Archive for January 2007
Feng Shui - Fu Dogs
Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 6:44 AM by Sifu Smith
The Fu Dogs are a significant part of the energy in any environment. The
Fu Dogs are considered the most essential of the energy tools.
Posted in Feng Shui
Students Practice - The Box inside the Circle
Posted on Friday, January 19, 2007 at 5:35 AM by Sifu Smith
Thursday night's practice was very rewarding. We have a group of new students who have been learning form and have been doing well remembering the pattern. After watching them for a bit, I made the statement, there many details that need to be worked out, both in how you are moving and your thought, while moving. All movement co-exists with non-movement, so it is time to practice the Box Set of Tai Chi. The square inside circle; the fluffy round circle, supported by the frame, balanced square. The new students looks confused, the older students had a variety of responses; "uh-oh", "hmmmmm", and one later looked up and "I knew I was in trouble".
What is so challenging with the box set? It emphasises drawing the mind deep within, and uses a variety mind-scenes and rolling/reeling silk exercises. Physically it places a premium on your balance in every half-inch of movement, which in turn puts new demands on bone, tendon, and ligament. The waist is the commander and the hips-shoulder move in coordination with intention and one another.
The Box set brings the posting/meditation heavily into the Tai Chi Chuan
set. Each moment is accounted for and utilized during the Tai Chi Form,
there is no empty movement. What are some of the effects? Lots of new
challenges and rewards. First most students find answers to their own
questions during the box set. Every half-inch of movement reveals
itself. Legs are shaking, foreheads are sweating, stamina is worn thin,
all with a set of Tai Chi, yet every student say it is very rewarding,
they "loved it" as they head to the water fountain.
The
Box set of Tai Chi normally takes 3-6 times longer to perform and since
we have "all the time in the world" while practicing we assess ourselves
regularly. I shared with the students that when I started Tai Chi Chuan
with Master Chin, practice planning was simple: 1) stretch for 5 minutes
2) meditate 30 minutes (we were young and got off light, later the
requirement was one hour before movement) 3) One set of Tai Chi, at that
time, every night was Box set, so one set of form would take us One
Hour. That was it, I was spent.
Use the Box Set regularly to set a new standard and create growth. Use
the circular set to flow through pattern. Use them both to become
integrated, and then speed won't matter.
Posted in Health, Lessons, Tai Chi
Feng Shui - Energy Items - Wind Chimes
Posted on Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 7:00 AM by Sifu Smith
The items used to alter and harmonize the energy in space can vary greatly depending on the need. We have began by adding items, with some description of when to use them, how and where to place them. First on the list: Wind Chimes.
Edited on: Thursday, January 18, 2007 7:03 AM
Posted in Feng Shui
Tai Chi - Study Reminder
Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at 2:51 PM by Sifu Smith
Tai Chi benefits are often felt and with regular practice, students report emotional and thought pattern changes throughout their life. In 1996, at Emory Uni., in Atlanta, they found that elderly people who learned to practice Tai Chi reduced their falls by %47.5. Similar studies have shown similar and further results dependent on the length of time practice and the participants starting health point. In 1996, medical cost's associated with 'falls' were over $12 billion$. That doesn't reflect the number of lives lost each year in the elderly that were directly related to a fall. An elderly falls at home, damages her hip, goes to the hospital, and deceased months later due to complications.
Tai Chi has tremendous health benefits and we are going to continue to find the research around the world that points to improvements. Through our reseach thus far, we have not found one detrimental comment written on using Tai Chi to improve your health. Compare that statement to jogging.
Edited on: Friday, January 19, 2007 5:35 AMThe Silk Road
Posted on Friday, January 12, 2007 at 11:06 AM by Sifu Smith
The Silk Road is a route(s) that has been used for centuries to sell and
trade commodities. Connecting as far west as Persia and eastern into
China. Filled with history and landmarks, it is magnificent.
Harmonizing Energy - Step One
Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 12:14 PM by Sifu Smith
The first priority to creating energy flow, is to have flow. That is why the first priority in feng shui is normally to DE-Clutter. The very words can create a shake within. That tupperware cabinet, that room, the house. Lets look at what the experts say about removing the congestion from an area.
Edited on: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 12:17 PMPosted in Feng Shui
Our Students
Posted on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 10:01 AM by Sifu Smith
Faith it was good to have you back from school and we look forward to seeing you again soon. You are always welcome.
Byron, we want to let you know that you and your family are in our thoughts.
Welcome to the new students who have brought an energy.
Karla is back.
Steve and Dwight have started the basics of Choylifut and doing well.
Posted in Students
Members - New Material added
Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 at 6:09 AM by Sifu Smith
The Full and Student Members area has an area "Regiments and Patterns" added. This morning two sets of Tai Chi Pattern were added for a guide.
Edited on: Wednesday, January 03, 2007 6:15 AMPosted in Students