Moving Meditations

Jackson Browne and Mark Hammerman (in his "Dr. Johnny Fever" disguise) in their pre-Tai Chi stance

Photo by Sundowner: Dr. Robert Haberkorn leads "World Tai Chi Day" attendees in "Medical Qi Gong" techniques

("Moving Meditations" was my original title for this piece published in the Desert Valley Star May 21 2009 [gregorian calendar] but someone at the DVS, with their "Editorial License" added to Moving Meditations "...Tips for Trips" which I still don't get, but just happy to be published in a 3-Dimensional paper these daze, did not question... I will add, though, "What a Long Strange Trips It's Been..!-=0=-)

In my last article, I discussed the practice and benefits of "sitting meditation," which gained popularity in the West in the Sixties with help from such musical icons as the Beatles and the Beach Boys.

I now wish to share information about the “moving meditations” called Tai Chi, and it's "sister healing art," Qi Gong (pron. "chi gung"). In that the seeds of "New Age trends" took root here in the West in interesting ways, I am compelled to fall back on the "rock and roll musician" default. Talking with Desert Hot Springs resident and former Jackson Browne-manager Mark Hammerman recently, I found out another bit of "Tai Chi trivia." Jackson 's long-time guitarist extraordinaire, (Clairmont, CA-based) David Lindley, was "instrumental" in "enlightening" us to the benefits of Tai Chi practice in interviews a couple of decades ago. David was the inspiration for getting Jackson and his band & crew to practice these energy-restoring martial arts as far back as the "Running on Empty" tour, apparently to keep from "Running Out (of Energy)" themselves (heh-heh!)

I was notified recently by the good folks at Dancing Light School in Rancho Mirage about ‘World Tai Chi Day” on April 25th, at Whitewater Park there. Over 30 health-loving people were first treated to instruction in "Medical Qi Gong" techniques taught by Dr. Robert Haberkorn of the Center of Motion in Palm Desert . This was followed with Tai Chi instruction by the event-organizer, Noel Pittman, of Palm Springs Tai Chi (Noel has an astounding history of polio affliction at age 2 and was told that he would live his life in a wheelchair, supposedly starting 12 years ago! He attributes his Tai Chi practice to preventing that from occurring). I found myself happily engaging once again in these ancient Chinese martial arts which are over a thousand years old. The slow, flowing practice heals and strengthens our internal organs, glands, muscles, etc., and has proven effective in reducing arthritis and other joint-related problems as it promotes the natural flow of “chi” or “energy” in the human body. Not only do they enhance the “Mind-Body Connection,” but the other benefits include increased strength, flexibility and stamina, improved balance and coordination, and improved cardio-vascular function while promoting the body’s natural healing energy. These moving meditations are recommended for all ages, but especially for those of us, who, like myself, recently found that “life begins at 50!”

Dr. Rai "Rainbow" Casey (MD, DD), a Qi Gong instructor who also participated in "World Tai Chi Day," teaches a special form of Qi Gong called "Nei Kung." The martial art school of Nei Kung emphasizes training the coordination of the individual's body with the breath, which harmonizes the inner and outer energies, and creates a basis for utilizing the power and technique of the art. This type of practice is said to require concentration and internal reflection which results in a heightened self-awareness that increases over time with continued practice. Nei Kung practitioners report increased blood circulation, muscular movement, skeletal alignment, balance, etc. What is said to be occurring as the result of continual practice is a type of "internal alchemy," that is a refinement and transmutation of the "Three Treasures"- Essence, Vitality and Spirit.

This art is also designed to produce relaxation or releasing of muscular tension, and, aside from the other potential health factors, the fundamental purpose of this process is to develop a high level of coordination, concentration and technical skills. The ultimate purpose of this practice is for the individual to become at one with Heaven or the "Tao." As Zhuangzi, an influential Chinese philosopher who lived around the 4th century BC states, "Heaven, earth and I are born of one, and I am at one with all that exists."

Classes in these amazing life-strengthening & re-vitalizing techniques are popping up all over the low and high deserts, from Senior Centers to Healing Arts Centers such as HAALOS in Desert Hot Springs, where Dr. Casey offers a class in Qi Gong Monday evenings @ 7pm, and where you can also experience Buddhist Meditation and Yoga instruction. Please feel free to contact me for more info at conchustimes@yahoo.com or by calling 760-673-7580.

Until then, remember: (Sitting &/or Moving) Meditation is the Best Medication!