Clarifying Illusions

I need to set the record straight about Steps 4 and 5 simply because if certain rumours were to be believed I'd be surprised if anyone ever survived.

Firstly, regarding Step 4 - there are two reasons for Step 4 dates being published on the web site up to a year in advance. The first reason is to allow those who want to do it to plan ahead. The second is to filter out those who don't. I perfectly understand that life happens, that many people (including me when I was starting) want to find out about the early steps before committing to the more advanced, and that other people have other priorities. That's OK. If you missed Step 4 in October, it comes round again next October (23rd through 26th).

Now, Step 5 - Most people who are seriously into the Taoist shamanic practice have found the Tao of the Shaman challenging, fulfilling and satisfying in equal measure. Now it does sometimes happen (not every year, fortunately) that certain person/s (whether through stupidity or malice I cannot judge) spread alarm and despondency about Step 5 and the pre-reqs. It goes without saying that the certain person/s have not actually done Step 5 themselves.
If you are interested, first read the information about Step 5 and its pre-requisites (click to see) then talk to me. While I don't encourage anyone to do Step 5, I would not want anyone to miss out for reasons of disinformation.

So, for the record:
After completing the pre-requirements, you register, and then we agree a Task. This means we both agree on your Task. I don't persuade you to try to do something unrealistic - you choose, and I agree if its suitable, or you ask me to think of one for you and then we discuss it. It is always your choice.
You attempt the Task, which includes writing a Task report and sending it to me
I give you the meet location and meet you there on the Thursday evening.
You do some tai chi
We go for a walk (physically demanding)
We discuss your Task, how you got on, what you think you learned.
Over the next three days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) we meditate, sleep, cook, eat, enjoy sweatlodge, learn new things, and more Tai Chi. You spend some time alone and other time working together. I play a few tricks to keep us entertained. On the Monday we break camp in the afternoon and go home.

I'm not saying its easy, and it is more challenging if the weather's unkind but next year its in June so it won't be that bad and if a little weather - cold air from above or hot air from around - puts you off, then off you should be put.
And if you look around at those who have completed Step 5 Tao of the Shaman, you may find a certain assurance about them, a sense of being comfortable in their own skin, a confidence and groundedness and sense of self, men and women who know themselves and have nourished their spirit, and live to help others: Taoist Shamen all.