Gratitude and Resilience

As of today, there remain 15 weeks in this semester, in this second year of training at the Retreat Center. The time has seemingly flown by. This coming autumn will begin the final and third year with graduation in June 2019.

I am really grateful for ALL of the support I have received to make this experience a reality. I remember how excited I was several years ago when Dr. Yang publicly announced he was thinking of creating a 3-Year Program that was not age restricted. Then I recall when he made the actual decision and began accepting applications. Each morning I prayed at my altar asking for the opportunity to be chosen to participate.

Now, I find myself here in the midst of the daily routines training and preparing myself knowing that soon I will be looking back remembering when I used to be "on the mountain". Each morning at 6:00 we sit as a group to meditate for an hour. Each morning I give thanks for the precious breath that flows in and out. There have been moments when I am acutely aware that without that breath, my life would cease. I do not take it for granted and, thus, inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. I give thanks each morning to the Creator, my Ancestors known and Unknown, my spiritual guides, and all my family relations. Often, I name all of my relatives and their children's, children's, children to be blessed for seven generations. I give thanks to all of the women in my life who thought me worthy to share their time, affection, and love. I give thanks to Dr. Yang for selecting me to be in the program and to my training mates who make me a better person and aspiring martial artist. Likewise, I am thankful for all of the people who have and continue to support me to make it possible to be here "on the mountain".

Each morning I give thanks to all my friends, all of my teachers throughout the years, and all of my students and former patients. I am grateful to all of the doctors who helped mend my broken body.

Each morning I am grateful for being healthy and of sound mind. I am grateful to be blessed with knowing that I don't know everything--I am not full nor satiated with life. I am grateful to have met my Kindred Spirit who is also my friend. Since childhood, I knew she was there and that it was possible, but it took my being prepared through life's experiences for us to recognize one another--I never gave up hope...

It is chilly and windy today. The sun made its brief appearance and has now retreated to oncoming evening. There are only a handful of us here until next week because Dr. Yang, his family, and the graduating students (from the 10 and 5 Year Programs ending this June) are in Taiwan to celebrate and meet Dr. Yang's teachers. Those of us in the 3-Year Program look forward to that same trip next year.

The past 2 weeks have been an unexpected time to rest my body and mind. I didn't realize I needed it so much until I kept falling asleep in my chair several times. I've had to modify the intensity of my personal conditioning as well as the partner drills. I'm also redefining what my specific goals are to focus my energy on for the remaining 12 months of training. Our curriculum is very robust physically and mentally and it's clear that I cannot learn absolutely everything. So, I'm choosing quality over quantity knowing that this is an ongoing discipline; especially after graduation. Like going to a great restaurant with a fabulous menu, you have to pick and choose exactly what it is you are actually going to eat and enjoy. Oysters anyone!?

Last week, before Dr. Yang left, we had our first testing this semester: Yin-Yang Symbol (Linear); Peng-Lu-Ji-An (stationary); and Centering level 2. We'll get the official results when everyone returns. For now, the experience was a lot less anxiety provoking than previous tests. It's now serving it's purpose which is to provide clear feedback from Dr. Yang about our progress with specific skill sets.

I'm really enjoying learning Taiji Spear and Taiji Sword! While I still like Taiji Staff and Saber, there is an elegance to the former that is remarkable to me.

Most days, I still do my panther crawls up and down the hill. I think it's paying off in unexpected ways. My training mates commented the other day that they notice a difference in the quality of my strength when we're doing centering drills. One said I now move more like a bull rather than a cow. You have to move out of the oncoming force of either, but a bull is different. The other said I used to feel like an oncoming train, but now it's more like a boulder. I was unawares until they mentioned it. In their comments, I have a glimpse of what it is I'm in search of which is the 'power' and not just physical strength. I'm still searching for it through one of these qi portals...Knock , knock!

Thanks, again, for your support and encouragement. By my example, I hope to inspire others to be at their best in what they choose to do, in how they choose to be. Ase'O!

Your tax-deductible PayPal DONATIONS made directly to the Retreat Center on my behalf are greatly appreciated. Please include a note indicating it is for: Dr. Woodbine 3-YP. Thank you, kindly!!!

Blessings,
Doc

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 even anticipated achieving. Don't give in, don't give up! 

Sixty-Seven and counting...

Today marks the first day of my 68th year living on the planet...I was blessed with phone calls and text messages from family and friends, an unexpected care/love package in the mail from my Kindred, chocolate and pear cakes from my training colleagues, and FaceTime kisses from my grandson and granddaughter. I am fortunate to have lived this long in good health and to have the many relationships that are mutually valued. I am pondering what the next 10 years will be and look forward to the following fifty-nine when I'll be 128 years young!

I've been back "on the mountain" 36 days now and much has happened in such a short time. Upon returning, we wee informed that one of our training partners in the 3-Year Program chose to terminate his participation. Our numbers are now down to 3 from the original active 5. Our group expects to graduate in June 2019 and we are half way through the program with 13 months of training left.

While the scope of what remains in the program to be studied can feel overwhelming at times, I've come to accept that, realistically, these 3 years provide a solid foundation from which to continue to explore and refine my devotion to these arts after I graduate. That perspective removes any anxiety and angst and helps me focus in on what it is I can learn within the time remaining.

Log push ups in the snow 2/19/2018

Photo courtesy of Michelle Lin

Our learning seems to have accelerated during these past 5 weeks compared to our initial year and a half. While it was tough for me to get right back into the swing of arduous training when I returned in January, the focus on partner drills has paid off in unexpected ways. I'm still at the level of playing scales, but with the added awareness of what effective improvisation feels like in an active person to person exchange. Our drills include stationary Peng-Lu-Ji-An, moving Single and Double Pushing Hands, moving Yin-Yang symbol (Yang side), stationary Yin-Yang symbol (Yin side), and Applications from the Taijiquan form (including the kicking, striking, wrestling, and joint locking options)
.

Chin ups 2/19/2018

Photo courtesy of Michelle Lin

We've also begun learning both the basics and a sequence using Taiji Sword (36" long) and Taiji Spear (12' long). I can say, unequivocally, that studying the Saber (30") and Staff (7-8' long) really did prepare me for now tackling the Sword and Spear. Both the Sword and Spear are, by the nature of their design and length, more elegant and graceful instruments with which to express one's Qi. I've surrendered to the notion that it will take TIME to really feel comfortable wielding all 4 of these weapons correctly. My plan is to also include learning the 2 Short Rods of White Crane before I graduate.

My conditioning continues well. I recently calculated that the actual upward 50 yard slope that I Panther Crawl most mornings is not 45 degrees. It's 75 degrees! I now do it while wearing a 20 pound vest. This is going up as well as down the additional 45 yard side. I resumed climbing the ropes (vertical and horizontal) about 2 weeks ago, but it was an ugly affair. Because I had severely strained my left elbow doing too much during the  fall semester, I had to stop climbing as well as doing chin and pull ups. During the winter break, I rested and treated my elbow and forearm with Wise Woman Herbals ARCH Oil as well as used Castor Oil. While I can climb again without pain, I lost much of the gains I had made previously because I had stopped lifting my body weight with the chin and pull ups. So, I've resumed the chin and pull ups (sometimes with the 20 pound vest) and am slowly regaining my capacity to lift my body mass up the vertical rope. My goal remains the same: climb up the vertical rope in 10 seconds or less just using arms, no legs. I'll keep you posted.

I had one mishap with my lower back about 3 weeks ago that lasted about 3 days. I reintroduced dead lifts into my regimen, but took it a little too far one session. I was lifting 205 pounds, but did too many repetitions. It wasn't until late that night that my back muscles tightened up and didn't release for several days. I still trained, but cautiously. With saunas, self-massage, ARCH Oil, homeopathic Arnica, and daily stretching and Yoga's 'Happy Baby' pose, I found relief.

Overall, I'm stronger and more flexible and have increased stamina. Unexpectedly my body mass has increased and I now weigh about 168 pounds (up 8-9 pounds from last semester).

Our Qigong training continues and we are now doing the winter and spring sets of the Four Seasons Qigong routine. Additionally, we've learned and now include the Coiling set of the Taiji Qigong routine. We recently learned the complete set of the Bear sequence in the Five Animal Sports routine and started learning the first of 5 patterns in the Monkey sequence. We're also reading and discussing the Muscle-Tendon Changing, Bone-Marrow, Brain Washing book written by Dr. Yang.

 The weather has been unusually warm for the majority of the time I've been back. This time last year, it was miserably cold AND wet most days from heavy rain. Yesterday morning was the first time in many years that actual heavy snow fell (about 4") here on the mountain. We trained anyway... By late afternoon, it had mostly melted away.

There are 4 months remaining in this semester before I return to the city in July. I'll keep you posted on my progress and experiences throughout the time. Thanks, again, for your ongoing support and encouragement. Feel free to drop me a line or ask a question at urbanqi@gmail.com.

Hard White Crane Qigong with Quentin Lopes 2/19/2018

Photo courtesy of Michelle Lin

Your tax-deductible PayPal DONATIONS made directly to the Retreat Center on my behalf are greatly appreciated. Please include a note indicating it is for: Dr. Woodbine 3-YP. Thank you, kindly!!!

Blessings,
Doc

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 even anticipated achieving. Don't give in, don't give up! 

Still Here...

Photo credit: Jamie Urquhart

I'm still here... and preparing to leave "the mountain" once again. For all intents and purposes, this first semester is done. The day after tomorrow will be our final oral Qigong examination with Dr. Yang and Friday is the official last day of training.

I am so looking forward to soaking in a hot bath with Epsom Salts and essential oils! Here, we are limited to maximum 6 minute showers and/or doing a sauna (only if there are a minimum 3 people who want to sauna at the same time). My joints and muscles need more care and time for recovery than what a 6 minute shower or weekly sauna will ever offer ...

While the sky is cloudless today allowing the sun to shine brightly, it is pretty chilly outside (38F). We haven't gotten the usual amount of rain for this time of year either. By now, you must be aware of the recent new surge of fires ravaging Southern California as a result. Thankfully, we are far north of those fires.

I can imagine in ancient times, when bare hand and weapons' fighting skills easily determined whether you lived or died, that training in the cold may have been a minor distraction. For me however, once my feet get too cold, not only is it a distraction, it also becomes painful. I appreciate the potential hardiness that training in cold, wet weather confers, but it "ain't no fun..."

Photo credit: Jamie Urquhart

You ever have that "feeling" that grabs your awareness and makes you move contrary to how your conscious mind prefers? For me, it's a feeling around the back of my neck and the base of my skull--like an itch/tingle. When that happens, I've learned to pay attention because something important and revelatory is about to occur. Early one morning about two weeks ago as I passed by the trampoline, it happened. Now, I've passed by that trampoline every time since I've been here. I've seen other students on it jumping and tumbling as well. Not once has it ever attracted my interest or attention. In fact, I've never been on a trampoline in my life. The closest I was to one was back in 1966 in the gym at DeWitt Clinton High School. Even then, I didn't get on it. I preferred the parallel bars and climbing the vertical rope.

Photo credit: Jamie Urquhart

That morning, two weeks ago, I felt compelled to get on the trampoline. So I was obedient and nervously clambered up there. I felt wobbly at first and then it happened. I didn't jump up an down like I've seen others do, but instead felt how the surface of the trampoline gave way under my weight as I moved about. It felt like walking underneath myself. I got so excited because this was a visceral feeling of connecting to the ever-elusive roots mentioned in Taijiquan training. By deliberately pressing downward into the trampoline and it giving way, I experienced the joint spaces in my ankles and knees like never before. In fact, my overall stance was lower and my mobility in that stance was softer, more graceful, and free of the typical discomfort I feel doing so on the ground, pavement, or bricks. This was amazing to me because it has always been a physical struggle to get lower, still move with ease, and feel grounded! I knew that I had been gifted with a KEY that morning and immediately shared it with my classmates to confirm its universal applicability. Most agreed that this revelation was valid. I've seen them since then moving on the trampoline; even doing centering partner exercises on it.

Dr. Yang mentioned that part of traditional White Crane martial arts training is done while standing on rafts and/or logs on water. There you cultivate the ability to maintain exquisite balance while generating your power from the waist rather the feet and legs as in Taijiquan. Being on the trampoline has given me an inkling of what that process and experience might be.

I use the trampoline on a daily basis now. Rather than jumping up into the air from it, I focus on pushing down through it deliberately and slowly. It's helped me become aware of my psoas muscles and how they assist in generating power through my legs. My ankles, knees and hips are becoming more fluid, too. And, my legs have gotten stronger. I'll do upwards of 800 to 1000 repetitions on it and have recently included doing the Soft White Crane Qigong patterns with weighted wrists. Because the trampoline gives with every motion, it also increases proprioceptive awareness and balance and may hold promise for those who are challenged with gait issues.

This semester was a major shift from the previous two for me. The emphasis on moving partner drills highlighted the dynamic nature of Taijiquan beyond practicing the solo form itself. And the focus on martial applications has opened another door as well. More and more, the analogy between this art and the art of jazz music becomes so clear to me. Ultimately, having the type of strong foundation in the basics that so informs my creativity to, at a moment's notice, respond improvisationally to any circumstance is where I see my Self headed.

Recently, Dr. Yang shared with us the original meaning of the word 'martial' from the Chinese (止戈為武 Zhi Ge Wei Wu). You may be surprised to know that it means "stop the weapon is martial." So not only is Taijiquan translated as the Grand Ultimate Fist of the Mind, it's original intent and, therefore, design is defensive...

If you've been reading my posts, you know that I had set as a goal this semester to climb the vertical rope in less than the 12 seconds I did previously. Unfortunately, I had to alter my preparation for this due to straining my left elbow from overtraining (climbing both the vertical and horizontal ropes too often). While I've decided to not challenge myself with a speed climb for now, I am happy to report that I'm almost 100% recovered after having taken 2-3 weeks off from climbing and nursed my elbow with ARCH Oil (Arnica, Ruta, Calendula, and Hypericum) combined with Castor Oil daily. In fact, I was able to climb the vertical rope all the way to the top without any pain or discomfort today! I'll slowly work my way back to speed climbing and go for it next semester.

I'm looking forward to seeing family and friends and indulging in desserts I cannot treat myself to while on the mountain during this break. I wish each of you and your families the very best in all things this holiday season!!! Sincere thanks to all of you that continue to support me morally and financially to be here. I will resume the second semester mid-January and soon thereafter, I'll be celebrating my 67th birthday!

Your tax-deductible PayPal DONATIONS made directly to the Retreat Center on my behalf are greatly appreciated. Please include a note indicating it is for: Dr. Woodbine 3-YP. Thank you, kindly!!!

Blessings,
Doc

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 even anticipated achieving. Don't give in, don't give up! 

A Glimpse...

Though it was delayed by several weeks, the cold and rainy season has started, again. I am glad for the delay. Training in the cold when it's also wet is an energy drain just trying to find the comfort zone to feel sufficiently warm without sweating so much that you then feel even colder when you stop moving.

Horizontal Climbing Rope
Photo credit: Jonathan Chang

With the rains, I've had to change my rope climbing conditioning routine. They're too slick to climb safely; especially the vertical rope. It's given me a chance to rest my shoulders and, particularly, an elbow that I strained a couple of weeks ago. So, this past week, I've been still doing my panther crawls, but instead of pull/chin ups and knee ups each morning, I'm refocusing on my leg strength and flexibility as well as waist and ankle mobility. I'm back to 150 squats daily and added some drills using my legs with a heavy bag while I'm on my back on the gym floor. My knees and ankles are stronger and more flexible. This makes such a difference in initiating the coiling required to absorb, redirect, and deflect incoming forces.

Oblique Knee Ups (20 each morning)
Photo credit: Jonathan Chang

Ying-Yang Symbol Training
Photo credit: Jonathan Chang

The teaching and training has evolved from last year to introduce more partner drills that emphasize movement rather than stationary rocking. Whether it's Single or Double Push Hands, the Taiji Symbol, Taijiquan applications, or the White Crane Staff sequence, we've progressed to another phase of interacting with ourselves and each other. Something has shifted within me that I cannot quite put into words (of all times not to be able to 'say' what 'it' is...) as we've been experiencing this phase of engaging while moving forwards and backwards.

To state the obvious, the Taijiquan form embodies multiple layers of the martial aspects of this art. It contains striking, kicking, wrestling, and seize/control ("joint locking"). It is not until you begin to train these and so many other martial aspects of this art that you appreciate the depth and breadth of the form as a living template of options to be exercised at a moment's notice. I am acutely aware of how much I do not know. The blessing, however, is that I can see the destination ahead more clearly than ever and I know I'm traveling on the right road to arrive there one day.

I have gotten a glimpse of what it will be like to one day have the conscious integration of body, mind, Qi and spirit to flow with grace and effectively exercise power rather than mere strength in a martial way. It's just a glimpse, yet it is reaffirming and keeps my faith resolute about the 'magic' that is this art--Taijiquan. Some days have felt exquisitely uncomfortable to move at all during these past 11 weeks of training. However, that sliver of Light that it is possible to achieve a higher level of self-mastery motivates me to never give up.

Sunrise one very cold morning... photo courtesy RJ Woodbine

I know, without a doubt, that this journey will bear fruit that confirms my aspirations for being here. It's a process that I will continue to share to, hopefully, inspire others to go forward to make manifest their dream(s) martial or otherwise. The process for achieving success is pretty much the same at its roots-tenacity, diligence, discipline, resilience.

We have 4 weeks remaining in the semester before I leave "the mountain" for our winter break. We've completed our physical testing in Taijiquan for the semester and have the oral exams in Qigong in 2 weeks. Thanksgiving is later this week and I wish you and your families an enjoyable Holiday season and celebration. I am forever grateful to everyone who continues to support me and this incredible journey. Be Blessed and flow with the go...

Your tax-deductible PayPal DONATIONS made directly to the Retreat Center on my behalf are greatly appreciated. Please include a note indicating it is for: Dr. Woodbine 3-YP. Thank you, kindly!!!

Respectfully,
Doc

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 even anticipated achieving. Don't give in, don't give up!

Practicing scales...

Many years ago in a class during my freshman year as a naturopathic medical student, one of my favorite teachers, Dr. Sherman, shared an important idea with us. I think many of us were feeling overwhelmed then with the shear volume of classes and information we had taken on. I don't recall the specifics of our semester course load, but I do remember that feeling of being inundated with so much to learn.

Dr. Sherman said that the more information one could expose themselves to, the greater the likelihood that you'd build unconscious neural connections that would provide answers to questions that didn't seem to have obvious answers at first blush. Since then, his statement has proven to be true many times in my clinical experience and otherwise. Seemingly out of nowhere, I've had clarity about questions that, at first glance, seemed difficult to know the answer to. I experienced an unexpected revelation last week while training.

However, this was a physical rather than intellectual epiphany. Five days a week we focus on Taijiquan Basic drills in the afternoon-stances, jumping, walking, coiling, and more. It was the solo coiling drill that got me. For more than a year, we have been doing Yang and Yin self-coiling drills, both stationary and moving. I understood what we were supposed to be doing, but it never quite felt right to me. Actually, I would sometimes wonder privately why we kept doing them. Not because I didn't intellectually value the drill--my body just didn't make sense of it. There was no connected flow between my intent and how my body moved.

To my surprise, last week Frank gave us some of the similar directions he's always given us--"Use the Dan Tian to make the movement; keep the torso upright, etc." Like magic, something shifted and I suddenly experienced this profound connection between my feet, through my legs and hips, up through my torso, my arms and hands, and I got IT! For the very first time since I started doing this drill, I KNEW what Frank was talking about because my body was moving fluidly and with clear purpose. I was profoundly elated and full of hope for all the work I've put in and will continue to devote myself to-not out of blind faith, but rather inspired faith knowing that the 'reward' for my efforts comes when I least look for it. Like Dr. Yang says his teacher told him, "Just put your head down and plow."

Tomorrow we begin our sixth week of this first semester in our second year here. Time is moving at an accelerated pace it seems. Each day is replete with drills, conditioning, and steady progress forward. We continue to refine the Taijiquan Long form, Yin-Yang Symbol partner sequence, Single and Double Push Hands, Applications, Qin Na, Taiji Ball, Taiji Saber sequence, Qi Mei Gun Staff sequence, Taiji Staff, and Qigong (Embryonic Breathing, 4 Seasons, 8 Pieces of Brocade, White Crane Soft, Small Circulation, and 5 Animal Sports).

My conditioning continues with the basics of White Crane Hard Qigong and, in addition to climbing the vertical rope 3 days weekly, I've now added traversing a horizontal rope (see picture and videos below). This 50 foot long rope is strung between two trees. One end is about 10 feet high and the opposite end is about 15 feet high. The rope is 1 and 1/2' thick. For now, we climb it twice weekly-forwards and backwards- using  our arms only. So far, I've only made it a third of the way across going forwards. Backwards, not so much... My goal is to make it from end to end without putting my feet on the ground. If not by semester's end, definitely sometime next semester.

I've also begun doing Panther Hops which are like moving forearm planks forward, backwards and side to side. More about those when I get better at it. Videos are coming...

In the meanwhile, I'll keep practicing my scales (a la John Coltrane and all the other masters)...

50' long rope strung horizontally
Photo credit: RJ Woodbine

Traversing the horizontal rope forwards
Video credit: Nona Ikeda

Traversing the horizontal rope backwards
Video credit: Nona Ikeda

The weather is rapidly shifting now. Most mornings are very cold with a promise to be even colder come November and January. At night, the temperature can drop 25-30 degrees from what it is during the day which now averages in the low 70's. The rainy season will begin next month.

The wild deer still come by regularly. Recently, we had to quarantine the hens because, most likely, a bobcat ate several of them. The hummingbirds are busy flitting about along with the wasps and bees.

The time seems to be moving at a faster pace than at this same juncture last year here. Each lesson is an invaluable one every day...

Wishing you well and appreciative of all your support!

Your tax-deductible PayPal DONATIONS made directly to the Retreat Center on my behalf are greatly appreciated. Please include a note indicating it is for: Dr. Woodbine 3-YP. Thank you, kindly!!!

Respectfully,
Doc

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 even anticipated achieving. Don't give in, don't give up!

Transitions 2...

In March of this year, I started climbing the rope on a regular basis as part of my conditioning and strength training. Part of my motivation was to equal or exceed the existing record time for climbing up the rope--12 seconds. The video below records my attempt at doing this just as the semester ended in June...   

                                                              Video credit: Michelle Lin

I've been back 'on the mountain' exactly one week today, but only training since Monday (5 days). It feels like a month already! With my first year behind me, I have a different perspective and appreciation for the volume of work we put in each day with our training. It truly is intensive.

I'm putting into practice the lessons I learned about pacing myself and am discovering how to immerse myself in each training module throughout the day without getting overly fatigued physically or mentally. Yet, I'm somehow able to extract a deeper benefit than before. Obviously, some of that results from the time and effort I already invested the first year.

With time seemingly passing by quicker now, I have specific and measureable goals I've set for myself for the remaining 14 weeks. Each day is a building block toward successfully achieving those. One goal I have is to reduce my rope climbing time to 10 seconds or less... I'll share others as time passes.

This week I added Panther Crawling to my conditioning and strength training routine along with ground rolling and gentle tumbling. Remember when we were children and played on the ground in the playground? When was the last time you spent some time literally rolling around on the ground? It's great for flexibility, proprioception, and softening those hardened regions of our body (butt, attitude, etc.). The video below is of my Panther Crawling up and down the hill at the Retreat Center.

                                                            Video credit: Jamie Urquhart

This second year is a pivotal one toward preparing to complete the final year of the program and then return to "the valley" in 2019. I look forward to rejoining my colleagues in doing the Work required to help uplift the vibrational frequencies of those most in need that resonate with what I will be able to offer.

I sincerely thank all of you who have offered your financial support to make it possible for me to continue this journey. I am truly humbled by your generosity as well as your belief in the work I do. On those days when my energy may feel insufficient, I think of you and keep it moving...

Stay tuned for more that I'll share as autumn makes its way here in the next several weeks. Meanwhile, make the most of each moment, commit to being at your best, and express your gratitude for that which you have already been blessed with as you leave room to receive all that you deserve as your spiritual birthright...

Your tax-deductible PayPal DONATIONS made directly to the Retreat Center on my behalf are greatly appreciated. Please include a note indicating it is for: Dr. Woodbine 3-YP. Thank you, kindly!!!

Respectfully,

Doc

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 even anticipated achieving. Don't give in, don't give up!

In the Valley...

It's been exactly twenty-one days since I returned home, returned to 'the valley.' The transition from being away on the mountain for the previous six months and coming back here has been revelatory, disheartening, affirming, and challenging. More now than ever, I feel how oppressive living in an urban setting can be to the spirit of a person. And, while I've observed what appears to be a qualitative difference between living on 110th Street-St. Nicholas Avenue and living on 110th Street-Riverside Drive that is facilitated by wealth, the assault of asphalt, brick, mortar, incessant blaring noises, bright lights, and stench from sewers nevertheless assails us all.

About ten days ago, on the way home from teaching a Taiji/Qigong class in St. Nicholas Park, I saw a yellow dress and sandals strewn on the sidewalk near the wrought iron fence surrounding the buildings on the block. I assumed that someone had unknowingly dropped them, perhaps on the way to Goodwill? As I walked a few steps further down the block, I saw a black woman leaning against a parked SUV canopied by an overhanging tree. She was stark naked and barefoot except for her gray panties and bra. Her eyes were empty and she looked exceedingly tired. It was a miserably hot and humid New York afternoon, but her choice to unburden herself of her dress and sandals, in broad daylight, spoke more to me about how she was coping with the madness of her existence rather than an inappropriate reaction to the weather.

One morning earlier this week, I was on my way to the subway station to teach a Qigong class at the Jewish Community Center on Amsterdam Avenue. As I neared the corner before crossing the street, I saw this disheveled older black man humped over an even more disheveled older black woman. Both were clothed, but his dirty pants were down by his knees and so were hers. Their loose fitting and oversized tops hid the obvious, but it was clear that he was having sex with her. Right there. In broad daylight. And there was an occupied New York police car double parked on the street directly across from them. A woman going in the opposite direction from me looked and then turned her head in disbelief as she continued on her way. I was shocked, dismayed, and angered by this. I wasn't angry at the two people--it was obvious that they were not mentally and emotionally well; part of the homeless unseen and uncared for in our culture.

What I was angry about is that these types of contortions of the spirit, psyche, and body to chronic assaults from a culture that systematically denigrates human worth has been happening my whole life, literally. I first became acutely aware of this at the age of fourteen after retuning to Harlem from participating in an eight-week summer academic and cultural enrichment program (the Greater Opportunity Program) for one hundred inner city boys at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. This is a preparatory school (High School) that currently has over a half billion dollar endowment, a five to one student-teacher ratio, and where annual tuition and room & board is sixty-five thousand dollars per student. It is an eight hundred acre property with its own lake, golf course, etc. and where the progeny of the Fords, DuPonts, and Mars have attended.

Returning from the Hotchkiss School and getting off that Metro North train at 125th Street and Park Avenue that summer in 1965, my spirit was torn asunder by the vivid contrast between life in Lakeville and home--Harlem had a distinctive stench to it I had not noticed before, I was able to see what appeared to be teeming heroin addicts everywhere as if for the very first time, and the brick, asphalt and mortar of the city was overwhelming. I was traumatized by this and desperately needed to do something to change it, to help. It shaped the trajectory of my life...Not much seems to have changed in the past fifty-two years in that particular area of Harlem despite the steady march forward of gentrification. Those who have not seem to have less and are worse off, in fact.

I recently met a woman who heads an organization that now offers hot meals from a brightly painted freight container parked on the sidewalk under the Metro North train platform on 125th Street and Park Avenue. She also manages having a weekly farmer's market selling locally grown foods to the community at that same location. While the strong odor of urine and sometimes human feces still is noticeable, the darkness that was so pervasive there has diminished considerably, in part, through her efforts. We had a conversation about my experience as a fourteen year old, her strategy and goals for the area, and my years of teaching Qigong and Taijiquan. We agreed that space holds energy and that energy can transform space. As such, I suggested that perhaps having my students do their weekly Qigong and Taijiquan sessions there at least once monthly might help change the energetic field and accelerate the change we were both interested in seeing happen.

So, returning home to the valley from the mountain this summer has provided me an opportunity to come full circle in a very unexpected way. This journey that I was compelled to begin fifty-two years ago as a child has led me down a variety of paths seeking ways to make life better for those who are typically underserved in urban communities. I originally enrolled in college with the intent of becoming an architect or urban planner thinking that changing the tenement housing environments people lived would change their lives. I then pursued artistic skills as a writer and performing poet thinking that influencing the way people thought would be the answer. Subsequently, I became a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist seeking to improve the health and well-being of those beset with easily preventable chronic illnesses. And, now my goal is to synthesize all of my skill sets with a focus on teaching people how to cultivate their resilience to be self-reliant, self-referenced as they  live life optimally and well. In other words, teaching people how to fish rather than giving them a fish. I firmly believe that Qigong and Taijiquan  are portals providing access to energy and vibrational  resources that can literally help transform one's mind, perception, emotions, and behavior in support of living one's life with spiritual integrity and clarity. Change the vibrational field within yourself and consistently practice these disciplines to effectively influence the space you occupy. That seems to me to be the deepest level of lasting revolution-evolution...

I had hoped to practice and train more regularly while off the mountain, but that has not happened. I realized I actually needed to REST after nine months of strenuous training. The signs were there--the first two weeks my lower back was working itself through an unexpected series of spasms that were pretty uncomfortable probably from sitting in planes and airports for over 9 hours. Then I had sudden problems chewing without pain which got progressively worse. I visited my dentist to find out I had two root canals that needed to be done. This was painful, time consuming, and expensive (Medicare does not cover dental costs; especially root canals).

However, it hasn't been all gloom and doom. My Heather treated me to a trip to Mexico as a way to celebrate my completing the first year of training. This was a wonderful experience together! I was introduced to the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan by Julia Kulokova and had a wonderful opportunity to teach Qigong to the seniors there and look forward to doing so on my breaks. I also taught my students at the SAGE Center and, of course, my regular students at St. Nicholas Park. I also spent time sharing my first year experiences with a group of sponsors who continue to support me and my goals to complete the 3-Year Training Program. Without their support and the support of my family, this would be very difficult and I am continually grateful.

Soon, I will be back on the mountain. Once I get re-acclimated to the training schedule, I will keep you posted about my experiences. So, stay tuned...

Your tax-deductible PayPal DONATIONS made directly to the Retreat Center on my behalf are greatly appreciated. Please include a note indicating it is for: Dr. Woodbine 3-YP. Thank you, kindly!!!

Respectfully,

Doc

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 even anticipated achieving. Don't give in, don't give up!