Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Welcome to Christianorderofjedi. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Annafea; My Introduction
Topic Started: May 19 2008, 04:27 PM (492 Views)
Silmerion Skywalker
Member Avatar
Master Consular/Scholar/Healer
I'm very glad to see you back, Annafea!
Take all the time you need to review and to go on with your training!

Master Silmerion
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Annafea
Ally
Thank you, Master Silmerion. :D

While I'm here posting this, I wonder if I could ask a question. I've been looking over things to reveiw since last time I was here and I'm having problems with the martial arts section. But first, I thought maybe I should make sure I understand what requirements are for the youngling. Am I doing just the stances or do we also do the kicks and so forth that are in that section? Then to my real problem, I had looked at the horse stance before because I had thought that was the only one the youngling part required and I figured out later there was more to this part. But I was able to get a picture of that so I could at least get an idea of what I was aiming for. But I find I have the same confusion with all of them that don't have a picture as I'm not very good at figuring out how to do something just by looking at written words. But I don't know about googling pictures either, because I don't know what I'm looking at and that was what caused me the trouble with the horse stance the first time. If you remember I had found a picture of an advanced person doing a very advanced version of it. The thing is, I am concerned that I may not be in sufficient shape to do some of this right now. So I want to make sure I at least have a proper understanding of them. I'm not a good book learner. One time I tried to teach myself Yoga from a book and hurt myself pretty bad.

In the meantime I'm continuing to review things and carry on where I left off with the exception of the martial arts.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Silmerion Skywalker
Member Avatar
Master Consular/Scholar/Healer
I feel like advicing you to start slowly to practice some physical exercise each day so that you can feel more comfortable to do martial art moves.
I think it would be good you repeat each day the Horse Stance at least for 5 min, breathing deeply and slowly.
It would also be awesome if you found a Tai-Chi Class near your place, Tai-Chi is great to prepare to the practice of many Martial Arts.
As for the pictures, we haven't found any on Google but we still have the project make some of our own.

Master Silmerion
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Kai Stormwalker
Member Avatar
Master Sentinel/Scholar/Healer
As soon as I can afford to get a digital camera I will post some pictures.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Annafea
Ally
Ok, that's kind of what I was doing before with the horse stance so maybe that was why I was only working on that one. So I'll do that and continue my normal exercise routine. The Tai Chi class I can't afford right now. I do have a DVD of a Tai Chi routine but they mix it with kick boxing and I don't have enough room to practice it here since moving in with relatives. I've been trying to think of a way I can rearrange to get more room in here, but I'm really cramped. I'll put some thought into it though. I might also see if I can find another DVD or something for the Tai Chi that doesn't involve kick boxing.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Ben Skywalker
Member Avatar
Master Sentinel/Healer/Scholar
Master Kai has some really good tai chi videos that are done by Terry Dunn. They should be pretty easy to find and he does a comprehensive job. They are also easy to follow.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Kai Stormwalker
Member Avatar
Master Sentinel/Scholar/Healer
The titles are "Tai Chi for Health - Yang Short Form with Terence Dunn" and "Chi Kung for Health - Five Standing Meditations with Terence Dunn."
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Annafea
Ally
Ok, thanks, I'll keep those in mind. Right now since I'm in college and money for materials is scarce I have to limit what I can purchase right now, but I have this list of recommended resources that I have put them on. So hopefully will be able to get at some point.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Annafea
Ally
Ok, here is my homework for Youngling Lesson 11. Sorry it has been so long coming, but I’ve had so many different things going on at the same time and was able to get finished over Christmas break. These aren’t necessarily chronological and in the same time period, as I don’t always write my meditations down. So what I have is a few days that were from a while ago and then the last few days, which since it’s been X-Mass vacation I’ve been better able to take the time to write. But I liked what I had written on those older ones, so I decided to use them.

Day 1:

Inspiration: “Even though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me.” (I used this as I knew it would be a trying day.)

Tried several times today. Extremely eventful and stressful day as it is the first day of the term, everything is chaotic, and several other chores needing done too. Am also concerned about a friend of mine who has been on my heart a lot lately. This morning driving I let go and it reminded me to be mindful of the present - especially important while driving! But just even taking breaths a few times throughout the day and reminding myself to empty my center so I could feel the sense of peace and non-emotion there helped calm me several times. I tried several times to get quiet meditation and every time I either had interruptions or background noise like kids playing in the distance. Finally on the last time the image of Youtube came into my mind and the idea of watching some meditations I have in my favorites. Sometimes those help calm me on days I can’t get quiet, so I used those and that helped at least just calm me.

Day 2:

Inspiration: “There is no emotion; there is peace.” Also used Kitaro music and thought of the image of Jesus’ face.

Through the day today I stopped in busy moments, took deep breath, let out, saying “There is no emotion; there is peace.” While doing so I imagined exhaling my negative emotions, and all emotions, to get to the empty place. This had the effect of emptying and refilling with the Joy of the Lord. Later tonight I meditated to Kitaro music and just imagined Jesus’ face. I saw myself locked in a room with a big metal door and trying to pound the door open with my fist so I would not be enslaved. I heard the voice of Jesus say “Why don’t you first check to see if it is even locked.” Then the scene changed and I simply tried opening the door this time, found it not to be locked. I opened the door and found when I stepped out that I was a Queen of people who loved, not feared, me. I’m not sure what all that means, but that was the vision I had.

Day 3:

Inspiration: “The Lord is in all things.”

While meditating I felt immediately inspired to put my hands together in a cup. I felt the Lord’s warmth on my hands as I heard Him say “I give you a new gift. Pass on what you have learned. (This line sounded like the voice of Yoda. I know, the Lord works in mysterious and sometimes weird ways.) I am with you forever. Allelujia.” I believe this is a future vision.

Day 4:

Inspiration: Numerous and changed often as was having difficulty.

Today I had a difficult meditation. I had this song stuck in my head from something I heard yesterday, but I kept persisting for about 30 minutes. I tried various things to get the song out of my head including changing the focus words and using my prayer language. I finally hit on the focus words of “Jesus fill me.” After a point the song in my head changed to the song words “Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Fill me, mold me, use me, etc.” I never really got anything else, though, and finally just had a peaceful feeling of the meditation time should come to a close.

Day 5:

Inspiration: “Prayer”

Received: “You have my favor.” Also went through relationships in my mind that have succeeded, particularly my Master, which that relationship has continued even through great difficulty. Then the Spirit said “You could keep a marriage together.” At that point I realized that this fear of being able to bond to people in relationships has been in my subconscious more than I have realized. I didn’t fully realize how much I lack confidence that the relationships I form will last. I have always focused on the ones that have failed. Especially my marriage. At this point I don’t really even want to get married, but it’s nice to know that I could if I did. But the point seemed to be that I have this lack of confidence based on the relationships that have failed (mostly at work or school). That I have not focused on the relationships that do work. (my son, immediate family, Master, etc.) All of these have had their difficulties, yet they survive. So I have the ability o maintain a relationship.

Also thought I would mention that I had difficulties with chronic pain while meditating. I just kept shifting position, massaging muscles, etc, until I was able to relax a little more. Then I tried to just shift focus off the pain even while accepting the remaining pain and allowing it to exist.

Day 6:

Inspiration: Youtube meditation music.

I saw a lot of visions today. I saw a baby and it was curled up in my ear. (?) Then it grew to an adult, died, and became a skeleton all while in my ear. (?) Then the scene changed and I was flying with Jesus overlooking a valley below. I was afraid of falling, but He said “We are spirit and spirit floats on the wind.” So I flew with Him to an asian town where an oriental man was eating some food he’d purchased at a street market booth. Jesus invited me to go with Him into the man’s thoughts and we could taste the food just like the man could. It was really good! Jesus said to me “When one person practices joy in the world, it touches all of the universe.” Then Jesus and I went to another place where there was a tall stone sign. Standing behind a pool of water standing behind a pool of water it was sort of attached to. Jesus was levitating over the pool of water. He asked me if it struck me as curious that He was levitating. Asked me if I was wondering if levitation were evil and brought up to me my own ponderings over magic, is it evil, what exactly it is, if it is different from miracles and what would make magic evil. I told Him “yes, these things were on my mind.” He pointed out that if He was doing it then it must not be evil and compared that to His other miracles saying that walking on the water involved a form of levitation. Then He told me these things happen by way of the Holy Spirit power and that such power is Holy. Thus what makes “magic” evil is to treat a Holy thing in an unholy way. That is the defining difference. Similar to treating Holy objects in an unholy way or treating our bodies, which are holy, in an unholy way.

Day 7:

Inspiration: Psalm 26, especially v. 14 “. . . . let thy heart take courage, and wait thou for the Lord.”

I wasn’t sure if this was my own thinking or God, but the idea is not one I would have thought of. It is of having courage as far as the things I want to do in life. One thing I had given up on is traveling. I just kind of had a sense that if I applied courage to that goal I wouldn’t have to give up that dream. Then the idea of moving from place to place as I travel came to mind. This would require giving up a lot of things stuff-wise, but it could also explain why God has never guided me to a secure, permanent work situation. It might be more in line with God’s plan for me and use my own explorative nature. I will continue to pray for discernment and guidance as to how to get by in this world and how that all relates to the next world.

Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Silmerion Skywalker
Member Avatar
Master Consular/Scholar/Healer
You made an awesome job, Annafea.
Sometimes, I also have some persistent music in my head while I meditate, I usually only observe it like any other thought or sound that can come.
As for pain, a Buddhist monk taught us that if the pain isn't too strong, it may be good to just observe it and accept it, so that our body and mind can become more tolerant to pain. Of course if it is too strong, we should move or do any necessary thing to ease it, and to be able to relax.
I also love very much Kitaro's music for meditation, it gives peace.

I think the visions you had are very interesting, keep writing them down.
I also had the feeling in these days that when one person practices joy or compassion, it can touch the whole universe.

Master Silmerion
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Annafea
Ally
Thanks.

It occured to me this morning that after all that writing I forgot to answer the questions. :lol: So I guess I'd better do that.

1. Has this activity helped you to stay mindful?

It has helped me practice keeping my mind in place to do meditation and to come up with ways to try to get my mind back on track.

2. Has it helped you to relax, and keep your focus on the here and now? Why or why not?

Somewhat. The one day where I was literally bringing my focus back to the here and now and letting things go it did. It wasn't easy to relax all the time though, because I have chronic pain issues. But it did help me to realize that the pain issues are a part of what makes meditating regularly difficult for me. And thus that I need to find ways to deal with it.

3. What are some other ways you can work on being mindful?

A method I was taught by Opie, who is a Jedi teacher that has been around a while, is to pick a focus point in a room where there are objects. Sit for about five minutes and simply observe the objects in the room. Then close your eyes and see how many of the objects you can remember and where they are.

4. How does being mindful help you as a jedi? As a Christian?

It helps me to bring my focus back to where it should be. In the here and now. Without meditation my mind wanders all over the place. Sometimes this is good, but with meditation we can practice on training our mind to go to a direction we want to go rather than just having our thoughts carried away anywhere. Specifically Christian, it helps to deliberately put my mind on God to have time with Him and to focus on Him as He is a quiet one and sometimes gets lost in the shuffle.

5. Does being mindful help to increase your faith, and trust in God? Why or why not?

I think it helps to increase my awareness of God, so in that way it does. However I see faith and trust in God as being something that increases more from the every day experience of living with Him and growing in understanding of Him and the knowledge that He really is there even when it seems like He isn't. That is something that I find I see better from hindsight.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Kai Stormwalker
Member Avatar
Master Sentinel/Scholar/Healer
Good answers, Annafea!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Silmerion Skywalker
Member Avatar
Master Consular/Scholar/Healer
Good job, Annafea!

Master Silmerion
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Annafea
Ally
Youngling Lesson 12 - Life as a Jedi

I really love the quote by Arthur Ash "True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever the cost."

I think that really gets to the heart of what it is to be a Jedi. Throw out the titles, the opinions of others, and what do we have left? If we are focussing on surpassing others, possibly there will be nothing left. What we are in actuality is what we make of ourselves without the title. Without the fanfare. If one is not a Jedi without the title and the fanfare, one will never be a Jedi with it.

Also what it says about heroism being remarkably sober and undramatic is very much the truth. When I think of that I think of a mother. Of my own mother. Of myself as a mother. Of other mother's I have known. If you think about how much sacrafice and balony the average mother deals with, you realize mothers are given plenty of opportunity to be heroic. But do you ever hear the fanfare and applause? Well, maybe once a year on Mother's Day. But most mothers are heroes a lot more often than once a year on Mother's Day.

As far as being humble, I don't think I'll ever be as humble as Jesus, but thinking of the Jedi purpose in this way helps me to keep it in the right perspective.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Silmerion Skywalker
Member Avatar
Master Consular/Scholar/Healer
Your answer is great Annafea and very thoughtful.

I completely agree with you, heroism is an empty word if it doesn't truely come from the heart and if it isn't aimed at serving the others.

I also share your thoughts about mothers, I just have to look at my Mom or to think about the many times I acted as an Ambassador, Escort, Guard, Problem Solver only when I babysit a few hours while a mother should always be ready to guide and protect her children.

Keep up the good job, Annafea.

Master Silmerion
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Create a free forum in seconds.
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · New Member Introductions · Next Topic »
Add Reply