Archive for January, 2009
Dreaming Circles Workshop
Published Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 by Steven Smith
Explore inner realms and celebrate transformation using Baguazhang palm changing, poetry, and dream cycling. This Baguazhang Dreaming Circles Workshop coincides closely with several holidays worldwide—Imbloc, Brigid’s Day, Candlemas, American Ground-Hog Day, Setsubun, and Lichun—suggesting that this poetic time of year means
- returning of warmth and wisdom
- increasing light
- inner growth
- new beginnings
Using a fusion of Baguazhang circle walking, Baguazhang partner-training drills, circular-free writing, and brief wake-sleep periods, participants explore inner realms and personal development, while enhancing dream visions and dream states.
Participants are welcome to spend a longer time at the camp. The intensive Baguazhang Dreaming Circles Workshop encompasses one entire evening. By switching, in 45 minute intervals, between artistic activities and sleep-dreaming, we provoke profound states that deepen our consciousness of being-awake and dreaming-awake. Situated in Goblin Valley Area, magestic mountains, chilly nighttime temperatures, and dreamy starry skies accompany practitioners on their inward journey. Please bring these things…
- a sleeping bag rated for at least -20° Fahrenheit
- an 8×10 tarpaulin
- writing tools and an artist’s sketch-pad or notepad
- some healthy snacks
- one gallon of water
- one open mind
The Animal Inside
Published Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 by Aaron Walter Johnson
As we develop in our martial training, we may wonder “could I handle myself in a real combat situation?”
Good question…
One that’s difficult to answer.
And self-doubt will be your most formidable opponent unless it’s conquered through self-mastery.
Knowledge equals power. We all strive for seemingly infinite facets of knowledge, right? Of course we do. We take it deeper, though, don’t we? Absolutely. Most of planet earth grabs knowledge in an intellectual way. We, however, want—and do—feel what we know. This goes far beyond the cerebral. Let your worries go. They don’t help.
Embrace the art without thinking about it too much and treat your moment to moment life with a tiger’s duality of intense awareness and easy-going bliss.
Tigers are very alive. They never stop moving. Even in repose, a tiger’s ears twitch; its nose seeks the scents around it. Sneaking up on a tiger would be nearly impossible. (Don’t test this statement. We want to see you in class next time.) Perpetually activated, the tiger extends its senses ceaselessly in order to feel—again feel— its surroundings.
Tigers are good examples of calm confidence. This animal doesn’t spend her existence worrying about her capabilities. The tiger goes through life much as we do: staying fed, cultivating relationships, working to survive, and so on.
Like us, this magnificent creature will probably spend about one-percent of its energy in combat. The other ninety-nine percent of its energy is channeled into other things. And when it needs to defend itself, it can—and it will.
No one doubts the tiger’s ability to really kick ass, and neither does it.
If a tiger faces danger, chances are that the arisen enemy will back down. The tiger’s physical presentation is enough to discourage an exchange.
Read The Animal Inside »
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