Good to see you back. Apologies for being not as good in replying as I used to be.

What are the reasons, and what is going on in my life? As discussed with you yesterday, the recession is hitting Britain hard. Whilst our industry is still growing faster than the overall economy shrinks and our jobs are safe, we are looking at longer sales cycles, longer decision making processes and overall more work per individual to get the same income.

Where does that leave me? Honestly. A bit stressed. But I am working on it and will actually soon write about some stress management over at my personal blog. But also, I have been looking into Tai Chi. Do you know why I like it?

I like Tai Chi as for 1 hour my mind is turned off. It is as if I meditate whilst moving slowly and do figures. It is amazing and I enjoy it so much. You know I had difficulties sitting down and meditate even for 10 minutes. But Tai Chi allows me to move and free my mind at the same time.

Now, that does not mean I am not going back to meditate additionally. I believe Tai Chi is just another form to do it, wouldn’t you agree?

Marcelo, it is all about stress management for me at the moment. My baby is fine, I am going to be a dad and I need to re-think my position. You often say I don’t change that much, and maybe you are right. Maybe I think I prepare myself for the big change in June. Then life might even be more stressful.

But, there is another thought. My mother in law does not like the word stress, and to be overly honest me neither. I like to think of it as a challenge. And sometimes this challenge goes above our horizon, our means and our capabilities.

When we have to meet this deadline and do 3 other things at the same time. Or just when we got on top of things we get thrown off the path again. Sometimes, these challenges are overwhelming, just like life itself.

But I believe that we need to counteract it. Tai Chi, Meditation, exercise, family life. The right life life balance, you remember we were speaking about it earlier?

Marcelo, I leave you with these thoughts for the weekend. Don’t forget to check my personal blog and remember that I am trying to move this blog to a new platform next weekend. Apologies in advance.

Love and Happiness to you.
Volker

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Good to hear, see and feel you being back.

Let me tell you about my latest, last night, experience. I joined a Tai Chi class.

Although I was a bit sceptical and did not think I would enjoy it, I was blown away. One hour of moderate exercise, breathing and slow movement. Wow, it took my breath away and really relaxed me. Still, it feels a bit weird and uncomfortable as I need to get used to it, but generally, I really enjoy it.

What I believe is that Tai Chi will help me to concentrate better and help me meditating without falling asleep, e.g. I am moving slowly whilst meditating.

Have you ever done it?

I keep you posted on how things go. Currently I am very excited to learn it properly.

Have a good weekend,
Volker

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Marcelo and I have been very busy. Apologies for that. I try to keep this blog going in this transition period and would like to cover a post a week, mainly at the weekends.

If I say busy, what does that mean. Does not everyone have the same amount of time in a day? Yes, but some have more tasks than others and I for instance enjoy my work to the extend that it is mainly work I am doing. So no work-life balance because it becomes more of a work-work or life-life balance.

Karma, particular at the beginning of a year, pops up in so many discussions. Buddhism teaches us that it is not only our actions but also our intentions/thoughts that result in karma.

On a page about Taoism, I found the following information about Tai Chi.

In Taoism, Tao, roughly translated as path, is a force which flows through all life and is the first cause of everything. The goal of everyone is to become one with the Tao. Tai Chi, a technique of exercise using slow deliberate movements, is used to balance the flow of energy or “chi” within the body. People should develop virtue and seek compassion, moderation and humility. One should plan any action in advance and achieve it through minimal action.

That means by practising Tai Chi, my course starts in 2 weeks, I hope to be able to work my spiritual practise and my body in one way, to create a whole out of the both. I hope that makes sense.

Even years ago, long before I was introduced to Buddhism, I said that one is oneself if the body and spirit are a 100% match. If you are one. If the spirit is 100% inside you. Like Ying and Yang.

On another website I found a very interesting article on Tai Chi. It is meant to bring you self discovery, a part of self or personal development. It speaks about chakras and how your upright spine is helping you to let the energy flow and relax. Anger management comes naturally with that too I am looking more and more forward to this course so that I can get a weekly “workout for spirit and body” at the same time.

One benefit is outlined nicely as “The most important is that it helps you watch your mind. When you can control your mind you will become more peaceful and less likely to get agitated. From this state of mind it will then be much easier to practice patience and compassion, which I believe are the true results for any spiritual practice.”

That is definitely something I am looking for. Patience, Compassion and a mind at ease. A less stressful life.

I guess this is enough reading for a weekend. Have a relaxing one. I leave you with Buddha’s thought:

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

Love and Kindness,

Volker

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How are you? Happy New Year to you.

My new year started with all the things I didn’t want it to start. Lots and lots of work.
Whilst in a recession I should not complain about it, the next 2 weeks will be busy too.

However, Marcelo, I am hoping the New Year brings to you what you wish for. Mine will be very excited with the expected birth of my son the beginning of June.

Also, I get more and more into “micro blogging”, Twitter. I wrote about it quite a lot in my personal Blurb Blog. I found a few people on there blogging about Buddhism so I get a new thought of Buddhism every day. That is nice and a nice reminder in this busy and difficult times.

I want to let you into a secret too. My plan is to join a Tai Chi class. I just don’t find the time nor the motivation to go to the gym, or to sit down and meditate. So I thought a combination of both would be good. What do you think of that? I have not discussed that with anyone yet, so not sure how many friends actually read this blog but….och well, if they know they know. Have you ever done that?

Other than that things are going well. If it gets quieter at work, I aim to read some more books and re-read books of Geshe. Any you could recommend.

For all our readers, have a great 2009, may all your wishes come true and please leave a comment on how you find this blog.

Love and Happiness,
Volker

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