We have a few tests coming up soon in the dojo, including our first ever black sash test at the end of March. I’ve been thinking a lot about testing lately, and I’ve gotten a few questions about the process. Some people wonder about the logistics (when do I test, what’s on the test), while others are curious about how hard the test is and are probably wondering if they’re

  Imagine this will be the best year of your life. Not the best year so far, but the best you will ever have. That will certainly set the bar high for your goal setting. You know nothing will top whatever you do in the next 12 months. This may help you see things from a new perspective. To take this even further, try this: imagine what goals the most dynamic,

This week at the dojo we are focusing on breathing. I first wrote this article several years ago but have updated it with some specifics about this week’s specific breathing exercise.   The breath seems like a silly thing to think about if you haven’t done it before in martial arts, Tai Chi, meditation or other internal work. You may think, I have plenty to worry about already. Now I need to

When I was a child I was given a book with the title My Book About Me. It was a Dr. Seuss book with illustrations. There was a picture of me looking funny with an oversized baseball hat that my parents helped me tape to the front. I filled out a series of superficial items from inside the book (“my eyes are this color, my nose looks like this”, etc).

Last weekend we had our annual Internal Retreat at Mt. Baldy Zen Center. We had an amazing time practicing Tai Chi and meditating in nature. Here are some of the lessons that stand out for me. Silence at the Internal Retreat This year at out Internal Retreat we did 24 hours of silence starting Friday night and lasting until dinner on Saturday. Most people on Internal Retreat dreaded being in total silence.