post continued from Part I

happiness

…Continued from [this post]

… Think of it like math.  Most people hate math growing up.  There is a given problem and we all think- oh no!  Problem! But the answer to this problem is a given solution set that teaches us about the nature of this query and it teaches us how to come to a solution for this problem.  Once solved, not only is the problem over, we also have learned how to solve similar problems to it!  Imagine that- we actually develop a skill set that renders us more efficient at this kind of problem- we are a problem solver!

As we get better and better, we move to higher math and more complicated “problems”.  So, back to your life- once you crack the code and learn how to get things done, the next thing gets easier and easier.  The path to mastery starts with baby steps and, the solution set I put to you, hides in our relationship with time.  Learn to adjust your expectations of yourself in time and you can do anything.  This is what we see when a master performs a task effortlessly.  It is a state of complete relaxation- effortless action.  How we get there is (more…)

happiness

Most people I meet in the West are never truly happy because they are caught up in the cycles of aversions and cravings.  No matter how much money they have, they always have some unfulfilled desire that keeps them longing for something.  I’ve sat with billionaires and I’ve sat with paupers in India, and having now done so for so many years, can firmly state that maybe the Buddha was right.

We want too many things.  We have goals, aspirations, dreams, and desires…most of which don’t get fulfilled.  Now- is there anything inherently wrong with wanting to achieve things in life?  No- but the motive becomes the issue.  Are we trying to better ourselves and become more compassionate people, or are we trying to gratify our egos by proving something to the world.  It becomes a question of consciousness and motives.  Again, wanting to achieve something excellent is great- it helps us understand our Divine potential and the power of Spirit, mind over matter, healthy intention, and focused mindset.  Assuming we are not trying to gratify our egos then (to be discussed in another blog), how do we set goals that are reasonable and sensible?

The answer lies in… (more…)

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There is an argument out there that places a great deal of blame on corporate interests who are busy destroying the world with reckless policies and a blatant disregard for the environment.  I agree that there is a great deal of blame which can be appropriately places and much can be chalked up to our ignorance at the time.  We’ve really dug ourselves into a mess with Mother Nature and there can be a lot of finger pointing all around.  This however, is not particularly useful at this time.  We hit a big rock and it seems the ship is sinking- we can argue about it or grab the rudder and steer to a safe place where we can fix the leak.

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The founder of the Tao Tan Pai Lineage

Master Lu

One week has not gone by when, upon finding out I teach Qi Gong, I am asked “Is that like Tai Chi?”  The answer is- yes, kind of.  Here’s the scoop folks:

Qi Gong literally translates to “energy work”.  It is the ancient Asian practice of energy cultivation and breath work.  Known as a form of yoga, the practice of Qi Gong comes in many forms- some seated, some in deep stances, and others looking more like self massage.  There are literally thousands of traditions practicing different forms of Qi Gong out there.  Many of them come from health and healing practices while others from martial arts lineages.  Why martial arts?  Easy- let’s cultivate your internal energy, strengthen your vital flow, refine your focus, and teach you to project that power out of your palms and into that guy.  Yeah- you see it in the Kung Fu movies all the time.

What else are these Qi Gong people doing? (more…)

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South Africa Sunshine


How is it that we don’t know the difference between the songs of different birds anymore?  If you were to see animal tracks on the ground, would you be able to tell:

  • What kind of animal is this?
  • Is it male or female?
  • Where is it going and where did it come from?
  • Is it pregnant?

Or maybe even “What is it doing right now?”

Well, our ancestors did and we somehow forgot.  That is why we’re in Africa.  We’re navigating by the stars at night, studying animal behavior, learning survival skills, and interviewing medicine men.  The project revolves around reconnecting man with Nature and re-establishing our innate understanding of who we are and how we fit into the ecosystem.  Survival is an interesting phenomenon.  Although most of us are not running from lions on a daily basis, the notion of survival plays are central role in most of our lives.  How?  It’s called mortgage.  Taxes, salaries, rising costs, hospital bills…all of these concepts that are tied to money are conceptually related to our survival.  We stress about it every day and it consumes much of our attention.

So what does this have to do with Africa? (more…)

Lion's Head in Capetown


I have begun my 6 week trip to Africa.  I’ve been wanting to complete this training for a number of years and now is the time.  What training?  Wilderness survival training with an emphasis on understanding animal behavior, tracking, and observation.  I’ll be learning to navigate around the African Savannah by the stars…understanding the bird call and reading this language to understand where the big predators are…using medicinal herbs to heal any ailments and much more.  Now, I’ve spent a great deal of time in my life working these skills and I have spent a good amount of time in the wilderness alone already.  Why this?  Why more?

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