Waxing Wood Monkey
The baby Wood Monkey - it's basically a little toddler trying to figure it all out. So small, so pure. Too naive to know the context it's been born into, too innocent to know the trouble it stirs. Everything in sight is curious and new. Of course it's going to make mistakes, that's how it learns. 
As for the poetry of the moment, try to put a leash on those temptations. Everything that catches your eye doesn't have to catch the rest of you too. This is a time to audit, budget, and cut in preparation for a thin and efficient Winter. It might prove difficult to tame that Monkey Moon impulse, but even the Monkey King himself was strongest when given discipline and purpose.
To make that make sense, be good. Wake up early, have a great day, get home on time and get straight to bed. Then, like any good shampoo: lather, rinse, repeat. It can be all too easy to squander after a long Summer, don't get reckless. Give yourself structure to thrive.
⧠Monkey Moon Risesâ§
Check Yourself: Or you just might wreck yourself.
Check your Motivations: What's the why behind your what?
Check your Thoughts: Journal. Mindmap. Brainstorm. Anything.
Check your Words: They have the power to build and destroy.
Check your Actions: Where are you investing your efforts?
Beyond Right or Wrong
Appropriate for the Moment
Contents
ă»Shifu Says: A brief word from our head teacher, Shifu David Wei.
ă»Pai Da Praises: Feedback from our online practice sessions.
ă»The Daoist Calendar: Special holidays and how to observe them.
ă»Numbers are Forever: An old lecture we dug up from Master Jeff Lee!
ă»This is How to Brew It: Steeping instructions for this month's tea club.
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⧠Shifu Says â§
Last week, I really got present to the value of a solid Kung Fu community. In all my years of training, there really is no greater treasure to practice. Of course you get all the personal benefits of mind, body, and spirit, but there is something special about the bonds you build with others over time.
First off, kung fu gives you grit. It's weird, it's hard, and it takes a long time to get good. Friends that train together have both the courage and capacity to face hardships and to see them through. Next, kung fu familiars are loyal, especially the ones from a traditional lineage. Old values last because solid practitioners with strong bonds maintain them. Finally, kung fu gives us the ability to creatively adapt and flow amidst challenging conditions. Let's be honest, having a kung fu family is like being on a team of super heroes.
After nearly 30 years of training and teaching, my practice continues to evolve only because I have amazing kung fu family to bounce and refine my views against. As they say "Iron shapes Iron, Diamonds cut Diamonds."
Go Alone - Go Fast
Go Together - Go Far
Pai Da Praises!
After a month of pai da practice, the results speak for themselves. Students are reporting that they feel looser, lighter, more alive and alert. Pain is easing, mobility is increasing, and everyone can feel the difference in their blood flow and circulation. What began as simple body slapping has become a profound tool for self-healing.
The stories have been inspiring. Ann discovered hidden areas of tension in her thumb. Beverly regained movement in her trigger finger. Anna says her skin has never been softer. Janet even used pai da to aid her recovery from an angry dog bite. Slap, tap, pat, and heal! Sometimes the simplest methods hold the greatest medicine.
Weâve moved past the basics into poly rhythms, advanced patterns, and rhythm drills - and this is where things start to get really cool. Coordination, timing, and energy all come together to create a practice thatâs as fun as it is effective. It's really quite remarkable!
There are only a few weeks left before we switch up the curriculum. Donât miss the chance to experience these breakthroughs for yourself. Join us every Monday and Friday at 4pm PST on Zoom - everyone is welcome.
⧠Pai Da Party â§
Every Monday and Friday @4pm PST
Register Here to Join
It's FREE!
1 part Slapping : 2 parts Stillness
Daoist Holidays
Seventh/Orchid Moon: Yang Wood Monkey
Qi Node: Heat Ends
Holiday: Li Tie Guai (The Beggar King) Birthday
Heal the Sick, Feed the Needy, Sing your Heart Out
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