Mattimo

Oh realllyyyy.

Hi all, While practicing standing postures it occurred to me to start subtly rocking forward and backward while paying attention to the connection between my feet and my head: weight transference might be a better description. I observed that my breathing became more automatic and my eyes seemed to shift focus. I was wondering if anyone could share their opinions or experiences about dynamically standing. That is to say, subtly moving while standing. It truly is a fascinating concept. Thanks.

In my opinion yoga and tai chi are more holistic in their approach in that the practices do not negate the body like zen and vipassana appear to. The effects of movement arts that involve the quality, refinement and coordination of physical action is more tangible than meditation alone.

If you want to read up on this stuff the best book I ever read was The Body Electric by Robert O. Becker. Fascinating read.

I want to know what people think, know or perceive Tai-Chi to be. Can one summarize it in a sentence? How about in a word? Is it mystical? Or is it simply bio-mechanics? Let's philosophize

Fascinating definition.

Unless the tooth is extracted a specific way, it could lead to the same/similar issues as a root canaled tooth. If you read the Weston Price literature, bacteria can also be trapped from an improperly pulled tooth. Apparently it is necessary to drill away several millimeters of the bone/socket around the tooth? Or something like that.

Just listening to an interview with Bruce Frantzis - very interesting. However, the interviewer bugs the hell out of me. He has to be one of the worst interviewers on the planet.

I would like to think that I have researched a lot about what constitutes an optimal diet. I tried the raw thing for over three months and lost all of my body fat and was generally tired. I've also dabbled with vegetarianism. Here's the thing, most of us need animal fat/meat to function well. Additionally, cutting out refined carbs, sugar, etc is a good idea. Google "Weston Price" for more information. It is especially noteworthy that in the Weston Price literature it states that if the body is not receiving enough nourishing animal fats, one will crave [paraphrase] junk food. Unprocessed animal fats are absolutely essential for optimal health. Indeed there is a lot of misinformation about fats i.e. you eat fat you get fat. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Have you ever watched a National Geographic documentary or footage of African tribal peoples still holding on to tradition? The first thing I notice is their perfect, white teeth and generally fit physique. Do some research, you'll figure it out.

I agree 100 percent. This is delusional self-destructive thinking in my opinion.

Leaving all the qi and jing jargon aside, what you are experiencing can be described as a greater level of presence. There are qualities about a person who is more aware and centered that are undeniable; moreover, it is often reflected in movement. With regards to differences in energetic feelings between men and women, I have no idea. No disrespect intended, but could it be your imagination? Regarding your stretching ability, I would say it has to do with enhanced neuro-plasticity derived from your meditative state. Quite simply, your brain can organize your muscles better.

Look in the yellow pages under "powerful healer" if you need to make any appointments. Pardon the cynicism but in my opinion you are far better off investing the money in reading material or healthier food than going to a so-called healer.

I don't recommend fasting for your intended purpose. Moreover, you seem to be desperate to find a solution which may contribute to a general feeling of anxiety. This could be your greatest obstacle in affecting change within your body. Step out of the way, let go and let your body do the rest. That being said, making sure you are receiving proper nutrition would also be beneficial. Lot's of healthy oils and fats from fish, chicken/lamb/beef liver, bone broth soups, etc wouldn't be a bad idea. I would also highly recommend re investigating the Feldenkrais Method in order to do a few basic "exercises" daily, weekly, or whenever you feel like it. Remember it's the principal of slow conscious movement which is important, not some other form of magic contained within the lesson. The only other thing I can recommend is to read up on SCENAR therapy. PM me if you have any questions regarding it.

I strongly urge you to be cautious and consider dropping the books for awhile. From what you describe, it seems like you are certainly having a spiritual/anxious/psychotic experience. Yes, these things are closely linked. I recommend trying to find a way to calm your mind. Whether that be meditation, physical exercise, etc. It isn't necessary to try and figure everything out - you have plenty of time. I also humbly suggest that you have misinterpreted certain aspects of Buddhism/Hinduism. Do not take things too literally or create absolutes or unfounded ideals that do not resonate with you. Always relate it back to yourself and ask yourself what you think and what you believe. The world is not out there it is "in here." Frankly, your emotions/feelings/perspective/thoughts/beliefs ultimately have more merit than abstractia' written in texts.

A great well-rounded response Blasto.

Yes, I hear you. I posted my succinct comment to invite debate. There can definitely be value in "having" teachers. However, fundamentally I believe that it is not absolutely necessary - at least not in the capacity of having a long-term teacher. Perhaps I haven't met anyone with a high degree of cultivation. That being said, one could argue that the act of making a mistake and then learning from it is a fuller/truer form of learning (for lack of a better phrase). That is to say, one would not be adhering to dogma in the sense that "you're not supposed to do this because that could happen because my master/teacher said so." Not only that, at it's core, internal martial arts principally involves the refinement of the quality of one's movement (while performing movement) through observation. This invariably leads to greater coordination and otherwise knowing what you are doing from the inside out, while you perform any action. This in and of itself can take you all the way...in my opinion.

Hogwash. Who taught the teacher? Who taught the teacher that taught the teacher?

Do what feels natural to you. Since meditation is generally a process of letting go, the answer should seem simple.

I find it hard to believe that tattoos in and of themselves would sap energy from a person. Rather, it would be ego-identification with a tattoo that might serve to do that. Respectfully, I would also analyze why you feel it prudent to ask about getting a tattoo rather then simply getting or not getting one after careful, independent consideration.

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to pick your collective brains about any danger associated with self accupuncture. I should also add that I am not following any charts or maps. Interestingly enough, I have gained more benefit from intuiting where I should put the needles then paying for accupuncture from a so-called professional trained in China. Also, I am using the needles to try to reduce muscular tension. Thanks everyone

I just wanted to report that I continue to experience quite effective results. Again, I am needling primarily around the naval/abdomen area so there is little chance of any danger. Essentially what I am doing is finding extremely tense areas and/or trigger points and inserting the needles there. Slightly twirling the needles and/or subtly brushing them in a direction with the hand and/or cupping the hand over several needles so as to apply very slight pressure also produces amazing results. To me, it seems that inserting needles into these areas alters the stagnant state and/or charge of a muscle and/or area of muscle. Furthermore, I would also equate it to inputing novel sensory data into the body which enables the body to affect change. It really is quite fascinating and quite relieving at the same time because I have struggled with body-wide tension which seems to originate from the abdomen area for quite sometime. I can honestly say that out of everything I have tried this has been the most effective - it really has surprised me.

Thanks for the informative reply Trunk. Indeed, when I have needled my abdomen everything was balanced.

Well, I guess I was kind of asking for it. To be clear, I was only needling around my abdominal area and especially around the naval. It honestly helped a lot. I got a fantastic sleep, substantially reduced some tension I was experiencing there and am still alive. I would never needle my chest area. Anyway, was just curious what some opinions were. Thanks

Yeah that's normal. You are essentially eliminating parasitic muscular tension through standing postures. The energy has to go somewhere (heat).

Lol?