This video took two weeks to write and produce. It could have been ten shorter videos. But with the current socioeconomic situation, it seemed appropriate to present it in this format. I will be adding a complete transcript of this video in the near future. (Self Defeating Class Three Lever Syndrome) SDCTLS When I am . . . read more
Alignment is physical, mental, emotional, intentional, energetic, structural, and dynamic…among other things. It is also social, and tai chi can teach us a lot about our place in the world and how we can all get along.
There are thousands of different styles of martial art around the world. Each is based in a culture, a philosophy, and a history. And each art is in some way modified by each person according to their own personal experiences, abilities, needs and circumstances. There are many similarities between the different martial arts of the . . . read more
It is a problem. That’s what it is. For one thing, “qi” is a word, and words are always a problem. Moreover, Qi is a Chinese word, and Chinese words are nothing but trouble. I sometimes think that if you don’t speak Chinese, you really have no business using Chinese words. They never mean what . . . read more
As I adapt to the new reality of an online school, I have been examining a variety of approaches. This has meant spending time on adjustments to the website itself, mostly in the background. That has been a distraction from producing new videos. But I am now back to production mode, and will be posting . . . read more
As I sit in this (now very quiet) studio, designing lessons and writing scripts for instructional videos, I contemplate the connections I have made through my work. I ruminate over whether or not I have served well, or well enough. Is my work a benefit to others, or is is mere self-indulgence? I certainly hope it is is more of the former. But I must admit that it is at least equally the latter. There are times in life where giving and receiving are the same thing. My work has been like that.
On Thursday, I stopped work to listen to the Church bells ringing in support of healthcare workers, thinking of those who risk so much and work so hard for us. I thought of my friends working in hospitals, like the doctor who has worked 12 consecutive shifts, napping for a few minutes at a time on hospital carts or floors. I also thought of those we have lost.
I have posted a complete set of the reference videos for both the 10-Form and the 26-Section Yang style Tai chi Foundation routine. Also, I have published “Introduction to Tai chi”, Episode 3: What does tai chi mean?This time with Closed captioning. I suggest you click the CC option. There are some strange Scottish-sounding tai . . . read more
Sometimes, leaders forget that the world shares a common enemy. They try to make themselves look strong by waging war against their best friends. In so doing they threaten their country’s own best interests. I am reminded of this short film. Balance (1989), by Lauenstein & Lauenstein. It demonstrates the inevitable result of treating your . . . read more
