Fire Dog Moon Wanes

   This is it, Autumn has fallen - this is Winter. If you've caught the drift, then you've already down-shifted into a slow and steady groove through the first two weeks of this transition moon. But, if you didn't get the hint, then you're probably banging your head against the grain, listlessly dissipating yourself to depletion. If this is you, you don't have to run on fumes - it's ok to chill.

   As for the poetry of the moment, the bed is your friend - take a nap. Many of you are probably feeling the call of Winter and don't even know it. Don't you just want to sleep in? Aren't pajamas and down comforters amazing? If you feel the urge to slow down, don't make it wrong. Many of our mammal pals are preparing to hibernate now - why not join them?
   To make this make sense, it's ok to rest. In fact, it's absolutely necessary. Feeling tired this time of year is totally appropriate. Cut out the coffee and can the caffeine. You're not a machine, you're a human being. Sleep. Stop stealing life from tomorrow - let yourself rest today.

✧ Winter Slumber-Land ✧

Wind Down Early: Wrap it up and roll on out.
Take a Hot Bath: Wash off the dust from your day.
Eat a Hearty Meal: Soups, stews, stocks, and broths!
Get Dressed for Bed: Treat sleep like a special occasion.
Now Bundle Up: Bust out your quilts and comforters.
Turn Off the Lights: The darker it is, the better!

Winter is Here!

Contents

・Shifu Says: A brief word from our head teacher, Shifu David Wei.
・Student of the Month: Maybe it's YOU! What did you do to earn it?
・The Daoist Calendar: Special holidays and how to observe them.
・Deep Steeps: Lunch with Shifu Raphael Smith of Jing Wu Pai.
・A Second Steep: Another chat, this time with Master Conrad Bui!
・Final Fortune Cookie: Big wit and wisdom from a tiny little idiom.

Donate to Wudang West Cultural Heritage Center Help support Wudang West Cultural Heritage Center by donating or sharing with your friends. www.paypal.com