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May, 2001 Message from Sifu Eric Sbarge
What are some of these lifestyle adjustments? Some of the more obvious ones that we always focus on include diet, sleep patterns, balancing work and play, adjusting the feng shui of our home and office, and associating with positive people. But many additional factors impact our general well-being. Taken individually these factors might seem minor, but collectively they can make a real difference. One such factor to consider is the socks you wear. How often have you really deeply examined your socks? Do you, like most people, simply grab any pair out of your sock drawer and put them on your feet? Well, let me ask you this: If you had a hat drawer would you simply grab any hat and put it on your head? Of course not; you would carefully check the hat first for any irregularities. You might make sure there were no spiders or cabbage worms lodged anywhere inside the hat. You would scrub the inside of the hat with an herbal-scented moist cloth and then dry and fluff it with a hair dryer. You would make sure that if the hat wasn't black or white it would have some other color to it. And you would place the hat on a scale to make sure your head wouldn't be adversely affected by the weight of the hat. Why, then, don't you take the same care in choosing and preparing your socks? Lao Tzu said, "Winning a war affords us no victory," and "The soft overcomes the hard." And the tai chi classics remind us to "Walk gently and quietly like a cat." Can we lose a war with just any socks on? Are there hard socks, and will soft socks always overcome them? The relationship between cats and socks may seem obvious, but look deeper. There are many questions, but how many of us really know who to give the answers to? I simply try to emulate the masters and set an example for my students. I pay attention to my socks nearly every moment. Because I'm a martial artist I pay attention to my opponent's socks, too. I don't take the credit for this approach, there is a much greater universal force at play. Those of you who did push hands at the last tournament know exactly what I'm talking about. I sincerely hope all of my students and everyone else's students feel healthy, energetic and at peace. But if you don't, please don't blame any one else for your problems without first looking down at your feet. Once you have corrected your sock imbalance, then you are truly ready to re-examine your cosmetics, salad dressings, office supplies and other lifestyle choices that collectively make all the difference in the world. Special Announcement Two person practice is an important advancement in your martial arts training, especially if you are interested in self-defense. As hard as it sometimes is to find time and make the commitment to train alone, finding a training partner is even more difficult. Here's an opportunity to solve that problem. Come to the tea house when it opens at 11:00am on Sunday mornings. Other interested students will be there to work on push hands or man da. Then, stay for lunch if you like and continue with classes in the afternoon. Open sparring sessions are held every Saturday afternoon at 5:00pm. You must have a minimum of 6 months of experience, you must buy and wear protective gear, and you must have Sifu's permission to participate. June discussion group (Wed, June 6th) 8pm: "Comparing Martial Arts Styles". Anybody who went to the CACMA/Stumptown tournament at the Adam's Mark will understand that a comparison of styles might be useful before choosing a school. Yet, once having chosen, questions may still arise. Come to this discussion and find out how your school stacks up to others that are out there. Workshops and Events
Women's Self Defense, Saturday, June 23rd 10am - 5pm PD: Why should there be a separate self defense class for women? LYNN: Women have typically had a different role in society. While I agree that there has never been a better time to be a woman, there are plenty of social situations and behaviors that make women more frequent and easier targets than men. My class looks at different scenarios and how to effectively avoid or defend against attack. PD: Won't the techniques work as well for a man or a woman? LYNN: Yes, but women generally aren't attacked in the same way men are. Typical attacks against women are rear bear hug, choke hold, or being thrown to the ground, just to name a few. A man would do better to practice defense against other kinds of attacks. PD: I don't want to live my life in fear of being attacked. LYNN: Statistics indicate that 1 in 3 women will be a victim of violence in their lifetime, so the concern is real. However, I don't believe this means living in fear. It's my hope that you will prefer living a confident life and realize the importance of taking control. My class can help you learn to take control. The workshop is suitable for all ages and always includes a lecture combined with highly effective hands-on practice. The cost is a very reasonable $79 for the public, $69 for members, and $59 for students. Sign up before Thursday, June 21st and take $10 off the above prices.
2001 U.S. Chinese Kuoshu Championships, Friday - Sunday, July 27th - 29th Schedule:
Friday, July 27
Saturday, July 28
Sunday, July 29 What's Up
Annual Peaceful Dragon Barbecue, Wednesday, July 4th starting at 2pm
Volunteering
Third Annual Mountain Tai Chi Retreat, Friday - Monday, September 21st - 24th
If you've never done tai chi or the related arts, this is a perfect chance to discover how great they can make you feel. And if you're already a student of these arts, four days of intense uninterrupted training can help you break through barriers and reach new levels in your skill and understanding. Everyone is welcome: students, members, friends and family. Hours are from 1pm Friday, September 21st - 4pm Monday, September 24h. Directions are available at The Peaceful Dragon or by calling the Assembly directly at (828) 669-8497. Make your reservations now at the front counter. $339 for students; $459 for members. (Remember, anyone can become a member for $19.95 and receive our member discount; or become a student and get the full student discount! If The Peaceful Dragon has to cancel the retreat for any reason, everyone who registered will get a full refund.
Third Annual Mountain Tai Chi Retreat, Friday - Monday, September 21st - 24th Master John McSweeney Kenpo Workshop, Saturday September 29 Mark your calendar now for this intensive applications workshop Saturday, Sept 29th. Master McSweeney is Grandmaster DeMaria's kenpo teacher, and this workshop will focus on fighting applications. Be aware that Master McSweeney is giving this workshop in New York, so let Sifu know if you are interested as space will be limited. This is a rare opportunity to study under one of Grandmaster's still living teachers. More details will be provided later. What's Up? NOW vitamin and herb supplements are available at prices you will NOT find anywhere else. And, they're better quality than you get almost anywhere else. Shop the convenient catalog, place your order by the first of each month. If you're not sure why this is a deal, talk to Sifu. July discussion group, coming up Wed, July 11th will be "Living In Accord With The Tao". You have a whole month to figure out why your socks are important. Be ready with your questions and observations at this vital discussion! Volunteering First of all, thanks to everybody who helped with the big monthly cleanup May 6th. And now, a word from Melanie. HELPING HANDS WANTED! Job Requirements: 2 hands, 2 feet, extra 10-20 minutes once or twice a month, desire to make The Peaceful Dragon an enjoyable place for everyone who enters its door. Benefits: LOTS of appreciation from fellow students, feeling of belonging, sense of pride that only comes from knowing YOU did something wonderful! Duties: Find something on the "Daily Duties" chart that needs to be cleaned or otherwise attended to. Some things are daily, some weekly, some less frequent, but it's usually easy to find an opening where something hasn't been done that needs to be done - why don't YOU do it? We keep bringing this stuff up because it's important to the success of a well-run STUDENT run facility, it's good wu-de (part of your training), and the place will fall apart if these things aren't done. Your participation will never go unnoticedäSifu and Debra see everything. Speaking of which, here's a wonderful opportunity for someone. The Peaceful Dragon needs a student volunteer with plumbing skills to fix some leaks in the kitchen. Contact Sifu.
My Peaceful Dragon Experience Thank you, Sifu, staff, and all of the students at The Peaceful Dragon. I have been through some very difficult times in the last few months. Words cannot express my appreciation for all of your heartfelt words and support. The Peaceful Dragon is a very special place with very special people. My practice has taught me many things, from patience to responsibility; from letting go to love. I was diagnosed with clinical depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder about eight years ago. I remember walking into The Peaceful Dragon and asking Wes if this school would help me. I signed up that night and have been here for three and a half years. I still struggle at times with my condition, but now I have wonderful tools to control it. Sadly, I will be leaving The Peaceful Dragon in a few months; I've separated from my wife and will be moving to Florida. My hope is to find a school there and continue my practice. I know it will be hard not to compare with The Peaceful Dragon, my "home away from home." Thank you from the bottom of my heart. - - - - - Several students shared their experiences this year, and certainly provided insights and enjoyment for many others. Will you be the next to fill this column? Length can be up to 400 words and the editor will be happy to help spruce up your creation. Give your copy to Wes or Michael, or email bmk@carolina.rr.com Words to Light Your Path "People of the present day you should practice what is easy to practice. These words are quite mistaken. They are not at all in accord with the Buddha way. If this alone is what you regard as practice, then even lying down will be wearisome. If you find one thing wearisome, you will find everything wearisome. It is obvious that people who are fond of easy practice are not capable of the way. Students who would like to study the way must not wish for easy practice. If you seek easy practice, you will for certain never reach the ground of truth or dig down to the place of treasure. Even teachers of old who had great capacity said that practice is difficult." --Dogen (1200 - 1253) Guidelines for Studying the Way "I pay attention to my socks nearly every moment. Because I'm a martial artist I pay attention to my opponent's socks, too." -- Sifu Eric Sbarge To contact The Peaceful Dragon: Call: (704)-544-1012
Write: The Peaceful Dragon E-mail: comments and suggestions to staff@thepeacefuldragon.com |
All of us are looking for greater health, peace of mind, security and spiritual
contentment. The arts taught at The Peaceful Dragon help steer us toward these
goals, but it requires more than the practice of the arts. We must make total
lifestyle adjustments if we are to optimize our progress.
