Tai Chi and Pakua

Former Beijing Wushu Team member and world champion, Master Zhang Hong Mei demonstrates Bagua Zhang at the Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine 10 Anniversary Gala event.

Master Zhang Hong Mei demonstrates Bagua Zhang Former Beijing Wushu Team member and world champion, Master Zhang Hong Mei demonstrates Bagua Zhang at the Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine 10 Anniversary Gala event...

Kung Moo says, "Chew your cud slowly. It is by following natures rhythm that we find wisdom!"

I am posting this for the students attending the Tai Chi Chuan classes. I plan on reshooting the video, but I thought that you might be interested in seeing applications of Tai Chi Chuan in full speed.

Kung Moo returns with new wisdom to share.

Tonight, at the new community training center in Cascade Village, we will practice the art of tai chi meditation.

"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about. Ideas, language, even the phrase "each other" doesn't make any sense.

Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi

Meditation, The Eternal Path This booklet is a compilation of writings, some secular and some non-secular, on the subjects of prayer and meditation. In this booklet the reader will find a collection of writings on the essential importance of prayer and meditation.

Our first event at the new office in Cascade Village will be the Tuesday evening Tai Chi Chuan class on January 9th. This class is focused on physical rehabilitation, healing, and anti-aging and incorporates gentle Chinese yoga movements called Dao Yin, and chi kung exercise. Also, included in the training sessions are breathwork and meditation.

In addition, I will be announcing upcoming interfaith devotional sessions involving prayers for healing and healing meditation. These ongoing sessions will be for individuals struggling with chronic, serious, and/or terminal illnesses. I will post more on these interfaith healing sessions in the near future.

I will also be posting a schedule for upcoming training classes in the healing arts such as our AcuMyoTherapy, acupressure and shiatsu and herbal medicine classes.

Baha'i prayer for forgiveness and healing.

I am but a poor creature, O my Lord; I have clung to the hem of Thy riches. I am sore sick; I have held fast the cord of thy healing. Deliver me from the ills that have encircled me, and wash me thoroughly with the waters of thy graciousness and mercy, and attire me with the raiment of wholesomeness, through Thy forgiveness and bounty. Fix, then, mine eyes upon Thee, and rid me of all attachment to aught else except Thyself. Aid me to do what Thou desirest, and to fulfil what Thou pleasest.

Please note the date change for the first Tai Chi Chuan class of 2024. The new starting date is January 9th, 2024.

We are on track to hold our first class of 2024 at our new location in Cascade Village.

It is my hope that this new class and location will provide an opportunity for our students to attend to many aspects of their personal health and wellbeing, mind, body and spirit.

We are on schedule to have the new space completed and ready for our classes beginning on January 9th, 2024.

The new location is:

Blue Heron Academy/Clinical Health Maintenance
6810 Old 28th Street SE, Suite 3
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

As usual, dress comfortably, and bring a yoga mat.

I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.

We are on track to hold our first class of 2024 at our new location in Cascade Village.

It is my hope that this new class and location will provide an opportunity for our students to attend to many aspects of their personal health and wellbeing, mind, body and spirit.

We are on schedule to have the new space completed and ready for our classes beginning on January 9th, 2024.

The new location is:

Blue Heron Academy/Clinical Health Maintenance
6810 Old 28th Street SE, Suite 3
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

As usual, dress comfortably, and bring a yoga mat.

I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.

Tai Chi Chuan and Chinese Yoga class tonight at the Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts & Sciences at 6 PM. Tai Chi and Chinese Yoga is used to treat and prevent arthritis and joint degeneration as well as chronic respiratory and circulatory conditions. My teaching focus is on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and aging reversal.

Tai Chi Chuan tonight -

As I have met new tai chi chuan students, I have realized that I need to focus my teaching on prevention, treatment, and the rehabilitation of various health care conditions, especially issues related to joint inflammation, limited range of motion, chronic pain, auto immune disorders, and osteoarthritis. Tai chi chuan, dao yin, and chi kung are all well known to treat these health conditions.
I am setting up a new office and classroom location in the Cascade Village specially designed for the treatment of health conditions related to chronic inflammation, auto immune disorders, and aging.

Many of the students that I teach tai chi chuan to have not heard of dao yin or chi kung. Both dao yin and chi kung are forms of exercise, meditation, and breathwork. I am currently teaching all 3 of these ancient systems and students are beginning to recognize how these health exercise systems benefit them.

Tonight’s tai chi chuan, dao yin, and chi kung class will focus on breathwork as a driver of energy through the body in what we call the microcosmic and macrocosmic orbit.

I also plan on introducing a 9-posture tai chi chuan form, easy to learn for beginners.

Dr. Lawton
Note: Link to a tai chi chuan study -

Effectiveness of Tai Chi for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis AbstractBackground. Tai chi is recommended for musculoskeletal conditions; however, the evidence for its clinical effectiveness is uncertain.Purpose. The aim of

Tai Chi Chuan for Beginners tonight at the Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts & Sciences.

https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/880878305?fbclid=IwAR0E7Bc0ZJuE0_w52XSv0ZQBU7uY9vv-BurlNhX_SVL8czw14d2pIIsIEiU

Vimeo

After receiving many questions regarding the difference between Reiki and Chi Kung, I wrote an article on the subject. This is the unedited draft version. If you would like a pdf copy message me.

What is happening in the beginning tai chi chuan class at the Blue Heron Academy?

Last evening, Tuesday night, we had our second “official” beginning tai chi chuan class. Our first meeting was an orientation class to give people a chance to decide whether to enter the tai chi chuan class or not. The next two classes have focused on learning the basics of dao yin (Chinese yoga), breathing techniques, and chi kung. What is the difference between dao yin and chi kung? They are mostly the same - but dao yin is practiced in a seated position or lying supine or prone on the floor, and chi kung which means “working to acquire energy” is performed in a standing position.

What is the difference between dao yin, chi kung, and tai chi chuan? Well, the postures of each method are different with the postures of tai chi chuan derived from martial art techniques and stitched together in a continuous slow-moving flow.

In last evening's class we revisited dao yin and breathwork, largely taught and guided by Kate Millett, and we introduced 3 postures and movements from the tai chi chuan form.

We are moving very slowly, no pun intended, and being careful to cover all the important concepts of all 3 internal arts and health care practices. What are our objectives? To reduce stress and anxiety and to instill concepts that promote emotional and physical wellbeing and health. In a world that is increasingly stressful we feel that this is an important goal.

If I could make one suggestion. Some attendees of the class appear to have difficulty with floor exercises, either due to back or knee pain. I would suggest the use of a cushion, like those used in meditation or yoga classes (along with your yoga mat) or a chair. We can provide chairs for anyone who wants one and I can modify dao yin exercises for those using a chair.

In our next Tuesday evening tai chi chuan class we will continue to slowly and carefully focus on learning the basics of dao yin, chi kung, and tai chi chuan.

How do you incorporate Tai Chi Chuan and the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan into your everyday life?

I am often asked the question, “How do I incorporate Tai Chi Chuan and the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan into my everyday life?”, to answer this question in a manner that is practical and that will apply to the moment by moment, hour by hour, stresses and challenges of daily life we need to visit the central principles of, and philosophy of, Tai Chi Chuan.

Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art, health practice, and method of meditation that is based on the philosophy of the Tao, Taoism, Confucianism, and a bit of Zen. Tai Chi Chuan is not only a physical exercise, but also a way of life that seeks to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit.

Tai Chi Chuan philosophy is based on Taoism, which incorporates the Chinese philosophy of balance, nonviolence, and virtue. It also incorporates elements of Confucianism, which focuses on social issues and conduct. Tai Chi Chuan is a form of Chi Kung, or energy cultivation, that involves physical training, meditation, and spiritual realization. It aims to integrate the mind, the chi, and the body with shen or spirit, and to reveal the true nature of the self. Tai Chi Chuan is also an internal martial art, but it can be practiced without fighting and as a form of breathwork and moving meditation. Tai Chi Chuan symbolizes the principle of Yin and Yang, or the duality and nature of change in the universe. From this perspective Tai Chi Chuan is very aligned with Taoism and Zen tenets.

Some of the main concepts of Tai Chi Chuan philosophy Include:

Wu Wei: This means "non-action" or "effortless power". It is the state of being in harmony with the natural flow of things, without forcing or resisting. It is also the attitude of acceptance and detachment, without attachment or desire. Wu Wei is the essence of Taoism and the most important goal of Tai Chi Chuan practice.

Ziran: This means "naturalness" or "spontaneity". It is the quality of being free from artificiality, convention, or pretense. It is also the expression of one's true self, without fear or inhibition. Ziran is the manifestation of Wu Wei and the source of creativity and joy.

De: This means "virtue" or "power". It is the moral force that comes from living in accordance with the Tao, or the natural order. It is also the inner strength that comes from cultivating one's chi, or life energy as well as developing shen or spirit. De is the result of Wu Wei and Ziran, and the foundation of wisdom and compassion.

Tai Chi Chuan philosophy can be applied to many aspects of life, such as health, relationships, work, and learning. It can help one to achieve balance, harmony, peace, and happiness. The next time that you are stressed or facing a severe mental, emotional, or physical challenge try using the philosophy, concepts, and techniques of Tai Chi Chuan to maintain your balance, to manage stress, and to behave in a manner reflective of your noble spirit and virtues.

Tai Chi Chuan philosophy is not a dogma or a doctrine, nor is it a religion, it is rather a personal and experiential journey of discovery and transformation.

If you are interested in learning more about Tai Chi Chuan philosophy, consider reading my books “Scent of a Forgotten Flower” and “Tai Chi Chuan, A Student’s Lessons” (link provided below) and you can check out some of these resources:

1. “The Tao of Tai Chi: The Making of a New Science”: A book by Dr. Shin Lin, a professor of biological science and biomedical engineering, that explores the scientific basis and benefits of Tai Chi practice.
2. “Tai Chi Chuan and the Code of Life”: A book by Dr. Graham Horwood, a Tai Chi master and teacher, that explains the principles and applications of Tai Chi philosophy in depth.
3. “Tai Chi for Beginners and the 24 Forms”: A book by Dr. Paul Lam, a Tai Chi expert and physician, that introduces the basics and benefits of Tai Chi practice, as well as the most popular Tai Chi form.
I hope that this brief explanation has somewhat answered the question regarding integrating Tai Chi Chuan into your daily life.

Dr. Gregory T. Lawton

Scent of a Forgotten Flower This book was written as a "gift" for my martial arts students and it, I believe, contains the philosophical and spiritual essence of tai chi chuan and the martial arts.

The Tai Chi Chuan for Beginners class is held on Tuesday evenings at the Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts & Sciences.

Tai Chi Chuan for Beginners at the Blue Heron Academy Our new Tai Chi Chuan, Dao Yin, and Chi Kung classes are now available.

The thirteen principles of Tai Chi are derived from the Eight Trigrams (I-Ching) and the Five Elements.

We are presently offering Tai Chi Chuan classes for beginners. Classes include meditation, breathwork, Tai Chi Chuan, Dao Yin, and Chi Kung. Also, Daoist massage and self-healing methods.

It is here! It has arrived! What you ask? The latest edition of Lift Hands Magazine and my continuing series on Asian medicine, The Web of Chi and The Human Body. This is Part Three of a continuing series on Asian medicine and completion of the series leads to certification.

Check it out here -

https://issuu.com/nasserbutt/docs/lift_hands_volume_27_september_2023_?fbclid=IwAR3X5DkguE7NG-15WXyfvb0YzYdPR33n_23Q5WgNscxVbffPg7ydMukMB6Q

Lift Hands Volume 27 September 2023 - The Multi-Award Winning Martial Arts Magazine Lift Hands - The multi-award winning magazine - Voted Magazine of the Year 2019 by The British Martial Arts Awards 2019. When one really thinks about Lift Hands, you’ll discover that it is not just an isolated posture from one of a myriad of martial arts available around the globe. Just as we lift...

This time of year, every year, during the start of the infectious disease season I provide a presentation on prevention and treatment of the common cold, influenza, and most recently COVID. Now that the Biomedicine class has moved to an online format I am no longer providing that presentation. However, I do have a booklet that covers that subject and content and it can be found at this link:

YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND SEASONAL INFECTIOUS DISEASE What is the recommended course of action if you get the flu? In this booklet we investigate the nature of infectious diseases such as the common cold and influenza, how to prevent getting sick, how to boost your immune system, and how to treat infectious diseases though lifestyle behavior, diet and....

I began free diving after leaving the US military in 1968 and I enjoyed the sport for many years. I used free diving and the deep meditative experience that it engendered to expand upon my exploration of spiritual reality as well as part of my martial arts training. The movie The Deepest Breath, which I just watched, reminded me of my experiences as a solo free diver off of the Hawaiian coast of Maui. Free diving is considered, based upon its injury and fatality rate, as the most dangerous sport on earth. It is more dangerous than climbing Mount Everest. I stopped free diving a few years ago when I recognized that it was a bad idea at my age.

Yesterday I watched the movie The Deepest Breath about free diver Alessia Zecchini. I loved the movie even though it is about a tragic incident (which I will not describe in case you want to see the movie). At my age I am a "retired" free diver, but I love books and movies on the sport of free diving. Here is an old article that I wrote on the subject. I created this painting this morning, inspired by the movie. I call it Deep Dive.

The latest issue of Lift Hands - The multi-award-winning magazine - Voted Magazine of the Year 2019 by The British Martial Arts Awards 2019 - is now available at this link. The issue continues with my ongoing series on Asian medicine and AcuMyoTherapy.
"When one really thinks about Lift Hands, you’ll discover that it is not just an isolated posture from one of a myriad of martial arts available around the globe. Just as we lift our hands for combat, equally we also lift our hands in prayer, play, dance, to write, to paint, to greet, to wave goodbye, to hold and support a child or one of age, or to embrace or protect those we love. Lift Hands is innate within us all - regardless of the fact of whether we do martial arts or not - a movement inherited in the womb just like sight, taste, smell and hearing. It is an intrinsic, instinctive, unlearned and untaught part of the human condition. Everything we do in life involves lifting our hands... it is our intent which dictates what our hands do once they are lifted! Lift Hands will dare to be different from the usual crop of magazines on the subject. We are a work in progress..."

https://issuu.com/nasserbutt/docs/lift_hands_volume_26_june2023

Understanding the students in your Kwoon (Dojo).

What is the most effective form of fighting or self protection?