Harmony

One of the most persistent confusions in medicine and health care is the idea of normative reality.  In truth normative information is only  generally true, not always useful in specific cases and sometimes quite misleading in application. (more…)

On January 30 a small group gathered in Aptos, California for a three hour Blossoms in the Spring workshop with Narrye Caldwell.  Sitting in a circle with a view of the redwoods, we started with qigong basics then proceeded through the three sections of Blossoms, taking hourly breaks for tea and conversation.  Though it felt more like a retreat than a workshop, by the end of the afternoon everyone could move through the entire set with confidence, even those who had no previous qigong experience.  As we completed the final move and hands came to rest gently in laps, one person breathed a big sigh and said, “oh, that’s so beautiful!”

Keep an eye on this site for information about future Blossoms workshops.

Recently an old friend, who has years of Tai Chi and Qigong experience, asked me if it would add anything to his practice to come to an afternoon workshop to learn Blossoms in the Spring.  This is an excellent question.  When I thought honestly about it, I realized that the answer is no, not really.  When you have a qi practice that you love and follow every day, and when your health is good, and you feel complete and balanced in your life, why add anything?

So I replied in this “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” vein.  But then I added the following perspective:  On the other hand, I also need only one teapot.  But I have a beautiful collection of them.  Each one has a special feel, and speaks to me of the special moments, alone or with a dear friend, that I’ve spent in its company.  Or there’s that old funny shaped pot that still carries the fragrant memory of an amazing rare tea I once brewed in it.  None of this is necessary.  One functional pot really is enough.  But what of nuance? What of beauty? Does it add anything to our lives?

I think so. And I think there are some qigong practices that are like those rare and special teapots in my collection.  Blossoms in the Spring is one of those.

Sunday, January 17th, the Academy of Martial Arts in Santa Cruz, hosted an “in house” seminar just for students and friends. Over two dozen participants attended many who had little or no Qigong training. The two-hour seminar went by fast with everyone finishing the form literally at the last minute. There were a lot of questions, correction, laughter and many repetitions of this ancient Qigong routine.
Next seminar, hosted by Narrye Caldwell: invitational group only on January 30, Saturday from one to four. Call 408 489 8268.

Here’s the final segment of Narrye’s “Your Health” interview.

Our first Qigong DVD is titled “Qigong essentials #1: Controlling the Body” is just coming off the drawing board. We are designing the wraps and the labels right now. This always happens at the end of all the filming and editing, you end up taking care of the box design when you are anxious to get the project out and into the hands of the practitioners. We will all be on vacation for about two weeks but when we get back, before the Year of the Tiger, we hope to have the new DVD out and ready to go.

After that our next scheduled one if The Blossoms in the Spring itself, much requested and, we hope, a real aid in learning this wonderful Qigong.