HaPPyMaraXXus

About 70% of my diet consists of juices from the juicer. Amazing machine! There's literally TONS of things you can mix in these things. It does incredible things for your energy and metabolism. I think its important enough for every household to have one. It most certainly ranks over the coffeemaker/quesadilla maker! ha! Blessed adieu, -Jessica

And the days of light are getting longer! Theres a great festival for this Sabbat in Athens,OH that I am going to this year...lots of fun pagan people there and also some friends from Cincinnati too. I will post the experience on here afterwards. Mehkeim, -Jessica

Good evening, gentlemen. I have some experiences through practice, but also still a far cry from "advanced". Personally, I agree that wearing less restrictive clothing and lighter, airy material that lets you move freely is helpful...but to be perfectly honest- I believe that open heart and sincerety has to be most important for drawing energy. I think that if the heart is open enough, your mind is comprehensive of what you are doing, and the collective cultivated energy is strong enough, that it may almost be easy to draw energy right through Stone. Steel. Doesn't matter...the boundaries become less I feel, when you are in practice and you know what kind of projected energy you are putting forth, energy flows back to fulfill that balance. When you are doing a qigong practice, or even still-meditation, if you are thinking of things that may become potential obstacles, then they will become that very thing. Looking beyond them, and reaching father out into the infinite vastness that is your inner being, you'll reach places you could never have imagined before. Use one type of energy when you feel another one is getting too overpowering. If you are not sure, just give in to your body and spirit and it will show you how to re-issue what kind of energy needs to flow to restore any kind of imbalances. Of course, everyone is different, everyone is changing, because we are human and every moment is a chance to learn from ourselves, and from others. The more you practice, just to practice, sometimes it is better not to worry over every small detail, as long as you remain receptive to your higher self and "flow with it" as it feels natural. I really love these kind of places, though, that you can go to when you feel like something you are doing is stagnant, or out of place, imbalanced, generally incorrect, etc. Alot of times I don't run into too many problems...but again we are only human and mistakes just come with the territory. Still movin' and flowin', -Jessica

Well...not that something is particularly wrong with vitamin supplements themselves, but you must be careful when choosing the ones that combine more than three different types of vitamins/and/or mixed with herbal extracts. When you get into the ones that are packing too much into those tiny little pills/capsules...the body has a really hard time breaking them down and actually absorbing them into your system so that they will actually WORK. Taking singles, combinations of two, or fresh and natural sources are best. Hope that helps a little! -Jessica

Great site, Dustwalker! Thanks for putting it up there. There are a few practices here that I like to do on a subweekly basis. Long life and happiness, -Jessica

Hey, Ron- I'd love to join you in your cause, but unfortunately, there's a big shortage of sugardaddies out in the big blue-and-green. I suppose it's easier for the male populace, with women outnumbering men 2:1 odds and all. Far much easier to find sugarmommas, yep, that's my conclusion. Hate to say, but I'm one of those "absorbed into work" kinda gals. Perhaps one day, I may run and escape the chains of the Liberal/Conservative monarchy of commercialism and find my place of serene and beautiful adventure in generalized joy and freely interdependent exuberance. I'd say "quibbling over details" has disqusted me the most thusfar and will probably be the reason for my undoing in the grips of the current company. Well. For now I suck it up and become a part of that Corporate world by day. I have the escape of it every single day at 5PM. Hooray. Always in humble service, -Jessica

Plain ol' salt, eh? (sometimes a flavored oil? Yes, these do help a little...) Interestingly enough, I have been a fan of the "Tom's of Maine" brand for years. Besides the fact that they are flouride free, I have liked it mostly because I can also use it on my dogs' teeth, as well as myself. (Although, they go through MUCH more toothbrushes, do ya) A very easy, safe and quick recipe is this: salt, chalking compound (calcium cardonate), and baking soda. You can add flavor with either crushed herb, seed, or oils such as cinnamon, peppermint, fennel, bayberry, juniper, etc. One thing that came to mind with this thread was I wonder what kind of material most dentists use for braces? All three of my neices have them and although it does wonders for straightening out teeth and making smiles seemingly more "beautiful", I've always had some weird inhibitions/concerns about the CON side to them. Know anything about this? Perhaps I should ask my sister if she knows what material they are made from... thought provoking, for sure. -Jessica

Ahhh...now you're getting into some fun stuff here. Shaking/spinning/swinging exercise/meditation/practice have something to really teach people about their balance and connection. Don't get me wrong, I hold stillness/grounding also just as important, but there's also something to say about awareness and inner strength that standing still just does not do. Unless of course, your purposes are not for this specification. I like to do Mehkith awareness which consists of the following: Starting at a high elevation point, I release my inhibitions and jump down onto (and most of the time, try to LAND on) a 6 x 4 wooden beam by adjusting my posture and aim as the conditions around me change. Sometimes I challenge myself, sometimes I just go through the motions, but almost always my aim is to not injure myself and to prepare myself for situations when my body will depend on a scenario when I will need to utilize these kind of abilities. After long exercise sessions, I am learning more as days go by (and I've been helped ALOT by some suggestions that were made by communicating to this very forum, and I cannot thank the knowledgeable and talented people here enough for that) to ground myself better and stillness/holding quellegeh is becoming easier to accomplish that "inner balance". I've done some and very much enjoyed Aikido. It combines flexibility, strength, and saving your precious energy for things worth expending it on. One thing I was impressed by was forming "trunk and rooting stance" as a defense with some solid mental clarity. In practice, it only took me weeks to feel that strength change inside of me...that feeling of confidence over the subsidiary threats of the ever-changing world that has become things I may not accept into my understanding as something that equated an idea of "improved society". I know these things may be trivial at times...but my main point is that nonstop growth inside yourself...that endless evolving force that pieces the development of the immortal spirit needs different things as all human-body machines differ, and character differs. So what else do you guys do to awaken the energy for your daily tasks at hand? Anything else to share??? Keep this going...I love it, I am finally getting some time to discuss here and I can say honestly, nuttin is betta. Going to do some PCK and MO before stargazing... Mehkeim, -Jessica

Hey, guys I know its been awhile since I've sat my derriere down and typed something but it just seems lately I've only time to read a quick few and take off again. Some opinions here: (Everyone has them, amoung many things) First of all, I really love the idea of "Individual Practice Discussion" Somehow that has a really good ring to it in my little mind and I just can't help but to really love it. I don't have a whole lot of understanding in the difference between Blogs and the former Training logs, because of the simple fact that I've have'nt taken the time to use them. The Contributed Articles seems to be one of my favorites. If they are taken out, I'm afraid I may get a teeny bit aggrivated because I've been working on a few to put in (basically a vhegkits amount while I am at work on tons of notes and going through all the other material that I've piled up over the past couple years to put together something solid and worthwhile) and I STRONGLY feel that this part of the forum has a significant amount of importance. (Please remember that this is the simple opinion of one massively insignificant being amoung the vast universe) Lending Library seemed like a good idea and to let newer people know what kind of material is easily and readily available and also a great way for people to connect and share a very worthwhile practice, obviously they would not own material if it were not the case. On the other hand, if it is not used often I can see how it can be just "taking up room" or "keeping the collective focus" from being clouded/polluted/etc. One point to bring up here is that if this section is gone, then people will have to ASK for the material and some may not even know what to ask for. Also the effort for asking/lending/sharing may not be as feasible. (I'm not sure if FEASIBLE is the word I wanted to use, but at the current moment the mind is still in overdrive from some CRAZY demand/deadlines from my job. It's just a little overworked these days and some practices are in order for my night tonight to help straighten out my inner energies.) As far as the new format goes, I have'nt experienced confusion or any kind of complexity indictation. I agree with a few others here...as long as I can see what is new and I do not miss anything, everythings is fine with me-I go through and read EVERYTHING when I can. I just love taoism in all its forms and there are SOOOOO many things to learn, experience, and practice that the idea of generalizing seems just a little vague for me. There has to be complexity sometimes. It keeps our minds fresh. As long a we look, listen and express we can all learn from each other at every moment that our lives have to offer. Hope this is helpful in any way possible!!! Blessed adieu, -Jessica

Hey Yoda- Thanks for the tipoff, but just wanted to call out- I had mentioned in one other post somewhere on here that I had a few items of PCK material and that I definetly incorporate it into the many practices I do on a daily basis. Being very committed and redundant, I found a place of good discipline. The very common problem I have come up with lately is empty mind practices and grounding. I am certain I will hit an imbalance soon if I do not do less movement meditation/exercise and start with more stillness practice. Always good feedback here, I can definetly appreciate the large number of experienced and knowledgeable taoist-minds. While I am remembering, I had a question for you (I know this isnt exactly the perfect area for it, but the way my mind works lately I better get it out while its there) Do you actually gaze into the direct vacinity of the sun's radiance? Or do you allow your eyes the presence and splendor while diverting just barely and taking in its pulsating energy...? I am just trying to better understand it...this concept has been lingering in my contemplation for a few weeks, since I first read some of your journal material ( found guilty! :oops: ) Anyway I will be looking into some of these things in the next week or two and configure it into my ever-revisin' daily practice! Blessed adieu, -Jessica

Thank you for your kind suggestions, I will definetly consider many parts and find some sort of direction deep inside kidh-yiddakh. Do you have any other sources for this kind of material I could perhaps check out? Just a little wonder... I actually have some Michael Winn material, so I'm a little familiar with that one...I still remain neutral on the antics going on at this time over that name. Thats for sure. :? I am getting some pages of material ready for an article on here, perhaps. Or maybe just a really good journal corner. Not sure yet. I thank everyone who's had patience with me up to this time. (You know who you are) danchka, mekheim, gratse. -Jessica

I am also very interested. I've also got no problem with purchasing the material. Lots of stuff going on here, however - since I focus more on meditation dealing with movement...there's alot that I do not have in practice for still-mind. The hardest thing right now I'm facing is "harmonizing the stressful and competitive environment" that I work in. So much activity. I can identify that some more grounding work needs done...but not quite sure yet how to go about it. Any suggestions for that? Perhaps? unconditional appreciation, -Jessica

There's a lot of great music out there to open up your higher self, creative free spirit, bheghaddiiv, yesod-malkut, a.k.a. - "the groove" If you're in the mood to just let loose and really move that tushy, I've always enjoyed things like Paul Oakenfold, Montezuma, Enigma, or Jen Saso. Prefer the motionless inner reflective dances? Try Cafe Del Mar, Kitaro, or Sarah Brightman's ambience album. Or how about FULL OUT tantric? Only the best of the best will do - Dead Can Dance, Portishead, or maybe a little o' Matsura Ofra Hasa ( her voice will send your whole heart center into your brain, its freakin amazin' ) . But those are on the spiritual practitioner's fav list. I am the most proud of American classics. Ain't noth-een as good as the shttttake kickers back in -70. I dont find it surprising that almost any person that has ever known me noticed one major thing in my expression- I'm always dancing, to almost ANY kind of music that I experience in every place I pass through. I'm one of those fluffy life celebraters, do ya. Do ya fine. -Jessica

You know what, RJ? I have a hunch that you are quite the genious. Your mannuerisms are very interesting and you have a very important quality and that is expression. But my gha-dethk dost tell me you get down with demons and angels alike... You must be careful not to let indulgence and promiscuity get the best of ya talented asbegoff. -be a methueleh, be kewl, be a minglin'... Healing, energetic power from within-combined with hardened defense and strength is going to be very crucial for the times ahead in the milennium...I know that may sound a little wacky, but its a strong sense that I feel in no way is this way off truth, but gotta be careful not to get to that point o' where one thinks they know all and arrogance taking over the fragile ego' that is the errh'd human. And BTW, Sean, I had wondered when I saw the AV for first and wondered if this was a pic of you or maybe someone you know and its funny but when it comes to real live people pics jeez who knows who the heck has enough imagination to post themselves just maybe not always revealing but in some way can give a connective realism to what that person is trying to convey. And when it comes to just favorite pictures.... its really entertaining sometimes in the back of your mind when you take a look from some side-perspective and wonder sometimes how that picture/s stuck a fancy in the first place. And thanks for invite to the web library...that was pretty shmalagh ! Really enjoying this site...there's an incredible lameness about alot o' sites in this tradition. Great job and kudes-mehkitah -Jessica

Yo RJ! That last link is dead. Tried it, and said some kind of "no access" message. Check it out. So what's with this wild CT obsession? Just curious... -Jessica

Hey GT- What kind of PCK material are you speaking of? Just asking because I really love this form. The kind of energy you can just really feel the essence of play-yet relaxing and rejuvinating at the same time. Really love the stuff! Thats one thing that really stuck and is incorated into the many forms that I do on a discaplined daily basis. But...I already do have a few existing types of this practice on cassette, video tape, and study paperwork. So its really just a question of who is presenting the PCK and how not-so-over-the-nutty they are. Forgive my somewhat strange lingo...I'm just a little hightened by adrenaline. *on intermission at this hour* Show us what ya got! Ar! :shock: :!: -Jessica

You see... that answer is simple, dear Ronnie, if it do ya to hear so - "Because connection is made better possible with a person who is not just solely focused on constricted premises, ego, conditioned expectation, etc. Connection with self and the universe around at the same moment lets you capture, enjoy, elongate(and I KNOW you got a smile from THAT word), and reverberate..." dan conveikh, cann ka diettke reyh lei-teitkha. And so that answer is "CONNECTION"... see it very well. with lovin' adeu all within, without, and beyond -Jessica

Hey Ron, Thanks for the interesting and special little spotlight for the ladies... I'm sure your appreciation is appreciated by the many of us very few. THERE IS ONLY ONE REALLY TRUE ANSWER!!!! But you really should have left one with an "OTHER" cap with space for us to type in description. Just an afterthought! -Jessica :bounce:

I must admit, I am almost envious of your new gift. A jade pillow! Really! It's hard for some to imagine that such a small, earthly treasure could do so much. I must hear more about it as time passes...very rarely am I interested in things as much as this-Yet a soul that recognizes the subtle and energetic properties of semi-precious (how do they get lower ranks than rubies, sapphires, and the like; I'll never know) stone knows all too well how it can benefit lifetimes and strengthen many aspects of experience. And pertaining to your dream-I have one question: What feelings did you experience before Merlin appeared? While being chased, that is...running through the jungle, what made you feel as if you needed to run? -Jessica

Traditionally used in China to strengthen the body and increase longevity. It is associated with five virtues; courage, mercy, justice, modesty and wisdom. It is believed that when handled some of the secret virtue of the substance is absorbed into the body. Confucius said that jade is a reminder of the integrity of mind and soul. Among the Mayans and Aztecs, jade was the stone of magic, meant for priests, kings and gods. Jade brings harmony and accord to the environment, transmutes negativity and instills resourcefulness. It is used as both a dream stone to release emotions during the dream state and as a fidelity and devotions stone to help one remain focused on one's purpose. Jade generates unconditional love. Chemical formula : NaAlSi2O6 Composition : Sodium aluminum silicate, sometimes with some calcium and iron Localities : Some of the finest Jadeite comes from Tawmaw, Myanmar (Burma). It is from this deposit that most gem-quality Jade is extracted from. There is a smaller deposit of similar significance in Yunian, Tibet. Other deposits are in Guatemala, Mexico, and Japan. In the U.S., small crystals come from Cloverdale, Sonoma Co., California, and huge masses from the Clear Creek, San Benito Co., California. Similar minerals : Nephrite - very difficult to distinguish Serpentine - softer, less dense, has a greasy feel Hope this helps! -Jessica

There are some nice pics on the first page of this site: http://www.sacredasianart.com/html/8_immortals.html There are literally hundreds posted on this site: http://www.geocities.com/dao_house/art.html And if you can work with thumbnails, this one is pretty nice (I've purchased some paintings from this one): http://www.orientaloutpost.com/products.php?pg=1 -Jessica