Reflection~
* World Tai Chi Day is Saturday, April 26.
All Around The World, We Gather at 10 AM in Your Time Zone to Celebrate Tai Chi.
"....Breathe Together and provide a Healing Vision for Our World," Bill Douglas, Creator of World Tai Chi Day.
Every Year, the last Saturday in April, people world-wide gather across all time zones for World Tai Chi Day: alone, in groups or classes, in parks, on mountains, in cities and countries, now spanning over 80 nations, we open hands and hearts to balance Yin (receiving) and Yang (giving).
"All is balance in Tai Chi," Jiong Gu.
Still Motion
** Local Tai Chi Studio to Participate in Global Event
Guest Authors: Karol Knapp, Teresa Ferrill, and Melinda Watson
St. Joseph Michigan USA
Despite what it may have looked like to startled onlookers, two woman brandishing swords on a quiet street corner weren't settling a score or defending anyone's honor. In fact there were practicing what's considered to be the most gentle of the Chinese Martial Arts.
** Teresa Ferrill, owner of 721 Pleasant Street Studio, was leading student, Krysten Watson, through several "forms" or prescribed movements unique to Tai Chi. Teresa and fellow instructor, Janet Snelgrove, have been especially busy lately preparing their students to take part in the global event of World Tai Chi Day, the last Saturday in April.
World Tai Chi Day was created in 1999 by Bill Douglas, Tai Chi expert, as a way to highlight the many health benefits of Tai Chi which is closely related to Kung Fu but without the speed and aggressiveness. In contrast, Teresa says Tai Chi is known for its slow and gentle movements which emphasize the "Art" in martial art.
Teresa said on World Tai Chi Day every year beginning at precisely 10 AM in New Zealand (the earliest time zone), practitioners of Tai Chi will take a break from their usual activities and spend a few minutes engaged in special events or mass exhibitions. The celebration will continue in a westward sweep across the world, ending in Hawaii almost a full day after it began.
According to a growing body
of research, the benefits of Tai Chi include stress reduction and
improved muscle strength, balance and flexibility. Tai Chi is suitable for any age, requires no special equipment, and can be practiced in a variety of locations.
"Teresa, How did the your Tai Chi studio begin?"
"I opened the studio after my husband, Mike, bought the building. I claimed the room that formerly housed a Yoga studio as a Tai Chi practice space." The room is large and sunny with beautiful hard wood floors. Wanting to meet the local Tai Chi community, Teresa organized a workshop and open house.
"My former instructor assured me that I was ready to teach so I installed mirrors along one side of the room and so Pleasant Street Studio was born. Tai Chi is how I reward my body for getting me through another week. Teresa added, "I don't always eat properly or take care of my body the way I should, but Tai Chi helps me to relax and keeps me healthy."
Teresa compares the invigorating feeling she gets from Tai Chi to a runner s high. "It's a better feeling than any other. It feels like you really did something good, and it's gentler on your body than many other forms of exercise."
Melinda Watson, Tai Chi student, added she turned to Tai Chi as a way to keep her body moving while mentally de-stressing. "Stepping into the studio on a Friday afternoon at the end of my work week is calming. I like that the number one rule of the class is to relax. The atmosphere, the soft music, the fluid motions we practice allow me to find a calm center within myself, something much needed in a hectic schedule."
Wielding a real sword is "a very powerful feeling that comes with a great sense of responsibility. Whenever I touch my sword, I remind myself this is a real weapon. I must be calm and focused when I use it. If I am neither calm nor focused I need to leave it alone."
"I love to get people to try new things," Teresa adds. "World Tai Chi Day is a chance for somebody who thinks martial arts are too difficult to discover Tai Chi is one they can do. And for somebody who thinks working with a wooden practice sword is easy, they'll find out that its harder than it looks!"
** All Are Welcome~St. Joseph (SW) Michigan USA
Join us at 721 Pleasant Street Studio at 9:45 AM, Saturday April 26 to Celebrate World Tai Chi Day. Wear layers of loose and comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. Free parking available in front of the studio or turn left at the corner and turn left again into a free parking lot.
Take A Deep Breath!
"Practice with Spirit, Got It?" Jou, Tsung Hwa
"All is Possible With the Mind," Dr. Paul Lam
"The Yi (mind) Leads the Qi (energy)," Dr. Yang Jwing-ming
"We Are a Tai Chi Family," Yang, Zhen-duo
Related Posts Key Words: Tai Chi
World Tai Chi Day:
One World~One Breath (Apr 2013)
Tai Chi Around the World (Apr 2012)
Catching Up and Tuning In (Apr 2011)
Universe Shadows of Cranes and Follow the Leader (Mar 2011)
Resources: Thank You for All You Teach Us:
* http://www.worldtaichiday.org Bill Douglas, Creator of World Tai Chi Day. Bill is a Tai Chi and Qigong (energy work) expert and noted author.
http://taichiforhealthinstitute.org Paul Lam, M.D.,Tai Chi for Health Worldwide
http://www.YMAA.com Dr. Yang, Jwing-ming, Tai Chi, Qigong, Martial Arts Expert, author
http://www.yangfamilytaichi.com Yang Family, Creator of Yang Style Tai Chi
http://www.taichifarm.org Jou, Tsung Hwa, "If I can do it, you can do it!"
Guest Authors:
Carol Knapp writer carol@writedesigncommunications.com
Carol's New Book: Read! Roared the Lion, Children's Book, beautifully illustrated by Kenjji, award winning artist.
** Teresa Ferrill Tai
Chi instructor and owner 721 Pleasant Street Studio, St. Joseph (SW)
Michigan USA. Various Instructors, Tai Chi and Yoga, You Tube Videos
Teresa Phone (269)
408-6224,
E-mail Tai Chi: Teresa Ferrill taichitree@gmail.com
Janet Snelgrove snelgrove@i2k.com
http://www.721pleasantstreetstudio.com
Melinda Watson, Writer and Tai Chi practitioner
Blogger at Xanga.com under the name saintvi
Melinda enjoys Geocatching
Dahlis Roy Visionary Artist, Author, Tai Chi Instructor
Photos printed with permission:
Paul Lam, M.D.
Still Motion, by Teresa Ferrill, Seagulls line up to practice Tai Chi.
Feel the Energy oil painting by Dahlis Roy
Yang, Jwing-ming, Ph.D.
Kale! Kale! The Gang's All Here!
In northern Europe in the 1600's, a "Kale Yard" grew beside the house. Kale stayed green all winter! This hardy vegetable kept growing and provided vitamins and nutrients for the whole family.
Kale Color Parade: Green, Purple, Red, and Green and White
I steam kale in a large covered kettle with a moderate amount of water, 1 1/2 cups, then cool and freeze in individual portions.
Kale is so nutrient rich, 1/3 cup cooked kale provides abundant vitamins and minerals especially when you enjoy other high nutrient super foods such as spinach, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and many others.
Vegetable Soup with Kale
In a large skillet combine:
One can of your favorite beans: kidney, white beans, pintos, black beans, lentils or others
Assorted mixed veggies, green beans, peas, celery, onion, several whole pealed garlic cloves, sliced tomatoes, a few Lima beans, a touch of corn (optional), "what have you." Add small whole potatoes or potato slices with skins.
2-3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup cooked kale or 1 1/2 cups well washed raw kale
One fresh rosemary sprig
Add cooked meat or chicken (optional). Add 1 cup water and adjust during cooking as needed, additional seasoning if desired.
Simmer 1 hour or done to taste.
Then add: fresh snipped parsley or Italian parsley, blend and simmer 15 min or longer.
Kale Rules!
Related Posts:
Since Yesterday (July 2013)
Grow Green! (April 2011)
Resources:
http://www.whfoods.com
Research histories of your favorite foods, vitamin and mineral content, recipes and more
Dahlis Roy: Visionary Artist, Author, and Tai Chi Instructor
Photos by Dahlis
Beef Stew with Fresh Purple Kale, soup beginning to cook
Green and White Kale
Fresh Green Kale
Today I am thinking in green.
What does the color green do for you?
I am getting many images at once and some worlds (words). I'll write them down spontaneously.
Emerald
Emerald Carpet of April
Green Sprouts Push Upward
Sea of Green
Shimmering Leaves Whisper in the Wind
Thirst Quenching
Refreshment
Heart Center Green Ray
Soothing and Healing
Life Anew
Irish Moss on Seacoast Rocks
I saw Irish Moss in the store yesterday in celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 17. Blooming shamrocks in purple and white varieties dotted the shelves along with the small pots of moss. I recalled my shamrocks in ages past, coming into flower again even after they looked "hopeless." I stopped and stared at the moss and star-like flowers. I remembered the Irish Moss stitch knit into Aran sweaters in Ireland to symbolize prosperity. The moss grows where nothing else can. Its green harvest provides needed nutrients.
I thought of the green limes pictured above, a dash of tang added to pure water, soups, or cooked vegetables. Limes are a no fructose fruit. My mouth waters just looking a the picture or thinking of a tart lime slice.
Sea of Green reminds me of (chuckle) Yellow Submarine song by the Beatles. I also saw in my imagination a "sea" of grey green (Lake Michigan) with hazy sun splashed on it like Irish waterways. Years ago, my son, husband and I walked out on Lighthouse Pier at South Haven, Michigan. We wrapped up well for the trek. Chilly winds whipped us. To my right, I noted the Black River. The wave torn water was "black." How could that be? As the Black River entered Lake Michigan, the dark water gradually became a haunting green like the large Lake. Breaking waves rolled into view. I imagined the Atlantic Ocean Irish Seacoast and how the water might look.
Silver Lining
Look forward to shimmering leaves whispering in the wind as the greens of spring/summer approach us here.
Think Green! Nourish~Reflect~Dream
Related Posts:
Wander and Ponder (Oct 2013)
What would Popeye Do? (Aug 2013)
Travelers and Tribes (Mar 2013)
Find A Voice and Call to Colors (Mar 2012
Stitch in Time (Feb 2012)
Silver Stars and Moonbeams and Picture Perfect (Mar 2011)
Dahlis Roy Visionary Artist, Author, and Tai Chi Instructor
Photos:
Limes~refreshing green by Dahlis
Maple Leaves Display Silver Lining by Paul
Think Green, sunlight reflection on green table by Dahlis
* "Morning has broken....
Blackbird has spoken...."
Cat Stevens
** "....Blackbird Fly, into the still of the deep dark night....," Paul McCartney
One lazy afternoon when we had "time," my friend Debra came in for a visit. We talked about gratitude, wonder, joy, and healing.
* St. Aubert's Chapel mystery painting, Sky, Sand, Stone rested on the mantel. At just the right moment, a shaft of faint blue tinged sunlight streaked over the painting, illuminating lights and shadows with deeper blues. The "strings of pearls" painted lights on the stone steps became textured and brilliant. Debra and I watched with silent awe as the painting went from "dull" in the cloudy light to "Oh My!" We could feel the ancient Normandy stonework and imagine crisp, clear, cool Atlantic seacoast air.
Later, the conversation circled around to a book by Paul McCartney, Blackbird Singing, a compilation of poems, song lyrics, and musings by the musician. My copy was sitting on the dining room table ready for Debra to carry home and enjoy.
Debra eagerly put the book in her backpack. I watched her put it away carefully.
Long time ago, I had seen a plaque in Debra's home, * "Blackbird Singin' in the Dead of Night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly...." I felt Debra was called to read Paul McCartney's book.
When Debra got up to leave, she checked her belongings to be sure all was packed up securely for her bike ride home.
"Vanished!"
"Where is the book?"
The Paul McCartney book had up and disappeared! We both saw Debra pack it! It was "nowhere." We looked again and checked the nearby shelves and tables. "Gone~"
"Well, wherever it is someone must be needing it right now," Debra joked.
Several month passed.
One day I got an excited phone call. Debra emoted, "Guess where Blackbird is? I found the book already packed in the pile for our winter trip south! I'll look forward to reading Blackbird soon!"
"Do you ever wonder what fills the empty spaces?"
Louise Watson, R.N.
Related Posts:
Building Blocks, (Oct 2013) The Mystery of St. Aubert's Chapel painting.
By An Unfaltering Trust (July 2011) Angel in the Headlights
Resources:
** Blackbird Singing, Poems and Lyrics 1965-1999, book by Paul McCartney
Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
Debra Basham, author, CHTP, NLP, HTt, RMT Blog: Yellow Brick Road, Your Path to Heart and Health
Music
** Blackbird Singing by John Lennon/Paul McCartney, The White Album
beautiful version You Tube Oct 2012 concert
* Morning Has Broken by Cat Stevens from the album Teaser and the Firecat
Eric Satie musician, soft piano themes play as I write.
Chants of India, Cd Ravi Shankar, produced by George Harrison
Dahlis Roy: Visionary Artist, Author, and Tai Chi Instructor
Images by Dahlis
Blackbird Has Landed, photo: I waited to get a photo of a blackbird (large crow). No one appeared. Then it snowed again (and again). The blackbird, washed with grey in the pre-spring mist, finally landed!
Sky, Sand, Stone painting of St. Aubert's Abbey: A painted mystery how did this one appear? What is the connection with Mont-St.-Michel on the Normandy Coast?
Scanning my blog drafts for something to write, I open "Get Up and Grow." I don't want to grow~ I don't want to learn lessons~ I want to rest~ I want a day off!
I want it all!
As February melts into March, here I write and wonder....Actually it isn't melting yet! The grey-pink snow is still about and real temperatures here this AM were in the single digits. Now What?
Blue Bird in Winter?
I get up and look out the front window and there are (wait for it) a flock of young male and female Eastern Bluebirds twittering and flitting through the front bushes and twigs. They've got to be kidding! What are they thinking? I remember seeing Eastern Bluebirds in Virginia and only one in Pennsylvania years ago. In near zero weather they are "here and now?"
What "Now?"
We have a new young cat called Extra Orange. We marvel at his energy and youth. He and we are adjusting to his new home configuration and extended cat family. He hasn't gone outside yet. He came in from a warm climate. Orange has (we think) never seen snow. He and we will wait a bit for the big outdoor adventure....
Someone asked me, "How are you doing with all these cats?" I answered: "We are finding new brain pathways and coping skills!" This is great training for humans and cats! Orange integrates easily with everyone. "Imagine"
"Paws Under Door"
Think Green!
Orange Remembers the Great Outdoors
To Stimulate Self:
Try Something New Today
What will it be? I washed my hair the old fashioned way like my mother, Connie, and her mother "Ma." I tried Castile Soap instead of shampoo!
Will it lather, will it rinse clean? Yes! I am pleased!
Shake Up Your Routine
Usually I practice "seated meditation" and Tai Chi "moving meditation" separately Why not combine them?
Today I tried listening to a guided meditation while practicing Tai Chi/Qigong (energy work) exercises blended with a bit of Yoga and finishing with standing meditation and cool down routines. I am energized and refreshed. My mind find feels calmer "write now." I am amazed to find that when the guided meditation ended, so did my exercise routine (unplanned).
Learn Something New:
Tomorrow I am stepping out of my comfort zone and attending a computer seminar. Help! I feel "school" coming back to me. I want to vanish and not go! However, I plan to attend and stay quiet in class....focus mind, center self, be in the moment.
Create New Projects
Recently I began knitting again. I am trying a few simple patterns. So far, still experimenting with yarns and needles is fun. I enjoy the unhurried process of relaxation while completing a few quiet rows of knitting as "seated meditation." I experience the familiar click of needles and yarn slipping through easily through fingers.
Choose an Attribute or Calming Visual Image
Choose one as needed and write it down, look at the word and smile. Examples: "Beauty," "Peace," "Sunshine", "Beach, "Infinity"....
BIG YES! Growing Now!
Growing As We Speak~
Grow Green! Increase Your Brain Power Everyday!
Glow Green~ Light Up Your Life!
Related Posts:
Enter Extra Orange (Feb 2014) our new cat creates harmony.
All Eyes (June 2012)
Skin Deep (May 2012)
T-I-M-E and In the K(now) (Dec 2011)
Grow Green, increase your brain power (April 2011)
Tonal Vision (Jan 2011) The Power of Music
Resources:
Kirk's Original Coco Castile Soap since 1839, Old Fashioned Formula: pure botanical coconut oil soap, free of drying residue
Free and Clear Shampoo, also excellent, free of dyes, perfume, wheat protein, formaldehyde, and parabens
Deepak Chopra, M.D., The Chopra Center Meditation guidelines online, awaken your inner self to "a field of infinite possibilities."
Paul Lam M.D., Tai Chi for Health Worldwide, stimulate your brain and body with Tai Chi Exercises for all levels of practice, articles, research, newsletter. "All is Possible with the Mind." You Tube, free Lesson Dr. Paul Lam, Tai Chi for Beginners
Jou, Tsung Hwa, Mathematician and Tai Chi expert, book, The Tao of Meditation, various techniques while meditating: seated, standing, resting, sleeping. Sleeping Meditation is one of my favorites!
Songs of the Day, Vienna Boys' Choir, Various Selections
Dahlis Roy: Visionary Artist, Author, and Tai Chi Instructor
Photos:
Early Bird~Eastern Bluebird Male by Dahlis
Paws Under Door, Oliver and Robert Longpaws play
Extra Orange on High Wall by Emilie
