Big Blooming Ideas

Things are ‘a changin’.

For some years, I’ve meant to put together an on-line Taiji Course, and I’ve gathered bits and pieces. But it takes a little shoving for me to appreciate the desire for it, because all the little, ridiculous website and web design logistics are tedious and time-consuming.

Reviving Taiji is barely out of the gate, and I’ve had several requests for an on-line Taiji Course. Thanks: that’s a nice little push that helps keep this thing going…

And I’m glad that folks are finding some joy in it.

Tonight: look for (as promised) Subtle Sitting: Do the Twist.

Here’s a big shove…

Great Extremes: Compassion and Violence

The author of The Pollinatrix wrote to me recently, with thanks for comments over at Martial Development.

Almost a year ago, in the discussion Reconciling Violence and Compassion, I wrote that:

Both compassion and violence are innate. Well, when I imagine the need to pluck a poor carrot from the garden, I consider it violent. So — that’s what I mean — we have an innate propensity to eat and nurture ourselves, and to do so requires violence. Much of our violence is shielded from awareness, true; but actions that support life (even you – vegans) requires violence, destruction, consumption (pick the term).

Compassion, of course, in innate as well: without it how could I listen softly to my friend’s words or offer a soothing touch?

When we temper our violence with compassion, we learn to walk softly. We find those fine lines, that razor’s edge, to travel into the deeper recesses of awareness and attention.

Existing as a human, or, even more so, being a martial artist while believing that you do not practice violence is both great denial and a great way to prepare to get hurt.

When Ms. Sims emailed me with thanks for those words, I was stunned.

Her story is terribly tender and violently vulnerable: Treasures of Darkness Part III.

That’s a big shove.

Thanks Ms. Sims.

A pretty-darn-comprehensive Real Taijiquan Consulting Course is coming soon.