Bum Grasshopper

My understanding of a "contrast bath" is that warm water will dilate capillaries and the cold will shrink them. This forms a milking action to speed circulation and force out nasties like lactic acid. Doctors will frequently prescribe it for stubborn swelling in areas such as hands and feet.

Does this stuff really that good? My legs will go numb after only a few minutes of sitting cross legged. I won't even think about half lotus or lotus at this stage. This stuff is supposed to clear out all the blood clots in your arteries and capillaries. Has anyone had experience with it?

How does one go about finding a guru for instruction? Most texts warn not to try certain practices with out supervision of an expert. I cannot find any "gurus" "meditation instructors" or "spiritual guides" in the yellow pages. Where does one look for a reputable instructor?

It is also supposed to detoxify. Any word on that aspect?

And another "end of the spectrum"- I work in a VERY busy restaurant and find little time to do anything much else than work. I too sneak off to the toilet to do some chi kung. I find the handicrapper stall perfect to do a few movements. Try doing the six healing sounds and take note of your coworker's faces when you exit the stall!

"Right now I'm reading Wayne Dyer's take on the TTC" If it were not for TV, I would have not seen Wayne Dyer's seminar on PBS, which has started me down the Tao path. VC- what is your opinion so far on the book?

Just as an outside observation, Chi Kung and Tai Chi seems more natural, in harmony. Yoga looks unnatural, bending in postures in ways that you would think not possible.

I'd thought I'd start another newbie thread since the other one got, well, down a different path. I have read the Tao Te Ching and the Hua Hu Ching. I am now reading Wayne Dyer's version a verse a day and practicing what he says. When I am through I plan on writing my own thoughts on each verse. I practice Tai Chi Chih that I learned at the YMCA every day. I have started Tai Chi Chuan classes and I am reading the I Ching. But when I read these posts, I get lost with some of the terminology that you guys throw around. Is there a basic book or web site that would put me up to speed ?

Thank You. I have just ordered a copy!

The practice of fasting on certain days in order to gather life energy emanating from the harmonized position of certain stars. Seems most religions have some sort of fasting ritual, so it seems to have merit. Any info on which days or how to do this?

Yes, I thought about that. Just have patience and it will all come around when it should.

are you enjoying your journey into Taoism? Very much so! It is so comforting knowing that you are eternal, just using your body for awhile, then returning to your source. Everything just seems so natural.

Please help

Yoda Gypsies are a nomadic race believed to originated from Egypt. Having been in a Hungarian dance troupe I have had the pleasure of dancing to many Gypsy musicians as well as learning their unique style of dancing. I'm not making this up, but many of the recipes start out with "First, steal a chicken..."

HO- hoe, HU- who, TSU- sue, HSU- shu, HSI- she, CHUI- shoe wee My instructor did not elaborate on which organs corresponds to which sounds with the exceptions of CHUI, that is for the kidneys, so I think your list is right on. She did explain that they were developed by ancient sages to preserve health during long periods of meditation.

The last movement in Tai Chi Chih are the six healing sounds whispered HO, HU, TSU, HSU, HSI, CHUI to movements. Very powerful.

My first "real" post I would like to give you my observation and possibly you can tell me if i'm on the right track or expand on it: The human body is a system of organs. Organs are made of tissues. Tissues are made of cells which are made of molecules. Molecules are made of atoms, which are made of very tiny charged particles. The very same particles which make up the Moon and the Stars. We truly are stardust! The amount of atomic matter in a human is truly insignificant. There are vast amounts of emptiness between these particles. An atom is the perfect example of Ying and Yang. The particles are in complete harmony due to a balance of polarity The bonds are subtle, but it requires a lot of energy to break them. The "intelligence" that connects particles into atoms, atoms into molecules, and molecules into everything we physically know is The Mother of 10,000 Things. The Mother of 10,000 Things came from the Tao. The Tao is formless, always giving indiscriminately and is incomprehensible by the human mind, but can be experienced by the spirit.

To me, form to formless is another expression of yin and yang. The universe is in a constant state of flux. Plants, animals, beings are being created every second. At first, they have no form, but they are there. Then, by the workings of the Tao, things come together. Seeds take root, water and earth provide nourishment. The magic of the Sun warms us. Love and compassion provide sustenance, and we have form. Only when it is time, to once again return to the formless.

My journey started a few weeks ago when I stumbled across Wayne Dyer on PBS talking about his interpretation of the Tao Te Ching- Change your thoughts, Change your Life. I immediately did a search on Google on the subject as well as purchase his book as well as Hua Ho Ching. I am posting what I have observed so far in the lounge.