I'm going round and round again - ceramics week three

Small ceramic cylinder

 

 

Week three of ceramics was much the same as week two.  Practice, practice, practice!  We went straight to work, and Wendy the instructor came around to answer questions and trouble shoot.  I've gotten okay at centering and building a basic small cylinder.  It would be nice to do some other shapes and sizes.  Next class we will have a demonstration on bowls, and, by request, mugs. 

 

While I was working, it occurred to me ceramics has some things in common with Thai bodywork and Buddhist meditation.  The first connection to Thai massage is that you have to listen to the clay, as you would listen to a client's body.  You have to be quiet in your own mind so you can observe the conditions.  You also must have a steady and firm grip, but not grasping.  In ceramics, if you push too hard, you'll go off center or create a lump, or even ruin the piece all together.  Thai bodywork has also helped me be more aware of when I'm holding in my own body, and I've caught myself at the wheel plenty of times being taut in the hands, overly hunched in the shoulders, and tense in the hips.  Relaxing or even taking a little stretch is nice.  It can also help to get up entirely, and look at your piece from a different angle. 

 

Which brings me to the connection with Buddhist meditation, and the idea of non-attachment.  Especially as a beginner, there are just so many things that can go "wrong;" a finished piece definitely isn't guaranteed.  Today I went to the studio for extra practice.  I had a piece finished and was getting the wire ready to take it off the wheel.  It somehow snagged, and the wire handle irreparably gouged the side.  Clay is a delicate thing - it could dry too quickly before it can be trimmed, explosions happen in the kiln, it can be handled indelicately and shatter. 

 

But back to the class!  A few of us had items that were ready for the next step, trimming.  We also had a lesson in handle making and attaching.  See below for my little pitcher moving on. 

 

In a few weeks there will be a raku firing, and we are invited to prepare items for it.  There is another type of clay used.  It looks lighter in color, but otherwise I'm not sure how it is different than the brown clay we've been using.  I'll find out and report back.  The firing itself it a low-fire method, done outside, with lead glazes and sometimes combustible materials (e.g. grasses, leaves, even hair) that will leave an imprint on the clay.  Pieces made through this method are somewhat porous, and not food safe.

 

Here is a short video of a raku firing.  Looks fun!  I'm planning to participate, so I should start making items next class.  Let's hope for decent weather, November in Illinois can really be dicey. 

 

Be back soon!

 

Hugs,

Tara

 

Oh look, a small cylinder. 

 

    

The small pitcher from week two is now trimmed.

 

 

And now it has a wee handle.



The little pitcher (bottom right) ready to dry more and the first firing. 

Raku examples

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Catch up with the previous adventures in ceramics:

 



Wheels spinning 'round - ceramics week one

You spin me right round, baby - ceramics weeks two

 

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a community for sharing beauty found in everyday life.

 

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Mai Bpen Rai! (It's All Good!) - Thai Bodywork Weekend Two

“Your hand opens and closes, opens and closes.

If it were always a fist or always stretched open,

you would be paralyzed.

Your deepest presence is in every small

contracting and expanding,

the two as beautifully balanced

and coordinated as birds' wings.” ~ Rumi

Sawadee ka! (Hello!)  In the previous entry on Thai Bodywork, I gave an overview of what Thai Bodywork is.  This time, I thought I’d take a look at the structure of each weekend, the program overall, and a few of the insights I’ve gleaned so far.  

The program overall is comprised of six weekends.  Each weekend meets Thursday evening from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., and Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.  It’s a full schedule for sure.  On Thursday I come right from work, and on Monday it’s right back to work.  I use a vacation day for Friday.  The evenings after training are spent trying to fit in the usual weekend chores, prepare for the next day, and see Adam and the pets a bit!

The Question Box, artwork by local artist and musician Frank Orrall.  The Tibetan Singing bowl doubles as an actual bowl, holding the Thai phrases we pick to partner up for practice.  Shhhhh!

Thursday evening begins with sharing.  We sit in a circle, and each person has uninterrupted time to say a few words on how she is doing (I am going to use “she” instead of “he / she,” as the group is predominantly female), anything significant that has occurred in her life during the past month, and things learned in doing the practice or homework.  After that, we set up the room.  Blue Lotus shares space at Moksha Yoga (Bucktown / Logan Square location), so the room is used for yoga at other times.  With the remaining time, we review.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday have a similar structure.  Each day begins with movement.
Friday and Sunday is mostly Qi Gong led by Paul, and Saturday is Yoga with Aurora.  Wai Khru follows.  Wai Khru is a Thai ritual in which students pay respects to their teachers in order to express their gratitude and formalize the student–teacher relationship.  In Wai Khru we honor:  

1)  The Buddha - The symbol of enlightenment, and that we all have the potential to overcome obstacles and awaken.

2)  The Triple Jewel - Taking refuge in:  Buddha, the ideal or highest spiritual potential that exists within all beings; the Dhamma, or Dharma, the teachings; and Sangha, community, that we are supported and not alone in our endeavors.  We don’t have to do it ourselves!  

3)  Jivaka - The “godfather” of healers.  May we all be healed.  

Scenes on and around the altar.

And then the morning break, which is spent silently.  It takes a little getting used to being around others and not saying anything.  Even if I’m alone at home with the pets I talk to them, and I’m not a very chatty person.  It’s all habit though, much of what needs to be communicated in those 20 minutes can be accomplished with a smile, a nod, and maybe a few hand gestures.  If we have a snack, we should observe mindful eating (more on meditation and mindfulness practices another time).  I sometimes text Adam during the break, which I suspect is not in accordance with the spirit of the silent break.  

Following the break we have a lecture or demonstration.  Practice fills the rest of the morning, and a late lunch at 1 p.m.  Immediately after lunch there is walking meditation.  I can very highly recommend walking meditation after lunch.  For one, it helps with any post-lunch sluggishness.  Secondly, it is a nice transition between the more dynamic lunch break and the more contemplative Thai massage work.  The rest of the day is a mix of demonstration and practice.  

Teaching is a joy, but it is nice to go to class too!  Although it is a pleasure, for me, teaching is an “energy out” situation.  Being in Thai training is fills me back up, I find it nourishing.  I’ve always loved being a student, I am very much a class-learner, I absorb best in the company of others (Sangha!).  I am grateful to Paul and the assistants for their time and commitment (Wai Khru!).  There are a total of six assistants, not all are with the group the entire time, but between them and Paul there is a lot of individual instruction and feedback.  

Assistant Monica demonstrates on Julie as Cathie observes.

We also learn about Thai culture, and throughout the weekend are encouraged to use the Thai words we have learned so far.  If there is time, we will work on a Bonus Pose, have Pose Break Down (in depth analysis of a movement), or answer questions from the Question Box.  Anatomy lessons and a quiz are on Sundays.  We conclude with a shorter Wai Khru.  On Sunday evening, we clean up and put all the mats away.  :-(

In between weekends we are expected to:

* Meditate 20 minutes daily.

* Implement self-care practices (e.g. yoga, Qi Gong, self-massage, aerobic exercise and / or strength training, etc. - whatever we feel will help us be healthier and better equipped to manage the physical demands of giving Thai massage)

* Note three things daily in a gratitude journal.

* Do four 90-minute practice sessions on friends and family, including documentation.

* Complete readings from the three text books - one each on meditation, anatomy, and Thai bodywork.

* Write two reflections on the meditation readings.  

* Prepare for anatomy quiz!

The weekends are very enjoyable, and pass very quickly. By Sunday evening it seems difficult to believe we won’t be coming back the next morning for another day of training.  Toni, one of the assistants, said the weekends are like a retreat.  Although I’m still in Chicago, I do feel as though I have been away.  During Thursday evening sharing, many people said they were excited to be back for weekend two.  Classmate Katrina said the process of the gratitude journal unfolded for her over the course of the month.  At first it was a review of the day, noting afterward three good things that had happened.  As time went on, she began to notice things to be grateful for as they occurred.  The process of being grateful drew her into being present for the moment.  Hearing this strengthened my gratitude journal practice, which had been sporadic.  Like minded folks, sharing and inspiring.  More Sangha!

    Gin practices on Niki. Paul demonstrates on assistant Tammy, Cam and Katrina watching. During break Isaac shares some Acro Yoga with Niki.

One of the takeaways from the first weekend, for me, was how a small amount of intentional healing touch can be deeply relaxing.  Even from a person that is at the beginning of the learning process, working over and over in a small area of the body.  In between weekends, as I did my practice sessions, reminders to be gentle with myself were repeated.  I have just started learning this new skill, and like anything, it takes time.  A friend I practiced on said how much she enjoyed this style of massage.  It’s like giving the muscles a suggestion to relax, instead of forcing them to release.    

The second weekend brought two insights.  The first, when receiving massage, I am not fully letting go. I think I am relaxed, but a small part is hanging on.  When my body is being moved, I try and help the giver a little bit.  Of course, being a helper and a giver is a beautiful thing.  However, I’m really doing a disservice to both myself, not fully accepting the massage and its healing properties, and to the bodyworker, not allowing them to fully give their massage.  This is also an opportunity to see things from the client’s perspective.  When I feel a receiver holding and not fully trusting, I’ve been there, I’ve walked in their shoes.     

The second insight would seem the opposite of the first.  When giving massage, my pressure could be greater.  Some of this stems from being new and just not knowing.  Part is fear of hurting the receiver.  But, and here’s the juicy part, the last piece is related to the first insight.  I’m holding.  I’m not all in.  Thai massage is definitely an active endeavor, but, like yoga, really getting somewhere comes from softening, using breath, and allowing.   Going deeper doesn’t come muscling and force, it is born in letting go.        

And that, as they say, is my work.  Finding joy in small moments of recognition and learning.  Taking what comes up, and observing.  Equanimity - a state of stability or composure arising from a deep awareness and acceptance of the present moment.  In this moment of cognition, I realize I’m clenched.  To find balance, I must trust, breathe, release, and expand.  

See you on the mat.

Hugs,
Tara :-)

Compassion in Action - Thai Bodywork Weekend One

Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand
(Thinking of the song "One Night in Bangkok"?  Yeah, me too.)


Tom Dee, Dai Dee
Tom Chua, Dai Chua

Do Good, Get Good
Do Bad, Get Bad

~ Ancient Thai saying

Sawadee ka!  Hello!  (for the guys out there, it's "Sawadee krup!")  Sorry for the absence in blog posting, it is my intention to post at least once a week.  The previous weekend I began a six month training in Thai Bodywork, and I was occupied Thursday evening (after teaching yoga twice and a full day at the office), all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday.  In between I was trying to do all the usual stuff weekend stuff.  This past weekend I was a busy little harvest squirrel, but more on that another time.

So, what is Thai Bodywork?  You may have heard of Thai Massage or Thai Yoga Massage.  All are likely referring to the same thing.  In the U.S., "massage" is practiced by a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT).  So, unless you're a LMT, another term should be used.  Thai bodywork is sometimes "called 'lazy person's yoga' because the receiver can simply relax while someone else puts them through various postures." (Thai Massage Sacred Bodywork by Ananda Apfelbaum)  A more restorative one-on-one yoga session and Thai bodywork do share some outward appearances, but Thai bodywork is more involved than assisted asana.

Me, Bangkok, Fall 1999

The Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI) describes it in the following manner:

What is known in the West as Thai massage is not massage at all, but rather an ancient energy-based healing system that combines acupressure, reflexology, and assisted yoga postures. Treatment effects are enhanced when the patient is fully relaxed and breathing deeply. This traditional healing practice, called Nuad or Nuad Boran in the Thai language, stands in sharp contrast to western massage therapies.

Traditional Thai massage uses no oils or lotions, and the recipient remains clothed during a treatment. There is constant body contact between the practitioner and client, but rather than rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked in order to clear energy blockages and relieve tension. The practitioner uses thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to create a dance of movement on the body of the recipient. In this process, joints are opened, muscles and tendons are stretched, internal organs are toned, and energy is balanced. The overall effect is one of deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and physical and mental well being.

Nuad Boran (known in various forms as Thai massage, Thai Yoga Massage, and other terms) began to evolve in Thailand over 2,000 years ago. Based on healing principles similar to those utilized in other non-western healing therapies, the Thai system focuses on circulation of vital energy in major pathways called sen. The major energy lines are manipulated, and important pressure points along these pathways are stimulated to help break down blockages, stimulate energy flow and restore balance and harmony.

In general, aside from clothes on and how the body is manipulated, I would say the biggest difference between Eastern and Western bodywork is the awareness of internal energy flow.  Thai bodywork is not a Buddhist practice, but it is highly informed by the four Buddhist states of mind:  Metta (goodwill, lovingkindness), Karuna (compassion, the desire to help others), Mudita (sympathetic joy), Upekkaha (impartiality or equanimity).  The "godfather" of Thai bodywork is actually an Indian doctor, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha.  He was the personal physician of the Buddha.  Through the Silk Road and other early Asian trading routes, Thai healing practices were highly informed by Indian Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

       

Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Pho (What Phra Chetuphon) is a repository for information on traditional Thai culture.  Many of the written documents on ancient Thai medicine were destroyed during a seige by the Burmese.  King Rama III directed the best of the historical information to be gathered and inscribed right on the walls of the temple.  Wat Pho is not a single building, but a large complex.  It includes a school for study of Thai bodywork.  I can't believe I visited there, and didn't get a Thai massage!  I guess all the more reason to return to Thailand.  :-)  

On my next trip to Thailand, a trip to the north is in order.  The visit in 1999 took me to Bangkok (at the southern end of the non-peninsula mainland portion), the island of Phuket (mid-way down the peninsula, off the west side), and some locations in Vietnam and Hong Kong.  I am studying with Paul Fowler of Blue Lotus Thai Healing Studies .  His primary teacher, Ajahn Pichest Boonthumme (known as "Pichest"), resides and instructs near Chiang Mai (in the northern part of the mainland portion, towards Myanmar ("But it will always be Burma to me.") and Laos).  We begin each class with Wai Khru, honoring the teacher.  Not only the direct instructors, but the ancient lineage of all who have come before.  

I have a lot more to share on the topic of Thai bodywork, and I'm only one weekend in! I'll bring you along on the other five weekends.  To wrap up, a few photos of the first weekend, and some others of the trip to Asia in Fall 1999.

Hugs,

Tara

The agenda for Saturday's class.

The mats all ready for practice.

Tammy (one of the assistants) gives feedback to Cathie.

Larry and Natasha practicing.

How Thai bodywork students spend the last bit of lunch break.

I think this is in Ha Noi, but not positive.
I am wearing my hair almost exactly the same way at this moment.
Not sure if I'm aging gracefully or need a hair update!

   

Hiking near Sa Pa, Vietnam

Hiking near Sa Pa, Vietnam.
The local girls all approach with their wares.
"Buy me, buy me!  I bought the bracelet in my hand.

Hiking near Sa Pa, Vietnam.
I love those sandals, still have them and are in great shape. 
Teva 'Terradactyl' have carried me all over the world.  

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
The boat broke down while out on tour, oh boy!

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