With so much news about 12/21/2012 I’ve been somewhat bemused by the possibility of a big change or shift coming, as if changes were not occurring most of the time. We all know the saying that goes “the only constant in the universe is change”. I notice we easily, for the most part, navigate daily changes such as going from day into night, and seasonal changes as we are about to go from fall to winter. However, we are accustomed to these changes as we have developed strategies and learned to flow with them in relative ease. We even welcome them.
So the more I pondered the idea of embracing change two aspects arose. One, we really are experts in living with change (although we may not recognize it in ourselves). The second aspect seems not so much about an ’embracing’ of change (which requires action) as it is a simple allowing of change, without any action on our part. Known in Daoism as the practice of ‘wu wei’ – the art of non-action or not-doing. But like most things Daoist, there is a paradox in the idea of not-doing. (More on that paradox in a future blog.) Changes come in all shapes and sizes – this is life. Our ability to allow or not act, to not do but observe will be one of the most helpful skills we can cultivate for a happy life. This requires a great deal of flexibility in how we look at the world. Lao Tzu wrote in the Tao De Ching:
“Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible is a disciple of death.
Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life.”
In noticing changes within and around me I have felt moved to make some significant changes to my website. Luckily I have had lots of very competent help. Have you noticed the new website name: “Qigong for Life”. This new name reflects how I feel about the practice of qigong. Qigong is for life on all levels and I hope it helps convey the importance of integrating qigong into every aspect of life. Have you noticed the new colors along with the Chinese character for energy/qi added to the masthead? Refining of this redesigned newsletter continues, so, as with everything in life, stay tuned for more changes!
Lastly, I’m very pleased to officially announce that we now have an On-Line Store. Check it out to get DVDs and CDs by download or mail. It is our hope to make qigong more accessible to you and I am therefore interested in knowing what you think of these many changes.
With Gratitude and appreciation we send you all abundant blessings for the holiday season and for 2013.
