| Rainbow Tai-Chi Chi Kung Newsletter |
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Spring/Summer News from Choy,
The Rainbow Tai-Chi Chi Kung School/ Chi Healing Center
The Creek Farm, Woodland, Ashburton, Devon. TQ13 7JY
01364 653 618/ 01364 653 375
Contents
Introduction
The New Millennium Workshop
A New Approach to Tai Chi Push Hands
Brussels Workshop
Foundation Taoist Tai Chi Chi Kung Training Course
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Hello, I feel a gentle bubbling of
excitement all around us here at the school in Devon, England. There is a growing heart
centred loving Tai-Chi relationship to our environment...permeating tools, flowers, broom,
fire stove, kitchen, compost bin...etc. Thanks to many FTT/F3T students including Ros
Williams, Michael Way, Steve Carr, Mick Read, Monika Jenke, Netha Islam, Ben Bushill,
Alison Finch, Julie Oxenforth,Carol Adam, Vaughan Titheridge, Lynne Clement, Sophie Muir,
Jeanne Hampshire, Annie and Jo Fitzgerald and Ian Sandison, this Centre (although only one
and a half years old), feels like a REALLY SPECIAL UNIQUE PLACE for growing HAPPINESS IN
PEOPLE. That unstoppable inner smile of health and energy is glowing all around you when
you find it inside your body, it overflows into everything.........
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Last year, we explored the Tao of Colour Science to
add to the Tai-Chi Chi Kung practice. A new dimension of colourful chi energy was added
tothe relationship between the practitioners and their sensitivity to Chi and how to
channel it more effectively to bring greater health and rejuvenation to themselves. The
drawings of the ORGANS using Yin and Yang colours which are filled with heart-felt chi
gave a whole new dimension to the experience of exercises like the First Chi Kung. You not
only `feel' the chi energy, but now, you can `see' the chi energy bringing new tingling
health to your body. And then, this is extended to outside objects that you relate with
everyday - the bed, kitchen utensils, guitar, vacuum cleaner, sewage pump, etc. And this
is also exciting because some exciting FTT/F3T textbooks (written and researched on the
esoteric and practical mechanical aspects) are coming, Tao of House care? The Tao of Car
Maintenance? The Tao of Vacuum Cleaner? We will cover some of these topics in the Summer
School.
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I feel very happy to share with you that for the first
time in all my 30 years of Tai-Chi Work, at long last, we have shared and exhibited some
of this marvelous work at the Exhibition held in London in March. Judging from the
feedback, it was very inspiring for everyone who came to see and enjoy it. Doing Tai-Chi
in front of these radiant pictures was a treat for those who volunteered to help maintain
a stand. We hope to arrange another one in Exeter in May. For me, it is more about seeing
many of my students work that moves me. Its wonderful to feel they are really `getting
it'!!
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This year, another heart-moving experience for me, is
to see many of the FTT/F3T students get so much benefit from the `Internal Tai-Chi Pushing
Hands'. Traditionally, this has been a martial arts story. After years of Taoist research,
Personal Transformation, I have now connected the Tai-Chi Push Hands system to the `Inner
Art of Tai-Chi Push Hands with the Inner Selves'. Students are discovering the Tai-Chi
Push Hands Principles of Sticking, Ward Off, Roll Back, Press and Push principles can be
experienced as an Art of Personal Transformation. I hope to introduce this beautiful part
of the Tai-Chi work this Summer.
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Another very amazing new development which many of you
may have already heard and some have not is - that we now have the World's First Aqua
Tai-Chi Pool. In the Summer too, we will be able to use the swimming pool to accelerate
the learning of all the Chi Energy Exercises. The Fluidic Principle of Tai-Chi which
normally takes 10 years to learn can find a better start at the Summer School this year.
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The Summer Course is an introduction to a long term
programme - the FTT(Foundation Taoist/Tai-Chi Chi Kung) and F3T (FTT Trainers) Courses.
You plant the seed of change in Summer and then, we get to work with you on how to grow
that really fantastic UNIQUE YOU in a balanced circular way. By slowing down, so slow you
can feel your heart's flowing blood, you gradually learn to trust your life as a circular
movement based on the balance of Yin, Yang and Tao. You learn to circulate your energy and
discover you are a `circular and fluidic YOU'.
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This next 1,000 years is known as The Aquarian Age
where humanity learns to `FLOW' into a planetary family of love. Aqua Tai-Chi join
hundreds of Planetary Groups and Centres to help humanity make this qualitum leap of
consciousness. Which reminds me, I just got an Invitation to give a Lecture /Demonstration
Water Play at the 2001 International Conference on Exploring and Celebrating the Art and
Science of Water as the Dynamic Context of Life to be held in Bath in the Spring. Dr. Alan
Rayner whom I met at the International Easter Conference at Dartington is a lecturer at
The University of Bath in Biology and Biochemistry. He is also the author of `Degrees of
Freedom'. We discussed about doing some Aqua Tai-Chi with the 500 plus delegates. The
interesting fact is that he did not know about the Aqua Tai-Chi Swimming Pool and our
focus on the importance of learning how TO FLOW into the New Millennium Lifestyle. If
anyone would also like help sponsor his Conference in Bath, he and his committee would be
very glad to hear from you. Contact me and I will pass you his address.
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The first step in Aqua Tai-Chi is to learn how to let
go and let pre-birth Chi Energy flow into your life. Many years of research into the
positive benefits of Floatation for example, have paved the way for people to understand
the timeless value of Aqua Tai-Chi. Come and enjoy Aqua Tai-Chi Ecstasy by the Sea this
Summer with us.
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| THE
NEW MILLENNIUM WORKSHOP |
| Sue
Ash, FTT Graduate |
As soon as Choy announced the workshop I knew I wanted
to be there, because I would be celebrating the New Millennium with a very old friend -
WATER. What I didn't know was how gorgeous it was all going to be! For me, it was the best
workshop ever.
The group came together like a family, enveloped in the soft water-like energy that flowed
through everything we did in those three days.
New Year's night was so special. I shall never forget the scents of lemongrass and coconut
wafting from my plate heaped with the most delicious food I have tasted, and sitting down
to share this supper with everyone.
And then, there was the pool!!! Dazzling with sparkling blue energy, ready for us to enjoy
the Chi Party of our lives. Somehow the combination of water and land Tai-Chi taught my
body the way of effortless movement; it relaxed my mind until was happy to give up leading
and emptied itself of so many old resentments; it opened my heart to the most gentle way
of being with myself and I felt my spirit soar.....
We made small candlelit boats on which we wrote those qualities we each
felt most in need of for our goals in the New Year. There was a feeling
of deep respect as each person sailed their boat into the New Millennium.
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Swimming
Dragon Chi Kung was beautiful, guiding me to the wisdom of my heart.
I was humbled and moved to watch as people took courageous steps to
let their hearts speak in sincere and ordinary ways. There was time
too to enjoy the unique gifts of music, poetry, laughter and love, as
well as a birthday cake, at the sharing night on New Year's Day. This
was not ONE SECOND of joyous millennium fizz - it was THREE DAYS! -
of the most exquisite chi-filled celebration, of the most precious, tender
moments and a beautiful journey to the heart of me......I loved it!
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| A NEW APPROACH TO TAI-CHI
PUSH HANDS - Mick Read |
I have just been working with the principles of push hands exercise, in
the latest F3T weekend, and how these principles relate to the internal dynamic process of
self development and self knowledge. I have had some previous experience with push hands
theory and practice. I started practicing Tai Chi at a Tai-Chi School in London, about 10
years ago. The major emphasis of the push hands exercises, was to develop martial arts
attack and defence capabilities. We would literally spend hours and hours pushing hands
with other members of the class. We were striving to yield and soften ourselves to our
opponents, but there was no study or discussion about how the push hands principles could
relate to the dynamic relationship between different parts of ourselves. We were taught to
listen for our opponents attack, yield to our opponents push, then neutralise his force,
and return his energy back to him.
What really excites me about the F3T study of push hands is considering the question - how
can the principles of push hands the applied internally. Firstly to really listen to a
part of ourselves that is really wanting to communicating with us. To do this we must open
our heart centre to be receptive to this aspect of our self.
Next we need to learn how to yield by creating a loving space inside ourselves, then
neutralise by allowing the heart to open further, with Yang effortlessly flowing into Yin,
by returning with the Yin energy and keeping contact through the loving awareness of the
heart, so that with each minute movement in the push hands circle, we can share the
journey of discovery and healing with all those inner aspects of ourselves.
I will finish there and get back to the huge queue of inner selves waiting to push hands.
Hurray!
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| BRUSSELS WORKSHOP - Steve
Carr |
Twenty of us from all over Europe gathered on 12/13 February in Brussels
for a workshop on The Tao of Health and Rejuvenation.
It was a weekend of gently flowing energy, of tears of joy at finding the way back to the
heart after many years of being lost; of taking the first courageous steps to accept and
face a sad event; of an expectant mum feeling the pre-birth Chi stirring in her tummy; of
roars of laughter when confronted with our body language and surrounding us all was the
inexhaustible presence of Choy. Rainbow Tai-Chi came to town and rained showers of Chi
onto the heart of Europe.
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(Note: Another exciting weekend has been scheduled for 6/7 May 2000 at
`Nettenberg', Tervuren, Brussels. If you are interested, phone Steve or Kate Carr 00322
768 0162)
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| Foundation Taoist/Tai-Chi Kung Training Course |
| Discover
your Internal Fountain of Health and Rejuvenation 2000 |
‘In 1978, during my
early years in T’ai-Chi Chi Kung training, in my room with my dog Blackie, I saw a
fountain of joy appear before me. It was like looking into limitless layers and layers of
smiles. (I was not under any kind of drug stimulation. It was not a visualisation
exercise). Since then, I and many others have discovered this inner joyous lake and
fountain can really help people to heal their wounds and hurts. Your whole being is bathed
in tingling energy, beauty and joy. It is inside your body that the real Eternal
T’ai-Chi Chi Kung dance begins. . . through the blood veins, arteries and cells
– naturally and effortlessly, you discover you are a Being of Pure Chi Energy. You
then grow with it, study how it relates to Nature and bring harmony, order and beauty to
your daily life. You feel naturally inspired to create, to draw, to paint, to write and
play. Patiently, with perseverance, and persistency, we can help this unique inner spark
in you to flower, step by step. You will see your talents blossom into creative action.
This is the main aim of the course.’
Choy 
Outdoor Tai-Chi learning is
encouraged whenever weather permit. Tai-Chi Form sequence of `Snake Glides down to Earth'.
Vaughan, Steve and Alison playing with Tai-Chi Ball of Sun, Earth and Universe at
Summer'99 School on Eclipse Day.
When students of FTT/F3T join, each person brings a tree to transplant. Sophie Muir is
under her tree.
‘The rewards of my
FTT training are beginning to bubble through! I see some wonderful positive changes in my
relationships with my children (from my previous marriage), my mum, brothers and
sisters. The T’ai-Chi Chi Kung tools are a fantastically efficient form of
support for me. If you ever need anybody to ‘testify’ how the tools work I would
be happy to do this as a living, laughing example!’
Marcus
‘Last night I
laughed, shed tears and felt a whole spectrum of emotions. I have been letting go of my
old world. I discovered a sparkling new world breathing with every beat of my heart’
Jeanne |
| "In 1978, during my early years in
Tai-Chi Chi Kung training, in my room with my dog Blackie, I saw a fountain of joy
appeared before me. it was like looking into limitless layers and layers of smiles. (I was
not under any kind of drug stimulation. It was not a visualisation exercise). Since then,
many people and I have discovered this inner joyous lake and fountain can really help
people to heal their wounds and hurts. Your whole being is bathed in tingling energy,
beauty and joy. It is inside your body that the real Eternal Tai-Chi Chi Kung dance begins
.........through the blood veins, ateries and cells - naturally and effortlessly, you
discover you are a Being of pure chi energy. You then grow within it, study how it relates
to the Nature and bring harmony, order and beauty to your daily life. You feel naturally
inspired to create, to draw, to paint, to write and to play. Patiently with perseverance
and persistency, we can help this unique inner spark in you to flower step by step into
creative action. This is the main aim of the Course." |
Aim of the Foundation Taoist/Tai-Chi Chi Kung
Training (FTT) Course
The FTT Course is based on the book, "15 Ways to a Happier You. Tai-Chi Kung
principles and Exercises." The Course puts an emphasis on learning how to use Tai-Chi
Chi Kung to firstly, achieve a total sesne of personal clarity, peace and self-acceptance,
and then to share your wisdom with natural skill and sensitivity. The FTT is designed to
bring you more health and rejuvenation. |
FTT Subjects
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15 Taoist/Tai-Chi Chi Kung Exercises for
improving your health. |
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8 Fundamental Tai-Chi Principles to find your
life's purpose and achieve self-confidence. |
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The Wu-Chi Principle of learning how to flow
with the changes in your life |
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Yin/Yang/Tao Therapies to `compost' your
stresses into enriching peaceful solutions |
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The Tao of Humour and discover the power of
joy and learn to share it with others |
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Conserve/Spend/Cconserve Principle. Study of
the Small Circulation of Rejuvenation |
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Part 1 of Tai-Chi Form, FTT Homework and FTT
Field Training to helpyou succeed in creative projects and `ground' your highest
aspirations in your daily life. |
PERIOD OF TRAINING AND COURSE
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| The
student is required to put aside a full year and an additional Summer to complete this
course. Generally, he/she is required to spend at least 16 hours per week studying FTT
subjects. Students from abroad as well as those without previous experience of Rainbow
Tai-Chi Chi Kung will be required to do the 2 years Course. In the 1 year's Course, you
are required to be at the School at least three hours per week on a Monday to learn how to
generate and ground creative chi energy. In addition, the student is required to attend a
monthly weekend intensive, weekly classes, one to one monthly tutorials and the 20 Days
Summer Intensives (July 29- August 18th 2000). The Course Venue is located at The Rainbow
Tai-Chi Chi Kung School, Creek Farm, Woodland, Ashburton, Devon. The fees for the FTT One
Year Course is £3,670 and the Two Year Course is £4,920 payable by 28th August 2000. The
costs includes 12 Weekends, 30 weekly classes and 30 private one to one tuition. A deposit
of £500 before 1st October will be required to secure you a place on the FTT Course. (
Fees are non-refundable after 1st October 2000). The FTT Course begins on 14/15 October
2000. |
Food/Lodging:
There are limited vacancies on the premises of The Rainbow Tai-Chi School. Book as early
as possible. (For more comfortable accomodations, a list of B+Bs and Cottages may be
supplied upon request. Spaces are booked up very quickly around this area. Book before 1st
March to avoid disappointments). Camping in Spring and Summer at The Rainbow Tai-Chi Chi
Kung School is £7.50 per night per tent. Extra person £1.50. For Autumn/ Winter, Rooms:
£10/night per person (special price for FTT students). House sofa bed downstairs:
£8/night per person. Add £1 per night if you wish to use the kitchen. |