Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Aquarian Education - Back to the Roots

            I always envision school much different than it actually is. Since Hogwarts does not seem to fit within the modern day limitations, I envision campfires with happy children playing music, cooking dinner, sharing stories, and philosophizing about the riddles of the universe. An environment created where children are comfortable enough to explore the depths of their own thought without the hindrance of unnecessary stress. How is this accomplished? Through embracing and living with Mother Nature.
            As we continue to progress at exponential rates, we pull ourselves farther from Nature; whether it be an iPhone, television, vehicle, plastic clothing, or scientifically altered food. I was there, in the heat of it. I remember being a young boy in the early ‘90s and having one of the first Apple computers. A simple machine that rapidly progressed into an Internet search engine (Yahoo), email, video, and online gaming. A good chunk of my middle and high school years were devoted to “computer classes.” In fact, one summer I volunteered for a “website design” company, since I was sure my future would be intertwined with the use of these fantastically amusing machines.
            Through my college years I was involved in online gaming, graphic design, and the rising/creation of social media (Facebook). Luckily, this also marked my first time owning a cell phone; which was before the iPhone’s time. During these years, I witnessed a shift in the way people began to relate to one another. Rather than mustering up the courage to meet girls face to face, guys started connecting with girls via social media and “breaking the ice” online. It became common to exchange cell phone numbers or Facebook tags with someone after meeting them for a few minutes; only to fantasize about the potential of your lives together, or to call them in a haze of drunken courage. As these sorts of interactions evolved, I found myself becoming increasingly isolated. Then I broke free.
            I was camping in Vermont with family and friends during the summer of 2005. One morning, my friends and I ate a handful of magic mushrooms and ventured into the forest. My lid was absolutely blown off of my head. The spirit of creation revealed itself in me, and I could not deny the powerful presence. From that morning on, my entire experience on this earth shifted. Perhaps my friends did not understand the metamorphosis that I was going through, since it was painful. When I realized the truth, that we are all Love and connected through breath, I needed to shed the layers of sludge that was weighing me down and keeping my existence blurry. I know that I am meant to be in harmony with the earth and all beings that live here.
            What do you mean, Mom, that people are pumping the animals full of antibiotics and hormones? I could not believe I was eating poison without knowing. On top of this, the animals are being treated terribly in most commercial farms! I am eating their fear! From one day to the next, I changed from a meat eating, power lifting macho man, into a vegetarian, meditating yogi. I needed to clean my vessel from 19 years of pollution. I radically changed overnight: becoming a raw foodist, then a macrobiotic, then pescatarian, etc. etc. until my family and friends began to look at me like a chameleon – changing my skin with every season. I was trying everything on, during these experiences I would lose weight, gain weight, feel strong, collapse in weakness, and go through every emotion of the Rainbow.
            When I was 21, I became a math/science middle school teacher in inner city Los Angeles. I was devoted to my classroom and my kids. We were totally confined in our little bungalow with 40 laptops and a Smart Board. I did my best to pound their heads full of Algebra curriculum while staying true to myself and sharing positive vibrations. My students always reacted better to my authentic self (stories, jokes, experiences, etc.) than they did to California curriculum. I learned quickly to create an atmosphere where I could be my authentic self, and they would perform well on tests – but it was damn hard, and I did not really believe in it. I remember standing in front of my kids saying, “I have no idea when you will need to know this formula in real life, but you will need to know it for the state test.” When testing time came, I remember my students saying, “This test is whack Mr. D., but we are gonna Ace it for you!” The only way I could extrinsically motivate my students was through my heart.
            During these two years in LA, I was trained in Kundalini Yoga. It was my pleasure to bring these teachings into the classroom through meditation, music, and a yoga club. Every day we began class with a meditation with mantra music playing. One day I was approached by a handful of teachers asking me, “Mr. D., why are all these kids running around the school talking about how they are ‘so happy’?” When I left the school, my principal contacted me and said, “Mr. D., we miss your positive vibes here at 32nd St. It was like your aura had a positive effect on the school.” I wasn’t anything special, I was just myself – and my kids knew it. I was transparent with them – I told them my fears, my weaknesses, and they watched me persevere through them.
After 2 years, I picked up a pink slip in my mailbox that read something like, “Thank you for your service to LAUSD. We do not have enough money to pay for teachers anymore.” I took this as an opportunity to break free and dive deeper into my spirituality. The universe responded me by granting me a job babysitting for a couple of weeks in the Caribbean. This spiraled into me staying on St. John for 6 months, and totally reconnecting with my yin energy while embracing a disciplined yogic lifestyle. My experience in St. John was filled with barefoot exploration, beach volleyball, drum circles, full moon dancing, snorkeling with the sharks/octopus/turtles, and teaching yoga. One thing led to the other with fluidity and grace; Mother Earth had me in her bosom!
I have learned to follow the flow of life, trust the experiences that present themselves to me, and embrace the love that surrounds me. A brief bullet list of my flow since 2009 and St. John (since my main source of inspiration in this moment is to share ideas about a school!):
-                    4 road trips across the United States (various times) connecting with friends, exploring mountains and waters, attending yoga festivals
-                    6 months in India (2 trips) backpacking from Himalayas down to the tip of India. Deeping yoga practice, studying Kalaripayatu Martial art, co-leading 11/11/11 International KY festival children’s program
-                    6 Months in Alaska leading Youth Trail crew – SAGA – Americorps. Helping at-risk youth learn to work/live in harmony outdoors.
-                    6 Months in Alaska leading Wilderness Therapy Expeditions for Alaska Crossings – 48 day canoe/mountaineering behavioral health trips in the wilderness with at-risk youth. Teaching survival skills, team building, moral support and modeling “how to be a responsible human”
-                    2 months in Guatemala, Lake Atitlan – diving deep into spiritual practice – including ceremonies with Cacao Shaman.
-                    9 months Big Island, Hawaii & Kauai, HI. Exploring the land, self-sustaining from Mother Earth, swimming with Dolphins! Building, farming, living.
-                    6 Months Mexico, Tepoztlan, Oaxaca, Tulum, Palenque. Learning Spanish, meeting the love of my life and her family, yoga festivals, learning about culture, opening my heart
-                    1 month Taiwan, 2 months Bali, 1 month China, couple weeks Thailand – studying martial arts (Tai Chi), deepening yoga practice, learning to surf, eating Durian (King of Fruits!)
-                     6 months through Switzerland, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, England, Sweden, and Norway – culture immersion, hitchhiking from place to place, exchanging with a plethora of beings
-                    2 Months Egypt & Israel – Great Pyramids, teaching yoga on the Red Sea, hiking Sinai, floating in Dead Sea hot springs, experiencing Jerusalem, crossing “the wall” enclosing Palestine.
-                    A few trips here and there through 48 of our 50 United States and into Canada – connecting with people/community.

It’s been a wild journey…I have learned more than I can relay with simple words. Currently, I am sitting in South Kona, HI on the ocean, writing as the sun is setting. I wrote this bullet list as a perspective on my life and the discoveries I am finding along the way.
Someone asked me one: how do you do this? Are you a millionaire or something? The truth is: I spend a great deal of time camping the forest; I have no cell phone, no car, no insurance, and no rent. The money I make goes towards plane tickets, food, and necessary gear. I trade services where I go for entry into festivals, food, and lodging; I keep an open heart and smile, and believe it or not, people respond well and share what they can!
My most enjoyable experiences have been in nature with people I love. Our culture and educational system is moving away from sharing these experiences. The masses are creating human robots to operate synthetic machines, while a whole different movement is reawakening to our spiritual depth, endless potential, and the infinite source of love that fills each of us with life force.
Since the folks with the money and political power are interested in keeping the mass population subdued, what is the answer? I have been trying to answer this for years, and I continue to come to the same simple solution: live outside of the system, live with Mother Earth, patience pays. This is easy to say or philosophize about, but it is much harder in practice; as the use of the Internet or a credit card is quite convenient…so is the Post office! So, what do you do?
We can create educational systems/programs that bring our children in contact with Mother Earth. Create an environment where they can listen to Mother Earth without the sounds of the technological static that is a byproduct of the modern world. Children need a space where they can be creative, socialize, and search for their truth. Why are we building walls and putting kids in them for 6-8 hours a day? Sunlight is healthy, as is rain, wind and all the elements. The more we build up technological safe houses, the more we isolate ourselves and lose human & earth connection. I don’t need to ramble about the statistics of ADD, ADHD, etc. and the increase of social development issues – but this is our reality.
What happened to listening to the elder’s stories around the fire? Or making a quilt with your grandmother?  Modern culture lacks connection to our elders and our ancestors. Indigenous cultures treated the elders and ancestors with the highest respect. They are/were known as the greatest source of wisdom and knowledge. The elders led boys to become men, girls to become women, and helped grow their communities. Where are our rights of passage in the modern day world? In Iron John, Robert Bly explains the importance of “coming of age” rituals, and the detrimental effects our society is incurring due to our lack thereof. Sure, you can find “rites of passage” in some specialized schools, and some individuals choose to put themselves through a self-initiation; I feel our children need more opportunities to step into their full power of a human being.
I envision a small school located deep in the forest, with a large garden that sustains the students and staff. The students plant and harvest the garden, sing and make music with the plants, experiment with growing cycles and methods, cook the food together, dance in the forest, imagine possibilities beyond our current reality, create friendships, laugh and smile, breath fresh air, use their bodies for physical activity, and learn life lessons through the process.
We will practice yoga, Tai Chi (martial arts), meditation, and other healing arts together. The idea is to create a space where the child’s true avatar can shine. There are many prophesies about the “Rainbow Children” or “Star Children” that are coming into our planet now; regardless of which prophesy you believe, the reality is: the younger generation is vibrating very fast, and they are capable of things beyond our comprehension. They just need a space and someone to guide them in their development. One child will like the flow of Tai Chi, another will prefer to sit next to a river and listen to Gaia, others will prefer to sing and play harp with the birds; no matter the specifics of the activity, the students must be given that chance and encouraged to tap into their infinite potential.
Purity of food, water and air will help their physical beings develop, as well as their minds to stay clear. The overconsumption of sugar possesses the youth of today and polluting their minds. There is a mind, body, and spirit connection. Working in the earth will keep all of us grounded, and help the Earth to flourish. The ancient, sacred practices will help their spirits be active on earth and help their inner eye to open and focused.
It is the Aquarian age; the age of the Rainbow; the melting pot. Many of us realize that we are all one, and we all have something unique to share with the other. As do the indigenous tribes with Sweatlodge/Temescal, drum circles, full moon ceremonies, sacred dance and song, vision quests, offerings to the Earth, myth and story, etc. Let us reawaken to the mystery of life. Let us embrace the beautiful ceremonies that our ancestors created, regardless of skin/eye color or geographic location. All humans have a heart, let us put all else aside and revisit the cosmic, golden spiral that binds us all at the heart level.
In the evening, the students can build fire together – reconnecting with creation – and ponder the stars. Find inspiration and meaning in our existence through story, myth and sharing. Elders can pass a talking stick, guest speakers can share experiences, and children can create their own stories and philosophies to share. We will treat one another as family, in love and respect for one another, a simple formula for becoming an incredible human being.
Expeditions will be an integral part of the experience. Students will have the opportunity to pack a backpack, hike through the woods or paddle on the waters, rely on their instinct, listen to nature, and change their normal patterns. During the expeditions there will be initiatives set up to challenge the students to work together to solve problems and overcome their fears. As a group, we will work together to build confidence in the elements so the student is ready for their own personal rite of passage.
I am going to create this space for children of the Aquarian age to grow. I only wish to serve the planet and all she grows to my highest capability. I appreciate all the help that is offered. I need a large piece of land with access to mountains, delicious water, and very large trees, and a lot of funding to back it up so we can develop a sustainable property that will totally embrace all of the children that spend time there. If you resonate with my ideas, please contact me about working together. Any input on my words is much appreciated. My ideas are always evolving; please feel free to chat with me about anything – mdenicola9@gmail.com. 

I love you all…In peace and Aloha that surrounds us all – in and around!


           

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Swiss and French Alps


I set out on my journey to Europe in the beginning of June. My goals were to connect with the roots of my bloodline and to experience culture. Perhaps I would enjoy living in Europe?!?! Maybe Norway is comparable to Alaska and my true Viking will arise? Maybe the people are easier to connect with and closer to nature? My itinerary was open to the flow of life.
I landed in Zurich, Switzerland on June 6. I had arranged to “CouchSurf” the first evening, as I had no idea about camping in European cities. My wonderful host picked me up at the airport and saved me a lot of hassle and money (I spent around $100 for a week in Switzerland while eating a LOT of chocolate!). with his “taxi voucher.” Besides being a generous, hospitable host, he became a corky friend.


I slept under the stars on a lawn chair in his back yard those few crystal clear nights in Zurich. The roses were blasting colors and magnificent scents. I spent a few days walking through the city, listening to “Autobiography of a Yogi” on my iPod, drinking spring water from beautifully carved fountains thoughtfully dispersed through Zurich, observing the Swiss people enjoying the hot sun and playing music in the parks.

I needed to get to the Alps as I only had about 1 week before I needed to be in France for a Yoga training. I expressed this need to my host, and by the grace of God, he found me a wonderful ride to mountains right outside of Bern through the CouchSurfing website. The following  morning, I met with three older adults packing up to spend the day in the mountains. They are CouchSurfing enthusiasts and spent most of the ride sharing experiences, ethics, and the culture of CouchSurfing. We took small detours on the way to visit quaint Swiss towns (including Lucerne) and to pick up sweets that they wanted to bring with them.

Upon arriving to the mountain Nissan, we split up. The three of them took the tram to the peak of the mountain, but I hoofed it up the mountain. The forests took my in quickly, and I began filling with primal energy fed from the heart of the Alps. I passed many open pastures along the way filled with Swiss Cows with big bells around their necks, grazing on green grass and basking in the sun. I was stoked to be out of the city and in the fresh air again.
Before the sun went down, we met in the parking lot. They told me they could bring me towards Berne (capitol of Switzerland), and I could camp somewhere along the way. Sounded great to me. As we pulled out of the parking lot, we drove straight into a dark storm cloud.

            My mind raced and my heart sizzled a bit. Wahe Guru! It’s going to be a night with lightening and rain in my hammock! But perhaps something will open. After driving for just a few minutes, the driver had a random burst of inspiration, “Do you all mind if I pull off the exit and visit a friend I haven’t seen in years?” We all nodded yes in agreement. As she pulled off the exit, everyone commented on the fact that this was so “UnSwiss”. Apparently the Swiss never show up at someone’s house unannounced; obviously it must be the American boy that is rubbing off on you, they said!
            We arrived at Sasha’s home right as her family was finishing dinner. She invited us to sit on her back porch and drink some tea with a smile. As she was fetching the tea and the others were talking about “couchsurfing,” I caught a glimpse of a wooden sword in her son’s basket of toys, and became inspired to practice Taiji. Barefoot under the grass, under the swirling clouds, in a bowl of Swiss Alps, I began to flow.

            Sasha’s son, Joan, saw me from inside and quickly ran out to watch me. With wide eyes he asked, “Is that Taiji?” “Why yes my good sir, it is. And I have a sword with me from Wudang Mountain.” I unsheathed my sword and began to dazzle Joan! Super excited, he joined me with his wooden Taiji sword and I showed him a few moves. Within minutes, kids from the neighborhood slowly crept towards us. In a few more minutes, I had a whole group of kids to whom I was instructing basic Taiji to! I was having a blast! And it seemed that everyone watching was as well.


            As the time came for us to leave, I asked Sasha if she knew a good place to sling up a hammock. As there was so much discussion about CouchSurfing, and Sasha seemed confident that I am an honest individual, she invited me to stay at her home. I am so humbled by the magnificence of existence as I reflect on this experience. As it turned out, her eldest son was training in American football: so I passed with him, her middle son was looking for martial arts training: so we trained Taiji together, and her youngest daughter was beginning to play the Ukulele: so we strummed a few chords together. Synchronistic and harmonious!
            The next few days I was able to experience a bit of Swiss life. Sasha took me to her daughter’s school for a birthday party. I sat in on a bit of a lesson, and it brought me back to my student teaching days at Oakview Elementary in Marlyland. The set up of the classroom did not seem to different from American schools…sadly. I cooked Yogi mung beans and rice (which everyone loved!), went swimming in the pristine rivers, ran in the mountains, and played with the kids.

            On my last day in Switzerland, Sasha took me to the city of the Bear! Berne is super laid back compared to Zurich and picturesque with the massive snow peaked Alps in the background. One large mission in Berne: visit PanArt, the creators of the Hang. It gives off an incredible high vibrational tone that sends me deep into meditation. At the 2012 Rainbow gathering in Palenque, Mexico I played a Hang with a good brother. In the following day he attended my yoga class of 70+ people and played the Hang throughout the entire class. The sound current mixed with the Kundalini energy sent many of my students into ecstacy of tears and smiles. I am determined to get one of these drums.

            As there is typically a couple year wait list for one of these drums and a very high price (on eBay they have gone for $20,000+), I decided to walk right into the factory.  Luckily the creator of the drum just happened to be walking through. I caught him in stride and began explaining my desire to acquire the drum. He explained to me that “humans are not ready for the Hang.” In his belief, it has caused a virus amongst humans that are putting people on the street rather than “doing” something with their lives. The drum is too heady. So, they discontinued making them and have created a new instrument, the Gubal (which is a steel pan meant to bring people down to earth and get things done). I did my best to try and persuade him to sell me a drum, as I will create positive vibrations with it. Nope. Bummer.
            I found a ridesharing website, BlaBlacar.com, that people sign up for and share gas money to certain destinations. I needed to get to Grenoble, France and found a ride leaving that afternoon. The guy miscommunicated with me, and I missed the damn ride. Luckily a few German dudes were passing through later that evening, and I was able to swoop a ride with them, but they would arrive in Grenoble roughly 2:30 am.
            Standing outside of a Starbucks at 11 PM, I used their WiFi to contact Angilique, a French friend I met almost 10 years ago. She informed me that sleeping in my hammock in Grenoble was not a good idea; according to her, the city is crawling with prostitutes and crime. Luckily, her boyfriend’s brother, Franck, lives in the city and she thought we would get along. He agreed to let me put a hammock up in his backyard if he was asleep. I got the address, hopped in the van with the German dudes, cracked open my first fresh German beer, and hit the road.
            Franck turned out to be a yogi/musician/gardener/tea enthusiast brother. He woke up when I arrived in the middle of the night and set me up with a sweet bed in a loft overlooking the Alps. In the morning we shared delicious teas I brought from China with Franck’s professional tea set! French bread, cheese and Macaroons for breakfast! Delicious! I spent the next two days in Franck’s humble abode experience a snapshot of French culture in the city and preparing for my training with Karta Singh and Amrit Sarovar.
            I made my way south of Grenoble to Le Martinet,  an Ashram created by Karta Singh 800 meters up a mountain. In a beautifully valley lies a pure river, horses, many sweatlodges, organic gardens, a yoga hall, an ayurvedic clinic in the works,  and a group of Kundalini Yogis. I spent one week with completing a level 2 Kundalini module of “Lifestyles and Lifecycles” at Le Martinet. It was different from all trainings I have ever experienced. Karta Singh is an incredible being. As this week was very intense and quite personal, I will not speak of it here. Wahe Guru!
            On June 21st, I flew to Berlin, Germany to meet my Beloved Anais….







Sunday, June 8, 2014

Taiji Sword - Wudang Mountain



            History and Hollywood created an image in my mind of a Martial Artist as an ultimate “badass:” untouchable and able to perform incredible feats. On Wudang Mountain, I learned “Martial Arts” is created with two Chinese Characters: “Stop” and “Weaponry.” We are all familiar with the quintessential “Bruce Lee’s fists of fury,” but martial arts is also deeply practiced for internal mastery; thus leading to spiritual growth and health preservation. The practice of internal martial has been creeping into the Western minds (right behind yoga) for many years now. One of the most familiar styles of internal martial arts is Taiji (or Tai Chi).

            When living in the Caribbean in 2010, I was introduced to Taiji. During these months, my Kundalini yoga and meditation practice was strong. I found that the Taiji and yoga worked in complete harmony together: a true balance of Yin and Yang. I was able to root deep into the earth, clear my mind, and move my body with the fluid movement of Taiji, allowing me to soar higher in the clouds through pranayama and kriya. When I left the Caribbean and Emily (my Taiji teacher), I stopped the practice of internal martial arts.

            
In these past few years, I spent the majority of my days living in a tent, tarp, or under the stars. Two of these spring/summers were spent in Alaska working with “at-risk” youth who really benefit from an internal discipline.  Many damp, cool mornings made it difficult to drop to the earth for a Yoga/meditation practice. During these times, I wished my knowledge and experience with martial arts was deeper so I could share it with these children. So, I came to China.
            Wudang Mountain is the birthplace of Taiji Quan (he ultimate fist), as we know it. Many years ago, a hermit and a sage, Zhang Sanfeng, observed the battle between a snake and a white crane. The crane swooped down to snatch its prey, but the snake elusively moved its whole body like water, always dodging the deadly grasp of the large bird. The battle was beautiful and graceful. The snake was victorious. From this battle, birthed Wudang Taiji Quan.

            The sages on the mountain, or “immortals,” spent their days living in the flow of nature, or in harmony with “Tao.” They observed animals, and mimicked them. For example, the turtles breathe incredibly slow and are able to hold their breath for lengthy periods of times; as a result, they live incredibly long lives. Therefore, if humans slow our breath, we preserve our health. In Taiji we mimic the serpent when we move out whole body as one, from the tips of our toes to our fingertips. Float like a Cloud, Flow like Water: Taiji.
            I bee-lined it for Wudang Mountain after landing in China. I thought I did pretty good “research” before coming here, as I compared many martial arts schools online. As it turns out, many of these schools are in the “Wudang Mountain Range” but not on “Taiji Mountain.” I received an invitation letter from a school to help me obtain my visa, and felt obligated to begin my journey there.
            I arrived at 5:20 am, found my room and fell asleep after a long travel from Thailand. In my dream, and old sage brought me to a snow capped mountain. I woke up with a gasp and knew I needed to get to the mountain. I walked to the training grounds and did not see the mountain anywhere. My heart told me I was in the wrong space. During my two days training at this school, I met many wonderful beings that were devoted to learning martial arts and developing a peaceful mind. The training was intense and seemed focused on external martial arts. After speaking with my fellow students, my feelings were confirmed. With a bow of respect and gratitude, I packed my bags and headed to the mystical mountain of my dreams.
            Happy as a clam on the bus, I watched as we passed right by the mountain. After an extra long detour, I made it to the foot of the mountain and began my ascent. I studied the map a bit and recognized a cluster of hotels on the South cliff face of the mountain. At this point, I gave up my search for a martial arts school. I was happy being on the mountain. Here I could explore the woods, observe nature, and truly absorb the Tao. Then I met Master Gu.

            I walked off the bus and immediately was approached by a man asking me to stay at his hotel. I thought, “Why not check it out?” I enjoyed the simple hotel, but the smell of cigarettes was too much for me. I thought about sleeping in my hammock, and made a gesture that I was going to leave. The man phoned his sister and put her on the phone with me. I tried to explain respectfully that I was going to check out my other options, but she did not understand men; so I said, “I am interested in learning Taiji, so I will look for a school.” I thanked the man, and began to walk out of the hotel, but his little son began to follow me and beckon me back to the hotel. I walked down a flight of stairs to a public bathroom, trying to ditch the little boy and his father who seemed determined to have me stay at the hotel. They were waiting for me at the top of the stairs.
            The man looked at me excitedly and handed me the phone again. I heard the calm voice of a man speaking wonderful English, “Can I help you?” I was exhausted and feeling a bit bothered, so I laughed and said, “No, I think this man just wants me to rent a room in his hotel, but I am looking for a Taiji teacher.” He replied, “Perfect! I am a Taiji Master, and I am about 1 minute walk from you. Stay where you are, I will see you soon.”
            A graceful Chinese man dressed fully in white approached me and stuck his hand out. “Come, join me for lunch.” I was baffled. I looked at the little boy and his father, and did my best to show them my gratitude. I sat with Master Gu and a group of his students at a small restaurant, toasted a small glass of wine, and officially began my journey into Wudang Taiji.

            Master Gu brought me back to his office and we discussed his outlook on Taiji and training, as well as different living situations. It was clear to me that this experience would be unique, as he speaks perfect English, plays flute/guitar, and skips through the streets with happiness showing on his face. My options were: either stay in a hotel-like room, or a cabin in the middle of the woods. I was elated to hear I could stay outside of town in a remote area. As it turns out, Master Gu has access to one of the best spots on the mountain (in my opinion – and I did my fare share of exploring). It is a 4-bedroom cabin with a small kitchen and a bathroom (with hot water for shower!). It takes about 15 minutes on a path from town to get to, so there is barely any foot traffic, and you cannot hear cars. At night, stars illuminate the sky and in the morning, the birds sing in a mirage of sound and thousands of butterflies swarm. I spent many evenings and mornings next to a candle and incense listening to the sweet sounds of nature envelope my being.
            Our training ground is “the mountain,” as Master Gu explained. Our usual space was a terrace overlooking the South cliff palace and many sacred sites. When it was too hot, we made our way to the Lao Tzu (father of Taoism) temple to practice. If it rained, we met in the third floor of his office where we had access to a large room with a mirror and windows to the forest.  On rare occasion, we took mini field trips to sacred sites where Master Gu would indulge us in a Kung Fu story and we would begin practice.

            At first, I did not enjoy the attention from the Chinese tourists. Handfuls would show up at our intimate practice of a few students, and began taking photos. Sometimes photographers would get only a few feet from your practice space. I found it invasive and hard to concentrate in the beginning. Eventually, I realized the tourists were receiving a great deal of happiness from watching us, and I witnessed a few people become inspired to begin studying martial arts themselves. Once I was able to get over the attention, I let go completely. Within a few days, I found myself dancing to internal music, doing handstands, sinking into yoga postures, and laughing with the sounds of the mountain.
            Practice began with a one-hour session at 6:30 AM. This time consists of gentle “waking up” stretches and massaging for health preservation. After about 10 days, I knew the routine pretty well and preferred to stay in the forest with birds and butterflies. Master Gu understood, but emphasized that I must do “something” before breakfast. We usually ate at around 8 AM: family style. Our wonderful cook would prepare a selection of traditional Chinese dishes for us. We sit around the round table with our chopsticks and our bowl, usually filled with rice or noodles. If you want something, you grab a bite of it with your chopsticks and eat it. There is rarely a time where you serve yourself an entire portion. I grew to love this style of eating and will miss the moments when our Taiji family feasted together (and wow, did we eat good!).
            From 9-11 AM we practice again, noon is lunch, then rest period, and 4-6 PM practice, and then dinner. The schedule flows pretty well, and days pass like the gentle breeze.  After review of basic Taiji and an introductory of a basic form, Master Gu said he would teach me the sword since I showed interest in it while he would practice. The sword always finds me!
            While resting in between my intense training with the sword and opening my hips, I read about Taoist history and internal alchemy practices. I learned that swords have been used by Taoist and Tibetan priests to clear energy in ceremony and free people of their karmic bonds. Either a physical sword was used, or a sword mudra. As the mantra Jai Te Gang says, the sword becomes an extension of one’s arm. When you are completely in touch with your chi, or prana, then your energetic field moves the sword, rather than your muscle. As I dance with the sword under the moonlight, I envision I am freeing heavy karma and releasing density from this planet, allowing her to flower with love.

            In between training sessions or days off, I was able to explore the mountain and the magic that is everywhere; seeing palaces constructed in the cliffs and medicine men making potions using scorpions, snakes, and powerful mushrooms. The simple streets are lined with local shops that are overflowing with medicines, mushrooms, honey, teas, and other elixirs that are collected on the mountain. I found myself experimenting with my own brews. Wudang is truly a playground for the internal and external alchemist. The mountains are filled with mysticism and history; it is a mountain worth connecting with if you are a seeking an experience of ancient Taiji or Taoism.

If you wish to see the form, I posted a video, Taiji Sword, of my last night on Wudang with the sword

 Master Gu's Website is: http://www.taoistgongfu.com or Contact him on Facebook Master Gu