Stacey Nemour2013-05-25T09:08:31-04:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/index.php?author=stacey-nemourCopyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc.HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Stacey NemourGood old fashioned elbow grease.Secrets of Splits and Flexibilitytag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.22408322012-12-05T17:30:09-05:002013-02-04T05:12:01-05:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/Secrets of Splits & Flexibility, daily emails started coming in from all over the world with questions asking how one can become flexible enough to get flat into the splits.
Here are some important tips that I share with my clients and viewers that can help improve flexibility:
1. Stretches should be done in the proper order. Honor the body by stretching it gently. The more time you take to stretch increases your ability to go deeper into the splits. Start with the easier ones and save the intense positions for last.
2. Just concentrating on the hamstrings is not enough. Since everything is connected it makes a big difference to stretch the upper body first then quadriceps, groin, inner thighs, outer hips, calves, waist, hamstrings and back muscles.
2. Consistency. If you go to a new place with your flexibility, this is your body's new set point. Or if you used to be flexible, the good news is your body has muscle memory and you can get it back. When you make this a regular part of your routine, you should see noticeable progress.
3. Never bounce. Bouncing is an old outdated method that can lead to pulled muscles and injury. Breathe instead of force.
4. Visualization. If you can see it, you can be it. The mind controls the body.
5. Tiring out the muscles. Resistance training helps the muscle release when one inhales deeply and exhales into the stretch.
6. Age does not matter (only if you think it does). Anyone can increase flexibility at any age.
7. Sleep. The body recovers, heals and processes while we sleep. It is important to give your body and mind the gift of rest and rejuvenation.
8. Stretch the calf muscles first, with a flexed foot. This will help get into the hamstrings and up into the back. Using both pointed and then a flexed foot while stretching works different muscles and brings a more even balance to your stretching session.
9. Supplements and massage can be helpful. Listen to your body's inner guidance system.
It helps to have a trained professional spot you and take you deeper into the stretches. In my DVDs I show how to use walls and yoga straps to hold my legs in place. Counter tops also work as ballet bars.
I recently performed in a DVD to go with the StretchGym, which is also a great training tool for dancers, gymnast, martial artist and serious athletes. For more information on the StretchGym www.stretchgym.com.
Courtesy of StretchGym. Photo by Robert Garrett. Arabesque demonstrated by: Mattie Woo]]>The Tao of Love, Sex and Anti-Aging: Part 9tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.16015732012-06-18T13:50:04-04:002012-08-18T05:12:12-04:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
A. I have X amount of dollars in the bank.
B. I meet my true love/soulmate or when my partner finally wakes up and loves me the way he/she ought to.
C. When I get a better job.
D. When I lose weight.
The list can go on and on.
By focusing only on what we feel is lacking or what we need for our future, we put our present lives on hold or cause more delays because we are not connected to the present. The present is the future; as you read this sentence it is already one second later.
This powerful insight came to me during meditation, and it has created a huge shift in my reality. Each moment is an experience of success, so placing ourselves in the intentional knowing and understanding that we are living in the moment of success creates a continual chain of a successful life.
Doing this places us in a vibrational cycle that causes continuous experience to be a constant reflection of a life of perfection. Instead of meditating we can live the perfection by realizing the journey is the moment of perfection.
Nothing needs to happen in order for me to feel successful; I am successful right now. Nothing needs to happen in order for me to feel loved; I am loved right now. Nothing needs to happen in order to feel valid; I am valid right now.
To support a positive shift within and create harmonious relationships in personal and professional affairs:
1. Find the peaceful place inside now by not placing happiness outside yourself, which is reacting to external things. Freedom comes from creating your own reality independent of what others think or are doing.
2. Drop out of all high-drama situations. Just don't participate anymore.
3. Make a list of all things that bring peace and joy.
4. Sit comfortably and relax and focus on each thing you appreciate in your life and direct love and gratitude to it.
5. Bring divine love alive within your self. Feel your entire being tingling with this energy. Image divine love healing and clearing away anything unlike itself.
6. Manage your energy and emotions by staying in balance in all areas of life: sleep, eating right, supplements, exercise, quiet time, and connecting with loved ones, your animals and nature.
7. Do what you have always wanted to do, if there is something always in the back of your mind that you have felt drawn to do and it does not harm anyone. That is a divine urge -- your inner self talking to you, guiding you to take action. Be who you have always wanted to be!
8. Thoughts are forces. I have noticed when I am working out if I am thinking a high-vibration thought my body starts bursting with energy. If I am in a negative space my body can feel sluggish, and then I have to push...
9. Patterns of being unfulfilled in one or more area of your life can become an addiction. Some people enjoy the payoff of the "poor me" story and the attention it brings. If complaining and talking negative has become a bonding pattern that your friends or family do when you get together, be mindful of your words. Words have power and a vibration you may be activating and bringing to life more of the same.
10. Get organized. Clean your place, make sure all your plant and animal companions are properly cared for. Healthy animal companions and plants help raise the energy (Chi) in your space. Don't forget your car. These are all mirrors about the way we take care of ourselves. When all is in divine order and harmony, we feel a sense of being grounded and in the flow of our most high good.
11. If you want to be able to move forward into a new relationship, take the time to clear and resolve old emotional issues with exes that still have charge to it. Many times when we don't take the time to deal with the deep issues, one may unconsciously create accidents and set-backs to get us to slow down and look within. For the new relationship to happen first one must show up for themselves and then show up and be present for the new person they have attracted.
12. Starting the day by saying the five Reiki Principles can be very powerful! In the book written by Tadao Yamagunchi, Light of the Origins of Reiki, He talks about how Usui Sensi developed the five principles of Reiki. He noticed that people who had overcome disease through Reiki treatments would often come back with new health problems. He realized that if people want to be completely healthy they need to change the thoughts that cause the diseases. In the written principles his introduction reads, "The secret for drawing happiness -- spiritual medicine for all diseases."
1. Just for today, I will not be angry.
2. Just for today, I will not worry.
3. Just for today, I will be grateful.
4. Just for today, I will do my work honestly (I will fulfill my duties).
5. Just for today, I will be kind to everything that has life.
For more on mindfulness, click here. ]]>New Kung Fu Children's Book Helps Development of Mind, Body and Spirittag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.15414652012-05-29T11:00:23-04:002012-07-29T05:12:04-04:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/Little Monk and the Mantis is a thrilling tale from Hollywood screenwriter John Fusco of one boy's search for self-expression, courage and the peaceful, non-violent teachings at the root of true martial arts. This book is accompanied by beautiful art illustration by Patrick Lugo, who is art director for Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine
This is the fascinating story of how the Praying Mantis style came to be.
Throughout history, the monks of the Shaolin temple have lived in close harmony with nature and have respect for all living things. They closely observed the animals and marveled at how they moved with such grace and power when defending themselves. This inspired the monks to study, imitate and absorb the mastery from each they choose to focus on. The five major animals styles they developed are Tiger, Panther, Crane, Snake, and Dragon. There are also many subcategories including Horse, Mantis, Scorpion, Eagle, Monkey, and Frog. Animal styles are a traditional hallmark of the Shaolin style.
The book is about the story of Wong Long, which is based on obscure Chinese history that has long become a martial arts legend. The boy lived and studied at the Shaolin Temple in the Henan province during the late Ming Dynasty (17th century), where he became the founder and master of Praying Mantis Kung Fu. He grew up a patriot, defending China from an emperor who wished to destroy the temples and have more control over the common people.
Praying Mantis Kung Fu is still practiced around the world today. It is recognized as one of the true treasures of Chinese martial arts. The book gently touches on the teachings of Kung Fu that help guide one to find inner peace and have an upright character, featuring the Kung Fu code:
Respect -- To consider yourself and others worthy of high regard
Honesty -- To be truthful
Kindness -- To be gentle and helpful
Humility -- Not to think or consider yourself better than others
Perseverance -- To continue despite opposition, hardship, or discouragement
I feel this book will move children and adults around the world to appreciate nature, be tranquil, and train the mind and body to be a physical expression of the Kung Fu code.
John Fusco is an award-winning screenwriter with 10 major movies to his credit, including Young Guns, Hidalgo, The Forbidden Kingdom, and the Academy Award-nominated animated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.
An avid martial artist, he began studying Tang Soo Do when he was 12 and currently holds a black belt in Northern Shaolin Praying Mantis Kung Fu. He lives on a farm with his wife and son in northern Vermont.
Above image appears courtesy of publisher.]]>Interviews on Merging Spirituality and Entertainment From The Gate 2 Eventtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.12693182012-03-29T14:42:12-04:002012-05-29T05:12:01-04:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
Jim Carrey, Eckhart Tolle, Gate 2 Audience. Photo by Michael Arden
The theme of "Only a New Seed Will Yield a New Crop" celebrated transformational entertainment and media, with presenters and performers entertaining, inspiring and informing.
Featured were Eckhart Tolle, Jean Houston, Jim Carrey, Don Miguel Ruiz, Marianne Williamson, Edward James Olmos, Fred Alan Wolf, Barbara Marx Hubbard and many others. Louie Anderson emceed, and he had the audience laughing every time he came on stage for the entire 7-hour presentation.
It was such a gift to see and hear some of the most brilliant minds on the planet all under one roof. There are no words for the magic that happens energetically when so many high conscious beings come together with the intention for good.
When Eckhart Tolle was announced Jim Carrey walked out as if he were Eckhart, imitating him perfectly. There was good-hearted humor between them and much respect to all who came on the stage throughout the evening. "Vine Divine," Jane Carrey (Jim Carrey's daughter), and George Krikes beautifully sang a duo to the enchanted audience. The various musical acts and performers were all clearly committed to actively influencing humanity in a positive way.
Eckhart Tolle, Jim Carrey. Photo by Michael Arden
John Raatz is the founder, and Eckhart Tolle and Jim Carrey are honorary co-founders of The Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment (GATE). The alliance is shepherding the emerging and rapidly-expanding transformational entertainment and media genre worldwide. Transform the world by transforming entertainment and the media. To read more about John Raatz and Gate please see my previous article.
Many well-known spiritual speakers, as well as experts in quantum physics, talked about the shift and the awakening that is going on the planet now and indicated what an exciting time it is to be alive. They suggested we are becoming a new type of human as we connect with our higher selves. This is a time of great opportunity for healing and transformation, personally and universally.
Marta M. Mobley, producer and Gate 2 event producer/speaker, told me, "I think that transformative media provides education and inspiration to become healthier, more loving and self-realized human beings."
Paul H. Ray pointed out that transformational films, books, music, and art are actually very profitable. Extensive research has proven that there is an audience called "cultural creatives." If you are reading this you are most likely one. Listed are some of the 19 characteristics identified as qualities of a cultural creative:
-- love of nature and deep caring about its preservation, and its natural balance
-- strong awareness of the planet-wide issues (e.g., climate change, poverty etc.) and a desire to see more action on them
-- heavy emphasis on the importance of developing and maintaining relationships
-- heavy emphasis on the importance of helping others and developing their unique gifts
-- volunteer with one or more good causes
-- want to be involved in creating a new and better way of life
-- intense interest in spiritual and psychological development
Paul H. Ray writes about his study of cultural creatives in a book called The Cultural Creatives: How 50 Million People Are Changing the World by Paul H. Ray., Ph.D., and Sherry Ruth Anderson, Ph.D.
I spoke with Mr. Ray before his presentation and he had this to say:
"Hollywood is divided among the creative people and the suits. The creative people love the cultural creatives' ideas. But the suits have to be convinced it's for real, so what I want to tell the suits tonight is there's 70 million cultural creatives in the United States alone. That's $120 billion in entertainment and book grosses every year. If that does not make it real to the suits then nothing can."
I interviewed some of the other event speakers and all were very passionate about Gate 2's message:
Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D., physicist and author (aka Dr. Quantum) has appeared in many national films, including, "What The Bleep Do We Know?" and "The Secret," and he commented:
"From a quantum physics point of view, there is something going on that filmmakers are beginning to recognize; the medium is not only the message, it is also the massage. That means we are recognizing that what people are doing when they are watching a movie is experiencing their own lives as if they were projected from movie screens. We are experiencing life as if we are characters in a movie. Amazingly, the latest theory merging quantum physics and gravity, called the holographic principle, seems to confirm that a similar projection is going on in the whole universe -- the universe is a 3-dimensional projection from 2-dimensional "screens" situated at both the beginning and ending of time itself. When we recognize that we are in this sense actors on a cosmic stage, we can also make our lives a lot more fun by learning to direct as well as write our own personal screenplays. We can really get inspired and inspire each other. I call this developing a true cosmic humility, where you can laugh at yourself and others, but not at their expense. Instead we surrender to a universal laughter recognizing the shared compassion we all have with others.
Edward James Olmos, actor and social activist, said this:
"A big thank you to the Gate a thousands times over for their commitment to this, and to the audience I say please support Gate."
James Edward Olmos. Photo by Michael Arden
Louie Anderson mused:
"I am thrilled to be here and have a little fun and move things along and do my part to add a little lightness to the proceedings. I like this organization. I think I have always tried to connect my comedy to my art. Everyone always comes to one point in their life as an artist where you can either let your heart guide you or your ego."
Drew Dellinger, speaker, poet and visionary, had this to say:
"I spoke about the power of story and the future of the planet at the story conference today. Because I think the power of story is absolutely essential to building a socially-just and ecologically-sustainable future. We need to collectively build a movement that connects ecology, social justice and cosmology using the power of dream, the power of story, the power of art and the power of action, so the power of story is precisely one of the major powers that we need to tap into."
Peter Canova, researcher, author and educator, explained that:
"I gave a talk today on quantum artistry during the story conference, which takes ancient spiritual traditions and quantum physics and merging them in the story of human origin, which is really where art originates. Because art comes from us, and in order to understand the true essence of art we really have to know ourselves. We have to understand our origin and our creative source. I am really happy to see this type of awareness has reached an organized level in Hollywood, because obviously the media has a huge influence on people. My own contribution is a book that I have written called "Pope Annalisa," which was a winner of seven national awards.
Kyle Cease, comedian and social commentator, offered this:
"Comedy is one of the fastest ways to get into the moment. You are never laughing at something and worrying about your taxes at the same time. People live with a very big guard up, and once they are freed through laughter, they can approach life with a freedom and fearlessness they didn't see before. We can easily live in that state if we want, we just have to find the humor in things. Trust me, it is in EVERYTHING."
Sally Kirkland, actress and activist who attended the event, said:
"I am very proud to be here at the Gate, where I believe we are going to transform the global community through film and the arts. I was very grateful to be in the films "Spiritual Warriors" and "Wayshower." I was grateful back in 1969 to teach Merv Griffin yoga on his show and in the 90s I got to teach Oprah, too! She allowed me to chant to the audience. I also have a show called "The Sally Kirkland Show" on healthylife.net for motivation, practical spirituality, alternative health and inspirational guests who help you widen your world to the positive aspects of life and spirit."
John Raatz, Gate founder, and also the founder and principal of the pioneering "transformational" marketing and PR firm, The Visioneering Group, explained his philosophy:
"Each of us views the world, and who we are in it, based in large part on the messages we receive from the media. These, in turn, inform many of our actions (and inactions) in the world. New messages, new perceptions of ourselves, of the world, and of life, will inspire us to the new behaviors now needed to head humanity in a direction that honors life, love, and peace, leading to a sustainable existence on planet Earth. Join with us and with others from around the world to help establish GATE and further our vision of 'Transforming the World by Transforming Entertainment and Media.'"
To learn more about GATE's vision/mission, programs and initiatives, event tickets, and how you can become involved, visit: www.gatecommunity.org/gate2
]]>Join Eckhart Tolle, Jim Carrey and John Raatz in Raising Consciousness Through Entertainment, Media and the Artstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.12455932012-02-02T17:03:40-05:002012-04-03T05:12:01-04:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
John Raatz is the founder and Eckhart Tolle and Jim Carrey are honorary co-founders. The Global Alliance for Transformational Entertainment (GATE) is shepherding the emerging and rapidly expanding transformational entertainment and media genre worldwide.
I interviewed John about the upcoming "GATE 2," which is an event that cultivates, promotes and advances collaborations between transformational content creators and purveyors, and it is open for all those interested in being part of the expansion of the transformational genre that is currently happening around the world.
According to John, "Many have thought that religion, big business or government would save us ... but, with most of these institutions in serious disarray today, the one remaining infrastructure through which wisdom and possible solutions can flow is the entertainment industry and all forms of media. Many people within the industry are already transformationally oriented. One of our missions is to bring together these individuals and assist them in creating and disseminating content of a transformational nature for the benefit of all humanity, of the world."
Raatz feels that each person in the entertainment and media industry has a role and a responsibility to facilitate personal, social and global transformation. He explained his observation that "there is a schism between the business and creative sides of the entertainment industry. One that's usually been there. Often, the creative side wants to develop meaningful, more transformationally oriented product, while the business side is focused on commercial value. Once in a while, they coincide.
"This also reflects a general split in our culture -- an imbalance that favors commercial success over deeper, more personal success on a human level. Whatever is happening on a microcosmic level is also happening in the larger reality; it is all mirrored back. And now's the time to try to find a healthier balance, when so much of our world is threatened in so many ways. That's what GATE is seeking to do in the entertainment and media industries."
Raatz continues, "Many Native American tribes would sit in council when they had an important decision to make. If it was determined that the decision would negatively impact any of the next seven generations, they simply would not do it. We need to bring more of that spirit to the decisions we make in all aspects of our lives."
Eckhart Tolle, author and spiritual teacher, GATE honorary founder, notes, "The only actions that don't cause opposing reactions are those aimed at the good of all. Inclusive, not exclusive. They join; they don't separate. They are not for 'my' country, but for all of humanity, not for 'my' religion but for the emergence of consciousness in all human beings." That spirit is also often embodied in transformational entertainment and media, according to Raatz. Tolle will be speaking at GATE 2.
Jim Carrey, actor/activist and GATE honorary founder, has said, "I am so lucky to be a part of this community, and to do something that is of value." Carrey will also be speaking at GATE 2.
John identified the audience for transformational entertainment and media as one that is rarely paid attention to: what he calls the Cultural Creatives. In early 2000, two sociologists were commissioned to record Americans' values and lifestyle preferences. Some of the 19 characteristics these Cultural Creatives relate to are: preservation of nature, a strong awareness of planet-wide issues, spirituality as an important aspect of life, maintaining loving relationships, intense interest in spiritual and psychological development, and wanting to be involved with creating a new and better way of life.
It was determined that 50 million Americans then fell into that category, with an additional 90 million Cultural Creatives in Europe. The numbers are even larger now, as this is the fastest growing segment of the U.S. and world population. The book that resulted from this research was The Cultural Creatives: How 50 Million People are Changing the World, by Paul H. Ray., Ph.D., and Sherry Ruth Anderson, Ph.D.
Raatz notes: "At GATE, we want to be the supporting mechanism that assists those in the entertainment and media businesses who are transformationlly oriented to speak their truth through their work. And guess what! That's monetizeable! The audience is ready!"
Raatz is not new to aligning his spiritual light with his creative expression. He is the founder and principal of the pioneering "transformational" marketing and PR firm, The Visioneering Group, whose mission is "Linking Spirit, Vision & Progressive Values with Compassionate Communication to Promote a Positive and Sustainable Future."
Established in 1988, Visioneering exclusively serves the Cultural Creatives (body/mind/spirit) market, and was the first such firm to do so. He played a large part in putting the game-changing transformational film "What the Bleep Do We Know?" on the map, following with "Peaceful Warrior." He worked with Madonna on her "Ray of Light" album and set up a private screening for her of "What the Bleep." She was so moved by it that she introduced John to her teachers at The Kabbalah Center, which became a Visioneering client. Over the years, the company has worked with a wide array of authors, musicians, filmmakers and influential spiritual teachers, whom he calls the "Leading Lights of Consciousness."
Raatz has been teaching Transcendental Meditation since 1976 and found, 30 years ago, when he started in the film business, that many well-known celebrities, such as Merv Griffin, Mike Love, Clint Eastwood and Ned Beatty, were also practicing TM. At the time, they formed an organization to teach it to people in the entertainment business.
The upcoming GATE events will be held Feb. 4, 2012, at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, Calif. For more information and discounted tickets, visit http://www.gatecommunity.org. Use Promo Code TRANSFORM for an additional 20 percent discount.
]]>Flexibility Fixes for Golfers and Tennis Playerstag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.11245602012-01-09T19:20:05-05:002012-03-10T05:12:01-05:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
When I look at clients from behind I can easily see one side of the back shoulder and arm is different than the other. This imbalance can make one vulnerable to injuries, including pains in the back, knee, shoulder and elbows.
Most pain and injuries come from the back being too tight. What I recommend to help stay in balance, feel good and play at optimum level is:
1. Daily stretching -- from head to to toe. Everything is connected. Your knee pain or leg pain is most likely coming from the back.
2. Spend extra time on getting the waist flexible. This will keep the sides of the back open and increase your range of motion in your sport.
3. When doing core strengthening exercises, work the side you don't use in your sport twice as much.
4. Cross-train to give your body a chance to recover and develop other muscles.
5. Most people don't get enough calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. One sign is if you are getting charley horses while you sleep, or leg and foot cramps during your workout. I take a liquid formula that goes quickly into the system, that has helped get rid those kind of cramps in myself. Also, there are plenty of joint supplements on the market that can help as well.
6. Tennis elbow also happens to people who don't play tennis. It can also come from overuse at work. For tennis, wrap your racket handle with a thick layer of foam rubber so you can't grip the handle so hard. Do this for anything else you need to grip or carry.
When playing tennis, be sure you are aligned from shoulder blades down. Keep your elbow down as you lift and don't swing out sideways. Also, stretch the shoulders and work down the arm to forearm by doing wrist stretches and circles.
7. For golfers: Watch your posture. When players try to keep their heads down during their swings they mistakenly tuck their chin in against the chest. Tucking your head down rounds the upper back. Hunching over can lead to back and neck problems.
Start with good posture by lifting your chin away from your chest, which eliminates your hunchback. This, and being stretched out, helps you to rotate fully and turn your shoulder under your chin. If you keep your core muscles strong and stretch your waist, arms and legs properly, it will help you to not use your back.
8. In order to fully get the hamstrings and back stretched, one needs to fully stretch the calves first. Also, the order you do stretches in is important. Start with the easier ones to warm the body up, and then prepare for the stretches to follow.
9. Foot position. I notice many people with knee, back and other issues actually don't stand or walk with their feet pointing straight ahead. They are turned in or out, and they also perform their workouts this way. Be mindful that your feet turn in or out so they don't pull on the knee and ankles.
For more help my latest DVD Flexibility Fixes for Golfers & Tennis Players for all one-sided racket sports including bowling. Is now available.
]]>11/11 Into 2012: Benefiting From Higher Energiestag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.11757812012-01-06T15:09:19-05:002012-03-07T05:12:01-05:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
It started when I attended a world healing meditation ceremony on 11/11/11 held by "The Spiritual Unity Movement." The guest speaker was Ron Wescott, who spoke about opening the 11/11/11 portal.
I took my seat outside the large ring of the Medicine Wheel Mandala. Which are large beautiful mandalas made of crystals, and copper. According to Diane Stein, author of "Essential Reiki," the mandala form in Tantric art presents the All-One and the All-Many. It symbolizes the enlightenment process. The word itself means to have a attained perfect and unsurpassable illumination. "Manda" is essence and "La" is completion' After a meditation for personal and universal healing, more than 250 participants entered the Medicine Wheel in groups of 12. People who passed through reported feeling a great sense of healing and completion. I also experienced the uplifting healing energy which emanated from it.
Afterward, I interviewed Mr. Wescott, who is an energy worker, lecturer and multi-dimensional teacher.
What is the significance of 11/11/11?
Wescott: The significance of 11/11 is polarity. An 11, which can be a 2, for feminine activation, and a 2, which is a 22, a master number. What's happening at the portal of 11/11 is it represents (a keystone for the consciousness of humanity and all living things) that for the first time in approximately 13,000 years, it is said that the Earth is entering into the age of light, the Golden Age. The golden photon-rays from the central sun of our galaxy are in direct alignment with the Earth. Photon rays break down into duality of both (negative and positive charges) this occurs when photon pass through the third layer of ozone.
In 1987, during the much discussed time of the harmonic convergence, the Earth began to slow down its rotation. We have all heard about the global warming of the Earth. The ozone layers at the north and south poles have opened up due to the Earth's changes in rotation, opening the third layer of ozone. It is believed this phenomenon has allowed the golden photon rays to come directly from the central sun into our atmosphere as single androgynous rays and to affect us at a very high level of energy, thus altering our consciousness. It was reported that these photon rays had been seen in the 90s. The people who reported seeing these golden rays said that they had witnessed golden rods which passed through the air and then disappeared into the earth.
All these golden rods have been going into the Earth at meridians, like acupuncture points. All these little needles of photon have been penetrating the earth. As they reach the core they change frequency and vibrate, which has been warming up the earth. These changes are due to the incubation of the Earth at the higher vibration of 11/11 frequencies. It is said that we are now in what is known as the age of light.
This is what is called The Golden Age, the Age of Aquarius. We are going into the final spin of the Mayan calendar into 12/21/12.
How can people apply the benefits of this higher vibration in their daily lives?
Humanity may benefit by finding peace through looking deep within themselves and to set up guideposts of visualization. Dream and know that your dreams are going to be realized through love, because love is what attracts protons and neutrons and that becomes attached to matter and creates a nucleus to create a molecule and that creates a form. Through the energy of love your "intention" manifests forms in your life. Be aware of the light that is around you. View all of God's creation in a new light. Be open to the possibility you are receiving a coded vibration of refined light directly from the central sun to your heart.
* * *
Next, Reverend Patrick J. Harbula, President of Spiritual Unity Movement and co-founder of Meditation Magazine, explains how we can help create an even more positive effect from the higher powerful energies...
So what can we do to support the most positive outcome for the influx of these new high vibratory frequencies?
Harbula: Most importantly, we can join in united spiritual intention, prayer, meditation and sacred ceremony. All of the sacred alignments (solstice, equinox and full moons) as well as specific dates, Nov. 11 (11/11/11) leading up to the 2012 date are crucial opportunities to direct the incoming higher frequency energies. We also encourage you to take united spiritual intention a step further and link up with positive intention at noon each day wherever you are. See and feel yourself and everyone as a radiant sacred center of light and love. There are tens or hundreds of thousands of people meeting in mind each day with a positive intention of some kind. What would be the transformational effects if this became millions? Hundreds of millions? If you are willing to make an even more consistent commitment to personal and planetary growth, link up every hour on the hour (or as often as you can remember) with a positive intention for the planet and all that is. Imagine the results when hundreds of millions are committed to this practice.
In your ceremonies, meditations and prayers, visualize a world of peace where people everywhere are committed to support one another and live in harmony with the planet and nature.
* * *
Those of us who were born at this time in history and who can envision a world of peace, joy and freedom, are being called to participate in the rebirthing of the sacred. Let's join in our daily activities and our group interactions to usher in a new era of love, light and spiritual freedom. I look forward to joining with you through the energetic grid of which we are all a part.
For more information on Ron Wescott and the Medicine Wheel Mandalas with many interesting pictures of these transformational tools, please visit, MedicineWheelMandala.com.
Reverend Patrick J. Harbula is a spiritual life coach, author of 'The Magic of the Soul,' o-founder of Meditation Magazine, Director of the Living Purpose Institute and President of Spiritual Unity Movement in California, which is about celebrating the spiritual unity of all life and raising the consciousness of light and love through community meditation and education and to inspire and empower those who attend the World Healing Meditation Ceremonies and all of humanity with the life transforming experience of Healing, Oneness, and Unity. For more information: SpiritualUnityMovement.orgLivingPurposeInstitute.com
]]>Shaolin Kung Fu: An Interview with Abbot Shi Yongxintag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8678502011-06-02T09:36:00-04:002011-08-02T05:12:01-04:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
The Abbot and the Shaolin Warrior Monks shared the supernatural powers of Shaolin Kung Fu, which is the combination of Chan Buddhism, martial arts and medicine. The design and arrangement of Shaolin Kung Fu movements are based on the medical knowledge of ancient China, through which it is believed that one may soar to their highest potential physically and spiritually. This system puts special emphasis on the combination of movement and stillness, which demonstrates the ancient Chinese belief in "the unity between heaven and man."
Peter Shiao, CEO of Orb Media Group, executive producer and the presenter of the event, announced the founding of the "Northern American Shaolin Association." He did a beautiful job presenting this extraordinary event. It sold out and there was a wonderful sense of harmony and excitement in the air. The intention of the Abbot's trip to the West is to create more friendship and understanding among different cultures, so we may all work together in unity for world peace, human happiness and social progress.
How do you see the role of women participating in Shaolin Kung Fu?
There are four classes of Shaolin students: There are male monks and there are the nuns, male house-holders, who live ordinary everyday life, and female house holders who practice. So no one is excluded.
Have the Shaolin nuns been around as long as the male monks?
I want to clarify the understanding of Shaolin Temple. Shaolin Temple is actually a consortia of temples. We are inter-related and when you visit you see there are a number of temples being led by the Shaolin Temple. Starting from the days of Bodhidharma 1,500 years ago a lineage of female practitioners has been unbroken. They have always been part of this family. The nunnery is not a large part of the Shaolin Temple, but I want to empathize that it has always been there.
There seems to be a new awareness and people are drawn to learn and absorb the teachings of Shaolin Kung Fu. How can the average person incorporate these teachings to enhance their daily life?
It is actually pretty simple. There is a specific type of practice that is really for all kinds of people, whether you are a kid, older, a business man, any age or gender. It is actually designed for a very diverse range of people. It is accessible you just have to choose where you want to begin.
There is a lot of talk of kung fu as an external activity like some kind of fancy exhibition. The truth about kung fu is the power to be still, to hold oneself in deep unbroken meditation. It is one of the cornerstones of this practice. In addition to the pursuit of this external kung fu, I just want to empathize how incredibly important it is to meditate. To sit down and quiet oneself is a very complimentary piece of the eternal martial arts. When these two come together it is not just physical benefits, but profound things happen: one's character, the content of one's character, also improves, as well as the quality of your entire being, with this type of practice. Our idea of peace is not just external peace, but peace in being with oneself -- utter freedom, the freedom of beingness. To be a liberated being.
I am curious about the Shaolin monks. With all their energy work, meditation and being so in balance, it seems there would be very little illness or disease among them?
Well, we look at disease in several different ways. There is physical illness. Generally, everyone is pretty healthy, but anyone who breathes air is not immune to disease. Disease is a part of life, so we at Shaolin are kind of subject to the same forces. But we do classify diseases. That is why we created The Shaolin Holistic Clinic that seeks to have remedies for all of life's different circumstances. Of course, There is another variety of disease, which is of the mind, which is another conversation altogether.
What would the world look like politically and morally if nearly everyone adopted the Shaolin Kung Fu lifestyle?
The world would be more beautiful. The world would be more peaceful, more perfect.
Can one attain enlightenment through practicing Shaolin Kung Fu?
Shaolin Kung Fu, together with meditation, has both the physical as well as the conscious spiritual components that will contribute to one's enlightenment. Raising consciousness, yes, through this pursuit of life -- that realm is possible. Shaoiln is unique in that the followers of this order practice this way of life.
What do you hope people take away from this 1st Shaolin Summit?
It is very idealistically that we can all be liberated that comes from the philosophical understanding of life itself. Part of that is having a healthy body engaged in activities of your choosing in a very positive and rigorous way. We hope to share that kind of understanding, we also hope people walk away with a better understanding of what this way of life is about and what Shaolin stands for. I just want to empathize the joy of living an awakened life. Having an awakened perspective brings such joy and beauty for everyone's lives. I wish that for everybody.
What would you recommend for people to practice on a day-to-day basis?
I think it is just being true to the moment,.If we can fully grasp each moment that we live in, that can bring a profound change.
]]>Love, Shamanism and Safe Meditationtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8557962011-05-26T19:15:00-04:002011-07-26T05:12:01-04:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
Meditation has been an important part of my kung fu training and life for over 20 years. However, very little has been written about the dangers of meditation, especially the rare times when one goes out of balance. Recently, a close friend of mine who is a healer and meditates daily, got into a deep relationship with a man who turned out to be damaged, depleted and out of balance.
He tapped into her and used her energies to heal himself and feel better. He accused her of not going to her maximum abilities to help him. So, she went higher and higher until she was leaving her body to do energy work.
To everyone's shock this normally very stable balanced person seemed to be acting certifiably insane. Not getting out of bed, refusing to eat, missing work and when she did surface she did incredibly destructive things. It turned out entities had entered her body to use her for their own purposes.
She saw a shamanic practitioner to help clear it out. The healing session worked like a miracle! She was told not to meditate for a while and to put roots down in the earth to get grounded again. She followed the instructions of the shaman and is now better than ever.
It is possible to meditate too much and spend too much time out of your body in other realms. It can leave one feeling "spacey" and disconnected from life on the physical plane. It's important to have energetic balance between our spiritual and physical. When I meditate I find it helps to root to the earth and align with the divine. Then I finish by balancing my spiritual/physical energies below the navel(tantien)
Katie Weatherup, author of "Practical Shamanism," has direct experience with this subject and helps heal clients with these issues. She is also highly skilled with other types of shamanic healing work, such as assistance in healing old wounds, trauma and clearing blockages so one may be in the flow and attract their most high good. I had the opportunity after an incredible session with her to ask some questions, I had been curious about and thought may help others.
How common is this type of nightmare? Do we just not hear about it?
Anytime someone has a tendency to dissociate or find their awareness isn't fully in their body at unexpected moments they can become more vulnerable to all the things you described that your friend experienced. As women, we often have a hard time fully being in our bodies. So, moderate meditation balanced with physical activity is great. But multiple hours a day of meditation can increase any tendency to dissociate, especially in trauma survivors because meditation is in itself an exercise of separating our minds from our physical reality!
When we're not in our bodies we are disconnected from our healthy boundaries, sense of self and personal power. It makes us more vulnerable to other people's energies and unhealthy relationships. Activities such as yoga, qi gong, tai chi, or other martial arts combine a wonderful balance of spiritual and physical connection. However, hours of sitting meditation and focused Kundalini work have been a catalyst for a full breakdown for more than one of my clients.
Much of modern meditation wisdom was developed for men. Men are often very connected to earth and have a hard time connecting to spirit, so meditation helps create a balance, whereas women are often very connected to spirit and have a hard time connecting to earth and to being fully in our bodies. Multiple hours of meditation can increase the imbalance for women. I highly recommend trauma survivors, whether male or female, receive other healing such as soul retrieval before undertaking meditation.
How can we protect ourselves when we go into an altered state of consciousness?
Exploring altered states of consciousness with an experienced teacher is a good plan. There are a number of steps that I teach my students when doing shamanic journey to keep them safe and clear of outside influences. Learning to meditate for 30 minutes a day from a book or CD is fine, but a deeper practice should be guided by an experienced teacher.
How can we tell the difference between impostors who are not for our most high good and high beings of light/angels trying to assist us?
There really isn't a substitute for working with an experienced practitioner. Intention is very important as well as mental and emotional stability. One good test is that a high being of light will never tell you to "prove yourself" or do something that feels out of integrity or safety to you. Free will is sacred and our guides hold loving space and make suggestions, but they never make demands or place conditions on their support. I address this more in my book, "Practical Shamanism".
Who we pick as a romantic partner, has such a huge impact on every phase of our lives. Please share some of your insights on staying in our center in relationships?
I regularly work with the complex landscape of romantic relationships both personally and professionally. I've witnessed over and over again how our instincts for survival play a huge role in the dance between partners that often goes unnoticed. Likewise, our unhealed childhood wounds often play into our choices in partners. I've found understanding, honoring and managing my instincts and inner child are key to being centered in relationship. The stronger my relationship with myself, the more space I have for romantic partnership that is based on joyful, mutual expression rather than unhealed pain or fear. My second book, "Sex, Shamanism, and Healing" goes deeply into this question.
]]>Abbot Shi Yongxin of China's Shaolin Temple Coming to L.A.tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8620412011-05-17T17:10:00-04:002011-07-17T05:12:01-04:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
He has compiled many volumes on Shaolin classics, such as "The Secret Book of Shaolin Kung Fu and Medicine," and frequently writes books and essays on a variety of topics with a Chan perspective.
Abbot Shi Yongxin joined the Shaolin Temple in 1981 as a young man, and he became its administrative head by 1987, after the death of his master, then-Abbot Xingzheng. In 1999 the official title of Abbot was conferred upon Shi Yongxin.
Shaolin Temple is famously known through its kung fu and Chan/Zen Buddhism and is situated in Dengfeng City in the Songshan Mountains of Henan Provence, China, said to be the "heartland" of China where much of Chinese civilization originated.
Shaolin Temple was established in 495 A.D. during the Northern Wei dynasty, by its then-emperor to accommodate the Indian master Buddhabhadra. Later, another Indian monk Bodhidharma arrived at Shaolin Temple, who was said to have crossed the Yangtze River on a reed.
Bodhidharma spent nine years meditating in a cave of the Wuru Peak just behind the temple, and initiated the Chinese Chan tradition at Shaolin Temple. Thereafter, Bodhidharma was honored as the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism, now known to parts of the world as Zen.
Legend also had it that Bodhidharma found monks weak and unhealthy after long meditation practices, so he developed movement to strengthen them, which formed the basis of Shaolin kung fu. Shaolin kung fu later evolved into over 700 forms of martial arts and became the cradle of much of the martial arts practiced in the world today.
In the 1,500 years since its founding, Shaolin has endured wars, famines, invasions and revolutions and also presided over times of great peace and prosperity. Its large cannon of stories, practices, culture, personalities and historical data is the stuff of legend, and it has inspired countless adaptations in traditional and popular culture around the world.
His Holiness the Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin will be sharing the mysteries of kung fu and healing with the public for the first time ever. This will be called the 1st Shaolin Summit, which will be held in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 21. Some of events during the day will include powerful Shaolin martial arts/kung fu demonstrations using secret techniques and training tips that will be revealed by authentic Shaolin warrior-monks, and Abbot Shi Yongxin will reveal a preview of his autobiography. There will be a welcoming ceremony for Abbot Shi Yongxin at the Shaolin Temple in Los Angeles on May 22.
Peter Shiao, who is the founder and CEO of Orb Media Group, is presenting the 1st Shaolin Summit. I had the opportunity to speak with him, and he told me:
Shaolin kung fu has become watered down over the years because much that is being taught is limited to the external side of the martial arts. Using a differed approach, the head master of the Shaolin temple will be here speaking directly to the people to help bring back into balance the spiritual side of Shaolin kung fu. The Shaolin monks have other-worldly abilities and can do extraordinary feats however, everyone can take something from this event and benefit.
The event is being produced by the non-profit Shaolin Association of North America in association with the Shaolin Temple of China to enlighten people and generate further support of the Temple's basic philosophy of bringing compassion and health into the world that empower people through non-sectarian practices.]]>The Tao of Love, Sex and Anti-Aging: Part 8tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8423372011-05-05T01:00:00-04:002011-11-17T09:02:45-05:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
When someone is trying to seduce you, watch what they do more than what they say.
If most of your family and friends have a "bad feeling" and get the "creepy crawlies" about this person you may want to take that into account when assessing the relevance of this person's place in your life.
I once had a relationship with a man who made most of my friends and family uneasy. Unfortunately, their resistance to him unintentionally drove me deeper into an extremely unbalanced person's arms. I ignorantly thought at the time it was because those around me did not have the higher consciousness to "get him". Plus, he seemed to "really get me" -- more than anyone had before. And so I began to retreat from everyone but him, creating our own private world with its own rules and boundaries apart from normal life.
I allowed this man to pull from my life force. He looked to me as his source of healing and energy. This created an unhealthy relationship for both parties. I was constantly drained and he became extremely dependent on me. The more I gave, the greater sense of entitlement he would have and expect it. I was doing the work for both of us.
In my meditation, I got the message that "I can eat, but he won't feel full." Meaning everyone is responsible for their own well-being. The most healing and loving relationships are ones that are in energetic balance.
When we keep our vibration high and are in alignment through prayer, service, meditation, chanting, connecting with nature and being in a state of gratefulness, our body heals and we look instantly younger. This attracts many types of people because they feel better in your presence. When we feel we have met a kindred spirit, it can be easy to project and feel that they are trustworthy and have the best intentions for us.
It all starts with being in a passionate loving relationship with yourself, no matter what your relationship status is. However, relationships do bring spiritual growth because the other person cannot help but mirror us and there is no hiding from our reflection.
Who we pick as a romantic partner has such a great impact on our lives. It is wise to take the time and pay attention to where to the vibration between you and your partner is at. When it is right, energy, beauty, laughter, creativity, financial wellness and healthy sexual expression go way up! This also happens when we are in the right relationship with ourselves. Of course, when we are not, those gifts can diminish significantly.
I was blessed to have a therapist -- Arlene Butler -- many years ago who is spiritual and at an advanced level in Tai Chi. During this unbalanced relationship, Arlene referred me to the teachings of Angeles Arrien, a cultural anthropologist. Arrien wrote that we should accept our mistakes and "detours" as teaching. It's about soul retrieval work, which is about reclaiming abandoned parts of ourselves, not blaming ourselves for screwing up.
My therapist would talk about boundaries and advise me not to be a "7-Eleven" . As the years have gone on, the importance of setting energetic boundaries still rings true. Someone can present well and create the illusion they are evolved. But just because they have read the right books and talk the talk, it does not exclude the possibility that they are really only highly skilled master manipulators -- just look at cult leaders. Once their manipulations get us to open the door, like a vampire they can invade us energetically, and it can feel as if a spell has been cast upon us.
People who have low energy or who are negative or emotionally disturbed, are not in alignment with the natural flow of energy. They can be described as energy drainers. They tend to pull energy from the people closest to them, so that they don't have to do their own inner work. This is nothing less than spiritual thievery.
If you choose to not send energy or to stop the person you are involved with from pulling energy from you and leaving you depleted, you can protect yourself by saying, "I am filled with and surrounded by the pure white light of the Christ (or God, Buddha, my higher self or any of the messengers of God you relate to most) through which nothing negative can ever penetrate and only my most high good can happen."
You can also just visualize yourself surrounded and filled with this powerful light, creating a protective shield against draining influences. I find that cutting all energetic cords between past loves or current ones that are not for your most high good is healing and will free up the energy that will allow you to move forward to a better place.
If you are ending something unhealthy or starting a new relationship, it's good to burn sage and/or dragon's blood incense and light up white candles around your home to clear the old energies.
In relationships with needy partners that always create situations that need your constant attention, one of the ways to help stay in energetic balance is to keep doing all the things you love in your life, regardless of their presence in it. Stayed plugged into your higher self so you can stay grounded and see things as they really are. One of the most dangerous things is to lose touch with our inner guidance system.
Clarity and empowerment come from speaking your truth! It is important to speak the words out loud. If you are not ready to say it to the person because you fear they are reactive or touchy, say it out loud to yourself first. I have done this and was stunned at the results; when the person arrived it was as if I had the conversation directly with him!
Remember, the energy of the words is just as important. Speak from a calm place of peace but hold your ground. You may find that the person you thought was so intimating to stand up to, was just posturing and scared. The one with the highest and calmest consciousness is the one with the most power.
]]>Should Shaolin Monks Be Asian? Just Ask Abbot Shi Yan Fan of Shaolin Temple Los Angelestag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8332812011-03-17T14:44:00-04:002011-11-17T09:02:45-05:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
Should Shaolin monks only be Asian? Can a Westerner ascend to the exalted level of an abbot? Venerable Abbot Shi Yan Fan of Shaolin Temple Los Angeles can answer that. He became the first of only 43 monks in the world to receive the ancient Jieba branding marks at Shaolin Temple, China in 2007, and he is Italian!
Born in Brindisi, Italy, Franco Testini began his study of martial arts at the age of seven. He explains that when he was young, Shaolin training was a secret in the communist-dominated country. Franco loved action, and when his older brother gave him an old sketch manual about Shaolin Qi Energy, he realized that he had in his possession something special. Coming from a poor family of 10, Franco challenged other children in the neighborhood to martial arts contests in order to bring money and food home to help support the family. He was a natural, and winning competitions came easily.
The manual was filled with simple Chinese brush sketches of martial arts stances and movements. It promised that by practicing this discipline, you could gain strength, learn self-defense, have longevity, develop healing powers and even become super-human. Fascinated by the book, he took it everywhere with him and constantly studied the movements. The book explained that the process starts through connecting with nature. This was the perfect opportunity for Franco to apply the philosophy of nature to his everyday life, for at the time he was a young shepherd on his cousin's farm. From sunrise to sunset, Franco spent his day in the mountains with a flock of about 200 sheep. As the sheep grazed, Franco mimicked the movements in the book, teaching himself the basics of martial arts. Even though the book was written in Italian, Franco was still unsure what the captions under the sketches meant. It was his cousin who explained to him that the basic principle was that with this training, a human being is capable of powerful and amazing things.
After two years of practicing from the book, Franco began to feel more strength, both mentally and physically. During that time Franco and his cousin would also visit the nearby military base to give fresh cheeses and milk to the soldiers. That was when he was first introduced to a martial monk named Kim Wong Feng from Chi Ri temple in South Korea. Kim Wong Feng saw great potential in Franco and accepted him as his student, thus beginning his official martial arts training at age nine.
Franco dedicated much of his time training with his master. Eventually, he left home to begin competing in tournaments. By the age of 19, Franco had won many titles but also became aware of the emptiness of the senseless fighting. He noticed that many bets were placed on him to win fights, but he never saw any of the winnings that he fought for. Franco realized that this was not the lifestyle that he envisioned. With so much anger and resentment he harbored inside, his master guided him to enter the gates of Chi Ri temple to change his life. After two years and three months of living a monastic life in South Korea, Franco was alerted of his father's deteriorating health. One month after Franco left the temple to go back to Italy, his father passed away.
After a few years of trying to reestablish his life in Italy, he decided to set out on an adventure to America. In 1994 Franco came to Los Angeles to spread Buddhism and the practice of Shaolin medicine. He arrived with faith and excitement over his unfolding adventure the day after the Northridge earthquake. He had no money, no contacts, no transportation and spoke no English. He slept in abandoned cars, on the floor close to a gas station and even on the sands of Redondo Beach. Franco would continue to train every day, and passersby would stop to watch him. People stood entranced just watching his body flow with power and elegance. He welcomed everyone to join him, and eventually people started to give him donations for the training. Slowly, his clientele grew. Soon Franco and his students started training in various parks, community centers and dance studios.
By 2004 Franco went to pay his respects to the temple in China and trained with the monks. Abbot Shi Yongxin was so pleased with Franco's dedication and history that the following year, the monks arranged a ceremony for Franco to become a disciple of the abbot and officially named him Shi Yan Fan, which means "Powerful Sky." Shi Yan Fan also received official permission from the abbot to open Shaolin Temple Los Angeles. He chose Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks because Ventura, translated from Italian, means "adventure," and that is how he has viewed his entire life journey.
Then, in 2007, the Chinese government allowed the partial lifting of a 300-year-old ban of an ancient ceremony at the Northern Shaolin Temple. Shi Yan Fan was requested by the Chinese government to participate in the ancient, one-month-long ceremony.
Out of 800 monks who attended the ceremony, only 100 monks were schedule to receive "Jieba," a ritual that is extremely painful because nine sticks of incense are affixed to the top of the head with a paste. Then they light the incense and let it burn for five minutes. The last two minutes are the most excruciating because the fire burns down into the scalp. Each of the resulting burn marks represents one of the fundamental rules of conduct: remain celibate, don't lie, don't steal, don't drink, don't use drugs, don't eat meat, don't kill animals, and don't judge others. Some of the monks fainted, while others cried or ran out trying to leave because they could not go through with the Jieba. Out of the 100 monks chosen to receive the marks, only 43 actually went on to being branded. Shi Yan Fan was chosen by the abbot to be the first monk branded in the ceremony. Not only was he the first to be branded in 300 years, but he was also the first non-Asian to receive this honor at Shaolin Temple. Abbot Shi Yongxin wanted to open its gates to the rest of the world by showing that race does not matter and that Shaolin is for all to receive its unlimited benefits.
Now back in Sherman Oaks, Calif. Shifu Shi Yan Fan continues to spread the message of Shaolin and Chan Buddhism. Shaolin Temple Los Angeles welcomes all ages, nationalities, athletic abilities and genders. Shifu Shi Yan Fan and his students all helped build the temple from the ground up. Volunteers donated their time and talents to help replicate the ancient warrior paintings from the walls of the original Shaolin Temple in China. A Buddha alter was also built to pay respects to the ancient culture. Shaolin Temple Los Angeles offers more than just martial arts training. Every day they Dharma walk for meditation as the monks do in China. Authentic forms of Qi Gong and Tai Chi are also offered, as well as traditional Shaolin tea and philosophy sessions. Shifu Yan Fan wanted a place where people can train and get a small taste of what the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple is like.
Currently, Shifu Shi Yan Fan and the members of Shaolin Temple Los Angeles are looking to expand its facility and erect a replica of the famous Shaolin Temple on a grander scale. Abbot Shi Yongxin has approved the project. Shifu Shi Yan Fan envisions it as becoming a majestic Los Angeles landmark for travelers all over the world to visit. It will be built up in the hills of Los Angeles above Ventura Boulevard.
Shi Yan Fan's life mission now is to continue to spread the teachings of Shaolin. He has stressed to me the importance of maintaining the integrity and ancient traditions of Shaolin by teaching his students every aspect: Meditation, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, martial arts, tea and philosophy, Chan Buddhism and much more.
There is also a biopic in development on Shi Yan Fan's life story, with the working title "Heart of Shaolin."
To read more I have an e-zine article on Shi Yan Fan coming in April at www.kungfumagazine.com.
For information about Abbot Shi Yan Fan and Shaolin Temple Los Angeles, visit www.shaolintemplela.org.]]>Get Flexible for Martial Arts Trainingtag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8114082011-02-03T14:56:00-05:002011-05-25T18:25:24-04:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
The next best thing is DVD's or classes from a qualified instructor. It would also be valuable wherever you study or train in martial arts to make sure there is a proper warm-up and cool down lead by someone who has already achieved a healthy level of flexibility. This will be a valuable investment into your health that keeps on giving. If you include regular stretching before and after training, it can help keep your body youthful for the rest of your life!
As a professional martial artist/flexibility expert for over 20 years, I regularly witness people of any age dramatically increase their flexibility, continually progressing and training at peak levels, when they regularly practice the following routines:
Flexibility training
Meditation and visualization
Cross-training (to give the other muscles used during martial arts practice a chance to recover)
Regular maintenance of kung fu skills, while working on mastering something new
Supplements (everyone has different needs; for my body calcium, vitamin D and Sun Chlorella is a must)
Sleep (when our body repairs muscles and processes new information)
Flexibility is the key to working out at your highest level because it increases the range of motions. 98 percent of injuries are due to a lack of flexibility.
Also, stretching is a critical tool in anti-aging because by gaining flexibility one loses that hunched-over posture and appears more youthful -- gaining the ability to perform martial arts with fluidity and ease.
If one is working out without stretching, there's is an imbalance in the body. Doing just one or two stretches is not enough because everything is connected. Stretching and strengthening the entire body will create balance that will leave you feeling free and open. It's sad how many injuries, unnecessary surgeries and use of pain medication could be prevented if people only knew how to properly stretch themselves.
When many martial artists perform the side kick, often the t-band (low back, outer hip area) gets tighter and tighter. That can get really painful and limit your training. Most people don't know how to keep that area in balance/open. Once you know the proper routine of stretches the pain leaves and one is able to kick even higher and with more ease!
It's important to know that practicing stretches in a specific order can help the body to open up faster. For example, before you can effectively stretch the hamstrings and the line up into lower back, one must stretch the calves thoroughly first.
In all my DVD's and when I work with clients, I show some of these stretches in the proper order to help prepare the body for each following stretches:
Upper body (It's important not to forget about stretching the upper body, shoulders, arm, hands and waist)
Lower legs/Calves/Feet
Quadriceps
Hips/Buttocks
Inner Thighs/Groin area
Hamstrings
Splits
To help you follow this routine, look for me in the (hard-copy) March/April issue of Kung Fu Magazine. It will be on stands February 1st. In it you will find me demonstrating the proper order and way to perform the stretches. You may also order it from www.kungfumagazine.com
There will also be an online clip on their website where I will demonstrate a really good outer-hip stretch!]]>The Tao of Love, Sex and Anti-Aging Part: 7tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.8099842011-01-21T10:05:00-05:002011-11-17T09:02:45-05:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
"(Your mate's name) I now fully and freely forgive the God in you, (or use whatever term you feel comfortable with: Christ, Higher Self, Buddha, etc.) bless you and fully release you to go to your most high good. I give thanks (your mate's name) fully and freely forgives the God in me and now releases to my highest good. We both will go on to fulfill our highest destiny. I now fully and freely bless you and the situation. I give thanks for this lesson which has helped me get clarity about the kind of loving relationship I now want to attract."
Of course you can customize the exact words to fit what feels right to your current situation. During these turbulent moments in a relationship we are in an intense growth/lesson period. When you release your partner or situation in a loving way, only the highest and best outcome for all involved can manifest. When you "let loose, let go and let God," you can never lose what is for your most high good. When releasing someone or something before taking an action, guidance will follow. The person may leave or act-out and push the situation to a place where it's clearly time to end. Or things may easily just flow back to the most natural state which is love, peace, balance and harmony.
Angeles Arrien shares an important truth in her writings that we could benefit from in applying to our lives:
The ultimate work that needs to be done each day is to choose whether we will support our authentic self or support our false persona or dutiful self. It's essential to reveal ourselves without holding back or censoring ourselves in any way.
The state where negative emotions have a charge and you want to feel better by ending the relationship signals it's time to stop and get calm, clear and centered. This will give you and your partner a chance to process and expand. When we raise our consciousness to that new place there is a click! What immediately follows is feelings of relieve and peace when harmony is restored.
By releasing it first on the inside we no longer feel bound to it nor do we feel we have to come up with the solution. When we look to and surrender to the higher workings of Divine Wisdom we allow access to unseen forces to work through is us, put wings on us so we may fly up and over the appearance of a so called "problem".]]>The Tao of Love, Sex and Anti-Aging: Part 6tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.7922752011-01-04T18:52:00-05:002011-11-17T09:02:45-05:00Stacey Nemourhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacey-nemour/
It is always best in any type of relationship to get to a centered and non-defensive place before expressing yourself or taking any kind of action. Most solutions and insights happen through quiet contemplation. When we get still enough, we can tune in to our inner-knowing, and it will guide us to best thought and action.
By getting clarity and then allowing the support of the entire universe to operate through you, you can bring positive changes in an instant! The key word in that sentence is "allowing" (trusting you are always being taken care of and have all that you need).
Each day is an opportunity to vibrate even higher than the day before, to make the choice to be more beautiful (reflecting the beauty of God), loving, centered, balanced and clear. When we take responsibility for our own well-being by living our dreams and passions, we remain youthful and vibrant.
When things seem to be falling apart or getting out of control, it can be comforting to consider to believe the universe is clearing the way either for the situation to come back in a new and more satisfying way, or for new people, places and things to enter your experience. Knowing this, we can bless and release things that no longer serve us. Sometimes, when there are endless delays and apparent setbacks on projects that you have been working on for years, it is because the universe is preparing you for something much bigger than you ever imagined.
A good affirmation to meditate on during these times is, "There is no loss in Divine Mind; it will be restored, or I will receive its equivalent and more."
We can express love to our partner by appreciating each other through words, action and touch. When you see your partner as beautiful and imagine giving them a love-bath when you hug them, they can transform right before your eyes. Their true beauty and gifts will become magnified. The same happens when we view ourselves that way too.
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When many martial artists perform the side kick, often the t-band (low back, outer hip area) gets tighter and tighter. That can get really painful and limit your training. Most people don't know how to keep that area in balance/open. Once you know the proper routine of stretches the pain leaves and one is able to kick even higher and with more ease!