Be not Affraid!

 My Grandmother and her three sisters and one brother left Finland during WWI as very young kids and teenagers. They traveled by a ship for several weeks, a unknown couple help them make it here. They left with the clothes on their back, and were not bilingual. As a kid I was often reminded how lucky we have it here and not take things for granted. Growing up we had no cable, internet etc. it was a different time we learned culture and traditions. Time was spent on nurturing life lessons, learning on what to do in life.  My parents and grand parents, elders will always be my greatest teachers to me; they made me who I am today. Those lessons make these trying days alot easier; my father always said don't worry alot things sort out if you can maintain patience. So very true!

There are many things you can do within your home life. This is not the end of the world having to sacrifice for the good of the cause.Now is the time to cleanse, lose a bad habit or get closer to a loved one whom might not always be around.My grandmother often said that her mother taught:

*Never give up on yourself or your dreams; there is always hope after despair.
*There is always a tomorrow after the storm
*True poverty is that of a lost soul; must have faith even in the worst circumstances.

Gary Abersold           

Energy Deficiency a Perfect Setup for Health Issues

Life Force Energy (Qi, Chi) Deficiency

The above highlights some of the typical feelings one might have with "Qi deficiency". Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes their experience and knowledge to concur common

symptoms through the use of body/mind cultivation (qigong), herbs & food, bodywork such as acupuncture & massage.

 The current problem with the "corona virus" should be a time to embrace Qigong and learn to stimulate your immune system and begin to correct deficient energy. If you have access to purchase herbs I would recommend the use of tonic herbs for they will work very well with a qigong practice. Tonic herbs help with strengthening the body/mind and correcting deficient Qi. The heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen & liver will be strengthened and balanced to building a strong immune system. The number one problem with these recommendations often is lack of follow through. We must practice qigong; and you have to take your supplements as well. If you donot follow this advice you will get nowhere going forward.

Within our current situation is many, people who are posting videos, pressuring people to sign up to "zoom classes" which is fine I suppose. It is funny to me although that many of these people I know very well, where staunch haters of transmitting knowledge via "cheap and sleazy online classes". So just beware that there are going to many people looking to make a buck as well as many genuine teachers who truly want to help.

 My only view is that if you cannot get a recording of the class or modality that you are buying it will be very hard to retain. That would be a huge thing I believe especially if its a expensive one.  Just remember that a live class will be a one time experience moving very quickly as you are experiencing it. 

I personally donot think this is a time to be taking classes; it is a time for self practice. Nurturing those around you and giving hope. If you never learned Qigong I recommend possibly trying non conceptual meditation or zhan zhuang qigong (see below) that focus on being yourself and naturalness. The situation with the corona virus could be the wakeup call to many that body/mind healing is imperative for the family's in general. The Unites States is behind the times with this, most other countries have embraced body/mind healing is a must have in the community. 

One hour of Qigong is only 4% of Ones Day

Many experts believe that any type of exercise is only 4 percent of ones day, which is actually 4.16 for most common like days if all goes well. Its a catchy way to encourage people to take care of themselves. So yes!..one of hour of Qigong is only 4 % of your day. On a serious note I will close this by saying whatever practice you do stick to that one only! 

The best qigong you could do is one that's not complicated and delivers tangible effects. I recommend Zhan Zhuang Qigong you can learn it here for free on my youtube channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQdg9OZDSjNhueZC22rHvAA/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0  

Go to the 10 day Zhan Zhuang Qigong video series as presented by Master Lam Kam Chuan. I studied with him over 20  + years ago, a excellent teacher and a lineage Master. The series is very old but delivers the message and teaching. The price is right cost nothing but all this time you have. Zhan Zhuang Qigong aka "Standing Meditation" number one feature is that through simplicity it helps correct energy deficiency. I have healed innumerable students through Zhan Zhuang Qigong in my teaching experience.

You will find the simple exercises and dedication to the practice of Zhan Zhuang Qigong is kinda like the best kept secret.  To taste the apple through description never does it justice; you have to bite into yourself...just like Qigong.

Gary W Abersold

 taozahnchi@gmail.com

 

   

  

Our Biggest Enemy in Life

Be Content Who You Are 

Part I

If we spend our life trying to compare or lurk around to see what others are doing, we cause much harm to ourselves. Engaging in this kinda of activity is a complete waste of time. Not to mention it causes much problems in the mind and heart.

As soon as we pass away from this life and unzip out of our body we are equal. We all meet the same fate no matter how rich or poor we are. 

Each of us are part of the Tao's heart; we are put on this earth likened in many ways as an assistant. If someone achieves faster or greater than you;...be honest with yourself see it for what it truly is ~a wonderful achievement of hard work and effort for that person. 

Our life is a reflection of our own uniqueness, value and place in whatever we are into. Throughout one's life we will meet people all the time, that have higher ability or skill; and that is ok. Wouldn't be a dull world if everyone was exactly the same? Everyone should celebrate peoples uniqueness and abilities. 

The act of being "Content" is a major teaching throughout the teachings of Lao Tsu. Invest energy to better yourself and forget about whats going on around you or in "internet land". 

In the Taoist practice of Centering Meditation and casting our issues aside, and cultivating our self daily; you will find much peace that is already there. You will find that through practicing of contentment and peace where you are right now the energy of truth comes through the fog and chaos of our body/mind.

 We experience there is no jealous, hate or worry. Our experience is likened to a clean window in which we can look at things more calm and clear. We find there is no need for adversarial emotions; each of us can then strive for cultivating meaningful lives with anyone we encounter. 

The need for justifying is gone. We can develop ourselves for personal higher purposes. People that connect to the Well of Wisdom of Natural Healing of Nourishing Life Arts and Spiritual Cultivation begun to ascend personally to a high level.

 To end this part I section begin to focus on daily life experience's right here and now:

 The past is behind us; 

the future has not reached us;

 Why bother with things that cannot be reached?

Focus on Life today.  

   

      

 

Wisdom of William Saroyan

The Time of Your Life

W. Saroyan

In the time of your life, live—so that in that good time there shall be no ugliness or death for yourself or for any life your life touches. Seek goodness everywhere, and when it is found, bring it out of its hiding place and let it be free and unashamed.

Place in matter and in flesh the least of the values, for these are the things that hold death and must pass away. Discover in all things that which shines and is beyond corruption. Encourage virtue in whatever heart it may have been driven into secrecy and sorrow by the shame and terror of the world. Ignore the obvious, for it is unworthy of the clear eye and the kindly heart.

Be the inferior of no man, or of any men be superior. Remember that every man is a variation of yourself. No man's guilt is not yours, nor is any man's innocence a thing apart. Despise evil and ungodliness, but not men of ungodliness or evil. These, understand. Have no shame in being kindly and gentle but if the time comes in the time of your life to kill, kill and have no regret.

In the time of your life, live—so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it.

footnote: From the Play's monoluge "The Time of Your Life" (1939)   

Meditation Key to Better Qigong Skill

The practice of Meditation is the most underestimated practice in Qigong circles. All the top Masters I know have strong meditation practice in their personal life and so should you. I recommend practice in a group or a Theravada Buddhist Temple. In this way you can learn the original calming & insight system. In most cases these classes are offered by donation; so there really is no excuse not to practice. The above graphic gives the bullet points for the common user. Right Click and enlarge image.

GWA

Wisdom of the Moment: 

The things that you think that you own; actually own you. 

The above statement can be viewed and applied in numerous ways and meanings. There are many people that have great attachment/belief that money equals power; and things give one status and happiness. Which is very delusional and one can become self sacrificed in a sense;... that one day they realize they spent a whole lifetime chasing after personal bondage of things that really don't matter. They realize they have become a slave to their lifestyle as well. They are not free at all. Culture is a culprit in many ways because it shapes peoples habits, beliefs and daily experiences. Be weary of what you actually participate in and don't be part of "cattle herd mentality".    

We can see that "Smart Phone Technology" and Personal Computers  actually has become the master and the users have become their slaves. Many cannot escape the grasp of their enslavement to their devices and cyber community's such as Facebook, Instagram, etc. Which is very sad because they are truly controlled by validation response such as "likes" and trying to be popular, and their 4,500 so called friends. It's truly kinda like high school of people trying to be popular or be "in the fold crowd". 

 As stated in previous journal entry's more and more people are truly and dangerously addicted to the age of electrical devices. Wisdom of the East Asian Masters is true here - The things that you think you own; actually own you. Lets continue below and look deeper:

A Whirl Wind of  Different Energy and States of Life

Early Christian teachings warn us of personal impropriety of  Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Anger, Greed, and Sloth. The teachings also help us to understand a life of virtue, service and personal cultivation are key to one's life. Those whom follow the path can everyday "Reflect and Look" at how they are doing through personal meditation, centering prayer and reflection. At any given moment can take action not to spiral into a world of Impropriety.  Much of this is contained in Old Testament teachings and that of all true personal faiths of higher level consciousness, qualified mentors of the path.

Mahayana Buddhist teachings hold a share belief that is similar depicted in a teaching Mandala called  Six World's of Life. Each snapshot world is illustrated by characters representing aspects of human existence our various ways of being.  Below I break it down in away that anyone can understand and make useful.

1. Existing in a World of Animal Characteristics: We are driven by basic survival instincts and appetites such as physical hunger and sexuality, which is the ego in overdrive. These urges for many are uncontrollable and nothing is never enough.   

2. Existing in a World of Personal Hell: We are trapped in states of unbearable personal rage and anxiety. Their beliefs and chaos in their mind becomes uncontrollable and in many cases become acted out in personal life. These World's of Hell are very visible through some's personal/collective delusion and acts like suicide, terrorism, strike lines, protesting and vandalism are sure real life signs of this.

3.  Existing in a World of Universal Spirits (Gods?...maybe):  We strive to transcend our weekly troubles and our over inflated egos through ritualistic, aesthetic or a religious experience, through a community church; but it is only temporary and void of true  spiritual cultivation and purification found in daily practice. Even this is scabbed with a sense of loss and suffering. For many the blinders one day come off and a sense of loss is felt.

4.  Existing in a World of Superiority: It could be you..:) or there are always certain people we cross paths with or personas in positions of power that publicly display a phony sense of strength and power. They are deluded by their own personal Superiority. They are threatened by people of compassion, virtue and quality. The Masters depict them clearly as enemies of leaders of enlightened way. These negative self identified persona's are marked by their fierce envy, hate and jealousy. They act quickly and not rationally in all they do, considered to be very dangerous for sure. Best to avoid and not engage with these types, less said is best. 

5. Existing in a World of Insatiability: Buddhist Art is a form of teaching oral traditions passed down through the ages. The above image shows a monk encountering a Hungry Ghost. The Masters of the Buddhist Way of Life, depict the dwellers of Insatiability aka...Hungry Ghost World as deformed, possessed spirits beings with scrawny necks, small mouths, emaciated limbs and large, bloated, empty bellies.

 In a real world experience this is the chains and bondage of powerful brain programing, addiction, and obsession. It is also the end result of being a causality of a life of never finding contentment.  This is a whirl wind of many sickly energies which one is constantly seeking something outside themselves to curb an insatiable yearning for relief or fulfillment. The scorched aching emptiness is perpetual because the substances, objects or pursuits they hope will soothe it are not what it will fix it. Many people can relate to this mode of lack, sometimes you don’t know what you need, and will try a multitude of things and stuff.

 There are many students I encounter in twenty years teaching that are like this. They are the dabblers doing  systems like Yoga, Qigong, Karate all at the same time and doing nothing but driving themselves crazy. If they stuck to one and became real close to it, they would have found contentment. But they cannot hear you and are like a Tornado tearing through life. The wisdom here is when one exist in a World of Insatiability, guess what you will eventually crack and break free. You will hit rock bottom something or someone will intervene. It can take though in some cases a lifetime. Insatiability is a nightmare for many people, it never goes away; it will haunt their lives because we are not engaged in being fully alive and present. 

6. The World of Personal Enlightenment: Sometimes it takes getting embarrassed by a teacher, friend or family member.  A wise teacher once scolded me and said "Embarrassment is the seed to Enlightenment; bet you will never do that again! The World of Personal Enlightenment/Spiritual Path of Cultivation focuses on our human Existence - right here and now is the only World of the above from which has a more brighter outlook. Christians, Taoist and Buddhist alike believe that personal enlightenment is at hand in our current life, yet only a few of us open their eyes and see it.

The Masters throughout the ages teach us that some of us dwell much of their lives in one World or another. Many of us possibly move back and forth between them, perhaps through all of them in the course of a single day. Be aware although Faith alone never halts problems; The things you own or money you may have does not as well. This statement a lesson in Karma " The things that you own; actually own you" is again loaded with many meanings as we have seen today in this journal entry.

The for sure win/win in a practical way is understanding personal cultivation, practicing proven daily enlightened wisdom always does. Masters of the Path like Lao Tsu, Buddha, Jesus of Nazereth and many others taught that belief in self identified charismatic teachers (#4) is dangerous; that instead of just believing in someone else, giving up personal power  or falling into cattle herd mentality, people should use their meditation practice to try to discover their own true nature. For this is the real power "Create Your Own Path ~Follow Your Own Aspirations ~ Make Your Own Moves~

Cheers Until Next Time...

 GWA

 

    

     

New Qigong Meditation Thursday Nights

                   New Lotus Meditation Practice Group Thursday Nights @ 7:00pm:

Come practice with myself and others on Thursday nights at 7:00pm.  Learn a unique tradition to energy healing  with meditation. More info at Qigonghealingcentre.com

*Double click image to enlarge and read details on class above*

Chi Flow Way of Life

The benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong form practices are multi leveled. In this journal entry I will detail what I have seen personally teaching many clients, since the mid 1990's. These practices are built on the premise on the compliance of doing them. Don't become the teacher or practitioner of all talk and no action. You have to be diligent in practicing; to get the health benefits, and to take it to new heights. Like the picture I provided above  "We can open the door but you must enter".

 As far as practices go it is very important to connect locally to a teacher of the community. The daily and nightly weekly classes and people that are in the community will be there for you day in; day out.  So what can Health and Wellness practices of the Chi Flow Way do for you? Read below:

(1) Healthier Body

• Improves immune system and energy levels
• Improves breathing & heart rates
• Fast Improvement in Blood Pressure
• Increases stamina and longevity
• Balances hormonal health
• Eliminates many respiratory issues
• Helps balance mental fog and burnout very easily
• Builds physical body safely and no stressful on skeletal system  

 (2) Daily Well Being

• Balances worry, anxiety & impulsiveness
• Dissolves tendency of stress, fear, loneliness, and depressive states 
• Enhances self esteem and self acceptance
• Develop resilience against pain & adversity
• One feels more optimistic, relaxed and can problem solve better
• Increased levels of self awareness and intuition
• Helps with emotional problems with addictions as in eating, gaming, compulsions
• Develop great self esteem in social interactions
• Keeps one sharp develops great learning abilities

 (3) Meditative Mind Power

• Develop mental strength and great focus 
• Develop ability for sharp memory recall & retention
• Improved cognitive ability & creative processing
• Manages burnout from technology overuse found in Smart Phone Users  
• For students improves learning curve by 1/2 of average student's

As little as 15 minutes in the morning you can balance yourself for work. We warm up the body, then flow as little as four simple sequences. The nigh-time practice is generally a recovery one. Clean the stresses of the day and refine what you have before bedtime. The night-time practice is a little longer about 30-35 minutes.  For the everyday person it comes down simply to the morning charge up and night time recovery and balancing tradition.

In my classes I only teach two practices which are in depth. One practice in the morning to wake up and charge up and one at night, to find peace and tranquility. 

These practices are the student that is: I work or go to school  40-60 hours per week, have a family. So you don't have to become a expert by any means to feel the results. A good Chi Flow exercise in most cases after about 5-7 minutes you should start opening up.

Hope you find this article to motivate you to enter into the "Chi Flow Way of Life", there are many teachers and approaches. Look for the teachers whom offer ongoing weekly classes, and have a genuine community practice in place. 

Gary W. Abersold 

taozahnchi@gmail.com

Qigong Healing Centre

      

The Quest for Orthodox Taoist Tai Chi?

A local student came over to my studio, student seeking advice on looking for authentic Taoist Tai Chi Chuan. He has been a student of "Taoist Tai Chi Chuan Society" and is questioning what they do. Well... for starters I don't like playing policeman, on these types of subjects cause everyone can do what they do. I think if it is helping someone get better health and wellness then that is perfect. It really does not matter per se what is so called "authentic", because once it leaves China and comes here it is a adapted tradition. America the melting pot, not a exclusive one view collective consciousness culture by any means.

I am no stranger to this Tai Chi Association; I have taught many of their teacher's Qigong and Meditation, Energy Healing throughout the years here in Michigan and in Windsor Canada. Many of them do it privately in fear of reprisal from the group, but its cool I understand, there can be alot of politics even in Tai Chu Chuan Groups. Many come to me for supercharging their personal practice, or how to setup  personal shrine for the home. I never ask any questions about the group, or what they do...I do what I do and that's enough! Nobody appreciates a busy body gossiper.

Taoism & Quest for Orthodoxy

In Western Cultures there is a quest for creating fringe Taoist Society's. This is not the only group trying; there are many. The founder of the Taoist Tai Chi Society took up these practices to heal himself and he was successful. Today it really has evolved into a large network of groups worldwide. They even have a Taoist Temple in Canada. But is it true Taoist Tai Chi? Hmmmm read on (lol)

Truth is the form is a adapted version of the Traditional Yang Cheng Fu form of the Yang Tradition. We could say it is follows in the consciousness of  "Taoist Spirit" inspired and follows loosely Yang Family/Style structure. The form follows a nice easy flowing style just like the Yang's. It is not a well oiled performance form that just looks flawless, but it does flow for commoner use. They have the reasoning for how they perform the tradition. They are doing positive work for people and they generally offer the practice inexpensive or free.

Wutang Taoism  is the root of true Taoist Tai Chi Chuan. A tradition with many forms techniques, Martial Arts and Meditation Traditions and even Religious practice. Wutang Mountain is a large place with many Masters and teachers, and so there are countless variations. Wutang Tai Chi is not the easiest way to enter into Tai Chi, but it is the source tradition of Tai Chi Chuan as we know it. The smaller 13 forms are usually the ones people like for basic health routines, but it takes teachers willing to share with students. Many like the Chi Cultivation Meditations over the form, cause the practice works quite fast for stress and illness. Many seek Taoist Identity and like the religious tradition, and mentor under a real Master ordained in all of the Traditions. Taoism is a never ending study of the self and nature. Adopt the "forever a student" approach and be open to learn; work on yourself and you will go far.      

Wu, Sun, Hao and many others are adapted largely from Yang Family. Yang Lu Chan was a genius with his technique and tradition and he became famous all through China. There are many variations of his teachings that even exist to this day that were birthed from his travels and teachings to his sons. The reason there are so many variations like many Master's he and his sons taught students based on ability and interest. Many teachers teach like this to remain open and to serve the many.  

In the beginning Yang Lu Chan was a Chen Stylist in the beginning. The Chen Family is more closely to what Wutang Tai Chi Chuan is, but its more of a family style of Chen Family teachings. Even Chen Family Tai Chi Chuan has a wide array of teachings as well. So it is a endless sea of adaptations today. Each school and practice has their view point how to make their system work. All I will say is follow the ones that gives you desire to practice and joy when you do it. It will take a mentor in whatever Tai Chi Chuan tradition you do to ensure you do the form correctly and not to injure yourself through improper postures and movement. 

Taoism in western cultures is complicated; it is complicated even in China. Daily life in China is not like it use to be before Mao Tse Tung and the Communist Red Flood. All the teachers I have ever studied with left cause of it. Taoism, Buddhism and other practice systems can no longer exist as it was. A sad true story to a once paradise on earth; but it don't matter cause it is omni present everywhere now. The traditions will go on and adapt. What was traditional may not be of value in the future anyhow. 

Many act like they own some rights to the Tao; no one owns what cannot actually even be described; lol...Many get real political with Taoist practice, quest for making it a mission, the "Tao of Dollars" the marketing of Taoism which just really pisses off all the Orthodox Lineage Masters off. True Taoism follows the making the practices available to those in need and not with a recompense price-tag attached to it. This is done in Traditional Buddhism as well-all truths groups I will say. With that said this is the West- if you want your group to survive you will have to support the mission, nothing is free in America! Don't let a good thing die in the "spirit of self sacrifice" and a very Asian way of doing things.

The real Taoist experience is everyone's own experience. So again noone "owns the Tao"; feel free to tag it as such- its your life, live it as you see fit. I think if you like this Tai Chi Tradition follow it. The core philosophy behind any of these practices should be the emphasis of sharing for the masses and helping one another out. As Hua Ching Ni has taught for many years TAO=Together As One.

GWA

  

Emei Lotus Meditation

Thursday Night's 7:00pm-8:15pm 

This is a ongoing focused group; the seated Chi Meditations of the Emei Lotus Tradition short form tradition is taught in this class. This Emei Tradition is a series of "stillness and movement meditation's". When practiced regularly and conscientiously will help one to maintain health, youthfulness and vitality through ones lifetime. 

The stillness meditation sections of the form allows one to focus and draw into the body "universal energy" and "life force" energy of nature, circulate it throughout the body releasing any blocked meridians. The movement sections of the form are rotational movements of the body to harness the energy of universe.

Through movement we draw energy into the body and channel it through the meridians. This is so that the internal organs are replenished with life force energy. This energy will flow unimpeded through the meridians, as it loops vertically around the body from the head to the perineum. It also horizontally moves, nourishing the major internal organs of the Liver, Heart, Spleen, lungs and kidneys charging them with vitality. 

The practice is taught on chairs, but generally is practiced on a zabuton matt and zafu cushion for those who like traditional way. In class chairs are avaiable for anyone to be able to learn this beautiful tradition. This is a perfect night time practice for anyone. It is structured and easy to learn and will give much peace and tranquility after a long hard day. Level of difficulty is beginner to advanced; anyone can do this all ages.

Location: Unity of Livonia Church, 28660 5 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154
Days/Time: Thursday Nights @ 7:00pm - 8:15pm 
Cost: Offered through practice of Dana Paramita Love Donation Tradition  

Questions please email us at: taozahnchi@gmail.com

Great Dedicated Students = Excellent Instructors

Mrs. Misty Barnard

Certified Level I  

Lotus Meditation Instructor

September 2015

In our school's teachings we guide everyone through a conservative well paced plan. Many students come from many paths and experiences alike. With that, everyone that comes to learn has to surrender what they think know or might not know; to learn the intricacies of East Asian Healing Ways. This is not always easy many students have been through so many approaches generally once they reach Qigong, Meditation, Taoism and Buddhism etc. This does attract generally those with true desire to make headway. 

 Learning this path, is a private initiation, to a powerful system; a rare opportunity to connect in person and develop the traditions. It is more than just moving through the motions, or reading information. Students need a Instructor to be observed by them and get appropriate feedback as well, how to gauge their progress. Students need to understand that each tradition has their view teachings so its important to follow their instruction only. Become the "empty cup" so you can learn new practices!     

Great Congratulations to Mrs. Misty Barnard for achieving the Emei Lotus Meditation Level I of Master Wen Lei Chen's Traditions. We are very proud of her she learns the traditional way- in person through classes, memorization and practice. Shes been training now for just about one year and has made great strides through dedication and investing hours, and hours of cultivation. Misty is a great student and is already a great teacher, those who study with her will are very fortunate!  We are lucky to have her as a student and now as a Certified Teacher with the ranks of many others in Southern Michigan Area.

GWA  
       

The Wonderful Meditation on Compassion

 The Blooming Lotus Flower Mudra

(Lian Hua Shou Yin)

View Teaching/Information: This simple adaptation is from a larger practice, here for the web. It is one I learned from my teacher Wen Lei Chen of Emei Mountain Lotus Tradition. Emei Lotus Tradition is a hybrid system that has Buddhist and Taoist practice in a tradition.They are seated meditations that have many movement sequences to nourish life force and periods of formless meditation. In my classes most of the people whom follow it use it for personal healing and balance. Some follow the spiritual tradition, but not a mandatory aspect for the daily health benefits.  

 The blooming Lotus Flower Mudra as depicted above  is the Mudra of Compassion. In Buddhist Traditions and Taoism it connects to the Spiritual power of Kuanyin Buddha, deity of compassion.There is not enough space here although to go into depth conversation although. In Chinese Lian Hua ( 莲花) "Lotus Flower" the lotus hold special significance in many East Asian practice systems. Commonly taught as though rooted in the mud, the lotus blossom rises above to blossom in the sun. Although it grows in pools of water the leaves of the lotus always remain dry. The symbolism of the lotus points to the purity of consciousness and the journey of transformation from ignorance to awakening. Some give the analogy before we learned practices we existed in the emotional mud of life! 

Meditation practice for "Compassion" is a wonderful practice for anyone. The purpose of Meditation of Compassion is to help us eliminate anger and arouse the desire to alleviate discontent and suffering in others. We practice Meditation of Compassion with aspiring mindset of a enlightened adept to help family, friends, and coworkers free themselves from bodily and mental anguish, and if causes and conditions are right, to help them derive happiness from the teachings of Healing Meditation, and ultimately to reach personal enlightenment. Here are some ways to practice Meditations of Compassion:

(1) Generally first step is always connect to entering in tranquility, essentially formless meditation. Just be yourself and get comfortable with coming into harmony of the session. Utilize a position that is conducive to your body type and adopt a mudra/hand position that you like. The common meditation mudra of left hand resting on top of right and thumbs touching is traditional. The left represents formlessness and right represents skillful means of practice. The mudras are important for shaping the consciousness of practice.   

(2) Then after a certain amount of time, you shift into focused insight practice; - activate insight on how you tend to see people as either beneficial or harmful to you, or as neither beneficial nor harmful. Therefore, we should contemplate our relationships to others to better understand how you can help them.

(3) Next, we could use insight to see how we respond to others with like or dislike.We see that our feelings are often based upon the perceived benefit or harm we receive from others. If we understand that the mind is an ever-changing succession of sense impressions and illusory thoughts, we would see there is no reason to like or dislike our interactions with others.

 (4) Next we could investigate what really happens when we interact with others. We see that praise and blame are only sounds or vibrations entering our ears; a smile or a frown is only light rays perceived by our eyes. Just as the body is illusory, so are these external stimuli illusory. Once we realize this, we no longer need to give rise to feelings of like or dislike and we will treat all family, friends and coworkers as equal.

(5) Next we could, contemplate why people we know suffer from discontent, which is that they are ignorant of the true nature of the self. So up to now, there is still no true compassion in our meditation. How can we feel compassion towards people that possess an illusory self?..lol, so not knowing why they act in certain ways, our family members, friends or coworker don’t know why they feel happiness or anger. They are attached to emotions and possessions and are fearful of loss. This causes personal discontent or just plain personal suffering. They are not as free in body and mind as they think; they know they shouldn’t do certain things but do them anyway, and this also causes a endless circle of reoccurring discontent/suffering.  Kinda like never ending personal Chaos.

Sometimes it seems we have two selves, each struggling towards different ends. Kinda like a Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde persona with many we know. All of us are born, grow old, get sick, and eventually die. In the very short life span, each of us endures all kinds of afflictions of body and mind. Because of the discontent of life sometimes our loved ones undergo this and everyone should have compassion for them. I know this sounds like a lofty goal in  world of "Me-ism"...:)

(6) Finally, next we could contemplate people not as beneficial, harmful, or neutral, but as equals. We realize that our relationships with them are not fixed or unchanging. We cannot say that those with whom we now share affinity with, were not once our enemy or vice versa. There is no definite, unchanging relationship of closeness or adversity. Seen from the perspective of the infinite past, present, and future, all family, friends and coworkers beings have had some interaction with each other in the past, and probably will have in the future. From this point of view we can see all people as equal to ourselves, and can feel compassion for them.

(7) You can close the practice with returning to formlessness meditation as in number (1). In the beginning it could make you feel tired especially if meditation skill is new.

Closing Thoughts: I hope you find this practice inspiring and useful as I did when I first learned it. Give yourself a few months to work with it. Could be a perfect meditation for fall and holiday season. East Asian Traditions aim to liberate anyone not just the devout or special in crowd participants. Even the many who don't believe in good sense of the traditions message; or who engage in bad deeds. Are worthy of personal healing and salvation from darkness. Likewise, other practice systems and spiritual practices that are dedicated to compassion and awakening of the self, are accepted as welcome participants on the path. No matter how different traditions may be anyone that shares the healing ways of these indigenous world traditions is considered to be worthy and of value. With that being said we can say that all spiritual people lives a life that contains all other lives and practices a path that contains all the other paths...GWA 

         

Five key benefits of Qigong

 I believe Qigong as a tradition shares a very American ideal, the spirit of Americans that is. The spirit of Americans is that we can venture of into new areas in life, and make our way through obstacles and come out ok. It is very American to be syncretic, eclectic and learn to integrate new ideas and better ways of doing something. Qigong offers a universal appeal to almost anyone; cause it stands on the term itself "Qigong", which is a universal umbrella term for a vast tradition of systems and approaches.

The basic view teaching of Qigong as a system is a multi dimensional newtork of practices and traditions for physical, mental, and spiritual health. Its impossible to define Qigong although in a few sentences and due to the nature of Qigong. Its also correct to say that Qigong is extremely experiential everyone has their own. It can be likened to that of Music Appreciation, we all have our favorite's.    

The spirit of Americans and Travelers has been the enduring tradition of the United States dating back to the early 1600's. Within all Americans is another very American ideal; that everyone should access to knowledge and information. If we trace back our history we see this true in many areas of historical life. I have seen this with my grandparents from traveling afar and making a new life for themselves. I have also seen it for myself through a lifetime of travel, journey and study of the East Asian Traditions. I believe now more than ever the emphasis of Community and sharing of information and techniques need to really take hold for the tradition to survive for future generations.

Qigong will continue to rise in popularity and is cited as a one of favorite therapy's by many living with many disorders. Getting started can seem challenging, as it is often portrayed with Zhan Zhuang Qigong (standing meditation) where people hold postures and seem like nothing is going on at all. But, Qigong is an adaptable practice, with both functional and psychosocial benefits that can be suited to a variety of abilities.

For most common practitioners Qigong practices has become synonymous with holding and moving between a series of static postures; however, this stillness and movement tradition is only one part of the larger Qigong framework that includes branches such as philosophy of life, spirituality, healing Sounds traditions and selfless service for those whom seek it from teachers of Qigong.

Dynamic Qigong

Dynamic Movement Qigong (forms and sequences of movements) combines physical postures to address strength, flexibility, balance and mind-body-breath connection. Form sequences to induce more free flowing of energy and breathing practices are within it to develop greater self-awareness. Dynamic movement Qigong is essential once one has mastered the basic stillness and movement practices often done in a stationary position within the practice area. Each practice has its uses eventually it should have Dynamic Qigong movement traditions within it. Practices like Five Animal Frolics is a great example of school of Dynamic Qigong. Its a system within itself and offers many movements and the joy of animal imitation.

So I though it would be useful to list the most obvious benefits of Qigong. Through many teachers of mine and personal teaching experience over 23 years so far, there are many examples that support Qigong for anyone from almost any disorders found in western medicine. The following will address in easy language the five most obvious benefits. I will leave the intrinsic tangible Qi discussion for another article. What experience of the teachers and my studies do suggest are as follows:

Overall Benefits

Mobility: The issue of mobility has important implications for falls in older adults. Qigong participation can improve functional mobility and how a person with age walks and gets around. Standing Meditation (Zhan Zhuang) postural traditions target the hip extensor, knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor, which support center-of-mass during walking and may improve overall stability. Static postures combine with light moving meditation from the system give much benefit and fast acting results.

Balance: Balance training is an important component of any health and wellness approach. The data shows that 40 percent of nursing home admissions are preceded by a fall. Experience shows that moving line drills often associated with Kung Fu and Tai Chi Traditions of Qigong relate to vast  improvements in balance and an associated reduction in fear of falling; this can also help keep people with mobility risk to stay active in their community.

 Strength: Gains in lower-body strength occur for many following Qigong practice and are associated with improved postural stability. Qigong requires isometric contraction of specific muscle groups to stabilize the body as one performs the postures, movements and may mimic isokinetic contractions when performing controlled systematic movements from one sequence to the next. These mechanisms are the reason why Dynamic Qigong improves overall muscular strength.

Flexibility: Improvements in flexibility and range of motion are important since rigidity is a common problem for most americans, whom are inactive. This is due to cultural change from being a physical culture to one that is not. The modernization and technology has created a handicap for many. people whom practice Dynamic Qigong shows improvements in flexibility of the shoulder, hip and spine. Stooped posture is characteristic in sedentary lifestyles and can be related to short spinal flexors and weak spinal extensors; improved shoulder and spinal flexibility from Qigong movement supports a more upright posture.

Mental: The psychosocial benefits associated with Qigong are important for any levels of health, as they are not often addressed with conventional western medicine. Qigong can offer group support, improved confidence and self-efficacy. The calming effect of Qigong community groups (by enhancing parasympathetic output) may lessen perceived stress, enhance relaxation, benefit sleep in most individuals.

In closing Qigong should be guided by a experienced mentor/teacher; its best experienced in a community group I believe. This gives one community, sharing and the group collective qi practice that solo practice does not. You will also meet many new friends whom can also share their insights into the practice.

GWA   

  

Don't Lose Personal Faith in a Modern World!

The focus on today's entry is on prayer. We live in stressful and at times for some a world that all may be lost. It is not, its our personal disconnect from nature that's lost. In many of my classes I introduce the meditative traditions of China and Japan into peoples life and see remarkable changes occur. Many come to these practice because of the disconnect, and the lost of tradition in our modern world. Personal Prayer, Meditation and Spirituality are part of Qigong. Its important to have these in ones life, prayer is a practice that is in all the spiritual traditions. Prayer has been called the heart and soul of spirituality. Without prayer, spirituality would be void of its main means for connecting individuals to God, the gods, saints, ancestors, or whatever is taken to be a divine or spiritual source of power. Prayer, then, is connection via communion. As such, prayer is what establishes a relationship between individuals and a spiritual power or the Divine.

 We have many kinds of prayer. In our world we have individual, petitionary prayers directed to Divine/God. Public, institutional prayers to serve their purposes; however, it is the individual, personal prayers that are most significant for the process of connecting and establishing a relationship. The focus on petitionary prayers (prayers where specific requests are made and wishes are shared) is justified given that this is by far the most common type of prayer.

As for the focus on prayers directed to Divine, God, or Tao; such prayers have a similar, if not identical form to prayers directed to gods, saints, and ancestors—so we may assume that there is carryover with respect to what prayer means for these other prayer contexts. Prayer as a form of communion and relating follows
similar patterns to those found in relationships between persons.

Therefore, we gain a better understanding of prayer if we see prayer from the point of view of how our human relationships develop. One of the most striking features of modern culture, is the ways of communicating and relating to others has to do with the difficulty we have in distinguishing our own perspective or point of view from that of others. This difficulty comes from I believe the inability to distinguish and coordinate perspectives. Many just cannot be objective and causes divisions within us.

The Different Shapes of Prayer Throughout Life

A life of prayer in the spiritual traditions takes many shapes and maturity and uses. As a young person or maybe even now; our prayers are non resistant for the way we request that the divine is there to answer our wishes. That is, as a young people that had an active prayer tradition, we usually demonstrate an unshakable faith and conviction that our request will come true and our life and the way of the divine's are unified as one. For people of personal faith and spirituality, the attitude is that "The Divine, God or Tao exists to hear and answer our wishes and requests. We have a unshakable Life Path of Inner Meditations, Prayers and Communion with all that is.

In the early part of American history we seen prayer used by world leaders. During the American civil war,one of Abraham Lincoln’s generals once said to him, “Let us pray that God is on our side” to which Abraham Lincoln responded, “No, let us pray that we are on God’s side.” The contrast being here is a contrast in general attitude. For Abraham Lincoln if this is true - it still demonstrates a unshakable faith and one of personal ethics.

 Prayer develops also as a shift away from taking a passive to taking an active stance toward life’s problems. It is used for empowerment to help people to take first steps forward into the unknown. The abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, who was raised a slave, said as a child, he prayed asking almighty to free him. Later on, he said, “My prayers got down in my feet, and I ran away.” This empowerment shift in prayer is most commonly seen in the shift away from asking " The Divine, God or Tao" to change external reality to asking "The Divine, God or Tao" for support needed for the praying individual to have the hope, courage, wisdom, or whatever to act more responsively or effectively.  This empowerment concept is praying for strength, then, makes a significant shift to raise the spirit of the human individual of the "Now". For many of us that made a life change we can recall that time in our life, and remember such spiritual empowering prayers.

The Power of Presence

Many of us will find that prayer’s functions and development has to do with feeling "Universal Presence".

In all the traditions with a concept of  "The Divine, God, Tao etc., there is the practice of keeping the power transcendent and powerful. I feel that many that practice paths like Qigong, Yogic traditions, Native Medicine and Eastern Spirituality find also their private prayer's serves to aid a sense of "Universal Presence". For the adepts of these traditions do not pray so much because they believe in "The Divine, God or Tao" but, rather, the adepts of the path, believe in the tangible, feelable reality and presence. This is  because they actualize a "oneness" with what I call here "Universal Presence". 

Simply, prayer functions and develops to make "Universal Presence" reality and presence felt because that feeling can be empowered. People who have the meditation quality to prayer work, have deeper, more spiritually meaningful transformations occurring. There just seems to be a magical effect always around these types of individual one could say. The wise elders in most traditions will tell one that  there is a clear distinction between appearance (empty prayers) and a deeper intrinsic spiritual reality here.

If one begins to merge meditation, cultivation within prayer; I believe one begins as an effort to harmonize the"Universal Presence" in ones life. 

It functions first and foremost to change the reality outside of ourselves. It begins with a process of prayer which  becomes a way to discover and mold ourselves to what is felt to be Universal Consciousness, will, to feel connected to the breath of the way in order to cope with or change troublesome feelings, and to experience closeness with and the presence of : all that it is" and thereby become empowered.