Life moves in waves. Energy moves in waves. Compressional waves — like sound waves, and transverse waves, such as light waves, like the energy of the sun reaches the Earth in transverse waves. Think of it as visible lines moving around you – do they flow freely? Are you able to move with the lines? Do the lines run parallel to you, where they are out of your reach? Where do they intersect with other lines? Do the lines spin around you like a cocoon? Or a tornado?

In his portrayal of a Shaolin monk on the Kung Fu TV series, David Carradine took us on a journey. As an orphaned child of an American father and Chinese mother, after years of rigorous spiritual training he finds himself avenging his master’s death, fleeing China as a fugitive. Ostensibly a pacifist, the lines of serenity were intersected by lines of violence. Though fighting in self defense, and always on the side of justice, the lines, most of the time, tethered him to the ground. His adventures were symbols of our own human journey: a quest for liberation and release from earthly ties.

On June 4th, David Carradine was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room, under questionable circumstances. Years of highs and lows in his personal and professional life’s energy lines seemed to have taken their toll: whether it was attributed to suicide or the result of poor judgment. And do not confuse celebrity or a fictional character with the struggles or even the “strangeness” of a real person. Those lines that we surf may allow us our rides on the energy lines of big, beautiful waves. We will fall below the lines too, pulled down deep in the undertow, as Young said “lost in the trough”. And sometimes the lines take hold, the energy seizes us, surrounds us, strangles us.

While listening to the gospel song I’ll Fly Away, a bird flew in through our window, perching on a lamp. It spread its wings and flew off  to the perfect soundtrack ushering it out.There are moments that compel us to look at the seeming randomness, the possibility of synchronicity – the actual ordering of randomness and its energy. Perhaps where the lines intersect creates the space where it hurts the most. Ours is a journey; a quest for liberation and release from earthly ties. We are moving with the lines and surfing the light.

Rest in peace, Mr. Carradine.

Please leave your thoughts and comments.

Toni Josephson

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Balance, Energy and Awareness.

Martial arts dramatically demonstrates that through mental, physical and spiritual discipline, incredible achievements are possible. Core to martial arts are moving meditation exercises to unleash our potential energy and find ways to control and balance this energy by cultivating self awareness.

Aren’t these the same qualities we can all use?

Here at TanDao you will find Mindful Movements to maximize your potential.

When detached from the martial aspect, the movement arts are excellent ways to enhance your physical and mental well being. Use our Energy Snacks to cultivate your life force energy. Our newest title is Relax and Flow.

And for martial artists, try supplementing your present training with TanDao training techniques that may intrigue you. When practiced consistently over time, you will enhance your present skill level. Our latest addition is the first installment of Tan’s Dazzling Hands, an integral part of the TanDao system. Give the wellness movements a try too. It’s all about balance.

Lawrence & Toni