fam-i-ly [FAM-uh-lee] noun, plural -
-Any group of persons closely related...
-A group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals...
In June of this year at the annual Gathering in the Circle, a group of people got together to study Jiulong Baguazhang. From the first moment everyone assembled for dinner Sunday night, I knew this was not an ordinary event. The friendship and camaraderie was unbelievable. This warmth extended to new attendees, like me. The feeling of welcome and inclusion is hard to describe, but was as palpable as the first warm day of Spring. Just like the definition above, we became a family.
I spent my days studying Flying Dragon Qigong and Thunder Palm. There was enough material presented to keep me busy practicing for a year or more. Dr. Painter's depth and breadth of knowledge is incredible and his training method is excellent. We all worked hard in his classes as Dr. Painter is an ever-watching teacher and wants things done right. Nevertheless, we also had fun; the games we played on the last day of Thunder Palm were enjoyable and enlightening.
One of the highlights of the week was the Friday morning trip by the Qigong group to the waterfalls that is located on the property where the event took place. It was roaring from the recent rains and water was cascading down in a mad rush to get to the small stream that was its outlet. In the presence of this natural phenomenon, we performed the Flying Dragon Qigong that we had learned during the week. The power that was felt from this spot was amazing and wonderful.
I can’t thank enough my brothers and sisters in the art who attended. Thank you for your warmth and generosity. To Dr. Painter, thank you for sharing your knowledge and this amazing material. To those that did not or could not attend, please try next year. It will be worth it. JBG is amazing stuff; there’s no other way to describe it. The art has very powerful martial capabilities, calming and healing capabilities, and a built-in family when you join. Don’t get me wrong, though, there’s no Kool-Aid that you have to drink to become a member.
I would also like to extend a special thanks to all the Study Group Leaders for their patience and willingness to help and lend a hand when they saw me do something… less than correct.
