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windows: general #527

I coach individuals (and institutions) to think, feel and respond holistically making them more effective problem solvers.

Methodologically my focus is on ancient Taoist philosophical concepts and traditional Chinese bodymind methods with respect to the issues we are facing today. A summary of the concepts I am working with can be found here on my website.

In applying traditional Chinese bodymind methods I am particularly interested in offering support to people active in organizations in areas like environmental protection, pro-democracy activities, social justice, social enterprises, …— basically all kinds of projects building and rebuilding meaningful and constructive (modern) ways of living.

I want to support people active in constructive global change to profoundly experience within themselves the change they want to see in the world. I want to support them, to transform their personal microcosm of existence into more symbiotic relationships of self. Then, we are able to resonate even more profoundly with the larger environments, and every kind of activism is more holistically grounded.

From the perspective of Taoist philosophy, any larger project involving our wider environment needs to start with and be grounded in working with our own bodymind: Your own bodymind as a miniature of the outside world and a premier experimental field. To experience the processes and the effects of our bodymind getting profoundly transformed in constructive and holistic ways is seen as a foundation of utmost importance.

The traditional Chinese bodymind methods I am publicly working with are:

– 少林易筋經 Shaolin I-chin Ching, the Shaolin method for transforming the tendons
– 陰陽功 Yin Yang method
– 五行功 Five Phases method (Five Elements method)

The Shaolin method for transforming the tendons has a particular focus on strengthening the musculoskeletal system and improving its coordination through isometric exercises. How physical a method the Shaolin tendon method is, can completely be adapted to the person who is practicing it—from very physical to minimally physical. This depends upon how physical you are and on what kind of combination of physical, mental, and spiritual practice you would like to focus on. At the same time, the I-chin Ching contains very contemplative parts that let you become very calm, and emotionally balanced. The I-chin Ching builds up physical strength and energy in an emotionally and mentally balancing setting.

With its smooth movements, the Yin Yang method is like a short introduction to T’ai-chi Ch’üan. Physically, the Yin Yang method improves the agility of your body with its fluid soft movements. Being performed with closed eyes, the atmosphere these soft movement waves create, are also emotionally and mentally very balancing.

The Five Phases method sets organ activity in motion, activating the functioning of the inner organs with small external movements. You increase your vitality in a very unassuming way. Being performed with closed eyes and reduced external sensory stimuli, the atmosphere these small movements create, is also emotionally and mentally very balancing. In a space between consciously and subconsciously observing and interacting with the inner workings of your physical existence you explore new ways of communicating with yourself.

The traditional Chinese bodymind practices described above are designed to have wide-ranging and profound effects. The health benefits are just one of the positive effects. They are not the final goal. Where the focus is mentally can, however, be completely adapted to the needs of an individual or a group. These bodymind methods are, for instance, very helpful and supportive in dealing with issues like these:

– Fatigue and preventing burnout
– Recovering from a severe illness
– Coping with stress
– A lack of exercise and a need for regular meaningful exercise routines
– A lack of energy
– Hyperactivity
– Hypertension
– Reducing impulsive behavior
– Continuously restoring your energies on many levels

Possible topics for further reflection based on your experiences made through your practice of one of these traditional Chinese bodymind methods are for instance:

– Widening your perceptual experience
– Integrating conscious and subconscious faculties
– Delegating and listening
– Democratic organizational patterns
– Human interference in natural settings from the perspective of interference with the ecosystems of your personalities
– The climate crisis from the individual perspective of how we treat our own bodymind