars which commence in July.<br />
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Thank you, again, for all of your support these past two years! Perhaps we’ll see each other during the summer. I’ll be co-teaching a Tai Chi and Qigong workshop with my teacher, Quentin Lopes on July 14th in New York. The deadline for registering was 2 days ago, but if you’re still interested, please call me: (914) 482-3984, to see what arrangements we can make to have you join us. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZqzuCE0SBYLWnDCbG7qbrpf18iqvIq8zI-wKEZUzfnA2KH7A9-4ZeeMp8sx6ScS5yqMBJq5RO75rAVRiGAafedkylMCOwOyPgVf0DoUUoKvHA7W6XVKSDIDUebLJBBIPmPmiaMXBYYI/s1600/IMG_1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZqzuCE0SBYLWnDCbG7qbrpf18iqvIq8zI-wKEZUzfnA2KH7A9-4ZeeMp8sx6ScS5yqMBJq5RO75rAVRiGAafedkylMCOwOyPgVf0DoUUoKvHA7W6XVKSDIDUebLJBBIPmPmiaMXBYYI/s320/IMG_1532.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yin-Yang Symbol Partner Drill</td></tr>
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Respectfully,</div>
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Doc</div>
Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-63006976015058046102018-05-28T00:11:00.000-04:002018-05-29T01:29:59.939-04:00Second Year's Homestretch<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O9nIyFDKZ_YO75a7bSzMEqTngA-Y2qIL-fv2kg3Byy-5EfqNQO2EhJN3DOpYfByqy8EzVDWTuC7ZYssYtv1nZKV_Z3ale1fjgMT-FwiDNAU5EtOsFkhrQ3-61ec9GCXbIN56WenuIl4/s1600/IMG_3799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O9nIyFDKZ_YO75a7bSzMEqTngA-Y2qIL-fv2kg3Byy-5EfqNQO2EhJN3DOpYfByqy8EzVDWTuC7ZYssYtv1nZKV_Z3ale1fjgMT-FwiDNAU5EtOsFkhrQ3-61ec9GCXbIN56WenuIl4/s320/IMG_3799.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Butte--southeast of the Retreat Center </td></tr>
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Listening to Bobby McFerrin, Irma Thomas, Gregory Porter, and Betty Carter from my playlist. It's a bright, sunny, and mildly breezy Sunday! I'm really enjoying today and the time to just BE; no scheduled demands or obligations to fulfill...<br />
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There are 28 days remaining before the first graduating students from the Retreat Center celebrate their achievements. Some have been training here as long as 10 years, but none less than 5. Dr. Yang provided an environment for them to train and they have taken full advantage of the opportunity.<br />
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In preparation for the event, we've had performance rehearsals. Our group, the 3-Year Program, continues to improve and refine the Taijiquan Saber sequence we will perform that day. My shoulder injury continues to improve and won't interfere with wielding the Saber correctly. In fact, I've managed to resume climbing the vertical rope albeit only 3/4's of the way up so far just using arms. My speed is understandably slower for now, but I feel I can still aim for my goal of getting to the top in 10 seconds or less.<br />
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After having spent much of this semester using the trampoline to refine my rooting and leg work, I've added back the brick standing drill to explore rooting further. The trampoline work I've done has literally given me access to a spring-like momentum in my ankles, knees, and hips I don't recall experiencing before. It feels similar to when I played basketball growing up. It's both a horizontal and vertical feeling of ease of movement with control and power, not just strength. It shows up most clearly now whenever I do Centering partner drills. I'm more relaxed overall and less prone to losing my balance under duress from my training partner. Additionally, Quentin introduced us to some stepping drills that are very helpful with leg conditioning.<br />
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I'm definitely more comfortable with the applications and Qin Na from the first chapter of the form. We keep practicing and refining and I see the improvements coming. I had to back off somewhat from the Peng-Lu-Ji-An partner drills because of the shoulder, but used that time to work on other drills that didn't aggravate my shoulder.<br />
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In the past several weeks, we've had a number of visitors train with us. They've included prospective candidates for the new 3 and 5-Year Programs, returning visitors, as well as YMAA students who come to refine their skills. I've enjoyed training with the variety of people and the different skill levels they bring to our experience.<br />
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This second year of training "on the mountain" is coming to an end quickly. The 6-month long second semester sometimes feels interminable physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychically. Now, the end is in sight--5 more weeks. I look forward to being with family and friends, students and colleagues "in the valley," and to sharing what I've learned to date. I accept that my daily training will be radically different when I'm home. More important is that I need a break to recover and recharge.<br />
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I'll be doing at least 2 workshops in the City this summer. One is scheduled for July 14th and that flyer has already gone out. It will be taught by me and one of my teachers here, Quentin Lopes, who is a disciple of Dr. Yang and graduates in June. The other will be co-taught by me and Julia Kulakova who is a certified MELT™Instructor. We'll explore the intersections between MELT™and Taijiquan. Details about this workshop will be sent out soon.<br />
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As I prepare to shift into my third and final year of training, I am pondering and weighing my return to teaching in New York when it's my turn to graduate in June of 2019. The synthesis of my experiences in the healing arts since I was 10 years old through my career as a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist and now culminating in my training with Dr. Yang is taking form. I look forward to sharing that with you in the not-too-distant future.<br />
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I sincerely thank each of you for your support in making this journey possible. It's been 2 years already! I've learned so much in so short a time. I hope that my experiences shared with you through this Blog have given you some insights and appreciation for my journey.<br />
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Depending on how busy the schedule becomes between now and June 30th when I leave, I may or may not be able to share another posting. If I am not able to before I leave, I will certainly reach out to you once I return to New York this July.<br />
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Respectfully,<br />
Doc<br />
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<i><span style="color: lime;">All things are possible once you clearly SEE it, commit your every action to achieving IT, and KNOW that what appears to be a roadblock in your way is just PREPARATION for more than you ever anticipated achieving. Don't give in; never give up!</span></i></div>
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<br />Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5420769742502096697.post-9811006782583597372018-04-15T01:27:00.002-04:002018-05-27T14:59:16.064-04:00"Deja vu'"--That Feeling of Having Been There Before...I didn't purposefully plan to write a Post to coincide with the one from last year this time, but here it is--eleven weeks remaining in this second semester again. The big difference now is it's my second year and I'm near completion of 2/3 of the program! Ironically, I'm nursing a joint injury again--my right shoulder. This time last year it was my left elbow from overenthusiastic rope climbing. Now, my shoulder was injured from fervent and improper body mechanics in centering drills.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AZUXkaXFy_Pvwbloxr0ZUvySJPfwB6dwDyEnkcvmmyOhERBuxcoFLVkdHViyoLgWGdZT1GRCugzEagtl7zGj-RhH6msWjZTIMLLgzp6ca2yNIkJC_OVBRdKtnLeG-ZsN0zWl6VGTpgE/s1600/IMG_3918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AZUXkaXFy_Pvwbloxr0ZUvySJPfwB6dwDyEnkcvmmyOhERBuxcoFLVkdHViyoLgWGdZT1GRCugzEagtl7zGj-RhH6msWjZTIMLLgzp6ca2yNIkJC_OVBRdKtnLeG-ZsN0zWl6VGTpgE/s320/IMG_3918.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiji Sword- "Waiting for a Fish"<br />
Photo courtesy of Jamie Urquhart</td></tr>
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Luckily, my training partners are pretty compassionate, understanding as well as skilled in a variety of healing modalities (massage, <a href="http://www.meltmethod.com/" target="_blank">the MELT Method</a>, energy work). Coupled with my own expertise and patience, I'm confident I'll be back in ‘fighting’ shape before the semester ends. It's challenging to be in pain yet find a way to sustain my training progress without further compromising my well-being. Were I not self-referenced, it would be very easy to fall prey to another's agenda of what I 'should' be doing. The intensity of this training regimen requires a delicate balance between short-time assertiveness and long-term functional performance. I see it as an investment strategy for quality longevity physically, mentally, emotionally, psychically, and spiritually. In other words, by the time this program ends, I should feel better than when I began it; not worse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogg5wUJRwCjyt63j44SyVzq1Z1HVcihuMjBc9Blw8unYaWUUOvZUJ05OwuqPr5G9p_v0LCH6s-2hFNS5Nxj9SdF7vO0zvNkgi0YP4u8A60SnXBS4ct_hbf45wqlBISHN5P9shRaWhHWY/s1600/IMG_3923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogg5wUJRwCjyt63j44SyVzq1Z1HVcihuMjBc9Blw8unYaWUUOvZUJ05OwuqPr5G9p_v0LCH6s-2hFNS5Nxj9SdF7vO0zvNkgi0YP4u8A60SnXBS4ct_hbf45wqlBISHN5P9shRaWhHWY/s320/IMG_3923.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiji Sword- "The Fairy Shows the Way"<br />
Photo courtesy of Jamie Urquhart</td></tr>
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I’ve been giving thought lately about my life after the program ends. I’ve also been thinking about my death, but not in any morbid sense. One Saturday afternoon recently during the time we do our weekly chores (I typically clean the bathrooms, mud/laundry room, vacuum the carpets, etc.), I found myself looking out the framed bathroom window upstairs in the main building. It happened to be sunny that day. For some reason it was crystal clear to me at that moment that there would be a time when I would not be present to see through that window. I wasn’t sad per se; just acutely aware of my absence in the world save for the memories that others might have of me from time to time.<br />
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That experience made me ponder the value of how I spend my time with myself and with others. I remember my mother, father, aunt, cousins, and friends that have died. Those recollections are always tinged with frayed edges of clarity and I'm never able to fully feel the past exactly as when it originally happened. Being here on the mountain nurtures my desire and capacity to be present at each moment now; savoring it deeply enough to, hopefully, have robust recall in the future.<br />
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The weather is gradually warming up and it's beginning to feel more like spring. We've switched from doing the winter set of Four Seasons Qigong to only the spring set coupled with the All Seasons set. I passed the Linear Yin-Yang Symbol test and just missed passing the Peng Lu Ji An stationery test. None of us passed the level 2 Centering test. So, in the next several weeks coming, we'll be retesting what we missed and include testing the Taijiquan form at medium speed. Hopefully, we'll be prepared<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDAf4JDezQaICHZZEsopY0zCJMYvHK8lCy__IEUvjgkx6x6E9f_3MI4KQo1MPBvuSHgza-fIiekeLFnPygOj4Ni7AKdPa-cZvRpXWKuvVvcrgrzx7lDGUq1G4mjOv3R8UBnIqepfOLFs/s1600/IMG_3924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDAf4JDezQaICHZZEsopY0zCJMYvHK8lCy__IEUvjgkx6x6E9f_3MI4KQo1MPBvuSHgza-fIiekeLFnPygOj4Ni7AKdPa-cZvRpXWKuvVvcrgrzx7lDGUq1G4mjOv3R8UBnIqepfOLFs/s320/IMG_3924.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiji Sword- "The Fairy Shows the Way"<br />
Photo courtesy of Jamie Urquhart</td></tr>
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to test for the applications in the first chapter of the Taijiquan form, too.<br />
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The graduation ceremony for the 10 and 5-year disciples is on June 23rd. Our group has been asked to perform the Taiji Saber sequence as part of the festivities that day. It's an honor to do so as a token of our respect and appreciation for the efforts they have invested in achieving their goals here at the Retreat Center. Many family members and other honored guests will be in attendance to celebrate their achievements.<br />
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As we practice the Taiji Saber sequence assiduously in preparation for the graduation performance, we continue to explore and learn the elements and sequences for both the Taiji Spear and Taiji Sword forms. What plays over and over in my mind is the saying, "<i>One hundred days for Barehand. One thousand days for Spear; and ten thousand days for Taiji Sword." </i>We literally began Taiji Sword several weeks ago. So, I have another 30 years of training and practice to attain some level of proficiency in Taiji sword. What is inspiring to me is that we are able to somehow hold these different sequences in our heads and bodies-barehand Taijiquan form, Taiji Staff, Taiji Saber, Taiji Spear, and Taiji Sword. Never mind the various Qigong sequences, too- 8 Pieces of Brocade, 5 Animal Sports, 4 Seasons Qigong, White Crane Soft Qigong, Taiji Qigong, Taiji Sword Qigong, and Taiji Ball Qigong. Then, there are those amusing moments when our minds are prepared to do a particular sequence, but our bodies begin doing something else. We laugh at ourselves and each other with a deep recognition that we are slowly embodying the ability to respond through improvisation rather than just rote memory.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_zTlix8LNdRAMtWLkSrXXMcRvAxEPaX8t9Ax5ugeTA10MPKqLu5SzXhKQC_2GB6Pqe31nalOqvm9UUQS0Oy_3DK6vtdr0m4Owx_T8Fu3yUQgNEZHsy1Xh4YF4rNNrckEE5saHCUFSSI/s1600/IMG_3921+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_zTlix8LNdRAMtWLkSrXXMcRvAxEPaX8t9Ax5ugeTA10MPKqLu5SzXhKQC_2GB6Pqe31nalOqvm9UUQS0Oy_3DK6vtdr0m4Owx_T8Fu3yUQgNEZHsy1Xh4YF4rNNrckEE5saHCUFSSI/s320/IMG_3921+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiji Sword- "Send the Bird to the Woods"<br />
Photo courtesy of Jamie Urquhart</td></tr>
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This current semester is drawing to a close very quickly. There is so much to still learn and to practice primarily in the Taijiquan part of the curriculum. While there are somethings I want to refine in the Qigong part (i.e., Taiji Ball Qigong and White Crane hard Qigong), the bulk of the material to learn, digest, and be comfortable with is in the Taijiquan partner drills and the weapon sequences. The current 3-Year Training Program concludes in June 2019. The remaining 48 weeks of training between now and then will be intense and robust for me. With the 10 and 5-Year disciples leaving this June after graduation, it becomes paramount that our 3-Year group remain as healthy as possible to sustain our training goals and schedule.<br />
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There are several applicants to the new 3-Year training Program that begins this September. Many have already spent the required 2 week minimum evaluation period with the community here "on the mountain." Those who are selected will be the beneficiaries of the errors and corrections we made and will, hopefully, inherit an improved program experience. More on that topic at a later date.<br />
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For now, thanks again for all of your continued support. As I come to the home stretch to complete this program and prepare to be "in the valley," I may need one last generous donation from those of you who are not subscription donors. This summer break, I will be in New York City and have at least 2 workshops that I'm organizing to share some of what I've learned so far, as well as, to raise funds to complete my final periods of training. I will keep you posted on those details.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5f536f8BAYgVtpNezDF-9YMdEfODhBKB8fRZuxtaIBy_eqEUjDa5ILi_ckLRUs4ojq7ufI0OcPLkoKyJEwwLTvJsIbR4j4ufLCHuNqKeiGzxJfvOM3u2WFVUBvhwVj6qHAegMgiwB2A/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5f536f8BAYgVtpNezDF-9YMdEfODhBKB8fRZuxtaIBy_eqEUjDa5ILi_ckLRUs4ojq7ufI0OcPLkoKyJEwwLTvJsIbR4j4ufLCHuNqKeiGzxJfvOM3u2WFVUBvhwVj6qHAegMgiwB2A/s320/IMG_3926.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiji Sword<br />
Photo courtesy of Jamie Urquhart</td></tr>
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Respectfully,<br />
Doc<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime; font-size: x-small;"><b>All things are possible once you clearly SEE it, commit your every action to achieving IT, and KNOW that what appears to be a roadblock in your way or failure is just PREPARATION for more than you ever anticipated achieving. Don't give in; never give up!</b></span></i></div>
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Notes from the Yin Side...http://www.blogger.com/profile/18209361217350961319noreply@blogger.com1