George Harrison's "The Inner Light"

THE INNER LIGHT

Without going out of my door,
I can know all things on earth
without looking out of my window,
I can know the ways of heaven.

The farther one travels
the less one knows
the less one really knows.

Without going out of your door,
You can know all things on earth
without looking out of your window,
you can know the ways of heaven.

The farther one travels
the less one knows
the less one really knows.

Arrive without travelling,
See all without looking,
Do all without doing.

Fire is the element of summer

Fire

What makes a fire burn
is space between the logs,
a breathing space.
Too much of a good thing,
too many logs
packed in too tight
can douse the flames
almost as surely
as a pail of water would.

So building fires
requires attention
to the spaces in between,
as much as to the wood.

When we are able to build
open spaces
in the same way
we have learned
to pile on the logs,
then we can come to see how
it is fuel, and absense of the fuel
together, that make fire possible.

We only need to lay a log
lightly from time to time.
A fire
grows
simply because the space is there,
with openings
in which the flame
that knows just how it want to
burn
can find its way.

-Judy Brown

The universe is a vast net of energy rays

Fifty-Seven

The universe is a vast net of energy rays.
The primary ray is that which emanates from the
     Subtle Origin, and it is entirely positive, creative,
     and constructive.
Each being, however, converts the energy of this
     primary ray into its own ray, and these lower rays
     can be either positive or negative, constructive or
     destructive.

An individual who is not yet fully evolved can be
     adversely affected by negative energy rays in the net
     around him.
For example, the combined influence of several
     negative rays might cause an undeveloped person to
     believe that his life is being controlled by an
     invisible, oppressive ruler.
Such a misconception can be a significant barrier to
     enlightenment.

To attain full evolution and the status of an integral
     being, you must be aware of this intricate net and
     its influences upon you.
By integrating the positive, harmonious energy rays
     with the positive elements of your own being, and
     eliminating the subtle negative influences, you can
     enhance all aspects of your life.

In order to eliminate the negative influences, simply
     ignore them.
To integrate the positive influences, consciously
     reconnect yourself with the primary energy ray of
     the Subtle Origin by adopting the practices of the
     Integral Way.
Then all the rays in the net around you will merge
     back into harmonious oneness.

Recommended Summer Reading: The Healing Promise of Qi

The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi
by Roger Jahnke, O.M.D

Here is an excerpt.

"Ancient Qi masters developed a formula for health and longevity based on the Qi:

Inner Harmony = Qi Flow = Health and Longevity

This formula is the foundation of all Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. Concepts in Western science such as coherence, resonance, and integrated body/mind function are parallel to the concept of harmony in China. In the West science points to numerous forms of flow including blood, lymph, brain chemical distribution, nerve transmission and the movements of ions.
When they added the capacity to purposefully cultivate inner harmony through personal practices the ancients created this formula:

Practice + Intention = Inner Harmony = Qi Flow = Health and Longevity 

Exploring Qi and Qigong is like opening a marvelous Chinese puzzle box--boxes within boxes, secrets within secrets. Think of yourself as having just reached a gateway where, only a moment ago, no gate was visible. According Chinese tradition, if you open this gate and enter the realm of Qigong--with sincerity--a multitude of practical benefits will be yours."

Kung Fu Leadership Team Enhances Their Chi

Here's what chi looks like after whitewater rafting!  The Kung Fu Leadership Team paddled The Gorge on the South Fork American River on Friday the 13th of July. (Yes, Friday the 13th! We aren't superstitious.)

What a team!  What good captains--Shih Fu Catherine (on far right) and Shana Maziarz (second from left).  And Shih Fu Eileen solo paddled an inflatable kayak. She now has a river story to tell about swimming Lost Hat Rapids and Satan's Cesspool.

"I'd paddle with the Kung Fu Team anytime!" says Shih Fu Catherine.

How to Stay Cool

"The summer is associated with the Fire element in the Chinese system. The organs ruled by this element are the heart and small intestine as well as the functions of circulation and heating in the body.

Diet and exercise are very important to keeping the Fire element strong. Proper nutrition is vital to maintaining a healthy heart and for providing fuel and heat for the body.  So our diet could be changed by eliminating refined foods, tea, coffee, alcohol and tobacco, and by cutting down on animal fats...

Summer is the time to recharge those internal batteries with solar power. Keep the Fire balanced with Water inside and out, and keep the body loose, getting good exercise. It is a time for growth and coming forth."
--Elson M Haas, MD "Staying Healthy with the Seasons"

Practice Independently on July 4th

There will be no classes on Wednesday, July 4th.
Classes resume on Thursday, July 5th.