Today marks the start of the EARTH season. It's the reset button, the part of our lives when we want to step back and look at the big picture that was the Metal season. For most of the people I've encountered within these past three months, the most common feeling was grief, brought about by changes, accompanied by an increased sense of self, knowing who we are and what we want (or even just what we do not want). With this came letting go and planning the paths we are to take to move towards the life where we are happy, fulfilled and loved.

There was also an overwhelming sense of justice, from the Occupy Wall Street movement here at home, to the various protests around the world, to possible conflicts that have arisen from people finally knowing the value of their time, efforts and ideas.

Yep. Sounds about right. It fits your prototypical Metal season. So what now, Irene? What are we supposed to do with all this upheaval we've experienced in the past few months? Well take a few steps back, Nancy (my nickname for you... unless of course your name IS Nancy, in which case I'm talking directly to you). Take stock of the major instances of loss, of clarity of purpose, of structure, of an overwhelming sense to stand up for both yourself and your peeps, and take away from it any sense of anger, frustration, even grief. VOILA! Lessons are learned. Consequently, this is the way our spleen, the organ of the EARTH element, works: it extracts the useful materials from visitors of our ever welcoming organ, Mr. Stomach.

Remember, ALL our experiences are there to shed a light on our internal world so we can both appreciate what's serving us and unblock that which hinders our continual growth. And grow we all must, for the Universe is so massive and so full of possibility that is is just waiting for us to fill it.

I come in peace,
Irene

We are all up in our hearts this fire season! In class, we continue our exploration of unconditional love, peeling the layers of our emotions - 7 layers to be exact. In his book, The Taoist Soul Body: Harnessing the Power of Kan and Li, Mantak Chia explained that, according to Taoism, the heart fibers are bundled into seven layers. These fibrous layers generate different electromagnetic fields which then translate into seven states of compassion energy.

This week, the Breakthrough practitioners and I have been focusing on the state of KINDNESS. Before we were able to really practice KINDNESS, we had to get in touch with the meaning of the word.

So I consulted my friend, Mr. Wikipedia. He defined it as a state marked by goodness and charitable behaviour, mild disposition, pleasantness, tenderness, and concern for others. What's more interesting are these other little-known facts about KINDNESS: it is considered to be one of the Seven Contrary Virtues (contrary to the seven deadly sins) - opposite the emotion of envy. The Dalai Lama has declared KINDNESS as his religion, and, according to Aristotle, KINDNESS is defined as "helpfulness towards someone in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper himslef, but for that of the person helped."

Well in our class, we hold somewhat of a symposium before each class, a discussion on KINDNESS. Mike sees kindness as your presence to what is beneficial to others in a particular situation. Therefore, it is behaving with the intention of the other person's highest possible good. To Stacy, KINDNESS comes in the form of acceptance - of the self, first of all, and of others regardless of their beliefs, appearance and states of being.

Recently, I had an experience that put my capacity for KINDNESS into question (yes... it's true... I am human...). I came to the realization that I sometimes sacrifice kindness for the sake of humor. I think that as children we might call that bullying, but as adults we brush it off as comedy. I won't get into details (I reserve that during class time. :)), but let's just say that I caught myself almost saying something to be funny and realizing that, in saying so, I would have inadvertently made fun of someone's very serious disability. I realized that not only was it NOT KIND, it was also cruel.

Now don't get me wrong. My sassy, sarcastic New Yorker is not going away at any time. But I do intend on flexing the KINDNESS muscles of my heart more frequently, being more present and sensitive not only to others, but also to the energy that my words and actions are sending to my inner self.

Loving You Kindly,

Irene

May 18, 2011

Summer Lovin' Had Me a Blast!

So during this start of the season, it's good to know that there would be an abundance of LOVE, which is the fuel for most human actions (cue sexy music). It's time to write letters expressing your heart, to enjoy the things that bring you joy (the most obvious expression of LOVE), to move forward with any changes you've been looking to make towards more LOVE in your life. Awareness is the key during this season and at the first sign of excess, the best thing to do is retreat and move inward (*ahem* water *ahem*). Take a few steps back, do a bit of inner smiling in your HEART, and feel it temper those manic feelings. Doing the inner smile meditation in your HEART (a practice we'll be doing all summer long during all classes) will focus all the feelings inward and fill you with gratitude, compassion and all the other emotions associated with LOVE. When you feel the fullness inside without the crazy tendencies, then go out and enjoy this season again, and let everyone know what a LOVE machine you really are.

PS - I love you. :)

April 22, 2011

Earth!

This makes it all the more interesting that balance is of tantamount importance not only to aerialists, tightrope walkers and checkbooks, it also is very important for US as human beings. Moderation is the key to happiness, and the key to moderation is balance. Balance manifests itself in many ways in our lives: between periods of rest and activity, between movement and stillness, between eating and fasting, and the list goes on. It even plays a big part in our Qigong practice! (Click here to find out how to cultivate balance through your practice.) So from now, until May 4th, take inventory of the parts of your life where you might need more balance, and move towards it, into your center.

The West has finally caught up to the East! While the Spring season began for the Chinese on February 4th, Spring has just sprung here in Sunny San Diego! Flowers are blooming all around, tree leaves are starting to grow back and we are starting to feel the warmth of the sun for longer periods of time.

This is also a time when people get a hankering to clean out their closets and make some room in their houses. Nature also is cleaning up, because it is in the leaves that most Carbon Dioxide is absorbed, which means that the air becomes more purified in the presence of those green, green leaves.

So Spring, with the energy of the Wood or Tree element, creates movement towards cleansing and purification. So if you're taking time to clean your home, why not take it a step further and clean YOUR BODY, the home you can't live without? And I'm not talking a hot bath, either (although some of you can use the reminder...). I'm talking internal detoxification through fasting.

A recent New York Times article noted that it is very beneficial for heart health to go on a fast. Imagine working 24 hours a day/seven days a week. Wouldn't you beg for a vacation, too? When you fast, that is essentially what you're doing for your body: you're giving your organs a vacation. That way, they can reset and function better, the way you do after a day of doing NOTHING.

There are a million ways to fast, depending on your intention and how much time you want to commit. So I've enlisted our favorite local Naturopathic Doctors, Dr. Kim Kelly, to create a fasting system that is perfect for you. (When you call him, mention if you just want the consultation on fasting to get a discount!) Or, you can also just consult your favorite Dietician, Nutritionist or any health care professional with over 200 hours of advanced nutritional training [most western medical schools only dedicate 4 - 16 hours of study to nutrition].

What exactly happens to the body when you fast?

It certainly gives your digestive system a break, but more importantly it is HUGELY beneficial to your liver, because it is your liver that has to process all the chemical compounds that we absorb from the stomach and intestines, diverting traffic so that the toxins get sifted from the nutrients, the former transported to organs responsible for excretion and the latter to the blood where it gets distributed to muscles, organs or becomes fuel for metabolic pathways.

The liver, in fact, is the largest organ and rightly so, because it is the hardest working organ in the body! In addition to blood detoxification, the liver also metabolizes carbohydrates, metabolizes lipids (fats), takes part in protein synthesis, secretes bile, among others.

If we looked at the macrocosm that is nature, the tree is to the planet what the liver is to the body! How clever of the Universe to create such associations. So while there is still time during this flourishing time of tree growth (this Sunday, April 17th, the Spring/Wood season gives way to the 9 day Spring/Earth season followed by the 9 day Summer/Earth season, with Summer starting May 6th), do consider going on a fast or at least maintaining a nutrient-dense, juice or smoothie cleanse for a day or so.

On a final note on cleansing, the mind is the second most active organ in the body, but we feel its effects more readily. Meditation is the fast for the mind, so now is the time to start a meditation practice. Even 5 minutes per day does wonders for your overall focus and relaxation. "Sitting still doing nothing" will do more things to heal your body than any other exercise. I don't even need to go much further on this topic. Just look up "Meditation" and "Research" and "NIH" on the internet and you'll have more information than you really need. So please, hurry up and sit still.

A combination of a cleanse/fast and meditation is one of the best gifts you can do for your body, because it gives back a state of health, relaxation, focus and, ultimately, energy.

March 16, 2011

***Please join us this weekend, March 19, 2011 for a special 9-Breath Circle to send healing energy to those who need us around the world. Lunch will be served! Click here to find out more!***

Everything will be fine...

We’ve all been inundated with propaganda from both side of the nuclear energy debate: “Oh no, it’s another Chernobyl!” and “What are you talking about, it’s only radioactive molecules that can simply be washed off by soap and water!” and “You get more radiation from an airplane ride!”

So I did a preliminary research on the topic based on what I’ve heard and read. I work with six NASA solar physicists and, of course, Monday morning banter involved the severity of the radioactive nature of the explosions at a few of Japan’s nuclear power plants. As many contemporary scientists do, they erred on the side of caution when it comes to declaring the human impact of this accident. “You get more radiation from an airplane ride,” my boss said. As I chewed my seaweed snack (more on this later), I pondered what they said and what I’ve read. Then I plunged, head first into the facts and figures and came up with the list below:

1. According to a New York Times article from Tuesday, March 14, “radiation levels measured at one point as high as 400 millisieverts an hour.” That means at least that much amount of radioactive materials have been released in the atmosphere.

2. To put things in perspective, I consulted Merck Manuals (a top Western medicine reference library) to confirm naturally-occurring and run-of-the-mill radiation levels. And while it really alarmed me that I’m only limited to 8 millisieverts for my barium enema, I was in a little bit of shock that the levels Merck listed on their website was for ANNUAL EXPOSURE. So an hour’s radiation at one of Japan’s reactor plants is equal to getting your annual barium enema for 50 years! Oh, in other crazy news, the radiation for the 28 hours it would take for you to fly to Kai's upcoming retreat in Lijiang, China is a whopping 0.14 millisieverts. Before leaving work on Monday, I asked my boss if, in fact, the radiation from the Sun (which is what you get from an airplane) is the same as the radiation from nuclear energy (which you get from the Earth). The answer is no. The radiation from the Earth mimicks our bodies' biological functions and therefore is more harmful in the long term.

3. To be specific, the nuclear reactors are spewing out Cesium-137 and Iodine-131. But we are so far away! Aren’t they saying that the half-life of both of those substances are pretty short? That by the time it gets to us, it wouldn’t be as potent? Well one of the only things I remember from those days as a pre-med student is the meaning of half-life. So what if I used it as a measure for how long I’d stay in the program? Half-life is the time it takes for a substance to decay by half. That means half of the thing is still around after this half-life is done. Consequently, my career as a pre-med student had a half life of 1.5 years. The tricky thing about half-life is that the decay slows down as the amount of the substance decreases. So if something has a half-life of 8 days (ahem, iodine-131, ahem), 50% of it would be gone in 8 days. The remaining half has a half-life of 8 days too, which means that by the 16th day, a fourth of the amount remains, on the 24th, an eighth, and so forth.

4. Cesium-137 is the primary radioactive material of concern in Eastern Europe back in the days of the C word that rhymes with Mobil (coincidence? he, he, he, probably…) They said that it is only a concern if the fuel in the burning pods is new fuel. For the purposes of optimism, let's say that the fuel is old (I read that two of the reactors were scheduled to be decommissioned next year). That means that only Iodine-131 was released into the atmosphere, and that only a trace of it was travelling our way (not 50 barium enemas worth). It would take a few days to get to us, right? Yes. Accuweather.com wrote this handy-dandy article regarding the amount of time it takes for that cloud to travel over the Pacific Ocean. Going at the rate of 20 miles per hour, it would take this cloud about 11 days to reach Los Angeles. Well thank goodness that, according to the wind patterns recorded by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, our wind speeds can get as low as 22.22 miles per hour. At 22.22 miles per hour, the cloud would reach landfall in 10.27 days. At best, we have until the 21st of March to get our bodies ready.

5. So in 5 days, a cloud bearing radioactive isotopes that are less than half but more than a quarter as potent will reach our shores. The thing is, Iodine-131 is one of the radioactive isotopes that “ are sometimes paradoxically less dangerous [at high doses] than low doses, since they tend to kill thyroid tissues which would otherwise become cancerous as a result of the radiation.” At least, that’s what this Wikipedia article says. According to the Center for Disease Control fact sheet, “ The thyroid gland cannot tell the difference between stable and radioactive iodine and will absorb both.”

I know what you’re thinking: Irene, you fibber! You told us there was nothing to worry about!

Before you get your organic bamboo panties in a bunch, remember that I told you that nature provides us with the solutions to ALL our problems. Yes. Even the ones we caused ourselves. So below I list my suggestions on how to arm this lean, mean, protection machine we call our human bodies. That way, you don’t have to move. Unless, of course, you have a beachfront property you want to sell to me for $5. In that case, run… save yourself!

If you observe the structure of a tree, you will see that the leaves grow playfully, sometimes intertwined with each other, mostly in the area that is touched by the sun. So the spring is the time of play, a time of moving towards that which nourishes us. It is also a time of growth, of bringing forth any ideas and principles that we cultivated during our retreat in the winter.

In the acupuncture system of the Five Elements, the wood energy relates to strategic thinking. In this way, we can bring our ideas and map out, playfully, our action plan. Remember, the tree grows more fully when there is the sun, the ultimate manifestation of the fire energy of the heart. So plan your ideas with the guidance of your heart.

The branches and trunk of a tree is sturdier than the leaves and flowers, but yet is less likely to wilt and fall off. It's the balanced aspect of the wood energy: yielding to let the wind move through playfully, and yet strong enough to hold the leaves, the fruits and maybe even a small Filipina. So in your playful planning, allow for the movement with change, just as the tree softly moves with the wind. Yield and be flexible.

This flexibility is only possible because of the tree's roots. The strongest trees have some of the deepest roots. This means know yourself, and become extremely grounded within. In the state of groundedness, we can burst forth upwards and out, playing, growing with the guidance of our heart.

Click here for a practice in rooting and grounding.

February 18, 2011

Habit Bandwagon

At this point in the year, most people who set goals in the New Year have pretty much given up on them.  Statistics show that 36% of adults who make a New Year’s resolution discontinue within the first month, and 97% before the year’s end.  We’re constantly finding ways to be better people, yet very few of us actually make the necessary changes (or additions) to accomplish that.

Stephen R. Covey says, “Our character is basically a composite of our habits.”  Who we are is defined by what we do on a consistent basis.  So how do we create habits that last beyond the first month... or, gulp!, the first year?

We intentionally practice... for 66 days, on average.

You heard me.  66 days.  And it may even be longer depending on the magnitude of the change you want to integrate, at least, according to this paper published in the European Journal of Social Psychology.

So in support of this phenomenon, I would like to make you an offer.  Jump into this “Habit Bandwagon” with me, and I will help you celebrate each 22nd day milestone: practice Qigong as my guest at Breakthrough!  In addition, when you reach your 66nd day, Breakthrough will pay for your community acupuncture session at Nautilus Holistic Health in Encinitas!  That’s right, FREE acupuncture.

Because I love you, I’ve created this handy-dandy checklist with dates listed, including reminders of when to take advantage of your rewards.  This list starts today.  You can alter this by changing the dates according to the date you listed when you registered.

Just like any other deals, there are terms.  Here are mine:

~  You must register to go on the “Healing Bandwagon” here.
~  Your daily intention must be approved.  This is important because I don’t want to encourage the development of unresourceful (we’ll nickname these “bad”) habits.  So no, your intention to eat one cupcake every day doesn’t qualify, nor does your intention of eating more protein by integrating a daily Cheetos intake to your diet.  Consider your intention approved upon submission unless I send you an email with the subject “What are you, nuts?!?”  For a suggestion on how to break bad habits, click here.
~  You are allowed one emergency skip day.  Notice that this should only be utilized in an EMERGENCY, like if your plane had to crash land on top of Mt. Everest and you were stuck in your seat because of a faulty seatbelt.  Unless, of course, your intention was to meditate every day, in which case you should be meditating like crazy.
~  According to Taoist Philosophy, virtue is innate.  When you trust a person to do what’s right, they are likely to act with integrity.  So my heart is open and full of trust in the goodness of the Universe.  I trust that  you will honor the terms of this offer.

Go on this journey with me honorably and we will all reap the benefits.  If you fall off the bandwagon, get up and get on it again.  There should be no fear in starting over, only excitement that you’re now just a little wiser.

PS

According to statistics, a majority of resolutions are for a change in diet/eating habits.  This weekend, on Saturday, February 19th from 10am to 12pm, learn ways to easily integrate a healthy portion of fruits and vegetables into your daily intake.  The Introduction to the Food Healing System workshop is valuable for those looking to eat healthier, lose weight, reverse diseases, have more energy... and the list goes on.  Because I’m in the giving mood, pre-registration will stay at $25.00, but the fee at the door remains $45.00.  Click here to register!

Dear TETBR,

In solidarity with you, my enlightened energetic sibling, I will denounce this petty holiday and stop all feelings of love every 14th of February.

Just kidding. The thing is, we can't help but feel love. I love my oatmeal in the morning. I love the Beatles. I also do really love even the randomest of people, especially if they're completely receptive to it (more on this and my other New York adventures in next week's newsletter). Furthermore, in today's society where people are disconnected in their hearts, I have grown to appreciate holidays that bring the mass consciousness into one intention. Yes, it has become commercialized; but we are all consumers. You, with your cell phone, your internet connection, the clothes on your back, are a consumer. So if the only way a person knows how to show their love is through gifts, then so be it. That's their journey. That's their path. Hopefully, they will soon stumble upon a Qigong class and learn that there is a deeper way to connect with those you love. Read on below to find out how Qigong can enhance your connections with those in your life.

Knowledge of the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi and Shen) is essential in all Qigong practice. I just came back from a Taoism and Sexuality workshop with Lee Holden of the Chi Center in Santa Cruz and he re-iterated the importance of the interaction between all three in establishing connections.

Jing - our physical essence, expressed in our sexual organs. The Jing is crucial to creation of all human beings. It is also our primary way to interact in today's society, with our physical presence being our primary tool for connection.

Qi - our life force, expressed in our hearts. Qi is vital to the full expression of our Jing, the expression that is nourishing instead of depleting, that is cultivating instead of just taking, that is not heavy, but light.

Shen - the spirit, expressed in our eyebrow center. Shen is our connection to a higher power, and is essential to our harmony with esoteric concepts of love, peace, joy and fulfillment, those essential aspects of our lives that cannot be humanly measured. When Jing and Qi are fully expressed in harmony, our energy moves more easily in the states of love, joy and connectedness.

The movement of Qi in the masculine and the feminine are different, so below you will find two versions of the same Three Treasures meditation. We all have both energies within us; one energy is more prevalent in some than in others. If you identify more with your physical being, if you have a hard time connnecting with your emotions, then you operate more with a masculine energy. If you are an emotional being, if you wear your heart on your proverbial sleeve, then you operate more with the feminine energy. So pick the meditation that best connects with your present state, and repeat until you feel all your centers fully connected.

• Starting at your middle dan tien, your heart, feel energy building up, filling the space completely, inhale builds the qi, exhale moves it in a certain direction
• See that energy move downward, with a heavy fullness, towards your lower dan tien, but closer to your genital area
• See the lower dan tien fill up with energy, building heat, until the qi collected there moves upward, like steam floating in the air.
• Visualize this steam raising from both sides of your body, moving towards your upper dan tien, your eye brow center. When this energy fills up, it rains back down to your heart, and the movement starts all over again.

• Starting at your lower dan tien, closer to your sexual center, feel energy building up, filling the space completely, inhale builds the qi, exhale moves it in a certain direction
• See that energy move upward, with a lightness, towards your middle dan tien, your heart center
• See the middle dan tien fill up with energy, opening, until the qi collected there moves upward, like steam floating in the air.
• Visualize this steam raising from your heart, moving towards your upper dan tien, your eye brow center. When this energy fills up, it rains back down the sides of your body to your lower dan tien, your sexual center, and the movement starts all over again.

February 3, 2011

Imagine the life you want... NOW!

Happy Lunar New Year!  This year is the start of the Metal Rabbit and begins in the season of the Wood (Tree) Element.

What does it all mean?  The New Moon itself has the quality of beginnings, and coupled with the Wood energy, it means that it’s a great time to start new ventures, get to know new people, start on new projects.  It is also a good time to imagine what your best life looks like, write it down (journal or even a vision board), and then talk to a friend as say this:

“Listen, this might sound crazy, but this girl Irene says that I need to verbally express what I want to someone.  And that someone happens to be you.  So if you can do me a favor, while I say these things, please visualize in your head what I’m saying and say YES! with a passion.”

And hear this.  We receive to give.  When a cup becomes full, its nature is to overflow and the most sustainable way to live is to use that overflow and not let it go to waste.  So think of how your wants can benefit life as a whole.  Visualize ways that you can give back.  “When I find the perfect partner, my heart is so light and fulfilled that I will be able to treat everyone around me with a little bit more compassion.”  Now you do it.

Interestingly enough, there are several ways to divide up the aspects of your life to maximize your manifestation work.  I’ve included two:  the Five Elements and the BaGua.  See below for details.

PS
I’ll be in New York all of next week teaching Qigong, Breath Empowerments and Food Healing. William Potter will grace us with his presence on Monday February 7th, and Stephen Entin will teach on Tuesday February 8th . Class is cancelled on Wednesday, February 9th,  I will be back to teach a special Tantra Qigong on Monday night, February 14th at 6:45pm.

The BaGua

Based on the eight-sided arrangement of the Trigrams of the I-Ching, this system is frequently used in Feng Shui. It divides life into eight areas:

1. Creativity - I also call this play. It's the expression of your life that is fun and light.

2. Travel - This can also pertain to traveling within oneself, and relate to exploration in general.

3. Career - This means not only pursuing a source of means, but also discovering your passion.

4. Wisdom/Knowledge - Creating opportunities where you learn from others, or being a student of life. This consists of opening your eyes and your heart for lessons, direct and indirect.

5. Foundation - This can mean nurturing blood ties, or creating a family of nurturing people around you.

January 31, 2010

TRUST

One of the best ways you can show love is by trusting someone to do right thing. That's right. I went there, right in the jugular. Trust is one of those tricky things that's easily learned and yet easily forgotten. When was the last time you FULLY trusted a person or a situation, without devising a plan B in the back of your head? I know. Me too. I'm queen of plan C. Why is it so gosh danged hard to really throw a caution in the wind? Because trust involved taking certain things you know about a person or a situation, and tossing them out the door. But how do we do that?

It's going to get dense up in this piece, so please bear with me. Again, I'm only a life scientist, so all these concepts are all a part of this experiment I'm doing called LIVING. And so all I ask is that you experiment with me and see how it goes for you.

Now, let's pretend that there are thousands... maybe millions of versions of you, existing simultaneously in time. There's a version of my who is a doctor somewhere... and there's a version of me who is still working in New York pursuing acting... etc. Existing among the many versions of you is your best self: the healthiest, the happiest, the most fulfilled... YOU! So trust is not only the belief that your higher self exists - that's faith - trust is giving the best version of yourself loving encouragement so that it becomes fully realized. Now I'm only saying "self" because, well, that's the best place to start! So practice trusting yourself. At a point of decision, see yourself where you want to be, cultivating happiness, love, sincerity and authenticity in every step. Now see yourself moving towards that place, and confidently take each step

January 14, 2010

BEGIN WITHIN

To go with the theme of fresh starts, this past week's classes focused on one of the foundational aspects of our practice - OUR BREATH. What makes Qigong so deeply healing is the way our breath is incorporated into each movement. It helps to oxygenate the blood and open channels (capillaries, micro-capillaries, ducts, micro-ducts) that have long been closed off due to stress, getting more oxygen to the organs. So below you will find a review of the Qigong Breath. For those of you with your own personal practice (and that should really be ALL of you), incorporate one of these breaths with a movement or posture, until the breath and the movement become one.

1. Find comfortable position, either sitting or standing, spine is straight, top of the head honors the heavens, tip of the tongue touches the upper palate, shoulders are relaxed, pelvis tucked underneath if you're standing.

2. Without altering anything, bring your attention to your breath, observing with gratitude its path through your body, its frequency, the amount of air that you actually take in; where does it travel: to your chest or your belly?

3. When you feel fully aware of your breath, bring your focus on a point two inches below your belly button. This is your lower dan-tien (the lower energy center). Slowly, guide your breath there while remaining completely relaxed. Notice that your belly expands, like a buddha belly. Breathe this way until it feels completely natural.

4. When you feel that your belly has expanded to its full potential, keep inhaling, feeling you lung cavity expand out and up, until your clavicle feels like it's expanding. As you exhale, allow the belly button to come inward first, emptying your lungs afterwards.

VISUALIZE: Your torso is an empty glass, your breath is water. When you pour water into a glass, it fills from the bottom first. This is your inhale. Now see an opening at the bottom of the glass and imagine that water is draining from the bottom. This is your exhale.

Now incorporate this with each movement, allowing the speed of your breath to guide the speed of your movement. This is what we call THE PRACTICE FROM WITHIN.

Before I knew it, nine minutes have passed, my arms felt sore yet strong, my consciousness clear and connected. The simple act of re-starting each sixty minute cycle made staying in a difficult pose much, much easier; a fresh start in the midst of forward motion.

This got me thinking about the cycles in our lives: era, generation, decade, year, quarter, month, week, day, minute, second.

WHAT?!? IRENE, YOU'VE GONE OFF YOUR ROCKER! HOW IN THE WORLD CAN A SECOND BE AN ENTIRE CYCLE?

But what if it is? Imagine the possibilities in your life if you treated each second as a new start? Instead of carrying the burden of the past, see it only as a guide, knowing that each step after that is a whole new life. If we look at life as art, each second is a blank canvass, the past mere paints, your presence is your brush, and the Universe your inspiration.

So in this New Year, take a few minutes to sit in meditation ask yourself a few questions. Call it your Life Artist Checklist:

What paints (memories/lessons from the past) will you carry with you? What is the state of your brushes (presence/mind and body health) How connected are you with your inspiration? (The Universe/God/Krishna/Buddha/etc.)

And with the answers to these questions, step forward into the possibilities of this new year. I wish your canvass a dabbing of joy, a coating of abundance, and a splash of love.

FULL MOON

During the moon's orbit around the earth, it passes through several charging environment, where it's magnetic fields go through dramatic changes. Most of the charge comes from the Sun; unless, of course during the Full Moon (and 3 days before and 3 days after), when its charge comes from the Earth:

"...when the Moon enters the magnetotail, the solar wind is pushed back and the [Earth's] plasma sheet takes over. The plasma sheet is about 10 times hotter than the solar wind and that gives it more "punch" when it comes to altering the charge balance of the Moon's surface. Two million degree electrons in the plasma sheet race around like crazy and many of them hit the Moon's surface. Solar wind electrons are relatively cool at only 140 thousand degrees, and fewer of them zip all the way down to the shadowed surface of the Moon's nightside." (Dr. Tony Phillips, NASA, "The Moon and the Magnetotail") So what does this mean, exactly? "...in the cold lunar dark, electrons accumulate and voltages can climb to hundreds or thousands of volts. Walking across the dusty charged-up lunar terrain, astronauts may find themselves crackling with electricity like a sock pulled out of a hot dryer. Touching another astronaut, a doorknob, a piece of sensitive electronics—any of these simple actions could produce an unwelcome zap. 'Proper grounding is strongly recommended,' advises TimStubbs, a University of Maryland scientist working at the Goddard Space Flight Center."

NOTICE:

1. Yes, NASA says that the Earth gives off energy from its magnetotail that is MUCH stronger than that of the solar winds from the sun. Sit down for a moment, ponder that, and appreciate the fact that we are living on a planet capable of out-doing the immense sun, and yet it chooses the gentility of creating trees, the Dalai Lama and Bambi.

2. NASA recommends proper grounding. Which I translate to mean that NASA recommends the YOU PRACTICE QIGONG. Of course, I am kidding (maybe...) about NASA's recommendation. But during this time of highly charged energetics, it may be wise to practice Qigong, Breath Empowerment, Floor Yoga poses, Meditation with the focus on your connection with the Earth, or, at the very least, spend a few minutes during your day to focus on your feet and how it connects to the ground.

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE

Total lunar eclipses happen when the Earth's shadow engulfs the sun. Before we examine what this alignment could mean for us going forward, let's review the energetics of both the Earth and the Moon from the Chinese philosophical perspective:

1. The Earth symbolizes the energy of balance, it is embodied mostly in the spleen, the organ that distills the food digested by the large intestine, taking only the most nutritious parts of your food. It is also characterized by it's uncanny ability to create life, it transforms potential (seeds) into fruits of life (humans, animals, trees, etc.) with the help of the other elements.

2. The Moon symbolizes the ultimate YIN energy, of receptivity, calmness, deep thinking, and, at it's most transformed, inner balance and groundedness. It is directly related to the force of yin water, responsible for our oceans' tidal patterns. It also shares with the Earth the feminine aspect of creativity.

OBVIOUS STATEMENT ALERT: The energy of creativity is a common theme in both the energies of the Earth and the Moon. Taken in the context of a Lunar Eclipse during a Full Moon, we use the creativity brought forth by the best parts of ourselves to set our innermost intentions, and ground them with the receptive energy of the moon. But this is no ordinary moon, it is a full moon, energized by the magnetic force of the Earth. The cosmic receptivity of our highest intentions is magnified immensely, so set your intentions carefully, filtering it in the vessel of your heart; remembering that we fulfill our highest purpose when we intend to receive for the purpose of giving.

WINTER SOLSTICE

The point of the year when the Sun is at its lowest point, the receptive Yin energy is at its peak. It's a great time for moving inwards, for reflection, and for seeking answers from within, as well as creating clarity for the New Year. The power of this inward movement is further amplified by the Yin of the Full Moon. Again, have a clear picture of your intentions for your next steps, being aware that as the Yang energy of the spring starts emerging at the other side of this day, whatever you set will be put forth in full motion. So be really specific about what seeds you plant so you can grow the tree you envisioned.

Manifestation = Inspiration + Intention * Action

The equation above not only puts action as an equal factor in manifestation, it is a multiplier. It means that with every step you take towards what you want, your inspiration and intention are magnified. Therefore, as soon as you have a clear view of your intention, ACT! Take a step forward, leading with your heart (like wuji), enjoying the journey, being of service.

So, FULL MOON + LUNAR ECLIPSE + WINTER SOLSTICE = you, moving inward, listening to the answers that the universe is happy to provide.

PS: Some fun numbers I just made up.

December 21, 2010

~ a rare occurrence when the Full Moon moves through a 72-hour Lunar eclipse that coincides with the Solstice
~ exactly two years before the date when the Mayan calendar ends: December 21, 2012
~ two years = 24 months
~ 24 = 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 6 + 3 + 8
~ 12/21/1638 = the last occurrence of full moon/lunar eclipse/winter solstice

GIVING + RECEIVING - DRAMA = A NURTURING COMMUNITY

Do you need a way to be in community? Click here to find out about our monthly nine-breath circle or check out one of my favorite places, The Red Lotus Society, for some amazing workshops and events.

3. Trust - WHEW! That's a huge one. Trust is a four-letter word, except there's "U" in the middle. "U" know that love exists, even when you feel surrounded by darkness. "U" are able to connect with your heart by going inward and finding your center (if you want to learn how to do this, click here and practice qigong with us!). The Universe starts with "U," which means it's CONSTANTLY conspiring in your favor, even when you don't want to see it. Take your biggest problems. Then imagine yourself trapped inside a 90-degree mine for 69 days. Yes, life is good, isn't it? So TRUST that whatever is happening right now is happening because you are supposed to benefit from it, either through joy or through a lesson that will open you up to more joy.

LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS

Okay, maybe it's not really live. I'm back in San Diego, but the epiphanies from the Las Vegas Qi Revolution continue to reverberate in my consciousness. So I thought I might share some of them with you:

Saturday, July 17 11:00am BREATH EMPOWERMENT

I was assigned to assist a partially blind attendee, let's call her Angel. She was excited and so grateful to be there, and yet she really didn't know what to expect for the next four days. So I held space for her, and was honestly very surprised how much sincere compassion I held for her. Carrying that feeling in my heart, I started to breathe. And breathe. And breathe. After forty minutes of breathing like a warrior, I settled into one of the deepest meditations I've ever experienced. Although I've done this practice hundreds of times, I had an experience I've never had before. I felt a gentle weight of energy holding my shoulders lovingly into the floor, while feeling like my heart was expanding outward becoming bigger than it has ever been. And tears rolled out of my eyes, they were tears of a deep joy from the realization that I have a bigger capacity for loving more people than I've ever allowed myself to experience. And suddenly, many questions were answered. And I felt peace.

Orlando-based instructor Hannah led us in a beautiful practice. As we were doing Earth Hands, she said "Allow the energy to propel your hands up and over." In my classes, I've started to use the visualization of "pulling Earth energy from the ground and connecting with it as you move your hands to the front." A second later, I had an AHA! moment. The same energy that you lift up also carries you. Whatever you move also propels you. So I even as I manipulate and connect with Qi, I can also feel it supporting and moving me. This gave my practice a whole different dimension. Afterwards, I started to think about how it is reflected in life. Those whom we give love also end up supporting us, even if it is indirectly. So the ability to give to another person allows you a bigger capacity to receive. And when we openly receive with gratitude, it increases our ability to give. Reminded of this wisdom, I felt peace.

Monday, July 19 8:30am REGISTRATION TABLE

And so I guess the significance of the Flower of Life to me, during this time of new beginnings, new opportunities, and the rare occurrence of the new moon fully eclipsing the sun, is the symbolic movemement of connections from our external world into our internal world. Our Yin overshadowing our Yang. The deepening of our connections so that we open up to more people the truth of who we are. And when we take a step back, add color, we can see that even the simplest representation of life is indeed art.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Sunday, May 23, 2010

LESSONS FROM 60MPH

I have a confession to make. I'm a speed freak. No, not the sixties kind of speed. I'm talking the 80mph that I like to cruise in on the freeways. Maybe it's my leftover New York tendencies, or maybe it's because my Toyota Yaris is so light to handle, or perhaps it's moving along with the speed of the fastest cars. Whatever it is, I recently became inspired to change, to apply the Qigong principle of slow movement even when driving.

So a couple of months ago, I embarked on a social experiment: any time I am on a major freeway, I will only drive up to the speed of 6o miles per hour, staying only in the right lane unless safety calls for me to switch.

EGADS! It brought out so many issues; issues I didn't even know existed inside of me. The experience also gave me some epiphanies about our culture as humans in general. So here's a list lessons I learned in the slow lane (updated periodically due to the extended nature of this experiment):

1. "Just because people are driving faster than me, doesn't mean that they are better than me." Yes. This was the first lesson that smacked me right in the forehead. I felt all sorts of inadequate as I saw trucks and cargo vans flying in front of me. The urge to prove my ability to drive fast was so strong; and it took all my strength and devotion to my experiment to stay on the slow course. It really revealed my deepest insecurities and stubborn competitiveness. It also revealed my judgment of others, because just as I was judging myself for being slow, I am sure that I have had similar judgments for others driving like me in the past. So the experience held up to my consciousness a darker side of me that I didn't even recognize. And at first, I felt shame; but as I progressed and worked on these tendencies, I felt gratitude for being introduced to them in the first place.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

SEQUELS

Have you ever seen an ad of a movie sequel of a great movie and shaken you head in disbelief, pumping your fists in the air and screaming "Whyyyyyy!?!"

Why, indeed, are we so hell bent on making these sequels that don't quite live up to the experience of the original? Yes, we are quick to point at these directors and shake our heads in disapproval, asking them "Haven't you learned your lesson yet?" Masterpieces are by their namesakes that way mainly because of the uniqueness of the moment of creation. Okay, now follow this exercise:

1. Stand up, and walk to the nearest mirror.

2. Look at yourself.

3. Point at yourself while shaking you head in disapproval.

4. Ask yourself, "Haven't you learned your lesson yet?"

Yes, we are all prone to making the same mistake of trying to recreate the same exact experience time after time, only to find that it's nearly impossible. You have a great experience at a restaurant, so you invite your friends and you find that the food doesn't quite taste the same. Or you go to the same vacation destination, only to find yourself looking at the same place differently. I could go on, but you get the point. So why, you ask, are we doing that?!?

LACK OF FAITH.

"Whaaaaat?!? Oh no, you didn't!" you're probably exclaiming at this moment. I had the same reaction to myself when I first had this epiphany. In fact, I was so insulted that I gave myself the silent treatment... How dare you question my faith! I'm so faithful, I'm going to have another soy chai, exactly the same way I had it before! Ha! Watch me have the same exact enjoyment! Yes, of course you would enjoy it, Irene. But what I'm questioning is the faith that you would have the same intensity of enjoyment when drinking ANOTHER type of beverage. *long pause* Ooooh... I see... Okay, higher self, we're friends again...

Yes, we sometimes exhibit a lack of faith, especially when we hold on to our personal patterns that may no longer be serving us: toxic relationships, stressful jobs, unhealthy eating patterns, unsustainable social committments, and the list goes on. Those feelings of connectedness, stability, satisfaction and fun are within you. You heard me. You know all the good feelings you associate with those experiences? Well you brought them with you. Surprise! You are a walking, talking, sleeping, sitting, sipping, good-feeling machine! If you don't believe me, do this Good Feeling Meditation. Then go ahead and experience something different; or experience the same thing differently. I'll be right here, sipping my soy green tea latte.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

LESSONS FROM A VOLLEYBALL COURT

So I’m three weeks into the Artist’s Way, a 12-week creative journey designed by Julia Cameron (Martin Scorcese’s ex-wife, for those of you unfamiliar with the work). This chapter talks at length about shame and criticism, the anger that ensues, and the action triggered by that anger. It talks about the shaming that you get from your family when you are little that creep into your subconscious every now and then, affect your creativity, which then prevents you from going for certain dreams. Fortunately, I’ve had very few childhood shamings. My biggest hero is my mother, who from as far back as I can remember used to tell me and my sisters, “You can do anything you set your mind to, and don’t let anyone tell you any differently.” I also had amazing sisters to look up to, daring in their pursuit of success and quite fearless when it comes to getting what they want. So this morning, I was feeling pretty good about myself.

Sunday, March 14 , 2010

[INSERT UNIVERSAL SIGNAL HERE]

One evening as the sky was turning from deep to dark blue, I spotted a lone star directly in front of me, above the hills. At the time, I was going through some questions in my mind about life and love and the purpose of service. So I saw the star and I thought, "Wow, the Universe is speaking directly at me!" I brought energy down towards my heart center and received the message (details of which can be read in the section The Universe Calls and Other Voices in my Head).

Smiling, still at the stoplight, I looked right and left. "Wow, that guy in that Prius is also looking at my star. And hey, lady in the Beetle to my left, don't sweat my star!" Then bringing my gaze back forward, the star brought me another message (this time in the voice of James Earl Jones as Darth Vader). "Irene, I am not just YOUR star. I am everyone's star. The Universe doesn't only talk to you, it talks to everything!" Then I looked right and left again, this time sheepishly. I mean how could EVERYONE possibly know how to communicate with the Universe?!? As the light turned green, a thought became illuminated through my heart. "Of course!" I said out loud, bopping my head so people think I'm singing to music instead of talking to myself. "Love. When we give and receive love, we are having direct communication with the Universe! And that star, that's the Universe communicating back to us - me and all my neighbors on this earthly superhighway!"

Saturday, February 27, 2010

WHO ARE YOU CALLING SOFT-BOILED?!?

On a recent visit, Kai recommended that I incorporate more eggs into my diet in order to strengthen my kidney yin. "But not just any eggs," he said, "they must be soft-boiled!" (If you want to know why, go see Kai. He'll explain this and a whole lot more!)

I was eager to try this at home. I mean, how hard can it be? (There's a pun here that you'll get in a moment. I'd apologize, but I won't mean it.) This was the start of a very humbling experience: I failed several times at soft-boiled egg making! I won't bore you with details (or if you like that sort of thing, read below for my Diary of a Soft-Boiled Flunkie), but let's just say that I didn't enjoy a bona fide soft-boiled egg until over a week after said visit. So as I sat down in from of my ooey-gooey yolk goodness, I had an epiphany: softness is "harder" to accomplish in so many aspects of life. Here's my partial list:

* Acting. My acting professor at HB Studios in New York said that crying, hysterically laughing, anger, violence are so easy to pull off, it's almost cheating. Conveying (by really feeling) the emotions of joy, embarrassment, contentment and the like, and dry comedy are the hardest to pull off. Why, you ask? Well, the latter list is more subdued, therefore requiring sincere intention rather than the physical action of the former list.

* Walking. Go ahead and walk. Now go slower, taking 5 seconds for each step. I just tried this exercise going to the post office and it's a very trying one. Aside from getting weird stares from hung-over PB residents, my body's inclination is to walk at a brisk pace.

* Giving vs. Receiving. According to the Bible, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) Okay, I'm all for sharing. But most people I know have trouble receiving one thing or another, especially love. I still have trouble receiving assistance from others, in fear that they want something in return (you can take the girl out of New York, but you can't take New York out of the girl).

* Head vs. Heart. I don't know about you, but this is a challenge for me. I feel that I have to consciously direct the energy from my head to my heart so that I can move through life through my heart space and stop overthinking.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

I know it's February. I know that it's the start of the New Year, according to the Chinese. So it's only appropriate that I talk about the WOOD energy, right? Yes, it would be. But most of you know that I like inappropriateness, in small doses. So this week's newsletter will focus on the FIRE element as it relates to the HEART. [Space here for grumbling, pronounciations of Valentine-shmalentine, fists up in the air while yelling "Hallmark!"]

Feel better? Good. That means you're most likely in your heart space, or at least closer to it. And that's what we all are going to explore together: the ways to get to our heart space by channeling the energy of FIRE. When I think of FIRE in the physical realm, a few properties come to mind:

*Heat - I hopefully wouldn't have to explain this one, but if you find yourself confused, please call me and I'll explain. Think roaring fire, hot sun, etc.

*Chemistry - Think of gravy mix. (I don't know about you, but I always think of gravy mix) Put the powder in cold or even room temperature water adn even the driest of meatloaves would refuse. Now bring this mixture to a boil by adding fire and holy mashed potatoes!

*Propulsion - Now some consipiracy theorists claim that the moodn landing was a hoax; I'd like to believe that those good people actuallly did reach the moon. And tehy did that by means of those rockets, and those rockets were able to blast through the Earth's atmosphere by our friend, the FIRE element. Even my humble Toyota Yaris needs 7,200 sparks per minute to move! So, each time you start your car, you are summoning the FIRE element.

What's so important about these properties of the FIRE element, you ask? Well, since the HEART is one of the organs of FIRE, I wanted to focus on these three properties and how they relate to the HEART and your emotions, for in emotions, my friends is where FIRE and the HEART are mirror images of each other.

* Heat - Emotions fuel the heart. Ever get red in the face? Most people, at one time or another, have become flushed because of an emotion: anger, embarrassment, lust, excitement are just some examples of states wherein your face can make like a stop sign. And notice that with this comes the sensation of heat. So how we feel can alter our body temperature!

Sunday, January 24 , 2010

I have a confession to make. All the rain, thunderstorms, flooding, that was all my fault. My bad! You see, the Universe has been asking me to do this piece on the Water Element, but I've been putting it off, opting instead to work on an entry entitled "If I Re-wrote 'Avatar'." (True story, folks.) So they had to get my attention, flexing its water muscles until, well, until a guy had to kayak on the corner of Mission Boulevard and Pacific Beach Drive. So here it is, my interview with the Water Element.

Breakthrough Healing Arts: Wow, five days of non-stop, torrential rain. You certainly know how to make an appearance!

Water Element: Well, I must admit, I do get worked up sometimes. I guess it's part of the ebb and flow of life. I have parts that suffer from stagnation too, and sometimes the press are all over that. So I suppose I have to balance it all out with some fierce movement. But all in all, BHA, can I call you that?, okay... all in all, I just favor movement and flow.

BHA: You've been called "The Philosopher" and sometimes "The King." Tell us about that.

WE: Well those are just silly "Archetypes" that some wiseguy named Carl Jung started. You see, he said that I represent one of the characteristics of the human psyche. The part that strategizes and ponders the bigger questions in life. So much like the "King," I'm the part of you that sees things from a wider perspective, the part of you that you embody when you take 5-steps back, survey the big picture, and act accordingly. Then I depend on the other "Archetypes" to carry out the plan... this of course, all depends on your being in touch with all the different parts of your essence and knowing which of them serve your higher purpose in the moment.

BHA: Speaking of other "Archetypes," I hear you have a love/hate relationship with The Fire element...

WE: Can we not talk about that?