Welcome to the AMERICAN MYSTIC web site.
AMERICAN MYSTIC is an innovational program with an overall goal to broaden public exposure and education in key traditional cultural skills, which are very unique studies for the development of consciousness and intuitive insight.
Three primary ways of training will be presented as preliminary centering practices. They are; Siberian Drum and Dance, Himalayan Raja Yoga, and Beijing Bagua Zhang (integrated with Jun Fan Gung Fu). These skills are all enjoyable to learn. Practice in private or with a group.
Siberian Drum and Dance is an exploration into traditional native Siberian drumming, dancing, and song used to cultivate expression, achieve balance within the body, and find harmony with forces and spirits all-about.
Himalayan Raja Yoga at the beginning level is a very simple way to clear the mind of extraneous thoughts, which the mind habitually grasps. In other words, what the mind really needs to learn is how to release its non-stop efforts. Raja yoga is basic relaxed breathing while maintaining a stable upright posture - therefore activating both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems simultaneously.
Beijing Bagua Zhang is a Chinese Bodyguard training. At the beginning level, it is what the Chinese call a 'Chi Gung' or energy exercise. The practitioner will activate all the meridians of the body by learning ease through structured then improvisational movement. Bagua Zhang is based on the philosophy of the I-Ching - a tool commonly used for understanding pathways through life. (Jun Fan Gung Fu is added for very particular skill development.)
Siberian Drumming, Dancing and Song.
II like this training because it gives me roots I otherwise would not have. It trains me to be authentic and that it is significant to be humble. It is the point of view of the Native Siberian peoples that human beings are just very small guests to this great house. We should repeatedly be very polite to the other peoples who dwell here- the trees, the mountains, even the rocks.
One of the facts that impressed me about the shamans and their knowledge was the high level of personal freedom to express themselves they had. Everyone is accepted as an individual with unique skills and qualities. Everyone has his or her own voice and song to sing, and everyone is encouraged. Traditional drumming rhythms are taught to bring the community together, including the ancestor spirits and the spirits of nature.
The primary focus of the media presentation will be to demonstrate traditional Siberian drum rhythms (like the bear, dog and tiger rhythms.) We will use a drumstick (called a gespoo) to strike from the front and along the rim of the drum. In this way, a whole variety of sounds can be made utilizing every detail of the drum. Instruction will include what is called a yampa, which is a belt that you tie around your waist with bells. The yampa encourages you to sway your body from side to side, and it's especially fun! In order to heal yourself, you need to have fun, and do something like make allot of noise and dance - it's simple, and it works!
Himalayan Raja Yoga
Beginning Himalayan Raja Yoga will cover diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation while prone and supine and sitting posture meditation. The technique first involves becoming aware of the breath and aware of the posture. Then there is sequential relaxation of muscle groups throughout the body. Next, a basic Mantra is kept with the rhythm of breathing. If any extraneous thought arise, it is simply observed and released. Finally, visualization is held while the Mantra is released (or with no visualization.) To reach a state of having no thoughts arising for even a few seconds is considered a great accomplishment. In other words, a person attains a state of pure conscious awareness without thought patterns occurring.
Himalayan Raja Yoga teaches personal and business skills. First, it offers a way to gain volitional control over emotional patterns. Once you realize that thought precedes emotion, you will have access to a most powerful tool. Second, and additionally, the mind is likened to a light. Untrained, it scatters its energy all about in a diffuse pattern. However when trained, can become like a laser, a powerful tool of focus that can accomplish anything.
For a basic informal foundation in authentic Raja Yoga practice - I invite people to listen to a guided meditation which goes over my process of meditation. Suggestions for advanced practice are Tantra Yoga (which deals with realizing the energies of the universe found within the body), and contemplation of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
I am not a guru. However, it can be an invaluable relationship to have. Locally, for exposure to a highly developed yogic tradition I encourage you to visit the Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism in Seattle. There you will find a highly qualified Guru in Tibetan practice. Sakya Monastery was built on a foundation of belief and devotion to the highest ideals anyone can aspire.) If possible attend any lecture given by Swami Veda Bharati.
Beijing Bagua Zhang
Beijing Bagua Zhang (Che-eng T'ing-Hua Bagua) Bodyguard training and Chi Gung. Bagua Zhang means eight-direction palm.
There are many rich aspects to speak of when introducing Bagua Zhang. The first that comes to my mind is its cultural heritage. Bagua Zhang is steeped in Taoist philosophy and an understanding of the cycles and rhythms of nature with which we all take part. There is a deep knowledge that what you put into the world and whatever endeavor you make, your intentions will cycle back to you. The Chinese classic book 'The Art of War' is read by many business professionals. Bagua Zhang is another way to learn the same tactics - only this time somatically, that is, through your body.
The next feature of Bagua Zhang is the health benefit. Bagua Zhang is an internal martial art that teaches what is called 'Chi Gung', or energy exercise. Breathing with the whole body is encouraged, and this is one way it energizes. Different palm positions are taught which open energy flow through your body energy channels, what are known as meridians in Chinese medicine.
The aspect which interests most people is Bagua Zhang as self defense. Bagua Zhang is intended to be extremely effective in a variety of circumstances. I teach Bagua Zhang in a traditional fashion - making sure students understand the forms and body mechanics of Bagua before moving into application.
The nedia presentation may include basic eight direction palm, 24 movement chi gung, 64 movement one person application, traditional weapons, two person simple contact forms, and a complex two person close contact application form leading to two person free form spontaneous 'movements'.
American Mystic
ancient training for a modern age
American Mystic
ancient training for a modern age
American Mystic
ancient training for a modern age