Another Day?

Its Monday. Yesterday morning Ashley realized she had left her only set of car keys at her aunt and uncle's house, about an hour away. We had day plans and figured we'd go at night - and so the day went and night followed and the plan ensued. We listened to the comedy channel, on the satellite radio, on the way up, laughing all the way. As soon as we got back in the car after seeing her uncle I felt strange, drained and sad with anger. I couldn't quite place why. In a relationship there is always something going on as two people seek to balance themselves in relation to the other. But I went deeper and drew on my history of like feelings and situations. What I came out with was a deep and true understanding of how sensitive I am to energy. The real importance of Energy Capsule training became real to me. I dug a little further to realize why I never really felt fully enveloped by my depression; it was never mine but the family's that I felt. There were a few more realizations but this was the most pertinent.
As we work to understand how we can manage and utilize our energy more effectively, I find this discovery / revelation extremely important to my growth in so many ways and I feel a relief to finally answer and tie off some loose end questions that I've never fully bothered to explore, I just always figured them inexplicable. I feel renewed in spiritual strength having drawn on my brain's strength training through Dahn practice. I will march on with a sharper blade of decisiveness as I grow in to the place of master.

Energy is Important

So very important. I have been training hard for the last couple of months and I'm finally coming to the "Great Wall" the point we all hit when we start to ask ourselves "just what the hell am I doing?"
My life is crashing around me which is not bad because it's a humbling experience reminding myself just exactly who or what I look like and what that energy brings from the world around. I am reminded of the Bible passage cautioning us to be aware of the log in our own eye before we start picking splinters out of someone else's eyes. So this crashing was like getting the wind knocked out of me -- I really found it hard to muster the energy to even eat lunch today. My family came to the center again and I gave them a class. It was a relief my brother and father are in need of this practice so I modified the exercises to be lighter on them as beginners. For me it was a perfect relaxation and opening, allowing fresh ChunJi Ki Un energy to fill my body and refresh my state of mind.
Just after lunch I checked my email and found a note from Ilchi Lee reminding us about self reflection and the value of not getting entangled in emotions while evaluating ourselves. His words hit home with a soft caressing punch. I revisited the note after my family left and found the words totally empowering.
By refreshing and moving out stagnant energy I am able clearly relate to the message of self watching with an open mind and heart.
Chun Ji Ma UM

A Day In the Park

Sunday 11.4.07 a group of us convened in the Rockefeller State Preserve for a short jaunt and some Dahn Mu Do style exercise. The fresh air was exhilarating and through the walk those that could keep their focus used the time for Jang Saeng Walking meditation, enhancing the inspiring autumn color; refreshing the mind and the body.

It was the second time the Bedford Hills Dahn Hak Yoga center had visited the park. Utilizing the time in the simple standard fashion - to enjoy nature in its many aspects and to also connect ourselves to it. Some prefer to sit, bask and soak, in the glory and amazement that is our world around us. Reflecting through the mind of the myriad memories that become the rich depth, breath, and height of our existence.

Allowing the majesty of the intricacies of life to hold them in wonder. Others can't help but to allow the energy to flow through them like water over a dam in the height of the rainy season. Pouring forth words, postures, gestures, and tones explaining the plight and ridiculousness of the entirely complex and confusing tapestry that life is.

Some are inspired with happiness and freedom and the only demonstration is to run with arms wide and a chest full of tasty autumn air; the damp leaves, wood and pond water.

For us it was a healing experience. We have a community here in the Bedford Hills center, all are welcome and your place is only designed by your desire to reach out to others. So simple and so easy we enjoyed the company and didn't dawdle nor were we hasty. As always there is much for each of us to do for what we've prioritized our life for, but here we came together to share our energy and time. Graciously fulfilling ourselves and each other enjoying the contact with nature and our world.

Prepare yourself

So I talk about the power of the mind, self help is out there, we offer yoga but what is really going on? Everywhere I turn there are events for raising awareness, saving the earth, help our community, donate blood. So many different ways to make a difference in the world and things are happening and we all would choose healthier over not healthier. Why do so many people resist? We can all make excuses till the day end but really is there anything more important than health?

As I begin my afternoon training with my compatriot and with the master a defiant anger wells up inside of me. He asks me join in the group and I willfully resist without making eye contact, pretending I didn't hear him. Again he requests and again I deny him. I realize to late that I've allowed my selfish anger to rule my actions and now I am going to have to face him. As a good master he wants to know why I would be so insubordinate. I look for the easy way out but there's no chance and the frustration pours out. I never thought I would fall prey to the usual student anger for ignorance of the master's method. I've always prided myself on understanding the principle of Master, that the method usually exceeds the student's comprehension. I didn't foresee that I would expect the master to be perfect and more then a human.

It is our ego and expectation of what life should be that separates us from healing ourselves in light of what is. As Americans we always demand proof before respect. Maybe it happens in other cultures too, but I know the U.S. and we don't take any one's word for nothing.

We continued our practice after a simple rebuking but it took me a whole hour to release my attachment to my anger. "Who is this petty emotion serving?", I finally asked myself. Because I was so busy holding onto that emotion and not letting our energies connect I missed out on the essence of my training. There will be a next time but that moment is now lost and the time wasted in one aspect. In another I have learned a good lesson the hard way.

Prepare yourself