"You don't have to feel everything."
-Bjorn Andreas Bull-Hanson
We are coming up on a month of no classes. I miss you! I love having more time to write and research, but I also get so much from sharing with you in classes. And I love your questions that make my mind work and grow. For now, I will keep the Academy closed for May. Even when we get the OK to open up, I'm going to take the Tai-Chi idea of waiting and not rushing ahead. As we all know more in the coming weeks, we'll be able to assess and make good choices.
I got a thank you card from Master Choi. He really appreciated his birthday card full of your greetings, wishes, and red envelopes. I thank you as well.
We know that Tai-Chi is a marital art. I want to give you something to ponder on that subject. You are probably never going to be attacked by someone armed with a Kwan Do. You probably won't sword fight anybody to the death. Even though it feels like the Zombie Apocalypse, you might not be dodging teeth and delivering head shots just yet. And even if you do, all these different opponents have to rest, sleep, pee, and can be defeated. What you will be attacked by, and it can be 24/7, is fear, worry, tension, anger, stress, and lack of control. These are real enemies and can rob you of health, calm, peace, relaxation, and lower your immune system. Your training of being in the moment with an aligned, relaxed body, breathing deeply, smoothly, and slowly are your weapons and defenses. Practice what you know of the warm-ups, standing, qi-gong and Tai-Chi and related arts and practices. Don't be concerned if they are right or correct, whether they feel good or like crap. Just do it! Do it for you. I know from my own experience that you will receive benefits even if it's a shitty practice, pardon my French.
Thank you to those who mailed April tuition. I especially enjoy your notes and letters. It is kind of you to be concerned about me and my welfare. Things here in Duluth are slow, quite, and moving along. I hope to see you all up here someday.
We have a youtube page now, thanks to Julie, Matt B and Bryan. That page with hold and catalogue most of the historical movies and some contemporary as well. Our web page will trim down to just have movies of the current practices at our Academy. Thank you to John Stitely who is doing a great job archiving and preserving our rich heritage and history. Just look up Mindful Motion Tai-Chi Academy on youtube.
We had short zoom meeting this weekend with a few people to work out things and to make a huge leap in our tech learning curve. If this lockdown continues through the Summer, I'll make some meetings for us to communicate. For the time being, I'm filming some forms and practices for you and will send them by email. I am taking requests, by e-mail, but for now the following will be coming to you;
Wu-Dang Wu-Li Sword
Master Choi dumbbell routine
Pa-Kua Foundations Form
Deer Horn Knives
Hsing-Yi Two-Hand Linking Saber, and Two-Handed Change Saber
A few more postures for Man Chiang Hung
Indian Clubs routines
Solo Spear drills
Fast Form Updates
It is sad news to tell you that Minnesota Karate Supply is closing their doors April 30th. Kerry and Jackie have been great friends and amazing suppliers for all our martial art needs. Call them and see what they have left, or if you can get in there, I know there is a pandemic. Best of luck on their new life adventures!
I hope you are all safe and well. Call, e-mail, or text if you need to talk to me. Heck, I've got time! I look forward to seeing you all soon, when it's safe, and to doing Tai-Chi with you.
-Ray
"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own."
-Michelle Obama
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