Yin Yang

Y is for Yin Yang

The yin yang symbol is ancient, steeped in symbolism and meaning.  Many 

philosophers have attempted to explain the universe in terms of this symbol.

Below is an excerpt from the poem "Identity of Relative and Absolute", written by

 Zen Master Shih-t'ou Hsi-ch'ien  (700-790 CE)

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 當明中有暗    In the light there is darkness,
勿以暗相遇    but don't take it as darkness;
當暗中有明    In the dark there is light,
勿以明相睹    but don't see it as light.
明暗各相對    Light and dark oppose one another
比如前後歩    like the front and back foot in walking.
萬物自有功    Each of the myriad things has its merit,
當言用及處    expressed according to function and place.
事存函蓋合    Phenomena exist; box and lid fit;
理應箭鋒拄       principle responds; arrow points meet.

 

Xing Yi Quan

X is for Xing Yi Quan

Xing Yi Quan is one of the major "internal" styles of Chinese martial arts.    The style is characterized by aggressive, seemingly linear movements and explosive power.    Xing Yi Quan uses coordinated movements to generate bursts of power intended to overwhelm the opponent, simultaneously attacking and defending.

The video below gives a real quick overview of the history and theory of Xing Yi and shows the movements being performed.  And there's a woman demonstrating - yay!

Wise Words

W is for Wise

A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.

William Shakespeare

It is always wise to look ahead, but difficult to look further than 

you can see.
Winston Churchill

 
Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.
Albert Einstein 

The well bred contradict other people. The wise contradict themselves.
Oscar Wilde

 

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn 

from a wise answer.
Bruce Lee

 

Life's Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late. 

Benjamin Franklin

 
The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.
Khalil Gibran

 

For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no 

limited dimensions.
Lao Tzu

 

Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.
Buddha

 

Good Vibrations

V is for Vibration


The whole universe is vibrating.

Energy is neither created nor destroyed, it is only transformed and transferred.

Energy and matter are different states of the same phenomenon. 

The energy that manifests itself as matter is constantly vibrating.

The most common and obvious way we experience these vibrations is through sound.   Here are some links for you to listen to the vibrations of the universe:

Forest Raindrops

Thunder 

Song Birds

Ocean Waves

If you think what you say or how you say it doesn't matter, watch here to see the human voice create vibrational patterns 

And the best "good vibrations" of them all.... The Beach Boys:

Universal Truths

U is for Universe

  

 

Thank a Tree!

T is for Trees

Not only are trees beautiful, trees are really important to the health of our planet, and by extension, to our own personal health.  Here's some of the things trees do for us:

• Trees are our planet's lungs.  They convert the CO2 humans exhale into oxygen.  According to http://coloradotrees.org/, an adult tree can change 48 pounds of carbon every year into enough oxygen to keep two people alive.
  
  
• Trees reduce ozone levels.  In large cities this can mean milder temperatures and more breathable air.
  
  
  
  
  
• Trees prevent soil erosion -   their roots stop soil from washing away.
  
  
• Trees moderate temperatures.  They absorb summer heat, cast some shady relief  and provide a windbreak from chilly winter winds.
  
  
  
• Trees provide food in the form of fruit, nuts and even maple syrup (yum).
  
  

                          Click here for some fun facts about trees.

And perhaps most important of all - trees can be fun!

Thank a tree!