Full Water Snake Moon
If you were to ask old man Abraham, or any of his kin, they'd probably tell you that Snakes are bad - and it makes sense. They're ice-cold, they slither and sidewind to advance, they can shed their skin, and they have venomous bites. It's all too easy to see Satan in these serpent vermin - but what if we had it all wrong? What if Snakes were little prophets of God?
As for the poetry of the moment, read between the lines. The mainstream view isn't always what it seems. If we didn't blame Snakes for sharing, then we'd probably blame them for hoarding. Were we shown how to oppose, or were we shown the value of service? Is the serpent really being crushed by the foot of God, or is it prostrating in complete surrender? Is this a battle of good and evil, or is this just a fancy dance between sun and shadow?
To make this make sense, look at the whole picture. Truth has facets, and and two sides can be valid at the same time. The sky is big enough for the sun, the moon, and the stars, and - in reality - we need them all for heaven to be complete. If all we had was a sun, then the world would be a dessert. It's never about good or bad, it's about the necessity of both for the whole.
⧠The Duality Dillema â§
How it all Began: Seperation is an illusion.
The Grass isn't Greener: Comparison is the thief of joy.
Have and Have Nots: The mighty control. The meek erode.
Beyond Right and Wrong: Appropriate for the moment.
More of the Same: Could it be any other way?
Batman needs Joker
Contents
ă»Shifu Says: A brief word from our head teacher, Shifu David Wei.
ă»Eight Immortal Methods: The workshop intensive is this Sunday!
ă»The Daoist Calendar: Special holidays and how to observe them.
ă»Tai Chi True or False: You've got a 50/50 chance. Is it Yin or Yang?
ă»Learning Courtesy: Hijinks and harmony with Gretchen and Grace.
ă»Functional Feng Shui: A simple suggestion relative to the season.
ă»Final Fortune Cookie: Big wit and wisdom from a tiny little idiom.
*click the image to join our FREE QIGONG classes
 |
⧠Shifu Says â§
In traditional Chinese martial arts, there is one iconic stance that everyone should know - the horse stance. It's considered the foundation, upon which the entire world of martial arts is built upon. My Kung Fu brother likes to say "We can live through death if we can live through the horse stance." It is the definitive master key to unlock any Kung Fu curriculum - it's that serious.
Traditionally, there are three tests one must pass along the road to horse stance mastery - Fire, Water, and Time. The first test is Fire, this is because all our muscles ache and burn in the beginning. It's common for the limbs to quiver and shake as the "blazing flames course through our meridians" and "burn through our limitations." It's often advised to push through these initial discomforts and to persevere in spite of soreness, stiffness, and pain.
Assuming you can make it through the Fire, the second test is Water. This is where our muscles begin to seize and cramp, which cuts off circulation to the extremities. Here, the hands and feet may go cold and numb because all of the vital fluids get trapped inside our tight muscles. This is also the point where perspiration can become thick, viscous and sticky as we purge deep seated impurities from our systems. Here, the challenge is learning to let go of muscular tension so that our blood and "qi" can return to a natural flow.
Eventually, the muscles fatigue to failure and we're forced to relax into our bones. If we can find refuge in our frame, the only thing left is to "let it set." This is where we face the test of time and battle our way through boredom. The goal is to condition the nervous system to accept a "new normal." Here, progress is practically imperceptible and plateaus can feel permanent. This is the hardest test - but this is where the stance seeps into your marrow and activates latent DNA. The stress of these tests literally changes your genetic expression and forces your body to transform (see Wolff's Law)!
To sum it all up, do more horse stance! Have pain in your knee, hip, back, or shoulders? Do more horse stance! Want to fit into those old pair of jeans again? Do more horse stance! Want to improve your balance, posture, and power? Do more horse stance! Want better digestion and eliminations? Do more horse stance! Want better sleep, more energy, and a randy libido? Do more horse stance! We're now four moons into a Yang Fire Horse year...
Do More Horse Stance!
The Eight Immortal Methods
One of our favorite short sets is now available as a complete instructional course. The "Eight Immortal Methods" is a compact qigong set that delivers real results. It's easy to learn, simple to remember, and incredibly effective for building energy, mobility, and internal awareness. Whether youâre brand new to our crew or returning to refine your foundation, this short set meets you where you are and takes you where you want to go.
To support you in your training, weâre also hosting a LIVE practice session and Q&A this Sunday, May 31 over Zoom. This will be your chance to move together with the crew, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of the system's material. This is where your practice can truly come to life.
The full course is valued at $149, but is currently available for only $59 - and as a special offer specifically for our little community, weâre offering an exclusive rate of only $29 with promo code: SFCLC - but act fast, this deal wonât last! Secure your spot, learn this set, and join us on May 31 for a LIVE, deep dive intensive. We can't wait to see you there!
⧠Eight Immortal Method Short Course â§
- Comprehensive Instructional Program
- Includes Standing, Seated, & Lying Progressions
- Plus LIVE Practice Session - Sunday, May 31st @1pm PST
$149 Value - for $59
- Exclusive to our Senior Subscribers -
Use Promo Code: SFCLC to Enroll for Only $29!
Join the Eight Immortals Mob
Easy, Efficient, Effective
Daoist Holidays
Fourth/Plum Moon: Yin Water Snake
Qi Node: Grain Sprouts
Holiday: Hua Tuo (The Immortal Physician) Birthday
Get Lost in the Woods, Clean Up and Be Presentable
Tai Chi True or False
True or False:
The waist plays a key role in Tai Chi practice and application.
This post is for paying subscribers only
Already have an account? Log in
