Tag: happiness

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Politicians Or Caretakers?

Steve Rowe

We shouldn’t have politiciansWe should have caretakersPeople that care for all of humanityAnd its environmentNo elevated titlesNo wealth that deprives othersEveryone should have foodA home, medical treatmentWe should encouragePatience, kindnessTolerance and compassionCaretakers support and careUnite and build communityThey don’t divide and engender hateThe internet gives global accessPeople can unite and use their voiceCaretakers will ariseFrom the will of the peopleWe are at a global fork in the roadPeace, harmony and mutual supportOr assured mutual destruction.By Steve Rowe Continue reading Politicians Or Caretakers?

Tao Te Ching ExplainedLeave a comment

The Virtue In Following The Tao

Steve Rowe

Tao Te Ching Part Twenty One  “The greatest Virtue is to follow Tao and Tao alone.” We tend to complicate the Tao, we can’t believe how simple it actually is. To stick to the profundity of the way is hard because we tend to use the wrong tool for the job, the thinking mind that seeks to define rather than our consciousness that connects all things. “The Tao is elusive and intangible.Oh, it is intangible and elusive, and yet within is image.Oh, it is elusive and intangible, and yet within is form.Oh, it is dim and dark, and yet within … Continue reading The Virtue In Following The Tao

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The Base Layer Of Learning

Steve Rowe

One of the things that came out on the seminar yesterday was the importance of the structure of learning, putting in the important base layers right from the start. We all advertise and discuss the importance of character training in the martial arts and yet many don’t teach how to educate and alchemise the character and only make vague references to it. We should look to the teacher and their senior students to see how the training system has worked for them. The most important base layer is emotional intelligence, as an angry or frightened martial artist is a danger … Continue reading The Base Layer Of Learning

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Tai Chi Is Simple And Easy

Steve Rowe

Tai Chi is ‘simple and easy’, it’s only one thing that we view through many different windows to increase our understanding. The first aware breath you take in neigong makes you better than you were before you took it. Your first lesson where you’re taught to ‘stand tall, breathe deep and focus your mind’ makes you better than before you attended. It makes you feel better, healthier, more happy and positive. From that point on you can only improve these skills. Always practice with an inner smile knowing that you can only get better. It takes years to ‘master’ musical … Continue reading Tai Chi Is Simple And Easy

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The Power Of Silence And Stillness

Steve Rowe

We have to develop and alchemise silence and stillnessIt’s the only way to give life perspectiveIf we’re always moving, thinking and feelingHow can we give it context without anything to compare it with?The amount of time and focus we give to each is importantWhen we develop silence and stillnessWe can see everything objectivelyWe can develop insight and wisdomThis gives value and insight into our thoughts, feelings and activitiesWhen we mindlessly engage in lifeWe’re asleep at the wheelOur locus of power is externalWhen we add the power of silence and stillnessWe’re awake and our locus of power is internalWe’re no longer … Continue reading The Power Of Silence And Stillness

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Knowing Yourself

Steve Rowe

I’ve never been comfortable with titles, grades, certificates and awards. Nothing against them, they’re just not for me. I haven’t turned grades down from people I respect but have upset and subsequently fallen out with people that run awards ceremonies because I wouldn’t associate with them or accept their awards. I know who and what I am so don’t need recognition from others, I know what I’m both good and bad at and that sometimes I’m a twat with an awful sense of humour. I don’t like to put anything between myself and those I teach so I’m not a … Continue reading Knowing Yourself

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A Library Waiting To Burn Down

Steve Rowe

Old Man…..Why are you still here?You’ve lived in a different worldNo internet or computersNo influencersOnly 1 or 2 TV channelsOnly 2 gendersA life of hardshipWearing the mask of ‘manhood’Don’t show weaknessDon’t show emotionDon’t show painDon’t show fearDon’t let anything get to youWalk the left hand pathBe politeSupport and defend friends and familyBe quietly loyalPay your billsLive frugallyBe a warriorExpect nothingBe happy with anythingNow you are ‘old’And ‘don’t understand’You ‘forget’And are ‘awkward’Hoping to die before you’re too weakThe world left you behindWith wisdom that can’t be graspedAnd you’re still hereA library waiting to burn down Continue reading A Library Waiting To Burn Down

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There’s A Hole In My Bucket

Steve Rowe

I’ve always found the idea of having a ‘bucket list’ a bit selfish and strange. Is this the purpose and quality we put on having a life? Shouldn’t we find our meaning and purpose within every moment? It’s the same as having to take a holiday, is our life so mundane and bad that we have to get away? Spend all our time wishing we were somewhere else and being pampered like a child? If our life is so unsatisfying maybe we should look inward and make changes that then reflect outward into each moment so that we don’t need … Continue reading There’s A Hole In My Bucket

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3am Black Dog

Steve Rowe

It’s always at 3amYou wake with a feeling of dreadIt can come from medicationOr lack of itMaybe PTSDOr something happening in lifeOr just plain anxiety and fearEither way it’s always 3am You’ve been asleepAnd the unconscious has been free to roamYou wake with this powerful sense of dreadYour mind attaches reason to itBut that’s not always what it isEvery nerve in the body hurtsNot with painBut with emotionA kind of yearning You distract the mind to ease itAnd think it’s goneBut as soon as you stop the distractionIt returnsEventually you sleepBut when you wake upThe black dog is still sitting … Continue reading 3am Black Dog