Tai Chi
Going to the Movies

The extra large curtain circled the room creating a dark and mysterious presence, dominating the view by its size, but its specifics were difficult to pick out and understand. A friend had said, “Come and see; you’ll enjoy the experience, and it will be good for you!” At the starting time, a voice was heard explaining this was an ancient curtain telling a great story, which would be revealed slowly, through light, to each person at his/her own pace.

The Chi of Trees

The doubled-trunked tree spreads its roots, reaching down into the earth where the cool ground water flows.

The water rising up in currents, soothes the inner pulp, protecting from the searing, yet nourishing heat of the sun.

In time and in season the tree flourishes, expanding, relaxing its branches outward and upward returning water and gases to earth and air.

Barbara Tyminski

Master Roger had just changed and painted the school signs red, to Z, oriental style lettering, and the Healing Arts area sign to Acupuncturist Dennis Willmont's web willmountain.com.
"Dr." Dennis, somewhat bewildered, asks where do I tell people to go now?
Master Roger paused, then replied, "Well, where is willmountain?"
Dennis searched deep, then in his best French accent stated, "Willmountain is at Z place."
Master Roger smiled and then regressed to a three stooges moment and recalled the line "... then this must be Z place."

Mostly curiosity, though some concern meandered through my consciousness regarding YMAA’s current changes. I have fully supported Dr. Yang’s move to the hills, even to the point of leading a construction crew in framing his round home.

I have always had a righteous, just, and benevolent relationship with my Master. Certainly after almost 20 years with The Man, I have had enough guidance to last me for many lifetimes. Yet, there were so many questions by so many students. I had no answers. I would only state that it has been a great run for me, much better than I could have ever imagined. Hence, my intention was to finish this phase strongly, center myself and enjoy the transition.

Two years ago I passed my last Taiji test with my teacher, Dr. Yang,Jwing-Ming. I achieved the Mastery level and Dr. Yang, thereby became Grandmaster. Both rankings were well earned. Dr.Yang has been teaching around the world for almost 40 years. I had been training in Martial Arts for 35 years to the day prior to that test. Many students have asked me to recall the testing experience. So, rather than repeat it many times, here it is.

Greetings from ZAZENZONE! As President and Founder of WSFI, I have created this cyberzone as a way of sharing your "in the zone" experiences. This installment is the "maiden voyage", with future submissions and ideas coming from those who are connected or would like a connection to the WSFI community.

HOW ZAZENZONE WAS BIRTHED
Often, while solo training, thoughts and feelings bubble up. About a year ago ZAZENZONE popped into my consciousness as a congruent label for our gym. It felt right, but I gave it no further attention. Then a couple of months later while hiking in the Berkshires, ZAZENZONE bubbled up again. This time my hiking friend and I played with it most of the day. It was a full day of frivolously fun brainstorming. I ran it by my children (the acid test) and they approved. However, I let it go again until Tony Chee (creator of this website) encouraged the formulation of this domain. So, like it or not, here we go.

Our new gym name, ZAZENZONE, has a connotation much like the ancient meaning of gymnasium, the sacred space of learning. It is similar to the Chinese Wu Dao Quan, the Korean Do Jang, and the Japanese Dojo. Often in the modern world the gym is given a special name like the Garden or the Palace.

ZAZENZONE is also a jazzy way of saying THE END ZONE. It is the place one aspires to. At a deeper level, ZAZENZONE is a deep meditative mindful practice which allows one to be in the zone at will. This produces greater insight and effectiveness, allowing one to know and manifest one's true destiny. Our ZAZENZONE is a place where one can connect to and recreate meaning and pupose, health and safety intelligently.

Dot is Wuji - the "no mind" nothingness state of unity consciousness.

Spiral is Taiji - the process which allows us to move to and from Wuji and YinYang.

S in circle is YinYang - the complimentary pairing of opposites.

Peace sign is symbolic of the contentment and harmony that is experienced upon following one's true destiny.