The Dear, the Crane, and the Turtle

Health thoughts prompted by a consideration of the dear, crane, and turtle symbols of classic Tao:

There is a Taoist art or practice some call Chi-kung or internal energizing exercises. Chi-kung exercises combined with meditative and breathing techniques may form a useful self-healing system. These internal exercises are probably more important and useful than are ones regular external exercises and may be profitable to continue when one is not continuing what one may consider ones regular exercises regime. An online search may start you on the the path of these exercises.

Go on, go far, return, follow the laws.

If you decide to try one or more of the deer, crane, or turtle related exercises I recommend that you determine to stay with the exercise you choose for more than three months, or twice that, if you would benefit. If you would give yourself a chance to benefit fully from associated meditative and breathing practice, the masters would have you determine to continue for a decade or more. Of course the only practice benefiting use is the one we are in the midst of and some benefits accrue throughout your practices.

Let go of that which does not include bliss, vitality, and wellness.

Modern knowledge of the workings of our bodies helps.
Learn more of your glandular system.
Begin to gather facts about supplementation or augmentation of the endocrine system by your fourth decade.
I have been slow to take this advise.
Can you help me with motivation or information?

Wu Wei

Brief reactions to reading "Wu Wei" on www.allconsidering.com .

What useful meaning might "Friction keeps alive the fire of life." have?

Giving priority to age seems a useful heuristic.

"Cleaning out the attic" is often a more deeply felt part of an ongoing process of purification.

Communicating honestly and openly seems a loving and useful activity. Nurturing and supporting transparency in human activity also seems loving and useful.

Friction accompanies every action. The heat of friction can lead to fire which appears destructive, but keeping the home-fires burning has long been considered a good.

I wish us all Wu Wei balance.

Tao-like

You may consider these phrases worthy of contemplation:

~ Words have meaning.
~ Understanding is partial.
~ Approach happiness.
~ Reach happiness and be close to perfection.
~ Take 'both' sides.
~ Chaos and doubt are learning places.
~ Great goodness is not kind.
~ How can we argue about reality when all our words are imperfect?
~ Share opinions with respect.
~ What do we know of the beholder?
~ Meet the witness within.
~ The sage does not cling.
~ How can I tell?
~ It may happen any time now.
~ Live with all the opinions.
~ Leave the different viewpoints as they are.
~ Rest in the infinite.
~ Know what it means to follow the middle way.
~ Avoid fame and punishment.
~ Follow the natural grain.
~ Take advantage of what is there.

Internal Exercise, with thanks to aunt Virginia

Crane, turtle, toe wiggling, strengthening, and healing each refers to "Internal Exercise" of Tao. Tao is great and we may say that the Tao is one, but the words that follow center on a Tao of "Internal Exercise," "the I Ching," "Sexology," and "Diet."
More specifically they are intended to focus on the "Internal Exercise"


Its the Tao that describes the I Ching as being divided into three studies: astrology, philosophy, and techniques of forecasting. It describes the I Ching as being a study of symbols or signs representing the phenomena of endless changes occurring throughout the universe; changes governed by exact laws defined by the various branches of mathematics. A study of social philosophy and transactional psychology. as represented using the 64 hexagrams. A study of predicting happenings.

It describes its "Sexology" as helping people to enjoy sexual play without depleting themselves. It explains how to strengthen the sexual organs and how to use sexual energy to cure specific aliments.

Its system of "Diet" includes principles of of using natural and unprocessed foods for nutrition and healing, of using herbs for health and longevity.

Its system of "Internal Exercise" is designed to energize, balance, and promote effective functioning. Posture for longevity and energy is taught. Exercises for glandular balance; for strong, smooth functioning organs; for relaxing and controlling the nervous system are laid out. Meditation, as a way of consciously integrating body, mind, and intellect is included in the exercise. Correct breathing to is taught as part of the exercise.

With enough energy and longevity I will write a bit about this "Internal Exercise."

Not Tao

Philosophers who laugh.
It is light, witty, and accessible.
Set your burden down and enjoy the water.
Accept the realty of freedom.
Easy does it.
Attend to your energy reserve.
No regrets.
The door is not locked.
Peacefully rejoice in reality.
Know the joy and security of wandering where there is no path.
Enjoy your wit and romantic adventures.
Is it really so?
Great knowledge and long life.
How do you know that it is so?
Be little moved by praise and blame.
Discriminate.Be clear about the knowledge of honor and disgrace.
Small self, little vanity.
Know the rule without ruling.
Know you.
Be willing to know the quality of your perception.
Let go of the clutter and trivia.
Nothing is useless.
All is useful.
As you smell the roses, hear the music.
As you speak, be aware of how little you know.
Nothing depends on your point of view.
Your opinion is changing this instant.
Let them be.
How can we understand it all in one day?
Clarify your understanding today.
Embrace reality.
Breathe well, smile gently.