Walking with the Druids

"Many of the Anglican meditation manuals used by Druids in the early years of the Revival gave special instructions for meditating while walking in a garden or some other quiet area. To meditate while walking, choose a route over level ground where you won't have to bend, climb stairs, duck around trees, or do anything else that will interrupt your thoughts. A paved or gravel path in a garden is ideal. It should lead in a circle, so that you can keep walking as long as necessary. Walk slowly and smoothly, taking relatively small steps at a steady rhythm. As with the seated posture, you spine should be straight without being stiff, the crown of your head level, and your eyes lowered. Let your arms move easily and naturally at your sides."

- John Michael Greer. "The Gruidry Handbook: Spiritual Practice Rooted in the Living Earth."

The Ways of Walking: Quotes, Poems

Sword Taijiquuan, 32 Standard, Yang Style

32 Sword Form, Simplified, Yang Style, Taijiquan Jian. By Michael P. Garofalo. This popular webpage includes a comprehensive bibliography, scores of links to webpages; an extensive listing of the names and name variations for each movement in English, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish; a detailed analysis of each posture and movement sequence with explanations and numbered illustrations and detailed instructions; selected quotations; comments on 20 Taijiquan sword techniques; a comprehensive media bibliography; a chart of performance times; and, a comparison of the 32 and 55 sword forms in the Yang style. This is the standard, simplified, orthodox, 1957, 32 Taiji Sword Form, in the Yang Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. © Michael P. Garofalo, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California, January 2008. 245Kb+.

32 Taijiquan Simplified Sword Form

Tai Chi Chuan 24 Standard Simplified Form

Taijiquan Standard Simplified 24 Movement Form in the Yang Style

Research by Michael P. Garofalo

- Bibliography, Links, Online Videos, Resources

- List of 24 Movement Names in English, Chinese characters, Chinese Pinyin, French, German and Spanish. Source references for movement names.

- Descriptions of each of the 24 movements with B&W line illustrations.

- Performance times, sections, quotations, notes on learning.

- Standard, simplified, Chinese National, Orthodox, 24 Movement Form in the Yang Style of Taijiquan.

- List of Movements

Updated in March 2008

300Kb, HTML

http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/short.htm

This webpage was served to over 48,000 persons in 2007. It is one of the more popular webpages on the Cloud Hands Website

Positive Mindset

"What are the qualities that make one's mindset positive?
They include being able to:

Think in a calm, pacified, and reflective manner instead of being disturbed, agitated, and impulsive in one's reactions.

Put ideas together rationally and arrive at the right judgment even in the absence of obvious evidence or proof.

Decide, plan, and execute a course of action in a patient, persistent, and disciplined manner.

Recognize the changes and be flexible in adapting to them.

Observe and perceive things with a sense of humor instead of outrage, indignation, and anger.

Let go of useless and counterproductive thoughts, desires, and ambitions instead of being preoccupied with them.

Relax and meditate or rest.

Resist temptation and coercion."

- Michael Fekete, Strength Training for Seniors, Hunter House, 2006, p. 36

Livestyle Advice for Wise Persons

Share K. Lew Workshop

"Sifu Lew Cloud Hands Qi Gong Workshop taught by Master Share K. Lew
Sunday, August 24, 2008 in Redding, CA

The exercises that Master Lew teaches are part of the "internal system" of the martial arts, known as Nui Kung or energy cultivation. These exercises strengthen the circulation of the Chi (vital energy), which increases vitality, health, and sensory perception. All of these exercises have traditionally been kept secret. Daily practice of the exercises will give the student a tangible experience of Chi energy.
The Cloud Hands set is the beginning set of Nui Kung (internal energy cultivation) which builds a foundation for both better health and further Nui Kung. The Cloud Hands consist of five relatively non-strenuous movements along with quiet seated meditation. These Taoist exercises help the body maintain good health and increase vitality. The time required for practice will fit into anyone’s schedule.
****

The Instructor
Share K. Lew, now in his nineties, is a Taoist priest with over 70 years experience in the traditional Taoist arts. Master Lew received part of his education at Wong Lung Kwan, a Taoist monastery on the Luo Fo mountains near Canton, China.
Master Lew studied at Wong Lung Kwan monastery for 13 years. During that time he trained in the full range of Taoist healing and martial arts. At the core of his training was the secret system of cultivation known as Qigong (Chi kung). Master Lew was the first person to openly teach authentic Taoist Qigong to non-Chinese, beginning in Los Angeles in 1970. Master Lew’s monastery style, the Tao Ahn Pai (Taoist Elixir Style), dates back over 1300 years to Lu Dung Bin, who was born during the Tang Dynasty, and became one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism.
For information and reservations call (530) 223-4849 or email: eetw@eastearthtrade.com
*****
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2008
Time: 10:00 to 4:00 pm, with lunch break from 12-2:00 pm
Location: Redding Ju Jitsu Academy
3092 Bechelli Lane
Redding 96002 (behind Village Cycle)
Fee: $100

Reservations: Pre-registration is recommended. A deposit of $100 will reserve your space. Class size is limited.
• Bring a small pillow to sit on
• Make checks payable to Share K. Lew.
• You can sign up in advance at:
East Earth Trade Winds
144 Hartnell Avenue, Redding (in the Raley’s shopping center)"

From the Riverlands Blog

New Yoga and Tai Chi Chuan Teaching Schedule

Starting on August 9, 2008, I will begin the following new teaching schedule at the Tehama Family Fitness Center in Red Bluff, California:

Yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa, Qigong), Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:45 pm

Tai Chi Chuan (Yang Style - 24, 108, sword), Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa, Qigong), Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:45 pm

Tai Chi Chuan (Yang Style - 24, 108, sword), Saturdays, 9:30 - 11 am

Yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa, Qigong), Saturdays, 11 - 12:15 am

The Human Body and the Chinese Mind

I will be given three lectures at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and Museum in Redding, California. This is coordinated with The Bodies Revealed Exhibit at Turtle Bay.

Tai Chi
Sundays, August 3, 10 & 17, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Michael Garofalo, M.S., Taijquan, Qigong and Yoga teacher, will lead three Tai Chi sessions. Sessions cover The Human Body and the Chinese Mind, Fitness Concepts in the Chinese Mind, and The Body and Mind Connection in the Chinese Mind. Includes take-home information.
Cost per session: members $10, nonmembers $15. Children are half price. Guarantee your place by prepaying for all three. To register, call 242-3108.
Turtle Bay Museum Classroom

Here is an outline of my first talk:

The Human Body and Chinese Mind

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Practices

Presented by Michael Garofalo, M.S.
Cloud Hands Website: http://www.egreenway.com/qigong/index.htm

August 3^rd (Body), 10^th (Mind) and 17^th (Spirit), 2008, 10 – 11:30 am
Turtle Bay Exploration Park and Museum, Redding, California
Coordinated with the Bodies Revealed Exhibit

Qi or Chi, pronounced “Chee,” is a general term in Chinese referring to “energy,” and, more specifically, the energy that sustains life, keeps us alive, and provides us with strength and vitality. The Qi in our bodies moves or flows along meridians or channels inside of the body. Qi can be discovered, gathered, circulated, purified, directed, conserved, stored, transformed, dissolved, and transmitted. The Qi energy system is comparable to our vascular system moving blood (which carries glucose and oxygenated red blood cells) through arteries and veins; and, the bio-electrical impulses of our central nervous system which move in nerve fiber pathways to all parts of our bodies.

Traditional Chinese medicine used medical Qi theory, herbal and other natural medicines, massage, therapeutic exercise, rest, acupuncture, diet, Five Elements (Air, Earth, Fire, Water, and Metal) theory and Yin/Yang theory, and mental/social health practices to help people stay healthy and recover from illness and disease.

In addition to the internal organs of the body such as heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, stomach, etc., the traditional Chinese view included Qi storage areas (lower, middle and upper Dan Tien - Field of Elixir), Qi channels, and energy gates or Qi focal points (e.g, Bubbling Well on bottom of foot).

Qi Gong or Chi Kung is a method for training the body to improve and increase our Qi, which results in good health, well being, vitality, and long life. Gong means work, practice, routine, mastery, and skills. There are many styles of Qi Gong, and there is considerable writing and clear archeological evidence of Qi Gong practices in China before 250 BCE. Qi Gong has much in common with mind-body arts like yoga and tai chi chuan.

The Eight Section Brocade, Ba Duan Gin
Qi Gong Exercise Set

1. Pressing the Heavens with Two Hands
Many Chinese healers believe that this exercise helps regulate and improve the heart, lungs, stomach, and spleen. It stimulates the internal organs in the upper trunk area. The Triple Warmer or Triple Burner (Sanjiao) refers to the heart, lungs, and stomach.

2. Wise Owl Gazes Backward
This exercise benefits the Qi in the lungs, large intestine, eyes and neck; as well as being a tonic for the entire immune system. It exercises the neck and eyes.

3. Draw the Bow and Let the Arrow Fly.
This exercise benefits the Qi in the kidneys and spleen. It exercises the arms, shoulders, waist, eyes, and legs.

4. Separating Heaven and Earth

This exercise benefits the Qi in the spleen and stomach. It exercises the shoulders and upper back.

5. Big Bear Turns from Side to Side

Most of the qigong and traditional Chinese medical literature says that this exercise benefits the heart, and gets rid of "heart fire." Exercising the lungs (metal) helps absorb the heat and control the fire, the heart fire - heartburn (Hsin For - heart fire). It exercises the waist, back, and legs.

6. Expel the Stale Chi, Punching with Angry Eyes

This exercise benefits the Qi in the liver and gallbladder. It exercises the legs, back, shoulders and arms.

7. Bouncing and Shaking the Body; Cure the 100 Ailments.
This exercise benefits the Qi in the entire body and is a tonic for the entire immune system. It exercises the legs and calves.

8. Bowing to Our Honorable Ancestors; Touching Toes and Bending Backwards.

This exercise benefits the Qi in the kidneys. It exercises the lower back, hips and legs.

Recommended Reading:

Kenneth S. Cohen, The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing
Yang Jwing Ming, The Root of Chinese Chi Kung
Mike Garofalo, Eight Section Brocade, http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/esb.htm.
Books by Daniel Reid, Roger Jahnke, Bruce Kumar Frantzis, and Jerry Alan Johnson.

Green Wizard Returns

"I first met Chang San-Feng above the forest,
near the clear spring,
when gathering clouds darkened the day,
and Mt. Shasta was silent.

His long beard was black as emptiness,
ear lobes to his shoulders,
holding obsidian in his hand,
pointing to the sun,
eyes staring into infinity,
his long body clothed in silence.

We exchanged "hellos"
smiled and bowed,
a barbarian and an Immortal,
both panting from the climb,
laughing,
ten-thousand echoes
between our rocky minds.

After billions upon billions of heartbeats past
(for he must have been 888 years old),
I was so bold
as to ask the ancient one
for the sacred mantra of yore.
He lifted his whisk,
and brushed my face,
I could not speak,
my lips were stone,
ideas stopped -
I was alone."
- Michael P. Garofalo, Meetings with Master Chang San-Feng

Mike Garofalo sometimes writes under the pen names of "The Green Wizard" or "Gushen Moon"


Is Mike really a wizard? Hah! Come, come, my dear friends. He, like like his lanky and legendary mentor, Grand Master Chang San Feng, just likes to keep on walking, gardening, dancing at dawn, playing taijiquan, creating, enjoying scholarly pursuits, Internetting, encouraging peaceful productivity, standing under the Gushen Moon, and letting others bang his brass wizard's hat.


"Standing at the Mysterious Pass
Centered in the Eternal Now,
Balanced in Body and Open in Mind,
Rooted into the Sacred Space,
Motionless as the Golden Mountain,
Fingers around the Primeval Sphere.
Dragons and Tigers are still dreaming -
Ready for Rebirth.

I breathe in, the World Breathes Out.
The Gate of Space opens;
Heaven moves and Yang is born.
The hands move out, embracing the One.
The mind settles and is clear.
The Dragon Howls,
Ravens fill the Vast Cauldron,
Mind forms melt like mercury,
Spirit rises in the Clouds of Eternity.
Yin appears like the moon at dusk.

I breathe out, the World Breathes In.
The Doors of Emptiness close;
Earth quiets and Yin is born.
The hands move in, entering the One.
The body settles and becomes whole.
The Tiger Roars,
The Great Ox is nourished by the Valley Spirit,
Substances spark from flaming furnaces,
Essence roots in the Watery Flesh.
Yang appears like the sun at dawn.

Dragons and Tigers
Transformed within the Mysterious Pass -
Chanting and Purring.
Awakened,
Peaceful,
Free."

- Michael P. Garofalo, Opening at the Mysterious Pass





Blog Search Terms: Green Wizard, Taoism, Poetry, Qigong, Druids.

The Spirit of Gardening

Cloud Hands: Taijiquan and Qigong

The Green Wizard Opens the Door

One Taoist Druid's Journey - The Green Wizard's Notebooks

Laying Down PVC Pipelines

Busy with laying down PVC pipe in the trenches I dug on Wednesday.  I'm using 3/4" PVC pipe. 
The solar pump I will be using in the new well delivers only a 1.5 gallon to 2 gallon flow per minute, so I don't need a 1" pipe from the well to the two ponds.
It was cool and breezy this morning.  The smoke from the fires has diminished the past two days as the fires are brought under control by firefighters.  We have seen fire trucks and firefighters from cities and counties all over the state in Red Bluff lately.  We could actually seen the souther Cascade mountains this morning for the first time in weeks.

Being a native born Californian, a United States citizen, a veteran of the United States Air Force, and a retired employee of Los Angeles County ... I'm proud of being an American.  I believe we have worked hard to create a productive, peaceful, free, and just society in California.  Happy Fourth of July to everyone. 


  

Water Well Casing Head

I spent a couple of hours leveling the ground around the new well, and filling up the deep holes and deep tire tracks.  It was still a muddy mess in the area. 
The static water level of this well is 46 feet below the surface of the earth. 

Drilling a Well

Three men and three large and specialized trucks from Grade Drilling in Cottonwood worked today at our home.  They dug a 126' water well.  They arrived at 6 am and left at 2 pm.  I watched the entire process.  Fascinating!! 

Emotions of Power

The Ten Emotions of Power

1. Love and Warmth
2. Appreciation and Gratitude
3. Curiosity
4. Excitement and Passion
5. Determination
6. Flexibility
7. Confidence
8. Cheerfulness
9. Vitality
10. Contribution

- Anthony Robbins, Awaken the Giant Within, 1991, p. 264

Livestyle Advice for Wise Person

"There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotions."
- Carl Jung

Springtime Quotations, Poems and Sayings

Months and Seasons Quotes, Poems, Sayings, Lore, Myths, Holidays, Celebrations, Links, Celebrations, Facts, Resources, Gardening Chores
Winter	Spring	Summer	Autumn
January	April	July	October
February	May	August	November
March	June	September	December

Time for Resting

After months of discomfort and tenderness in my abdomen, I decided to have surgery to repair the problem. On May 8th, Dr. Robert Taylor repaired my umbilical hernia at St. Elizabeth's Out-Patient Surgery Center in Red Bluff.

So, for the next few weeks, I'm on the mend ... lots of reading, writing, resting, listening to music, and gentle indoor activities. No lifting. No teaching yoga. No serious gardening. No vigorous martial arts. No CUESD work.

Hopefully, by this Thursday, I will be watering the garden, walking, and doing easy Taijiquan.

I've been working lately on The Ways of Walking website, the Sun Tajiquan 73 Competition Form, and the webpages on May and June.

The Practice of Walking

"Gongfu is an ancient Chinese term describing work, devotion, and effort that has been successfully applied over a substantial period of time, resulting in a degree of mastery in a specific field. Although the term is synonymous in the West with martial arts (though it is most often rendered as Kung Fu), it is equally applicable to calligraphy, painting, music, or other areas of endeavor."
- Andy James

There is a difference between "a practice" and "to practice." Those of us who played competitive sports sometimes were not enthused about a going "to a practice." Practice meant repeating fitness and skills drills, listening to yelling coaches, pushing ourselves to new physical limits, competing with others, doing extra pushups for inattention, etc. Having a practice, a long-term fitness avocation, a mind-body engagement, a spiritual gong-fu, a ritual for well-being, an engaging and enriching pastime, a self-determined commitment to good healthy activites, a non-competitive and non-judgmental path to inner and outward growth ... now this kind of practice enriches both body, mind and spirit for a lifetime.

"Allow walking to occupy a place of stature equal with all the other important activities in your life. As difficult as that might seem, here's how to do it. Make it a practice. That's right. Turn your walking into a vehicle for personal growth as well as for fitness. This will add a higher level of integrity and intention to your approach because you will find that it is a way to deepen and upgrade your relationship to your body. Instead of merely giving your legs a good workout, you'll be practicing to relax more, to breathe better, to expand your vision, to open up your range of motion, to increase your energy, to feel and sense your body. The list is exciting - and endless. With all of this to look forward to, your walking program will take its place alongside everything in your life you value most, and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to schedule time for something you really love to do."
- Katherine Dreyer, Chi Walking, p. 56

Chi Walking: The Find Mindful Steps for Lifelong Health and Energy. By Danny Dreyer and Katherine Dreyer. New York, Simon and Shuster, Fireside Books, 2006. Index, 258 pages. ISBN: 0743267206.