God's Little Acre

Let there be light

2008-05-23T14:22:00.018+01:00

The last time I was at the Royal Albert Hall was to watch the Black Crowes. I had a fantastic seat right on the edge of the stage. This time I would be sat on the very top row of this wonderful venue. The headliner was none other than His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Tibet Society invited the Buddah of Compassion to be guest of honour of this special event designed to help keep Tibet Alive.

Along with this remarkable man was some charming Tibetan music from the Tibetan Community of Great Britain Dance Group. The musical highlight for me was when 3 lute players danced and sung a number. I could hear elements of blues and other more 'popular' music genres in the music. The 3 musicians somehow reminded me of ZZ Top! It wasn't because of any facial hair either!

As I walked up from South Kensington station into Hyde Park a Buddhist monk handed me a small booklet. I thanked him and armed with that and a suitably vegetarian pack lunch to eat in the sunshine of Hyde Park. Getting closer to the venue I started hearing chanting. Not really Tibetan Buddhist chanting more the kind of thing normally reserved for football matches. "All we want is religious freedom!" or something along these lines. Getting closer I could see that this was coming from a group of Buddhists from across the road. Fists were punching the air with fervor and on the opposite side of the road a group of Pro Chinese supporters were holding banners. As I walked closer I was quite shocked that the chanting Buddhists were not supporting the Dalai Lama at all. My own pre conceptions had now given way to the reality that not all Buddhists are equal, far from it. I am only a fair weather buddhist scholar, and as you'll read on you'll realise just how ignorant I am of many aspects of the Buddhist faith.

When the Dalai Lama walked onto stage, from my lofty perch I couldn't help but be overcome with emotion. My dad is having a tough time of life at the moment, and my feelings for his welfare were finally released along with my tears. The Ocean of Wisdom as his people refer to him, or the Buddha of Compassion seemed to feel this pain too, and I swear his eyes welled with emotion for an instant too as I gazed into his eyes on the big screen display. It seemed (well at least to me) that he was feeling all of the pain and fears in the room. In this highly charged environment, and after half a century of dedicated and devout practice, I thought that this remarkable man must be one of the world's best healers as well as spiritual healer. My own spiritual practice could be described as "could do better" just like my school report. I have for about 2 months now been clean of tobacco and other herbal smoking potions. I have replaced these with mainly good food and regular Tai Chi and Qi Gong practice. This Chinese martial art and energy work, has I am sure helped me through my nicotine addiction. Like any good addict, only I can help me stay off the nicotine path. Saving me money, helping me breath and possibly saving my life.

My life has finally moved onto a new beginning. Waving goodbye to inconsiderate neighbours I have moved into a new life in the New Forest. An estate agent told me that people generally move here because they want to, not because they have to. This is certainly the case for me, and I have been exploring the beautiful area I am so happy that I have done so.

October 7 is a very special and significant date for me. It is the birthday of my youngest daughter. It is also a significant date for many Tibetans too, when on this day in 1950 the Chinese People's Liberation Army entered Chando in Tibet. Less than a decade later the young Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet for India. He is the first Dalai Lama to travel to the West. His non-violent views have often been criticized and as these Shugden Monks and supporters waved derogatory banners about him outside the Albert Hall I was surprised by my own feelings towards them. Particularly as I had been listening to some teachings from the Dalai Lama in the journey to London from my new home. These Shugden Buddhists have done me no harm yet they were verbally attacking someone whom I have grown to love.

After the Dalai Lama's talk and we left the Albert Hall I thought that these Shugden Buddhists still might have a long way to go in there spiritual practice. When viewed in the light of his holiness their chanting seemed rather vulgar; more football terrace than spiritual. They obviously have grievances against the Dalai Lama, but I couldn't quite get their point. I gave up reading their leaflet, as it reminded me of fifties era Chinese propaganda, maybe they just need a new leaflet? I will try to learn more about their grievances though.

The Dalai Lama has his grievances too. His place of birth and his people are by most accounts not free. China have introduced new roads and in particular an impressive railway. The Dalai Lama is not scared of change, but today there are more Chinese than Tibetans in Tibet. Human rights are largely non-existant too. Arrest and torture threaten anyone from displaying the Tibetan Flag or an old man who wears glasses. Through his humour and compassion he has shown how even after half a century, the Tibetan cause is still gaining momentum and unlike the Olympic flame will always burn bright and is getting brighter. The Olympic ideal has diminished with me. Cynicism about the commercial reality of the modern games is easily relieved by the thought of the Games in London in 2012. The Dalai Lama first visited London in 1970 as a guest of the Tibet Society. He said about the Olympic Games in Beijing; 'I am happy to go, although there is no indication they want me to go.'

No sleep till Lhasa

2008-03-17T19:25:00.007Z

"No sleep till Tibet" is the name of my album that I share freely courtesy of MacIDOL. Less free, is Tibet. A huge place steeped in history and currently swathed in violence and oppression.

Tibet needs her "Ocean of Wisdom". If there was a Gold Medal of Compassion, surely the Dalai Lama would win? The human race needs the Dalai Lama.

Dalai Lama Press Release

I am deeply concerned over the situation that has been developing in Tibet following peaceful protests in many parts of Tibet, including Lhasa, in recent days. These protests are a manifestation of the deep-rooted resentment of the Tibetan people under the present governance.

As I have always said, unity and stability under brute force is at best a temporary solution. It is unrealistic to expect unity and stability under such a rule and would therefore not be conducive to finding a peaceful and lasting solution.

I therefore appeal to the Chinese leadership to stop using force and address the long-simmering resentment of the Tibetan people through dialogue with the Tibetan people. I also urge my fellow Tibetans not to resort to violence.

THE DALAI LAMA

March 14, 2008

Cycling in the moonlight

2007-05-06T10:30:00.000+01:00

Transport for London (TfL) recently didn't publish a document that suggested that cyclists that followed the rules of the road were more likely to be killed or injured than those who stuck to the rules.

By following the highway code, cyclists are more at risk than those who jump red lights. The report implies that many of the 2,490 cyclists that were killed or seriously injured last year, might have been better off wheeling through stop signs, ahead of the traffic behind.

Many bike riders get hit by lorrys, which have some dangerous blind spots. Often the victims are squashed while lorrys turn left, or when the cyclist ironically 'does the right thing' and waits patiently in the cyclist's advance stop area. The lofty perch of the Yorkie eaters, means the cyclist is hidden from view.

Jumping red lights

I know this from my own commuting rides. I jump the red lights, occasionally mount the pavement to avoid the dodgy sections of my route, oh, and I listen to my iPod while pedalling. Sure I could drive instead, but my work as a web developer means that my free gym does give me some much needed cardiovascular excercise and it is even faster (and a lot more eco-logically sound) than a Bentley too, on my commute anyway.

Medals for Cyclists

I think that the eco-friendly cyclist is often not rewarded or even encouraged for her efforts. We are all told to leave the car at home, but are presented with cycle lanes with more bumps than Jordan and more cracks than the San Andreas Fault. Then there are the less than perfect edges, drains and man hole covers which are kept out of the gas guzzlers sacred path. It's all a bit lame, surely cycle paths are a lot cheaper to build than new roads? The benefits of a fitter populace, to health from excercise and reductions in emissions surely make it ridiculous not to do? Sure petrol-heads can offset their carbon or buy a hybrid, but it isn't nowhere as sustainable a good old bike.

Richmond Park

It's not all doom and gloom for us cyclists though. Someone told me that cycling in the moonlight round Richmond Park is a truly devine experience. I only have done this in daylight. The 7 mile route is fantastic, even while avoiding the motorists and deer. There are some real gluteus maximus testing hills, that just as you think your getting to the summit, reveal ever unfolding altitudes that get even these nicotine painted lungs moving.

Watch out Bambi

So, watch out for the next full moon. Forget your warewolves, you might just see me flying down hill, free-wheeling to a little bit of AC/DC or Eckhart Tolle as the wind blows through my greying hair.

Peace in Parliament Square

2007-04-29T21:31:00.000+01:00

Brian Haw has been protesting for peace in Parliament Square, London since the 2nd of June 2001. Here are some pictures of the Parliament Square Peace Protest, I took today.

Brian has shown that peace really does work. His peaceful demonstration, has been victorious against even the British government, in 2005 they passed a law, - the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) specifically aimed at removing Brian from Parliament Square. The Government also took the opportunity to restrict everyone's right to protest within a 1km area of Parliament.

The Life of Brian

Brian though, was not evicted. The High Court ruled that, as he had been protesting before the SOCPA Act, then he should be allowed to continue his protest.

I wonder in years to come, will we celebrate Brian's peaceful demonstration with a statue in Parliament Square? Maybe next to Sir Winston Churchill? I think they both share the same bulldog spirit and the resolve to beat a dangerous dictator. Maybe this is not such a crazy idea afterall... There is an exhibition by Mark Wallinger currently showing at Tate Britain, called "State Britain", (15th January to 27th August 2007) which is a reconstruction of over 600 weather-beaten banners, photographs, peace flags and messages from well-wishers that have been amassed by Brian over the past five years.

Peace

www.parliament-square.org.uk
Tate Britain

Going Green

2007-02-18T17:59:00.000Z

I went green today, no I didn't replace my lightbulbs with energy efficient varieties, I got on my bike. I have already replaced all my light bulbs, I recycle much of my rubbish but what I did today, made me really green.

For the first time in about 6 months I dragged my trusty Sirrus Pro from out of the cupboard and cycled to work. My stopping smoking phase is history unfortunately, and after about 5 minutes I had turned a quesy shade of green. I arrived safely at work about half an hour later coughing up the residues of my Marlboro addiction. I am really unfit, but with the days slowly getting longer (I don't like cycling in the dark) I am going to be doing a lot more on my two wheeled stead.

I have had this bike about 4 years and apart from a dodgy set of wheels, which Specialized replaced with ultra-slick Shimanos, it has been a really reliable means of transport. The relatively high cost of the bike has long since been paid for by the money I have saved in petrol or bus fares.

My company is going green too. We ordered our first hybrid chauffeur car a couple of weeks ago, and we believe we are the first chauffeur company to introduce hybrid vehicles to our fleet. We have been leading up to this point over 18 months, and in the coming weeks we will announce that our whole vehicle fleet will be carbon offset, which is good. What we really want to do though is get hydrogen powered vehicles, like the BMW Hydrogen 7. Unfortunately these probably won't be available for a few years, but we will be the first in line to buy them. The ultimate car for our chauffeur business would be a Hydrogen powered Rolls-Royce Phantom, I hope with BMW's connection with Rolls, that they do indeed produce such a vehicle. Time will tell.

The Toyota Prius is used by a few mini-cab companies and some eco-aware individuals, but even a Prius or any other greener vehicle can prove costly to the environment. This week I have been overtaken twice on the motorway by Prius drivers doing at least 100mph! Which sort of defeats the object, I feel.

Anyway, even a hydrogen powered mini would be nowhere near as environmentally friendly as my good old bike. So if you see a green hued cyclist, give me a wave or even better some oxygen.

Frequency Karma

2006-11-27T21:06:00.000Z

Frequency Karma is the name of my latest tune. It is about us all becoming enlightened, together, in a sort of Celestine Prophecy "Critical Mass" type of vein. As far as the music goes, I would call it buddhist punk if you measure in genres, but you can call it anything you like.

Frequency Karma Lyrics

Everything good
comes from love
and you can find it
in the right places
look at people's faces
the eyes tell a story
tune into good
don't go beyond

Everything is fine
It is, what it is
Deep like the bass
Alive like the fly

Chorus

Light up
the darkest sky
rise up
ignite
come together
in a shower of rainbows a shower of rainbows

Vibrating higher
higher and higher
pick out a star breath in the moonbeams
reflecting on the water
harder and harder
in the breeze is a whisper

Discuss Frequency Karma at mACIDol.

What does beat me up mean?

2006-10-12T02:02:00.000+01:00

My 6 year old daughter Jasmine asked me a question yesterday that had me lost for words. She explained how her "friend" from school had said to her that she was going to get her two older brothers to beat her up.

Jasmine then asked me: " Daddy, what does beat me up mean? "

I am still stumped for an answer.

Why would anyone want to beat some one up?

Swan Song - Death in Ham

2006-07-05T17:53:00.000+01:00

A Happy Soul

Mortality is a subject I have been exploring with a greater depth lately. I am approaching my 40th birthday, so my focus has been drawn to my own existance and demise. What is the meaning? Is there a meaning? I think Buddha might had said that this was an unanswerable question. It probably is unanswerable, but I am still trying to trawl my mind for answers, like I can search Google, but my mind ain't programmed like good 'ole Google.

Songs of Death

I have been writing songs about death too, which I think is a good way to release those feelings. Where art thou Zippy? is a tune about our cat Zippy who died last September. It also contains references to my Grandad and Nan - called Kitty, so maybe it should have been Where art thou Kitty?

Swan Song

On Sunday we went to Ham Common. A pair of beautiful, large, swans were keeping watch over their young signets. We went back to Ham Common yesterday. There was a notice pinned to a tree saying that the swans were attacked by a dog later that Sunday. The female had died and the male injured. The signets and injured male swan had been taken to a swan sanctuary. I heard that swans find lifelong partners which made me a little upset. Did the dog have an owner?

Now, what was the point of that? How does that relate to the grand scheme of things? Do the signets miss their mum?

Guitar - a new meditation

2006-06-20T18:42:00.000+01:00

I have once again, let my Tai Chi practice waver a little. Do not despair, the resultant vacuum has not been filled by tv or drugs. I have picked up my classical guitar again, having lessons and even blogging about it in my Guitar Blog.

Guitar practice is a great meditation. I can lose myself for hours practicing. I am trying to learn how to play like Gabriela of Rodrigo y Gabriela - yes that Gabriela. I am completely rubbish in my attempt to emulate the Mexican guitarists chops, but am enjoying learning - which is the most important thing, IMHO

I expect I'll be back to Tai Chi and other meditations real soon.

Calling all Earthlings

2006-04-28T09:18:00.000+01:00

Earthlings is a heart breaking documentary by Shaun Monson, featuring the music of Moby and the narrative talents of Joaquin Phoenix. It explores the relationship of earthlings - the inhabitants of earth. It spells out the misery that humans inflict on our fellow earthlings, drawing on similarities with The Holocaust it pulls no punches, and I found it very distressing. This is not a simple "Meat is Murder" movie, it also explores vivisection, pets and entertainment.

Going Veggie

I have for a while been a part time vegetarian, but after watching Earthlings, I have decided that being a 100% card-carrying veggie is the right thing to do, for me. It sort of confirmed some of the conclusions, that I came to as a child, but ignored, as everyone I knew ate meat and wore leather. Watch this film but be warned, it is very disturbing and if you haven't already stopped eating meat, buying leather, going to the circus or owning a pet, it may well persuade you to do so - you have been warned.

Popcorn or hot-dog?

This movie is a masterpiece, grab a large bag of popcorn, (I wouldn't advise eating a hot dog) sit back and take it all in. This is a life-changing media experience, one of the quotes used in the film struck a particularly resonant chord with me: "As long as there are slaughterhouses, there will be battlefields." - Leo Tolstoy.

Sayonara Sausages, Big Macs and Bacon Sarnies.

Another great thinker Leonardo da Vinci once said:
"The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look on the murder of men."
For me, the time is now. Peace.

Watch/Download from Google Video, Join the Earthling Discussion at MacIDOL.

Fun with Bamboo

2006-03-08T11:44:00.000Z

Bamboo, my new Master

My Tai Chi class concluded with a drawing of Bamboo. John explained that in China, bamboo is a very special thing. He used it to represent our Tai Chi learning. The knobbly bit represents the class, the long smooth section the practice.

Notice that the sprouts grow from the knobbly part. This is where creativity shoots from. The knobbly part is the lesson and also a relaxing period. The long stem is the work and practice section, this is where Tai Chi happens. In class we learn, but without practice it is meaningless. So my new mantra is practice, practice, practice with a little bit of learning every once in a while.

Standing like a tree

2006-03-02T10:31:00.000Z

I missed last weeks Tai Chi lesson. I took the car and got so flustered that I couldn't find a parking space, I turned right round and went home. Yeah, I wasn't in the right frame of mind for my class.

I am a tree

Yesterday, I was a lot more calmer, and actually managed to park the car without swearing. My lack of practice had caused me concern, but then John told us a wonderful story as we practised the Wu Chi Posture. We held the position for about 10 -15 minutes, which is quite a large part of our one hour lesson. The rest of the lesson was not great, my lack of practice and missing last week's class really showed as we progressed with learning the Tai Chi short form. However, I went home with a deeper understanding of the Wu Chi posture and am back on the right path...

You too could be a tree hugger

This standing still posture was kept secret for thousands of years, only released to the public domain comparatively recently. Here are some links that will get you embracing the tree.

Tai Chi Road Trip

2006-02-20T10:27:00.000Z

My Tai Chi practice has waned slightly over the last week or two. I haven't rolled back to Mr Marlboro man or anything as silly like that. It's just life throwing me new adventures to grasp onto which sometimes lets me lose my grip on my practice.

Tai Chi for Drivers

I had a wonderful challenge thrown at me last week; to drive across Europe to Italy in a transit van. This made a nice change from my usual computer screen view and was a great adventure. We drove non-stop (apart from the ferry) to Italy through France and into northern Italy. It was about 15 hours of driving from Calais to Lake Como. Luckily I had my iPod and Tai Chi for entertainment. Podcasts from Ricky Gervais and others helped keep my spirits up as did some cool music. There is no Tai Chi driving form available, but I have made my own up over the 5 years or so I have been practising Tai Chi. I sit up straight, suspended from the golden thread, relax my jaw, face, and try not to let any tension develop in my back and shoulders. I also have my arms gently curved in a nicely rounded shape, like the Wu Chi posture. Then I concentrate on my breathing (as well as the road).

Back to Blighty

After a day in Como, enjoying the most wonderful views and food (along with some heavy duty lifting), we headed back to England, leaving behind some wonderful scenery and some missed opportunities at doing Tai Chi in such a beautiful place.

No pain, no gain

2006-02-03T07:19:00.000Z

After another sweat infested sleep, I feel on top again this morning. Up at 5:30am and spent a good hour playing Chi Kung and Tai Chi. My latest favourite trick is the standing still pose. I managed 10 minutes today, I could have done quite a bit more too. This seems to be having good effects on my twisted body, and it is very rewarding when one finds a new area of pain and then feel it dissolving. Imaging my tired and locked muscles finally untwining and releasing. In this way I am finding where my blockages are which then I can release and allow my Chi to flow nicely. I suppose my ultimate goal is to get back to my child like body. No tension, maximum flexibility and full of energy.

Say hello, wave good bye

One trick I am finding useful comes from Louise Hay, where when you notice a pain, thank your body for sharing this with you and then gently let it go. So maybe no pain, no gain is useful after-all?

Bugs in the machine

2006-02-02T02:54:00.000Z

Yesterday was my first day back to reality after spending 4 days sweating out a horrible bug. I missed my Brother's birthday celebrations and all food for 3 days. It is the first time in my life I ever remember smelling bad too. I am sure my close friends will disagee with the last statement, but man, I stunk. Even after bathing, I could smell it coming out of my pores.

Keep on Moving

My friend Stu suggested movement as a means of getting rid of my bad moods, and yesterday I tried it out. My 3rd Tai Chi lesson, was the most strenuous yet. I am enjoying the challenge of holding some of the positions, for periods at a time too. Ok this is Chi Kung, but to my mind it's all the same thing. These prolonged postures are very good for us, and chatting to other members of the class, before it began today it would seem that they too are seeing remarkable benefits from these classes. The Chi Kung body slaps are a good wake up too, better than coffee.

Sing a song

John also introduced us to some more healing sounds too, which I am extremely excited about. I am very interested in the power of healing audio. I was so excited that I have now forgotten, which sound heals what part... It goes something like this:
Strike the Wu Chi pose, then take a deep breath and as you exhale make a noise for as long as you can. "Heeee" is good for your brain (I think! I'll double check this next week), "Ahhhhh" is good for something else. Next week, I will try and remember the full list!

Too many Fingers

Highlight of my illness was watching the fabulous "Too Many Crooks" on TV. An absolute classic with Terry-Thomas at his devilish best, take a look at the cast - Billy Gordon ...... Terry-Thomas, Fingers ...... George Cole, Lucy ...... Brenda De Banzie, Snowdrop ...... Bernard Bresslaw, Sid ...... Sidney James, Whisper ...... Joe Melia. Made in 1959 (which was a great year for Gibson Les Pauls, but not too hot for Tibet) in Pinewood, it is a truly wonderful film, and proof that laughter is a great medicine.

Tibet, Where art thou?

2006-01-26T16:15:00.000Z

After downloading the new Mac version of Google Earth, I was interested to look up Tibet. Couldn't find it. "Lhasa Tibet", "Tibet China" - no joy. "Lasa China" found what I was looking for, well it's a place mark anyway. No real info though, hidden by Google to appease the Chinese authorities I suspect.

Tibet, Where art thou?

Help is at hand though. Thanks to the Google Earth Community though, I managed to find Tibet. I think it's sad that Google of all companies had to bow to China's search engine filtering requests and to compromising Google Earh too. Microsoft and Yahoo had already conceded to China, but I thought Google could take the right stance on this.

Lhasa, can you hear me?

If you are in Tibet, The former autonomous region of Tibet, Beijing or any where else in China, did you find this web-site/post ok? I would love to correspond with people from Tibet or China to find out how restricted information is on the Chinese Super Information Highway. Inquiring minds would love to know... Free Tibet?

Wu Chi

2006-01-25T11:33:00.000Z

I have been a bit grumpy again, didn't bother to go to my new Yoga class yesterday, still not smoking though. So with a sort of heavy heart I approached my second Tai Chi lesson at the North Kingston centre.

Practice makes perfect

Fortunately my lack of gusto was soon dissolved by the gentle exercises of the Chi Kung 'warm-up' movements. The class environment always seems to give me the focus and discipline that I lack at home. The strange thing is that most of the movements are almost effort less.

Wu Chi Posture

John went to some length today about the Wu Chi posture. In a nutshell, feet shoulder width apart, slight bend to the knees, and a nice oval shape to your arms as they hang to your side. He also went on to demonstrate another move, similar to the Wu Chi but with your arms in front of you as if holding a beach ball. We held this position for about 5 minutes, at times this felt a lot longer. John said that the old Tai Chi masters would make their students hold this position for as long as they can. To use the bodies discomfort as a guide to any blockages. This is a great way to let go of any tension, and is one of the 'higher' postures too, so it really is good stuff.

Tai Chi in your life

We also were encouraged to carry our Tai Chi practice with us through the day. Sitting at my computer I am conscious of my posture, my feet are flat on the floor and I am completely grounded, dropped shoulders and deep breaths help put a little bit of Tai Chi into my computer work.

Computer Posture article

Tai Chi - Gate of life

2006-01-18T18:02:00.000Z

Yesterday - Yoga, Today - Tai Chi. It is all going upwards and forwards. I had my first Tai Chi class with John today. My fellow students and I enjoyed the workout. It's not really like a workout, it's like a standing meditation - my kind of exercise.

No Pain, All Gain

My brother joined a gym recently - the same one that sent the press images of Diana working out a few years ago. So as he is bench pressing, sweating and looking in mirrors, I had a somewhat less straining experience. My regime started with some gentle Chi Kung - energy or breath work. After about 20 minutes of Chi Kung, all the while being lectured by John, on why it is good for us and explaining the Chinese Medicine theory for it. We were gently introduced to some Tai Chi and shown the first part of the short Tai Chi form we are going to learn during the course of the next ten weeks.

Gate of Life

One thing that I learnt today is that the Chinese call the kidneys the "Gate of Life" and I will be paying much more attention to mine in the future, thanks to my new Tai Chi practice.

Yoga for Beginners

2006-01-17T14:01:00.000Z

"a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practiced for health and relaxation."

The class started off well enough, my new Yogi, Eve explained that I should be OK in this class of women as Yoga was originally developed by men. I suspect that these "men" would have been a little bit more supple than me however. Apart from the bending and stretching, I reckon it might be quite an enjoyable excercise.

Not naturaly gifted...

I knew I would struggle at Yoga, I remember being uncomfortable sitting cross legged at school. As everyone around me moved with grace and poise, I quivered and shook as I went for new positions, often falling short of the optimum posture, but I was pleased just to be there and if I can stick at it, I may even become a Yogi too, well maybe not, but I might be able to touch my toes.

Not just a Yogi beginner

I also signed up for a Tai Chi Beginners class - which starts tomorrow, and a Classical Guitar class for beginners too. It's good to be a student again!

The Science of Enjoyment

2006-01-16T11:03:00.001Z

No, it's OK, I haven't slipped off my new diet/way-of-life. The above picture shows me knocking out some wicked riffs out of my air guitar in the Red Lion, Cropredy, New Years Eve. On closer inspection, notice the dark stains on my top, caused by spilling my Jack Daniels and Coke. Also notice to the right of the picture, my nephew Callum, learning some new tips from the master.

ARISE - Associates for Research Into the Science of Enjoyment

According to "Super Health Detox" by Michael van Straten.

"Believe it or not, in England there's a scientific body called ARISE. Some of their prestigious meetings include lavish dinners where many different wines are served with each course, and the diners eat foie gras, goose, chocolate pudding, cheese and petits fours. Then they are encouraged to enjoy a large Havana cigar with their port and the meal finishes with strong black coffee.

Appalling? No, because ARISE is an acronym for Associates for Research Into the Science of Enjoyment. Like me, it's members are inreasingly concerned that the 'food and health police' are creating a world where enjoyment and pleasure stand for sin and guilt."

I have since found out that maybe ARISE should maybe feel a little guilt, but I agree that a little 'blowout' is good. A little bit of what you fancy and variety is the spice of life are all regimes I now subscribe too. Sure, I have puritanically culled my need for nicotine, sugar and caffeine, find myself checking food packaging for salt levels. But I will not let this be a rod in my back to stop me enjoying myself or stop exploring some of life's more indulgent pleasures. I had a great take away Indian meal Saturday night!

Food makes you mental

According to the BBC, "Changes to diets over the last 50 years may be playing a key role in the rise of mental illness, a study says". All this prepackaged, heavily processed food we are so fond of may not be just bad for our figures. It would appear that it may be bad for our minds too. This is so true - my new healthy lifestyle was given a seal of approval by my friends daughter, she said I looked "all happy" when I went round a couple of days ago, and I was. Eat Raw - it works.

Drum Different Podcast

Chris Cooke has just uploaded a new edition of his Drum Different Podcast, which looks at "music as an avenue for political and social advocacy" and was launched to coincide with Martin Luther Kings birthday. It is well worth a listen.

My free gym

2006-01-12T09:23:00.000Z

I have joined a great gym. It gives my whole body a bit of a cardiovascular work out and is toning my arms and legs. My gym is about a mile away, and can be reached via the towpath of the River Thames. It is a nice walk, I love watching the ducks, geese and rowers on the river. The light reflecting off it is something else too.

Free Gym

Many of you will be surprised that Sainsburys is now a gym. Well of course this is not true, but I find it a good work out. A mile walk, then a bit of shopping. Then fill up my backpack and bags, for the march back. I get Free fresh air, Free views and I save the environment and save money by leaving my car at home.

Free Lithium

According to Sting, sunlight contains Lithium, so if you get a chance, get out in the sun for a free, natural high.

Free Music

I got the new GarageBand 3 yesterday and the GarageBand World Music Jam Pack. So I was up to 6:30 this morning, recording and writing this tune - World Jam, which is a apocalyptic view of the world. You can find more free world music mp3's here.

Learning to fly

2006-01-12T07:28:00.000Z

I am a million years away from meditation induced levitation, but I feel like I am making progress in my own way. Had a tough day yesterday, putting it down to the nicotine snake, trying to have one last bite out of me. So once again, it's all good, it is, what it is.

Tai Chi - A very short form

My Tai Chi practice has never got past about half way through the short form. I started learning Tai Chi with Sue Weston in Isleworth. But have never managed to learn the complete short form as Sue left for a years retreat in Holy Island before I reached my goal. I want to get back to my classes, but am enjoying remembering what I already know. Without thinking, more and more parts of the form are coming back to me. I find this really exciting and rewarding. My last few Tai Chi sessions have been quite hard, so as I am about to embark on my mornings practice, I am going to have a little meditation before some Chi Kung and Tai Chi

Mindful Practice

2006-01-11T07:36:00.000Z

Still not smoking, but I got some strange pangs yesterday for 'ol nic-o-teen. I met an amazing person called Maurice a few years ago, who might have been holding the reason for these desires. I was standing outside my sisters shop, smoking a ciggie. When Maurice came up to me and started talking. He was an elderly gentleman, and started talking about everything, from the power of violet to nicotine. He produced a drawing of a nicotine worm or snake entwined through someone's body. It had quite a strong effect on me, and I reckon it's not too far from the truth. I am finding it a useful device now too, when I remember it. I must not forget that I am not out of the woods yet with regards to smoking.

Guru Violet

I have not seen Maurice since this first meeting - which lasted about 2 hours, but he was an amazing character. I don't think I have ever met anyone with such a complete education. He actually inspired the idea for Guru Violet too, (which I still haven't finished) Thank you Maurice!

Tai Chi Practice

I got up today at 6:30 and had a cup of hot water with lemon. Then got down to my Tai Chi. I had to work at it today, some-days I can just sort of let go and I am in the flow. Today, I had to gently keep reminding myself to not get distracted by work. I probably did too much work yesterday. Up at 5-am and still working at 10pm - that would explain my lack of focus today. I dug in with my practice though and had at least a few moments of bliss, and I know that even bad practice is good. It all counts, it all works together in the long run, like listening to "Stages of Meditation" by HH The Dalai Lama, which is now on constant play on my iPod. I find it hard to understand with my mind sometimes, but I know at least in some part of my soul, little seeds of good change are being planted. It's all good.

I feel good

2006-01-10T05:57:00.000Z

Life is sweet. Got up at 5am! I feel alive and ready for a great day. I am even tempted to extend my 24 hour detox to a 48 big boy session. I started this morning with a nice cup of lemon and ginger tea, but I think I'll do the 48 hour or possibly the 3 day, "show me God" variety at another time.

What a difference a day makes

I am really looking forward to daybreak. I am gonna hot foot it to the banks of the Thames, and do a little Chi Kung and Tai Chi. I might even do some meditation too, which gets me thinking - hey, I haven't listened to Eckhart Tolle in a while...

Twenty-four hour cleansing

2006-01-09T10:02:00.000Z

No, I am not having a bath! I am going to undertake Michael van Straten's twenty-four hour Cleansing for Health fast.

Today's Menu

on waking A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon
breakfast A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon
A mug of ginger tea
mid-morning A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon
lunch A large glass of Tomato Juice and Celery Blend
A mug of ginger tea
mid-afternoon A large glass of hot water with a thick slice of organic unwaxed lemon
supper Kiwi and Pineapple Juice
A mug of ginger tea
evening Orange Juice and Almond Blend
bedtime A mug of camomile tea with a teaspoon of organic honey

God's Little Acre

Let there be light

No sleep till Lhasa

Dalai Lama Press Release

Cycling in the moonlight

Jumping red lights

Medals for Cyclists

Richmond Park

Watch out Bambi

Peace in Parliament Square

The Life of Brian

Going Green

Frequency Karma

Frequency Karma Lyrics

Chorus

What does beat me up mean?

Swan Song - Death in Ham

A Happy Soul

Songs of Death

Swan Song

Guitar - a new meditation

Calling all Earthlings

Going Veggie

Popcorn or hot-dog?

Sayonara Sausages, Big Macs and Bacon Sarnies.

Fun with Bamboo

Bamboo, my new Master

Standing like a tree

I am a tree

You too could be a tree hugger

Tai Chi Road Trip

Tai Chi for Drivers

Back to Blighty

No pain, no gain

Say hello, wave good bye

Bugs in the machine

Keep on Moving

Sing a song

Too many Fingers

Tibet, Where art thou?

Tibet, Where art thou?

Lhasa, can you hear me?

Wu Chi

Practice makes perfect

Wu Chi Posture

Tai Chi in your life

Tai Chi - Gate of life

No Pain, All Gain

Gate of Life

Yoga for Beginners

Not naturaly gifted...

Not just a Yogi beginner

The Science of Enjoyment

ARISE - Associates for Research Into the Science of Enjoyment

Food makes you mental

Drum Different Podcast

My free gym

Free Gym

Free Lithium

Free Music

Learning to fly

Tai Chi - A very short form

Mindful Practice

Guru Violet

Tai Chi Practice

I feel good

What a difference a day makes

Twenty-four hour cleansing

Today's Menu

Yummie