Artwalk Ravenswood - 2008

TC3 Newsletter 2008

Here is a link to this years Newsletter.

Enjoy,
E

TC3 NEWSLETTER 2008

New Class and Upcoming Seminar

NEW CLASS starting October 11th, 2008.

Sharon Fierro
312-505-1276

Will be teaching Introductory Wellness Qigong class on Saturdays from 9:30am - 10:30am. If you would like more information about Qigong and the related health benefits, please check out the website at www.qigongchicago.com

SPREAD THE WORD!!!!

PUSH HAND SEMINAR

“PUSH HANDS” is an exercise used to develop the skill of close range self-defense.

Several exercises will be taught in this seminar. These specialized training techniques deal with methods of avoiding, connecting and neutralizing attacks and knowing how and when to release pushing power which symbolizes any other Tai Chi application.

The basic requirement in Push Hand exercises is that the practitioner must be willing to work on being soft, relaxed and nimble bodied so that he/she can listen, interpret then react to the opponent's power.

By practicing Push Hand exercises, one will better understand the opponent, themselves, the importance of correct alignment, being rooted, proper weight distribution, relaxation, lightness, roundness and agility.

What is learned in Push Hands will lead one to perform Tai Chi Chuan better and increase ones well being.

Anyone interested in the development of Tai Chi Chuan is encouraged to attend.

SUNDAY, Nov. 16, 2008
3:00 - 6:00pm
FEE: $60.00

ArtWalkRavenswood - October 4th & 5th

ArtWalk is two days dedicated to honoring and celebrating artists and industry in the Ravenswood Corridor. The event, held this year on October 4 and 5 will include 30 venues highlighting over 100 local artists! This year the Tai Chi Center of Chicago (TC3) will be featuring 6 artist in conjunction with various performances made by the instructors and the student body at large. Invite your family and friends and remember that we also have a lovely patio garden for them to rest your tired legs from all the walking!

Demonstrating Master Tai Chi Instructors of the Tai Chi Center of Chicago:
Elizabeth Wenscott - Tai Chi Chuan
Chris Zalek - Tung Bei Chuan, Tai Chi Sword, Tai Chi Knife, Hsing I.
Sas Stark - Hsing I, Tai Chi Sword, Tai Chi Knife
Robin Manesky - Jen Shen Chuan, Man Chiang Hung Sword and Chuan
Don Tomei - Qigong

Artist members of the Tai Chi Center of Chicago on display:
Steven Leavitt - Painting
Vicious - Sculpture
Rob Wittig - Archival Giclée Prints
Kipling Swehla - Photography
Christine Wallers - Projected Video
Evie Evil from the Evil Beavers - Music


This years schedule of events.
Saturday
11:00am - 6:00pm - Art Viewing
11:00am - 6:00pm - School Demonstrations Schedule
11:00am - 12:00pm - Tai Chi Introductory with Chris Zalek - (Participation welcome and FREE)
12:30pm - 1:30pm - Ongoing Tai Chi with Elizabeth Wenscott - Viewing Only
2:00pm - 2:30pm - Qigong - Instructor Don Tomei - (Participation welcome and FREE)
3:00pm - 4:30pm - Demonstrations lead by master instructors, along with members of the TC3.
5:00pm - 6:00pm - Evie Evil electric lead bassist, vocalist, and founder of Evil Beaver will perform an live acousic show!!! www.evilbeaver.us

Sunday
11:00am - 6:00pm - Art Viewing
11:00am - 6:00pm - School Open House No Classes or demonstrations

TC3 on Woodland Community Public Radio - WOJB.ORG

Our very own, Dan Menzel will be hosted the shows below. Go to wojb.org for a live streaming!!!

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August, 31 2008 at WOJB.ORG
Woodland Community Public Radio, (Hayward, Wisconsin) 88.9 FM. Or www.wojb.org for live feed. "Spice of Life" Internal Energies, 350, and Lester Brown’s Plan B 3.0.
@ 1pm - 5pm August 31st.

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September, 5 2008 at WOJB.ORG
Woodland Community Public Radio, (Hayward, Wisconsin) 88.9 FM. Or www.wojb.org for live fee. "At Risk Radio" @ 9pm - 12am

The Reverse Graffiti Project

Happy 4th

Yesterday (Thursday) afternoon I walked up to Welles Park at Montrose and Lincoln. There weren't any formal games going on, so the park was pretty open. People all around but plenty of open space available.

I walked into the middle of the park and began to do the tai chi warm-ups. Always a little self-conscious when doing that in public, but I always like the feeling of sharing, however passively, the form I love so much.

By the time I got to the standing meditation, I was going into a zone. The self-consciousness was melting away and I was tapping into the energy of the air, the ground, the sun (glorious sun that day) and the people -- all strangers yet all ultimately family -- running, laughing, playing, flying kites, sunning all around me.

As I started doing the form, I had evolved to a state of calm acceptance and openness. I was able to process all the sights, sounds, smells, the breeze and warm sun on my skin, the other human voices into a symphony of earthly sensations.

I didn't so much *do* the form as let the form happen. I rooted to the ground (not a floor, not a deck, but EARTH), connected to heaven, breathed deeply into my center and swam effortlessly through the form with whatever physical presence I had, motivated by the spiritual, ethereal energy that animates us from within (or wherever).

I became a conduit through which all the energy around me passed and changed. I opened like a sail to the wind, like a flower to the sun, like roots to the earth and like a mother to the people around me.

My anger, frustration, worry, doubt, regret, resentment were passed into the air and the earth, which gratefully accepted them to be processed into new, pure energy. In return, I received fresh nourishment and light, filling my recently dark corners with illuminated essence.

Not surprisingly, on the walk home, I was fresher, lighter and more energized than on my walk there.

And so we prepare to begin a new chapter in the still short history of the Tai Chi Center of Chicago. And I, for one, am thrilled and honored to be a part of it.

Happy 4th!
Don

JIAN SHEN CHUAN SEMINAR

* June 22nd, 2008
3-6pm $125.00 ($75 for repeaters that are in the Ongoing program)
Part One

* July 27th, 2008
3-6pm $125.00 ($75 for repeaters that are in the Ongoing program)
Part Two

Jian Shen Chuan was created by Hsu Fun Yuen in the early 40’s. It is a strong, quick moving form consisting of various postures that come from the famed styles of Hsing I, Tong Bei and Tai Tui. This is an excellent form as it prepares you for the intensity and physical demands of advanced internal arts training.

This intensive seminar will be divided into two sections. Those that are repeaters will explore in greater detail the dynamics of this form. Those that are new prepare yourself for a flying kick!

Applicants must be in the Thursday and Saturday Ongoing level of the Tai Chi program and must attend both seminars. If for some reason you are unable to attend both seminars then you will be required to make it up privately with Elizabeth.

Jian Shen Chuan will only be practiced in the Ongoing class on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Special Events 2008

Tai Chi At Millennium Park with Christopher Zalek
June 7, July 5, August 2, amd September 6, 2008
7:00 am

Consider riding your bike to participate Chris's tai chi class at Millennium Park. Yes, yes, yes I know it is early but what a wonderful way to start your day off while supporting your tai chi brother. Consider helping him by promoting his introductory class and the school by passing out postcards.

Retro on Roscoe
Saturday and Sunday August 2 & 3, 2008
11:00 am - 10 pm

Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation and Yoga. Member artist Kipling Swehla will also be presenting his works of photography.

ArtWalk Ravenswood
Saturday and Sunday October 4 & 5, 2008
11:00 am - 6 pm

Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation and Yoga. Member artist Kipling Swehla and Christine Wallers will also be presenting their works of art. If you are interested in showing your work please contact me. ejw@taichicenter-chicago.com

Nine Divisions of the Celestial Sphere

In ancient China the Taoist believed that there are 36 Heavens! These Heavens were created by;

3 Purities
Numerous Treasure Heavenly Worthy - Tao Mediating
Primordial heavenly Worthy - Tao Gestating
Supreme Way Heavenly Worthy (Lao Tzu) - Tao Indwelling

3 Energies
Jing (Refined, Perfect, Essence)
Qi (Air, Vapor, Vital Energy)
Shen (Spirit, Mind, Intelligence)

3 Material
Heaven
Humanity
Earth

These resulting in what is called the 9 Divisions of the Celestial Sphere. These 9 Divisions were then multiplied by the 4 directions (north, east, south and west) making for the total of 36 Heavens!

On April 5th, 2008 myself along with Lisa Hish, Don Tomei and Kipling Swehla talked about how the Nine Divisions are applicable in Tai Chi, Qigong, our health and philosophy. Below is an abridged version of what was discussed or practiced on that day.

The Three Purities
The Three Purities are considered the highest deities in all of Taoism. They represent and control the various stages of the cosmos and exist with or without humanity.

The Three Energies

Jing Automatic at birth, nourishes, fuels and cools the body. Believed to be the carrier of our DNA. Is our reproductive system, semen, menstrual blood, bone marrow, lymphatic waters, synovial fluids, and mucus to name a few.
Qi Automatic at birht, is the steam created by the movement of air (wind) and blood (water).
Shen Not automatically given at birth. It is created, through practice (Tai Chi, Qigong, Neigong) and virtues (Three Treasures).

Activities that can damage our primary birth energy (Yuan Qi) is irregular lifestyle, improper eating and drinking, injurious or noxious air, toxic food, extreme physical exertion, damaged mental faculties etc.

Activities that can cultivate primary birth energy (Yuan Qi) is by living in accord with heaven and earth, yin and yang, the 4 seasons, the sun, moon, stars. By preserving your spirit, muscles and flesh. By temperance in eating and drinking. Regulating sleep and restoration, breath. Contentment etc.

Cheng Man Ching stated ..."70% is your internal energy and 30% is for the outside (heaven and earth) but that 30% is very hard to harness"...

Three Materials

Heaven (sky, cosmos, universe, vast, boundless, contains all, infinite reservoir of dynamic force, infinite time and space).
Humanity (human being in relation to Heaven and Earth living accordance to the Three Treasures).
Earth (land, globe, celestial body of heaven, evolution, nature, yin and yang, 5 elements, 8 gates and the myriad).

Heaven and Earth have the same roots as me, all things share the same body with me. The human body is the micro-cosmos. Heaven and Earth are the macro-cosmos.

Man abides by Earth, Earth by Heaven, Heaven by Tao, Tao by Nature.

The Three Treasures belongs to the Humanity realm of the Three Materials. They are;
Compassion (tenderness, love, mercy, kindness, gentleness, benevolence.
Frugality (moderation, economy, restraint. To be sparing.
Humility (dare not to be first or ahead in the world)

Human beings automatically have a relationship to the Three Purities, the Three Energies, and the Three Materials. How we choose to participate adds or takes away from our longevity and quality of life.

Lisa Hish talked in greater depths about how to protect/develop our Jing and Qi. Don Tomei provided group activity while talking about how to maintain a relationship to Heaven and Earth while practicing Qigong. I provided group activity while talking about how to maintain a relationship to Heaven and Earth when practicing Tai Chi Chuan and Push Hands and how to harmonize Qi and Jing to create Shen. Kipling Swehla talked about Compassion, Frugality and Humility and the benefits of practicing this lifestyle.

Three Treasures - Compassion, Frugality, and Humility

This is an exploration of Treasure, real treasure. The 3 treasures. First let me briefly explain why I'm here. Some time in the last century I began studying Tai Chi with Elizabeth. 6 months into it, I felt something I'd never experience. This warm flowing movement internally. After class I was sharing my experience and my fellow students were like, oh, that's your chi, your internal energy. That feeling profoundly affected my perception of reality. I suddenly felt like I had been sleep walking my first 30 years.

A couple months later, a client of mine gave me a book he had just finished reading called the Tao Te Ching. I was raised a Christian but since I was young, I was always questioning certain beliefs in the bible. I was told you wee not to question it, just accept it. But I was really bothered. It felt wrong so I was called a rebel and that I just wanted to be different but it was really a deeply seated gut feeling that I didn't feel what I was being told was right. Suddenly I'm reading this book, the T.T.C., and the chills are running up my spine and the hair is standing up on the back of my neck. Here on paper are things I've believed my whole life and suddenly I'm not a rebel. There's an actual philosophy that I can read and explore.

I was so excited to go to class and share my new discovery with my fellow students only to get these blank stares like, are you serious? Turns out that Tai Chi is based on the T.T.C. and Taoism.

All under heaven say that I am great,
great but unconventional.

Now,
Precisely because I am unconventional,
I can be great;
If I were conventional,
I would long since have become a trifle.

I have always possessed three treasures
that I guard and cherish.
The first is compassion,
The second is frugality,
The third is not daring to be ahead of all under heaven.

Now,
Because I am compassionate,
I can be brave;
Because I am frugal,
I can be magnanimous;
Because I dare not be ahead of all under haven,
I can be a leader in the completion of affairs.

If, today, I were to
Be courageous while forsaking compassion,
Be magnanimous while forsaking frugality,
Get ahead while forsaking the hindmost,
that would be death!

For compassion
In war brings cictory,
In defense brings invulnerability.

Whomesoever heaven would establish,
It surrounds with a bulwark of compassion.
-Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching - Victor H. Mair

The 3 treasures. Compassion, Frugality, and Humility. 3 things which come in quite handy if say, your country were to fall into a recession. 3 things which are flamboyantly missing from the current administration in the White House. Why are they considered to be treasures? Why are they important.

Compassion. It's certainly challenging to be compassionate is a world of 6 billion people, in a densely populated city of 3 million. Sitting in traffic jams. Stress and anger building. Homeless people at every stop light. From where can you draw the strength to be compassionate? Eastern philosophy teaches us that we are all inter connected. That we are all a part of everything. I was just reading about an aspect of Quantum physics, The string theory. All matter is made of tiny particles. Atoms made of Electrons and Quarks. The theory is that instead of point particles they are all vibrating strings looped together. Through the vibration, shape is formed. The vibration influences surrounding particles. There's a concept in Taoism that says patterns which exist on a micro level, also exist on a macro level. And it really is true how easy it is to be influenced by a mood in the room.

I also love the concept of the collective unconscious. Carl Yung talks about this as being a build up of shared experiences but I think it's much more ethereal than this. Your thoughts really do impact not only yourself, but a greater consciousness. I doubt know the precise method of how thoughts are created, processed, and transmitted but if it's a vibrational or electronic transmission, it doesn't seem farfetched that telepathy is probably on an unconscious level and possible on a conscious level.

Then there's also Karma. I don't think Karma is all that ethereal. It's common sense that actions create reactions and those reactions affect you.

Frugality. This isn't something the government wants you to practice. We live in a consumer society. Don't worry about savings or even debt, buy buy buy. it makes the world go round. Or so they'd have you believe. Last year Ford came out with it's new SUV, the Brontosaurus. So this year, GM came out with the Tyrannosaurus. In overcrowded cities, people want to stake their claim. Their entitlement. They want to have their space. In an attempt to be somebody, to stay ahead of the Jones they've lost touch with frugality. Of living within your means. Of sustainability. It's also a distraction from what is real. All the foods we over consume, all the new techno gadgets we buy, they're really a distraction from what's real. What it comes down to is what really makes us happy, content. Money is a man made concept so it isn't real. Work, even fulfilling, is a temporary fix. It comes down to consciousness. Reality is a perception. Right here right now in this moment, you can choose to be content. It's why I love Tai chi and meditation. In all the stresses of my life, I know through the experiences I've had with meditation and tai chi that through breath, through consciousness I can relax, be content. Frugality is about simplicity.

Humility. That's one that I really don't comprehend the opposite. I'm a commercial photographer. The last book which was published, Spa Cuisine, available at Barnes and Noble, my client came up to me during a book signing and commented you should really be proud of this book. I wasn't really sure how to respond because what flashed through my mind was everything that happened in order for the book to be made. My parents separated when I was young. My mother moved with her children to the city of St Louis where years later I befriend a photographer who happens to hand me his camera with a telephoto lens because there was a small chipmunk too far away to see except with the long lens. That moment, holding the camera to my eye was an epiphany. In that moment I became a photographer. But went on to major in accounting where a professor argued that if I was so passionate about photography, why not do it for a living. I dropped out of accounting and went to photo school. Graduated, Was going to be a starving artist until a stranger called, my little brother knows your little brother and we're looking for a commercial photography assistant. Then as a commercial photographer, I followed my girlfriend to chicago, Got married. Got divorced. My ex wife's husband hooked me up the client who I shot the book for.

Nature and nurture. Why we are who we are. It's so profound and complicated so to talk about a sense of pride in your accomplishments? Then of course there's the line from Grand Canyon. "The Grand Canyon. is laughing at me right now. You know what I feel like? I felt like a gnat that lands on the behind of a cow chewing his cud on the side of the road that you drive by doing 70 mph. " 6 billion people on a planet out of 8 in a solar system in a galaxy in an endless universe. Pride? The counter balance to that of course is an acceptance being an energetic part of everything.