Keith Jeffery July 2010
Current Article ∙ Archive ∙ Back to Island Voices
In this issue:
•Feature article – Pursuit of Happiness?
•Tai Chi Symposium in Palm Springs, California
•Study – Tai Chi Helps Control Hyperactivity
•Get OUT (side)
•Life Quotes
•Wellness corner
Feature Article: Pursuit of Happiness?
One of my personal struggles involves the pursuit of happiness. I am often a very happy person, and very often live in a state of joy and appreciation. But when I am not happy… I am not happy. And I don’t like that.
So – I am now looking at the word “pursue”. A verb meaning to chase, overtake, capture or proceed toward. It seems that the very act of pursuing means that I am not there. And it sometimes feels that the more I pursue it, the harder it is to find (a bit like a game of hide ‘n seek). I grasp and it escapes at will.
Over the years I have come to realize that happiness is fleeting. It comes and goes, often darting in and out of a day in a most unpredictable manner. Maybe pursuing it is part of the problem. Maybe there is a better way?
So here is an idea. I accept now that I cannot always be happy as happiness seems to be a somewhat shallow, superficial and fickle state. But I know, with practice and awareness, that I have the ability to move towards a more permanent state of peace. Because I can take daily actions to cultivate peace, I feel much more in control. What if I choose to develop a peaceful soul, to be at peace with my self and the world? What if I choose to live in acceptance? What if I was not happy, but still peaceful?
So – everyday I find stillness in my 4 Minute Fitness and Easy Tai Chi practices and as a result, every day I move more towards a state of peace. I would encourage all of you to use move #3 in 4 Minute Fitness as a peace enhancement tool. Draw “peace” into every fibre of your being. Feel it, taste it, see it. Let that influx of “peace” relax all your muscles, tendons and skin and let it wipe the worry from your face. Perhaps then pause for a minute to really absorb the stillness and relaxation. Then – when you reach move #5 – really experience “All is Well”.
Of course there are many ways to find peace – tai chi, yoga, meditation, prayer, quiet walks, running – we will all choose the combination of methods that resonate with us.
Maybe finding peace will lead to an even happier life. My goal now? Cultivate a deeper level of personal peace and… let happiness find me. Note: Save 20% on our Heal Your Mind, Heal Your Body DVD. This DVD is the “next level” 4 Minute Fitness DVD. Improve your skills, maximize your benefits. See “Wellness Corner” below.
Note: Save 20% on our Heal Your Mind, Heal Your Body DVD. This DVD is the “next level” 4 Minute Fitness DVD. Improve your skills, maximize your benefits. See “Wellness Corner” below.
Tai Chi Symposium in Palm Springs, California
November 11 (evening) – 14, 2010
We call it a Symposium because there will be many talented individuals attending who will teach and offer their skills. It is also a tai chi holiday, vacation, retreat, getaway and “time for you”. This vacation is not only designed to Certify teachers – it will help any Tai Chi practitioner improve his/her practice and increase benefits.
Monday, Nov. 15 is an optional day for those interested in learning Easy Tai Chi FLOW – the new series of moves that follow Tai Chi for Busy People and Easy Tai Chi CORE. This series is gorgeous!
www.easytaichi.com/symposium.htm
Oh, by the way… Palm Springs receives about 350 days of sun each year. Bring you bathing suit, sunscreen, golf clubs, hiking boots, tennis racquet and a camera! And the Holiday Inn offers free shuttles from the airport to the hotel.
Study – Tai Chi Helps Control Hyperactivity
Every year, tai chi practice has been shown to increasingly beneficial in overall health and well being. This review from MedScape.
May 26, 2010 (New Orleans, Louisiana) – The practice of tai chi chuan for 6 weeks during a summer camp improved behavior control in adolescents with mental illness, according to a study presented at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) 2010 Annual Meeting.
“We found beneficial effects in controlling hyperactivity in the group as a whole, and adolescents with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also showed improvements in cognitive skills, “said Peng Pang, MD, a resident in psychiatry at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York.
Summer is here! For most of us, that means being outside more often. Here are some ideas to incorporate your Easy Tai Chi and 4 Minute Fitness practices outside. Tai chi outdoors in beautiful or peaceful settings adds a whole different feeling and dimension.
•choose different destinations daily. Make a game of it . Use this goal to explore your own community, to be tai chi tourist in your own town
•combine your practice with a walk or run or hike
•practice before or after coffee or lunch at different eateries
•meet friends or family at your outdoor destination and practice with them
•find (safe) exquisite, hidden beaches or forest locations that you wouldn’t otherwise explore
•wear light, silky clothes and practice in a light wind. Notice the extra sensations created by the movement of your clothes.
1. The real measure of your wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money. Unknown
2. If you were arrested for kindness….would there be enough evidence to convict you…?
Wellness Corner and Additional products
1. Teacher Certification
I have the greatest job in the world. I get to teach people to move, breathe deeply and think positive thoughts. Want to join me? Start teaching in 2010!
We have many enthusiastic people in this program. No experience is necessary! Just $299.
Check it out:
www.easytaichi.com/teachers.htm
www.easytaichi.com/teacher-FAQ.htm
2. Easy Tai Chi CORE
Our newest Easy Tai Chi DVD. Designed as a stand alone form or the moves can be added to your current practice. Gorgeous, flowing moves that can dramatically help your back. The DVD is filled with lessons that can improve all movement.
3. NEW DVD! Love your 4 Minute Fitness? Learn even more!
Now – dramatically increase your benefits by ordering our new 4 Minute Fitness Seminar DVD.
Join in the fun and excitement of an actual seminar captured on DVD, and learn many of the smaller details that will make your daily four minutes even more spectacular. Just $19.97 + S&H.
www.4minutefitness.com/home-eventDVD.htm
SAVE 20% this week. People love this “advanced 4 Minute Fitness DVD” and we are offering it at a discounted rate for the next week. To receive this 20% discount, click the link below and add the package to the Cart. Then insert the word “seminar” into the “Coupon” box. Press the “Recalculate” button to see your new discounted total.
www.4minutefitness.com/home-eventDVD.htm
4. Remarkably Effective Weight Loss Ideas
Practical and effective weight loss ideas from the practical perspective of a veterinarian. Interested?
5. Krisanna’s New book
Learn the art of conscious loving. Great sex enhances relationships and can help you feel TERRIFIC – at any age!
www.GreatSexForLifeToolkit.com
6. Ten Free Gifts Our gifts to you.
Please feel free to send this link to anyone who might find benefit.
www.easytaichi.com/free-gifts.htm
Please contact me with any questions. If you do not wish to receive future lifestyle information, just let us know by return email.
If you know people who would benefit from this information, please feel free to forward this letter.
Enjoy every precious minute,
Keith Jeffery
For more information, please contact
Dr. Keith Jeffery at:
1836 Douglas Crescent, Nanoose Bay, B.C. V9P 9C7
Toll free – (866) 682-4244 after 9 am Pacific
Tel (250) 468-9950
fax (250) 468-9910
E-mail: keith@EasyTaiChi.com