Rara

Ah, well that makes more sense! It's hard to read sarcasm sometimes haha

Good point. Here in the west, doctors or anyone that cares for us like family and friends always recommend a good balanced diet and exercise before anything. Breathing techniques to manage stress etc. Natural wellbeing is promoted way before pharmaceuticals. They will know some basics to get you on your way. I've often found the "take time out and count to ten" when getting stressed is very practical advice. Sometimes that is much easier to adopt and more effective than some meditation therapies that seem a lot more complex.

How exactly do you mean that people make a difference? That part confused me...

Absolutely. It certainly does feel like a popularity contest over susbstance. I remember once, when Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair over here. I was constantly hearing "the guy is SO boring". Who cares if he can get the job done? He couldn't get the job done, but my point still stands.

I might drag myself to the polling station to pick "the least worst", then just shut up and forget about it.

I opted out of voting a while ago, but recently registered again because I don't want to come across as "apathetic" or "irresponsible" The thing is, I feel awkward, because I cannot possibly vote for any of these parties!! I'm in England (so Brexit is apparently a big deal) I dunno what the hell to do. I always thought it was a bit of a cheek, anyway. It still feels a little fascist to be peer-pressured or guilt tripped into voting when there's nothing all that better on the table.

I'll keep my eye on this thread. I still have back pain when I do tai chi and I worry that my teenage, early adult lazy posture is to blame. Maybe it's just damage limitation from here. In your case though, I hope not! Similar to post above by @Aetherous, I'm still working my hip flexors and keeping the glutes stong with the hope that it is "lack of back support", that is casing the issue, rather than the back itself!

When my ex-fiancée broke up with me, I took little hesitation in deleting all photos, throwing away old cards, discarding our joint possessions and generally forgetting her from my life. I left our house that we rented, replaced my piece of shit car and worked to clear my mind of the intense emotions that were pounding on me like a bully in the playground. My current girlfriend (let's see how long it lasts) insists on bringing her up. Not in a negative way, but she constantly reminds me that she was such a big part of my life. In what universe would I not know this? Why would this person want me to keep digging this past up? My only answer for me is "different philosophies". I've been on this path too long and seen a radical change in me that I can only thank Tao for. Declutter. Cleanse. Empty mind. Amen.

Do you get stressed out if someone interferes with your cultivation in this way? I have a similar goal, but I find it's a lot of energy to keep makinh that point and fighting clutter (and often food) away. And I shouldn't complain. People are (literally) dying for such things!

I will message you a bit later because this is going to be very useful! Thank you

Yes, it was George's channel that introduces this retreat to me I dunno. I still like the idea of just doing tai chi for a month in the mountains either way.

Well, if there is an option to save money....the retreat isn't cheap! Have you been to Wudang before?

Haha, I knew you would ask this! Yes, he runs it - I know you're not a fan. It is why I'm here though, to see if there are any other recommendations. I've always wanted to go to Wudang, and I want to have an experience while I'm there, rather than just doing a tourist run of looking around, taking photos etc.

If there's a thread you'd like to guide me to to compare, I'd be more than willing to have a read through. Thank you for your time

Are you referring to a specific video and do you have a correction to make? If so, please share.

One day I will. Gotta keep saving (I want to go to Kolkata, Lahore and also Yunnan in the same trip)

I've heard Taoism described as a Chinese Folk Religion.

I'm saving up to go to Wudang and find out. Master Gu has popped up on YT in the past year, so maybe one day I will be able to learn from him. I don't think Taoism as a religion is the "way" forward, but I'd still like to learn at the very least.

Aka "microcosmic orbit"

Good evening/afternoon/morning, I have been struggling with my lower back for almost 10 years and after several massage sessions recently, my masseur is convinved that my tight hip flexors are what's giving me the issues. Three days ago, I had to stop tai chi practice because I just couldn't stand it anymore. It makes me wonder, surely I'm doing ok form-wise, otherwise my teacher would have said so. So my masseur suggested some lunges and resistence-band crabs. Are there any exercises you'd suggest? I will add (hoping that tai chi everyday should really be enough) that maybe it's less sitting that will help. I have to drive long distances a lot with my job and with tiredness, my posture really gets lazy. Any help here will be highly appreciated. Best to all

Yes, it's a new-age/egocentric thought. Not very Taoist.

Perfect. I was a serial squatter back in the day, including the 5x5 program for some years. But I'm now little old me, spending more time on the martial arts etc. I'll have a go again on some of thesd exercises as my back hasn't ever been this bad. It just seems counter-productive to do weights when I have tight back muscles but maybe I'm thinking from the complete wrong angle?

Hey, just a quick question about this. Do you have specific exercises? My thoughts are lunges, maybe squats and planks...

It'll send ya mad

Do you feel this is important to do as much of or can you take time away from this meditation? My meditation focus changes with what I think is required. I actually spent so much time on belly breathing not so long ago, that I realised I got lazy with my thoughts and feelings. I became dismissive and cold, which ended up making some close people to me sad, so I had to correct myself there. As with all things, if you've had enough of one, spend some time on the other. Balance!