Cloud Hands

I know the Tai Chi form Cloud Hands describes the movement of the sun and moon throughout the cycle of a day; but, lately it has come to take on a new meaning for me.

I started working on the Cloud Hands portion of the Chen form a few weeks back. I had to concentrate on sinking my Qi and not injuring my knee. My arms noticeably grew stronger from slowing down the form and working it over and over to get the footwork figured out. Then, while untangling the dog's long line from the lilac while having a low blood sugar episode, I was reminded that I need to stay grounded and present all the time.  The dog twisted and lunged and I pulled muscles in my arm. It really hurt!

I immediately did some healing qigong; but, the swelling and bruising started anyway. Since I vowed to not let anything dissuade me from my Summer Solstice hide & form at Gold Cord Lake, I decided to continue working on my form and doing the Ba Duan Jin. IT HURT!

It hurt ALOT! But, I did a little every day. Sometimes I did only my right uninjured arm. Sometimes I just did foot work and thought about the arm movements. Then, it dawned on me to visualize moving clouds with my hands instead of water. I focused on soft movements and slowed down as much as I could. It seemed to help. Perhaps I will still be moving clouds up at Gold Cord Lake in a few weeks (or maybe snowflakes since there is still snow there); but, I am back on track and a wiser player by far.

The Sun Breaks Through - Easter

After the dreary day of freezing rain yesterday, the sunshine was a blessing for Easter. The piles of snow are melting into liquid earth. It looks solid but it isn't. Reminds me of learning to step back. I used to struggle with it. The movements were painful emotionally and physically because I was concerned about stepping into insecurity. But, now, the forms and movements are coming to me faster. I have more confidence in my stance and strength in my intention. In fact this week I managed to learn two lessons and several movements in the Chen form at Internal Gardens.

 I love doing form so much that sometimes I have to force myself to do the daily Qigong exercises like Ba Duan Jin. They've become like brushing teeth or doing scales on the piano. I know they're important but they require so much attention and dedication. I eat my spinach but I make it into a smoothie. Sometimes it seems like the Qigong isn't supposed to be sugar coated. But, if I relax and just enjoy the movements without belaboring every imagination, I tend to spend more time. Somewhere there is balance.

Mom reminded me that I have a tough week ahead and that the improved weather and sunshine will make the tasks ahead easier.

- just about to movement 30 of the Chen form - so excited.

Spring Equinox Alaska Style

Brilliant spring sunshine heralded the Spring Equinox today. Soon the bright turquoise ice on the lake will be black and the trees will be shrouded in the hazy pink of new buds. But, it is not Spring here yet.

"If you want to shrink something,You must first allow it to expand.If you want to get rid of something,You must first allow it to flourish.If you want to take something,You must first allow it to be given.This is called the subtle perceptionOf the way things are."
-Tao Te Ching

I connected online with the Spring Forest Qigong Spring healing meditation today. The sound of Master Chunyi Lin's voice and chanting was comforting. After many years practicing Transcendental Meditation and Zen Meditation, Taoist Healing Meditation is a totally new experience for me. I find myself experiencing colors and sensations that I didn't feel with TM or Zen. Sometimes I encounter people I haven't met, animals, or places I've never been. It's magical. And, it is healing. The openness and inclusiveness is remarkable.

Last night Chai mysteriously hurt his front leg in the middle of the night. We truly couldn't find a reason or hint of what was wrong. So, today, I tried my hand at distance Qigong healing. When he came out of Jean's room she remarked that he only had a "hitch" and May didn't see any favoring of a leg. So, maybe, I'm getting the hang of this healing stuff.

Spring is a good time to go elsewhere. Alaska is not at it's best in March and April. Hawaii sounds good or maybe to see the seals in Monterey Bay. At any rate I'm ready for renewal and healing, sunshine, and green.

100 Day Challenge 2013

A 100 day commitment is traditional - Here is a good explanation from Magic Tortoise and Spring Forest Qigong has 100 days of Qigong. In past yeasrs I have taken up various challenges. 2010 I dedicated myself to clearing - decluttering spiritual, emotional, and material. 2011 I wrote something everyday. 2012 was a renewal of writing morning pages ala Julia Cameron. This year had to be different. I am managing my diabetes and glaucoma without pharmaceuticals.  I have started a Nutrarian lifestyle and am healing regaining my strength to relocate and make some return back to myself. I know that I need to commit to Qigong and Taijiquan. My weekly or 3 times a week is good but daily would be better. Just meeting a challenge of doing it for 100 days was going to be too weak to inspire me. So, I made the 100 day commitment with goals in mind. Master Jou says we need goals both small and large. Before leaving Alaska I would like to hike one more times in the mountains I love. I used to hike all the time; but since 2000 and the deterioration of my health, knee, and interest I haven't been able to climb mountains.

Gold Cord Lake

There is a beautiful lake in Hatcher's Pass - Gold Cord Lake. It's remote, a reasonable hike, and I've never been there.  So, I am working to hike up to Gold Cord Lake on the Summer Solstice and perform as much of the Chen form as I can master by then. (more on Chen form later) I will record it on video and share the event with my friends and family. This inspires! When I don't want to I think about how beautiful it is and how I won't have this opportunity again in this lifetime (unless lightening strikes).

A 100 day challenge has many rewards unrelated to the actual challenge itself. I"m already realizing some of that. I started on February 10th - Chinese new year. We're in the year of the snake which is my youngest daughter's first 12 year return. 12 years ago I was so ill I couldn't walk to the end of my short driveway without being exhausted. I couldn't manage my life or health or even newborn daughter. I remember watching my neighbor walking the block one day and I was in tears. I didn't think I'd ever be able to go for a walk again. Now, I can stand on one leg and am getting close to doing a proper tornado kick. What a difference time makes.

Here is my teacher, Wendy playing Yang Style Tai Chi near this trail