Thursday Meditation & Chat - How do you do taiji?

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Hi <<First Name>>,

If you remember when I started this Thursday Meditation and Chat series, one of the first topics we discussed was "why do you do taiji?" Many mentioned health, stress reduction, fitness and coordination, and generally being fascinated with the many depths of the art -- the various forms and martial applications, and the stories that came with the teachers.

Here's a followup question: HOW do you do taiji? Particularly, how do you do taiji in ways that support your "why's"?

Jill Bolte Taylor, the neuroanatomist with the very first viral TED talk "my stroke of insight", wrote in her new book Whole Brain Living that we each have 4 characters in our brain: left brain thinking, right brain thinking, left brain emotional, and right brain emotional. I excerpt below her comparison of how the thinking functions in our left and right brains differ:

from Jill Bolte Taylor's book Whole Brain Living

Which brain has been showing up more in your taiji learning/practice? ;)

See you in a few hours for Wuji (zoom link below),
Yan

p.s., Another recipe contribution below! Yum!!

Vinaigrette Dressing (from Helen)

• 2 small shallots, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons vinegar, balsamic or champagne (or a combination of both to equal 3 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1. In a jar combine minced shallots, mustard, salt and sugar. Whisk with a fork to break up mustard clumps

2. Whisk in vinegar. Slowly whisk in olive oil, incorporating until smooth

3. Cover and refrigerate. Stir before using. Keeps good for a couple of weeks. Note: Solidification of olive oil on top is normal due to refrigeration

Serving suggestions:
-Dress romaine & arugula greens. Top with pears, walnuts & crumbed feta
-Drizzle on roasted or steamed vegetables
-Use in a Caprese style salad (basil, sliced tomatoes & fresh mozzarella)

TMC: Thursday Meditation (7-7:30pm) and Chat (7:30-8pm) US Pacific Time
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84221837967?pwd=QlZITzVLODN1ODQvRm5ZOXpIemYzZz09
Meeting ID: 842 2183 7967
Passcode: 202101

Zoom door will open at 6:55pm and we will start our meditation promptly at 7:05pm after 5 minutes of warmup and greetings. If anyone has any request for a specific guided meditation, please bring it up before we start, or let me know via email before 6:55pm.

🙋 Have a question or topic you'd like the group to discuss? Saw an article you'd like to share? Submit any time here: https://forms.gle/APg2zid5xP6s4Ghn7.