Eagle's Quest Tai Chi Advanced study Reading

January, 2010 Greetings, Here's wishing a Happy New Year and a Happy New Decade to one and all. We will gather at Rose Lodge this coming Saturday January 9, 2010, at 11 a.m. as usual for Advanced Studies. We have been reading THE ART OF LEARNING by Josh Waitzkin for our book discussion. Our focus for this gathering is conscientiousness. What this time requires of us each is to be as precise as possible with the outside world. This demands a strict attention to details and to timing. At a time when individuals set resolutions for action in the coming year, we must develop the character traits that will allow us to accomplish our aims. Even though we may have dreams that are high, the road to accomplishment is on the ground, and there are many turns, and crossroads, and signs along the way to which we must attend. We must be dutiful, and responsible on this path. We must be thrifty in our expenditures not blinded by the possibilities of fantastic profits in our investments. Dignity is something that one cannot buy. Avoid flamboyance in your relationships. What people really respect is simplicity and heartfelt sincerity. Courtesy and kindness are the guideposts upon which to set your marks. The key that unlocks the door to success is a simple one. It is a humble key. Icarus flew so high he came too close to the sun and melted his waxen wings. Pride goeth before the fall. Stay low, and be at peace with yourself and the dignity of your life's work and maintain a sense of restraint. A horse that is not reigned in can throw its rider. Remember, ride the horse in the direction it is going, and you will eventually arrive at your destination. The connections you have with others are more important than the things that you may derive from your journey. It is the symbiosis of relationship that is the most rewarding gift. When we are like the flowering plant that lies close to the earth we are able to achieve fruitfulness at the right time when we accept the light that is given us and make blossom what is true within our being. Anchor your roots deep, and draw sustenance from the connections to the humble earth from many sources, and then green thrust will follow its invisible imperative to full fruition. The ripening fruit will give birth to the maturing seed that then generates new germination for the next generation of activity to arise. In this lies the secret of eternity. Continuing traditions that feed the soul, and engender the spirit while healing the body helps the perpetuation of life and self-renewal. Goals can be reached through endurance and consistency. Trust your inner self, your insights, your inherent goodness, and act from this place of generosity of spirit. The traditions that come down to us from tried and true sources can bring us joy and security, while at the same time we must also learn to use this knowledge to develop new trends of thought so that the richness of wisdom can expand. Like a trellis is for a vine so is the structure of thinking and acting that allows the new applications of traditional techniques. The flowering of relationships upon this superstructure assures us of unity, continuity, consistency, and principled enduring values. Please R.S.V.P.  so we can prepare the proper amount of food for the group.  Reminder to those who were here last month and new info to those who were not:  in an effort to conserve, please bring your own dishes, eating utensils and mug to class. I will bring extra in case someone forgets so not to worry. This month a hot soup will be served as part of the meal, so please bring a bowl as well.  Thanks,  Debbie Happy New Year, David Chandler PS from Debbie: David's birthday is January 12. If anyone would like to join us at our house after Adv Studies for some refreshments and birthday cake, please let me know when you RSVP. Thank you.