RobB

Benefits: amazing sleep, drop in inflammation (increase in squat depth & 'ease' of body, reduction in psiorisis), even energy & mood, weight loss (15Kg in 10 weeks), deeper stillness in shen gong. Challenges: planning - you need to get your food ready, much harder to just 'pick something up'/'sort something out', first 2-3 weeks had some moods swings, tiredness. Got a bit bored of it by the end.

Recently did a 10 week 'daoist diet'. I ended up eating mainly animal protein and non-starchy veg.

Blimey, this could take a while...

If this activity is new to you then it is likely to be painful! Do you cycle? I cycled for years and didn't feel a thing - even with a hard saddle. Stopped cycling for a while and then, when going back to it, so painful! Cheers Rob

Thanks @dawei file size seems to have been the problem, smaller file (600k rather than 2.3M) uploaded fine.

I've had a problem today, error -200 with a 2MB file. Anyone else?

I don't pretend to know much about Taoist metaphysics but it seems that this forum is feeling the divisive aspect of the incoming Metal energy. Keep smiling 🙂

Here in the UK we're splitting up into small family units, isolating, separating, turning inwards - a lot of that happening. I am reminded of @Taomeow's description. Also read somewhere that the year element is particularly strong this time of year. Strong inward turning ...

I am just coming to the end of my first year of the Daxuan online training. It works for me. You can get a lot of the flavour of the training - and plenty of exercises to experiment with - from Serges books. There is also an Udemy course which gives an introduction to some of the Daxuan physical practices.

That's the one!

Lindsey Wei wrote a book about her experiences with Li Shifu, it was called … <returns from badly-organised bookshelf none the wiser> … can't recall but it was published by Line of Intent Books. Alex may still have copies but probably not. It's a great book, very close to the bone. As soon as I find it I'm going to read it again!

See, @Taomeow, just as well I don't pretend to know much about taoist metaphysics! Not sure where I got divide from - I need to go back to my books, I was sure there was something about division, discernment, separation in there - perhaps I made an incorrect association to Pi Chuan.

I think that's the Udemy 'list price'. Their pricing mechanism is a mystery to me! I paid around £15 for the course and the price was lower a few days later. When I look now it seems to be £25ish. I have no idea whether you are getting the same options or not!

@Bruce Qi a friend asked me yesterday how the training was going and I didn't have a very good answer then either! I'm about 9 months along. I've established a solid daily practice and try and do 90 minutes a day, usually split into 3 sessions. It's interesting. I'm in a better place in different ways. Physically I'm stronger and more flexible - psychologically and emotionally too I think. My life is easier than it was in some respects but also more challenging in others. It has become harder to fool myself about my own behaviours. No ninja skillz, dragon riding or X ray vision yet though, which is disappointing. There is some information on Serge's website but not very much. You need to email him directly if you have any questions.

Hi @Bruce Qi the Udemy course? There are three 'main' videos plus intro and general practice advice. Each video has roughly three exercises for exploring the theme: relaxation, rooting and connection. Explanations and demonstrations are very clear. I picked up some useful snippets which have made a difference to my practice. As an introduction, I think it's fantastic -these basic works are gateways to experiencing your body differently and building in valuable qualities. There are also gems in the other videos which help elucidate the Daxuan approach to Taoist practice - very pragmatic, very 'in your everyday life' approach to practice.

There was a video of a talk from Andrew Nugent-Head (https://www.traditionalstudies.org/about-ats/) where he talks about Qi. I cant find the original now but this page (http://taichiblog.spiralwise.co.uk/2012/10/demystifying-chi-must-watch-video.html) describes it. The main point, for me at least, was that Qi is , more than likely, not what you want it to be and you can spend a long time talking about it to no real profit.

Hi Nungali, Just wanted to say how much I appreciate the reportage. Thanks. Shocking stuff. Best of luck Rob

Auspiciously, one of Serge's disciples, Jeremy Rocul, has just released a Udemy course on Daoist physical exercises. It includes an introduction to the Daxuan Daoist method and sections on connecting, rooting, and relaxing the body. I've only viewed the first one so far but it is, as ever, detailed and directly applicable to personal practice. https://www.udemy.com/course/daoist-physical-training/

I think it was 'phosphenes' not phosphorus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphene

Ba Zi?

I'm interested! I read the original article and wasn't sure whether to be very impressed or very sceptical. Any data points which help clarify WTF is going on are always appreciated.

A while back I spent some time learning some of the EA material. Some Chi Kung, Tai Chi, mainly with Bruce's senior UK student. Not to any great depth but for a few years. I also attended a seminar with Bruce , teaching D&T, in the UK. I enjoyed it and received some benefit from the practice, especially the standing/dissolving. I was encouraged by my teacher to open a local practice group teaching TCC and some CK which I did. All the above is just to note that I have a little experience with the material. I now practice elsewhere. Like anything it's worth looking around at what is available rather than going for the product with the biggest marketing budget. BKFs material and organisation may be perfect for you but there is a lot of good stuff out there these days.