Back to School TIME

Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations. ~Faith Baldwin
Vacations are winding down for the summer and parents are thinking about how to help their children arrange their back-to-school schedules and how best to use family time. What extracurricular activities might be most beneficial? Different families have different ideas.
Some are looking for:
--teamwork and physical coordination (team sports)
--mental discipline (chess club, language/science/book clubs)
--creative disciplines (music, painting, writing)
--pure recreation with social development (fun with family and friends)
--all of the above (martial arts, IMHO).
The martial arts are not for everyone. They demand physical, emotional and mental discipline. If you are up to the task, the benefits are many.
Teamwork. Martial arts students practice potentially dangerous techniques and very different personalities/bodies must learn to work well together. Emotional discipline is a bonus benefit. One learns to tolerate others’ mistakes, set boundaries, and control one’s own anger. And perhaps most importantly, the martial arts environment teaches humility – not humiliation, but honest, self-respecting humility.
Physical Coordination. Physical discipline and coordination are inherent in martial arts practice. Technique and angles and pressure points are important, but all else being equal, the weightlifter will probably prevail over the 90-lb weakling. So a good workout is in the mix. And the phenomenon of “muscle memory” hones physical reaction time and efficiency and helps the body learn good posture and proper body mechanics.
Mental Discipline. A good martial art will also make you think more effectively, and more logically. If it doesn’t make sense, it’s not a good technique! Practice of right-left coordination activities necessary for success in martial arts has been shown time and time again to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of ADHD/ADD in children, adolescents and adults. It tends to connect the hemispheres of the brain. Memory work is required for learning forms (katas) and other chart work. Qigong (internal strength building) uses the imagination and helps the student to focus.
Creativity. The creative side of the martial arts is often missed. In a sense by pursuing this discipline you are creating yourself – becoming the person you want to be through your own self-development in the art. In a good school, students will not emerge as cookie-cutter fighters or tournament competitors – they will emerge as better people, hopefully the best people they can be. They will use their own strengths to develop a personal fighting and forms style, and use the art to develop themselves. And the best of them never truly emerge. They remain scholar-warriors throughout their lives. “Kung Fu” literally means “skilled man” – not “fighting arts.” It’s about mastering yourself.
Recreation with social development. A good martial arts class will also be fun. The school will attract all kinds of great people too!
Not everyone is up for the task. Only those willing to challenge their level of motivation, their view of themselves and others, their pacifism-versus-self-defense meter, and their perceived limitations will want to pursue this path in the long run. Are you ok with your own power?
Short-term – no problem: try a month of classes, have a good time, meet some great people, and if you like your limits right where they are, then quit.
BUT if you want lifelong positive growth for yourself and your children, consider a balanced martial art program.
If time is the tailor of your life, will you participate fully in the alterations?
Carl Sandburg said, “Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.”
How will you and yours spend your time come September?
Juli Hartmann
Master Instructor and Owner
Texas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source
For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Leander, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778
Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction.
www.texasholistics.com or www.TexasNWC.com
Copyright © Juli Hartmann 2009-2010

Independence Day for All of Us

Here’s my first quote for Independence Day, 2010:
“It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts... For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.” –Patrick Henry
Illusions of hope? The worst? That sounds rather negative, doesn’t it? Shouldn’t we try to be more positive in this New Age of Aquarius?
Well, I can comment on that Aquarius thing, because in the immortal words of Jeff Foxworthy, I are one. Yes, the power of positive thinking, harmony and understanding is amazing. Ignoring the world’s needs and challenges, however, amounts to passing up opportunities to make the best happen.
We can hope the world will change. We can hope that everyone will be happy, healthy, environmentally responsible, compassionate, strong, and able to protect themselves and their homes from violation. Or we can hope the government will make yet another ten thousand laws this year that will finally make all this happen, without having to rely on the power of the individual.
My second quote, from Dr. Phil: “How’s that working for you?”
The Gulf is a mess, unemployment is absurdly high, we are still at war, and violent crime in this country has not gone away. When was the last time you saw Utopia abound around you? These problems are not new. And all the responsibility for fixing them should not be laid upon a few, such as our armed forces.
The government and Pollyanna hopes cannot take care of the world’s problems, no matter who is in charge. Even a brave brother/sisterhood of American soldiers cannot.
This country was founded on solid principles known as The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States. The Founding Fathers were not perfect, but you’ve got to admit, they had a pretty good idea! These documents were designed to work well in a country whose citizens pay attention to their ideas of freedom and individual responsibility. Only when the individuals in our nation take full responsibility for their own freedom and behavior will these founding principles become truly effective. The men who crafted this unusually successful government said as much.
So here’s my third and concluding quote for Independence Day, 2010:
“You must become the change you wish to see in the world.” –Mahatma Gandhi
What changes do you wish to see in the world? What’s your priority for the brotherhood of Man (and Woman)?
An end to actual and virtual slavery? An end to self-imposed bondage?
A world of people who understand their own personal power and wield it with responsibility and compassion?
A nation of citizens focused on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual fitness?
A world in which each individual is part of the solution rather than part of the problem?
Sometimes looking within to create change engenders the most difficult “anguish of spirit.” But it also holds the most promise.
Develop a sense of urgency for your life. Take action now to embrace your own power – to end your own bondage to fear – and begin communicating love, power and freedom to everyone you meet.
If you’re already there 24/7, more power to you! You ARE the Guru! =)

Juli Hartmann, LPC-S, LMT, Energy Worker and Martial Arts Teacher
Helping people free themselves, one person at a time
Juli is Master Instructor and Owner of Texas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source
For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Liberty Hill/Leander, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com, or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778
Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction. www.sacredsourcehealing.com or www.TexasNWC.com
Copyright © Juli Hartmann 2010

Embrace Change and Live Longer

A number of years ago UCLA conducted a study of common traits of long-lived people to see if the rest of us could learn how to keep breathing as long as possible. Surprisingly, the number of alfalfa sprouts eaten daily was not the primary factor in longevity – it was rather how well people adapted to change.
In general, the more adaptable you are, the longer you will live.
Easier said than done.
And here’s the key question: How do you feel about change? If you are one that likes a routine more than anything else in the world and unsolicited change just makes you crazy, you could probably be a bit more adaptable.
This starts with an open mind. Not so open that your brains fall out, mind you, but open enough to adapt to new situations with grace and a nice deep breath.
So what are the nuts and bolts of adaptability? Everyone has a different list, but here’s mine:
1. Accept that change is inevitable. If you expect things to change, you’ll feel less blind-sided.
2. Look on the bright side of change. For instance, if you’re moving to a smaller place, enjoy the idea of simplifying your life. If you lose your job, look forward to finding an even better position, or starting your own business, or retiring, if it’s time. Take the opportunity to take a break if you can.
3. Consciously approach change with curiosity and confidence toward a fresh start, a new adventure – rise to the challenge and boldly make the best of change. This gives you fortitude. Fear, however, steals your strength.
4. Grieve your losses as you need to. Not all change can be embraced without going through some sort of grieving process. Honor the memory of the situation or person you have lost by making an inexpensive scrapbook, holding onto a keepsake or honoring a cause or charity that will honor your loss.
5. Expect that weird emotions and reactions might pop up. Then you will have a choice of how to respond to them. Major change always involves some sort of process, conscious or not, and you may go through anger, depression, detachment, and other emotions that go along with grief. Or you may not! But if you are ready for this, the transition will likely be easier.
6. Stay aware of what you’d like to change in your daily life, and then take action to make changes you WANT to see. This will help you to see change as a welcome friend, not a sinister interloper.
7. Part of handling change is the fear of the unknown – what will my life be like now that… [fill in the blank]. Buffer the fear of the unknown by learning about your recent change. What are others doing in a similar situation? What can you expect? And most difficult, how do you respond when you cannot seem to figure out what to expect? Expect the best, but prepare for alternative destinies.
8. Take care of yourself. Do what’s worked in the past: beef up on supplements, do yoga, lift weights, hang out socially, talk to a friend or therapist to get clarity. Get a massage or Reiki session. Join an active class.
9. Depend on your own inner strength, or your faith in something larger than yourself, rather than on The Way Things Have Always Been. Things can be another way, and sometimes this other way is thrust upon us, and turns out to be a better way.
10. Keep breathing as long as possible! And breathe deeply. It really does help. Ask any qigong master.

Juli Hartmann Master Instructor and Owner Texas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Leander, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com/, or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778
Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction. http://www.texasholistics.com/ or http://www.texasnwc.com/
Copyright © Juli Hartmann 2009

Memorial Day

Every day should be a day to thank a vet.
Many thanks to all my readers who have in some way served our country --
Wherever you stand on current politics, veterans and active soldiers deserve our gratitude.
Martial arts enthusiasts in particular will understand the importance of a ready defense. It's like an insurance policy: we hope we never have to use it, but it's there when we need it.
Thank a vet today for being part of our nation's ready defense.
Juli Hartmann Master Instructor and Owner Texas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source
For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Liberty Hill, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com, or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778 Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction. www.texasholistics.com, www.sacredsourcehealing.com, or www.TexasNWC.com
Copyright © Juli Hartmann 2009

Holistic Community Fun April 2010

I had the pleasure today of serving at the Senior Circle one-year anniversary event (Cedar Park Regional Medical Center group). What a great group of people, and what a fun day!
I wanted to participate in this event for two purposes:
1. To remind everyone of the Senior Circle Tai Chi Class, which is now Tuesday at 10am (all levels welcome); and
2. To offer free Reiki sessions (well, 5-minute versions!).
It turned out that a bunch of members wanted a neck rub too, so as an LMT should, I obliged.
And the stress level in the room began to melt.
And I met and reconnected with some really great members of the Cedar Park / Leander / NW Austin community. It was great fun!
About the Tai Chi:
The majority of Senior Circle members really enjoyed the relaxation and slow movement that Tai Chi offers. The class at CPRMC has really started to focus almost exclusively on those aspects. You can hear the room send out a collective “Aaaahh”, even if they’re too relaxed to make it audible, as we slowly and gently perform these smooth, beautiful movements, loosening up the joints, improving circulation and generally balancing the whole body. And everyone looks great!
Of course those of us who actually WANT a tough workout still use the Tai Chi class to really challenge the leg and core muscles!
About the Reiki:
Most people I saw today did not know what Reiki was. The short explanation is that Reiki (meaning “universal energy”) uses one person’s electromagnetic field (balanced and projected by intentional peace of mind) to help balance another person’s field.
Ok, now for the simple explanation: when you’re hurting or injured (or both) and a loving friend holds your hand or gives you a big hug, you feel better, right? And babies need physical touch to thrive, right? Now you understand the essence of hands-on healing! Reiki is one version of that kind of healing touch. There are many.
Whatever Reiki turns out to be scientifically, it seemed to leave everyone who tried it today feeling more relaxed, yet energized, and their back/neck/shoulder pain began to melt away. Great stuff, human touch.
More About Tai Chi:
If you want more than the relaxing movement offered by Senior Circle, contact me and I will be happy to tell you about the Tai Chi class I offer at my school north of Leander (10 minutes up 183N from 1431; less than 5 minutes from Liberty Hill). We enjoy a class that covers all major aspects of Tai Chi: slow, gentle movement, self-defense, push hands (sensitivity drills) and qigong (breath work). My school, like Senior Circle, seems to attract great people, so come visit us!
So thanks to Ginger, who made all the arrangements for this cool party we had today, and to all the volunteers who helped with all the really hard work that went into this! (Especially the folks who untangled me from my tablecloth during setup!)
It was a blast!
Juli Hartmann
Master Instructor and Owner Texas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source
For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Leander, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778
Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction. www.texasholistics.com or www.TexasNWC.com
Copyright © Juli Hartmann 2009

Patience and Passion

Any new martial arts student will tell you that they are sore in places they didn’t know they could be sore, and that they felt more tired than usual their first week in class. The paradox is that once you get into a routine, you probably have more energy because of your exercise habit than you did when you just went home, sat down, and watched TV or played video games.
Reaping the benefits of this kind of practice takes something most of us struggle with: patience.
You have to be willing to go through some fatigue, soreness, and truthfully some doubt for a while as to whether or not you can actually DO this thing.
“What have I gotten myself into?!” may cross your mind.
Martial arts practice, IMHO, is one of those paths in life that lead you to become the whole human you were meant to be. Years ago my sister attended a kung fu and tai chi demonstration offered by the Austin Nei Wai Chia School – my instructor’s school. She was moved almost to tears by the time the demo had finished, and her comment was that watching the students move through their routines made her feel that she was watching human beings as they were intended to be.
I knew what she meant. My peers were supple, strong, focused, disciplined and fully present in their movements. The whole person was involved in the demonstration of impressive skill.
How did they get to that level of ability and presence?
Patience!
Most of us WANT to embrace the virtue of patience. The problem is we want it right now! What’s missing that would motivate us to have the patience it takes to study something like martial arts all the way to Black Belt (and beyond)?
Passion! Not necessarily the kind you get on a date with that special cute person, but an inner drive that moves and motivates action.
When I was growing up, my elders preached patience. They were right, of course, but they forgot to tell me that it was more fun if coupled with the fire of passion for what you are doing.
What makes one person passionate about a thing while others remain in apathy? The difference seems to lie in deeper understanding. The more you know about anything, the more fun it is to study – or play with – at a deeper level.
Life itself – simply breathing and being – is worthy of passion if you understand it at a deeper level – understand what a gift it really is.
If the idea of martial arts practice speaks to you, inspires you, resolve to develop the patience to follow that passion throughout your life. One day – sooner than you think – you will realize that soreness and fatigue are either nonexistent or irrelevant, and your passion will have taken you to a higher level of yourself – a level of full presence in the moment and full immersion of all of you into your life.
That’s great holistic living!
Juli Hartmann
Master Instructor and Owner
Texas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source
For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Leander, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com, or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778
Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction. www.texasholistics.com or www.TexasNWC.com
Copyright © Juli Hartmann 2009

Tai Chi and Dynamic Tension

Tai Chi looks like it couldn’t hurt a fly. It also looks like its practitioners must be weaklings – it’s slow and soft, right?
In my last article I talked about the benefits of relaxation. This time I’m addressing the opposite approach.
I think ALL of my articles on Tai Chi mention that its full name is actually Tai Chi Chuan – literally, grand ultimate fist – and that it was first and foremost a very effective martial art. I’ll not neglect to mention that just one more time here.
Now I also want to talk about what great exercise Tai Chi is. For the most part, Tai Chi is practiced slowly, and with good reason. This cultivates precision in the practitioner’s movements. It is also usually performed in a very relaxed manner – and the more relaxed, the better. This encourages good circulation and discourages unnecessary tension that undermines efficient movement, and ultimately undermines speed.
Tensing up makes you slow.
But tensing up also makes you strong. You can’t exercise and stay totally relaxed.
Tai Chi is actually pretty good exercise even when you’re relaxed and moving slowly. The stance work, postures and upper body movements offer good, weight-bearing exercise, improving balance, bone density, efficiency of movement and overall strength.
Take this practice and add exaggerated muscle tension, and you have the makings of what might be the perfect exercise.
“Dynamic Tension,” thus dubbed and registered as a trademark by Charles Atlas, involves resisting your own movements with antagonistic muscle tension. Movement is necessarily rather slow, but results in very intense exercise. Imagine doing curls with no weight, but you pretend you are lifting 1,000 pounds. The biceps are in maximum tension, and are resisted by triceps tension. The negative phase works the same way in reverse, and you get benefit in both muscles.
That’s great for your arms, but it’s an isolated exercise. If you practice Tai Chi with dynamic tension, you do your best to keep every muscle in your body tensed throughout the form. If you’re not used to this kind of practice, choose a short form to start out, or practice one section at a time. Tai Chi uses muscles you didn’t know you had when you were just lifting weights and running. So easy does it at first. Use the same parsing principle I talked about in the last article addressing relaxation, speed and combat practice.
After a time, as with anything else you build strength and endurance that makes this kind of workout easier to complete. It's more fun than isometrics, and it can really build the muscles.
Regular practice of Dynamic Tension in Tai Chi, in addition to your normal, relaxed practice can make you the Mr. or Ms. Olympia of the Tai Chi world!
Juli Hartmann
Master Instructor and Owner
Texas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source
For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Leander, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com, or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778
Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction. www.texasholistics.com or www.TexasNWC.com
Copyright © Juli Hartmann 2009