Kris Deva North

TAOIST SHAMANIC PRACTICE

2011-03-12T14:44:00.004Z

My interest in Taoist Shamanic practice began with that 1998 interview with Master Mantak Chia at the Tao Garden:

"A group of Aryans was shipwrecked on the China shore thousands of years ago. They did not die, nor have children, and became known as the Shining Ones. They taught shamanic practices, including the protective circle, calling the elements, ecstatic journeying and flight, power animals and tutelary deities or guides.
"With the rise of Buddhism shamans were persecuted, like witches in the west. They continued their practices in secret, without the use of drums, rattles, robes or other articles of the craft to identify themselves. The saying goes ‘you cannot tell a sage by his clothes.’ They were also known as magicians, wizards and sorcerers.
"Magic is like religion. It can be of great benefit, or cause great harm. In Taoist magic as in the Tao, there is no judgement - we are all responsible for ourselves. As long as you do not harm another being, you are free to do what you want."

My studies and research over the years since show that some of the old shamanic arts flourish today under the shield of Chinese Medicine, most practitioners unaware of the magical connections.

From its shamanic roots, Taoism rose to become the official religion of the Imperial Dynasties. It is the foundation of most Chinese art, of the Traditional Chinese Medicines we know today as acupuncture and herbalism, of Chinese Astrology and Divination, of Tai Chi Chuan "the Supreme Ultimate" combining meditation and martial art, and of the esoteric sexual practices taught to the Emperors by their female advisers to form the basis of Taoist Alchemy: the quest for immortality.

Outside of the Imperial Court Taoism evolved as the folk religion, the Old Ways common to many First Nations, a way of mystery and secrecy, with rites, rituals, and initiations. A notice stating ‘There is an altar in this house’ was a sign of a safe haven for the travelling Taoist during the Buddhist persecutions. The tradition has been maintained to this day to show the location of a Taoist household or temple.

Barefoot healers, pre-Taoist shamans, wearing red headbands, wandered naked and were subject to fits, a characteristic particularly of the Siberian but also known among shamans of other traditions.

The shaman, as ‘mediator with spirit’ is chosen by spirit and called by humans when healing practices such as herbs, massage, acupuncture or allopathy have failed. If the sickness prevails, Shaman finds out from Spirit what healing the soul needs for the body to be whole again. Everything is a gift and a blessing, for everything is Love, and gratitude and thanks must be given even for hurt and pain. Then harmony can be restored between soul and body.

Practitioners of shamanism can be susceptible to suffering afflictions of spirit in this earthly dimension. I personally know two people, one an acknowledged practitioner and the other a young boy recognised by his teachers as having shamanic power, who have an extremely difficult time living in the "normal" world themselves but through their spirit-connection are able to help others. This of course is where modern-day Taoist practitioners have the advantage of the Healing Tao system to protect themselves from depletion and contamination.

Families and priests, sources of the great Schools of Taoism with their ideological and geographical differences, practiced Shamanic Taoism as local cults. The simple philosophy, or Tao Chia, expounded by Lao Tsu in the Tao Te Ching c600 BCE had become Tao Chiao, religious dogma, by 2nd Century of the new millennium. The ‘Do-It-Yourself’ principles of Taoism were competing with Confucianism’s reassuringly strict codes of behaviour for all situations. After another thousand years the Complete Clarity school sought to return to the untrammelled simplicity of the original practice.

Interesting comparisons between Taoist and other shamanic practices:

Worship by Smoke: the Native American "peace-pipe" equates to the Taoist practice of burning incense, with the smoke rising as a prayer to Heaven. The Taoist has the additional feature of the ash falling as a prayer to Earth. The Taoist also uses the ash to establish other "altars" such as when the student leaves to start their own practice; they take a pinch of the accumulated ash from the mother-altar.

Purification by Sweat: here is a common thread running around the world among First Nations in the cool-to-temperate latitudes. Native Americans with their Sweatlodge, North Europeans with Sauna and the Taoist Hot Tub Immersion all share the sweat-detox practice, social as well as ritual in nature.

Symbolic Sacrifice: common to all traditions with varying relationships between symbolism and reality, from the killing of the Corn God at the end of the harvest in North America and Europe, to the ritual breaking of bones until death in the Siberian tradition, to the burying of slaves at the temple corner among the ancient Hawaiians, crucifixion and ascension for Christians etc etc. The suffix name -ti for the Emperor implies a meat sacrifice reflecting the killing of the old one when his son reached puberty. The shamanic blood-sacrifice traditions of ancient China were modified in religious Taoism: the scriptures were written on parchment, which is made from lambskin, a lamb being killed only once but thereafter each time the priest reads the scriptures he evokes the spirit of the sacrifice.

Ecstatic Flight: Whereas the early Taoist practice culminated in ecstasy, the shamanic practice began thus, using it to launch into the celestial or lower realms. Other traditions perceive the Taoist practice as more familiar with the Heavenly path than the lower worlds. True, Taoists begin with the celestial realm then use its light to illuminate the dark places below.

Bone Spirits: all traditions practise "changing the bones", the cellular crystalline structures capable of transmitting and receiving energy-waves: the first radios were crystal-sets. Mantak Chia teaches bone-changing through the Advanced Iron Shirt practice. In Hawaiians cooked off the flesh and preserved the thigh-bones (the location of the bones of the last king who died 100+ years ago is still kept secret.)

Initiation: common to all traditions and the Taoist are as testing as most. Overcoming obstacles the Initiate gains knowledge of her or himself and learns secrets of the craft. Through Initiation the Shaman learns the power of Spirit, using it to understand the illusion of fear and physical limitations of discomfort and fatigue. After the Ordeal of Initiation the Shaman is reborn to take his place in the Community and returns to the Outer World

The Shaman is the Healer in the community and, particularly in the Taoist tradition, is known only to the community, unknown in the Outer World. This secrecy stems from the days of persecution. As Healing Warrior, the Shaman mediates with, or combats, Spirit, by taking into her or himself the energies, to heal and to seal.

Click for info on my latest book: Taoist Shaman, Practices from the Wheel of Life, co-authored with Mantak Chia.
Learn about Taoist Shamanic initiation and training with a click here
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Thirteen minutes to change your life

2011-02-26T20:08:00.003Z

Its perfectly normal, isn’t it, to want a better life, achieve your ambitions and fulfil your desires, solve problems, let go some baggage, drop a few unnecessary habits – especially the more expensive ones! Lose a few fears or phobias. Funny enough, once we’ve started on something it seems to spread into other areas, a kind of vicious cycle of well-being, satisfaction, achievement, from the magnificent to the mundane.

I’ve often wondered what greater achievement than to change someone’s life for the better. Could it be to change our own? To help someone change we first understand them, then inspire, even start an avalanche in the mind. Einstein said to understand the universe he wanted to know how God thinks. To understand a human being we find out how we think - what motivates them. To discover that, we must earn their trust. And to earn their trust we must offer them safety – safety to confide in us, safety to express yourself, to show the feelings of your heart, the songs in your head, the thoughts in your mind.

And to change ourself?

I had a client once, a musician, who wanted to change an out-of-date way of thinking. He told me he couldlose himself in playing, but really found himself in conducting. ‘Ah, now then, I am God!’

It was enough to suggest he imagine himself as one of his orchestra, watching and following the instructions of the conductor, himself. He made his change, ‘by frequent rehearsal,’ he told me. It was just a tweak, really. Entering his world, speaking his language, the language of the senses, in his case the sense of hearing. Not surprising for a musician, I guess. We just had to suggest adding the visual sense - watching the conductor.

We are sensual beings, we humans. We love to watch movies, our favourite movie star, our football team, even our favourite soap, to see our favourite picture – would that be the one on the bathroom wall? To be seen in our favourite fashion, our new heels or sneakers. Appearance is all – ask any hairdresser!

What were the pictures populating your mind as you read my words describing what we like to see?

And those we love to watch like to appeal to our own sense of style by wearing theirs - Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham.

And do we not love to hear music, Mozart to Gaga, certain voices, sounds of nature or songs of the city, we love to taste, good food – good drink.

We love to smell, fragrances, scents, flowers, perfumes. Britney and Madonna like to be associated with their own fragrance, to bring out their own fashion lines, the power of appearance. And don’t singers love to act, crossing the edge from auditory to visual. Abba made the first pop videos, motivated by the desire not to travel – Agnethe hated leaving her kids!

And we love to learn!

And we love to laugh

The power of the senses is easily understood when we look at the obscene amounts of money put into them: movies, tv, sports, music, perfumes, food … and the language of the senses is how we each express our own world. Understanding this helps us change - change what we want to change and keep what we want to keep. Before we do that we need to know why, the motivation for change. Knowing this, we can choose the right technique.

Motivation is the key to changing our lives, habits, our way of being, offering realizations. A friend, a woman, a peace-loving pacifist who would never harm anything, but wanting to learn a martial art, but baulking at the idea of violence. It took just one question to redden her face and bare her strong white teeth as her eyes flashed fire, her hair stood on end and her hands seemed to grow claws of a tigress. And what was that question? Well, you’ve maybe guessed that it was about her children being threatened. Violence had a place in her brain that she didn’t even know was there, but the limbic memory would have sprung her into action without pause for thought. Now, for a mother, isn’t this perfectly normal?

Some people had difficult childhood experiences. Now it’s obviously not possible to change the past, but what about changing our perception of the past? That or those childhood experiences colour one’s perception of the world in which you live today, your world in the here and now, and that, please understand, is PERFECTLY NORMAL, because are we not the sum of all that has ever happened? The good we have done, the bad we have done, the good done to us, and the bad done to us?

How might you have reacted to a situation in that childhood that formed you, then, had you possessed the resources of now? The knowledge, the experience, the mental strength – even the physical strength? It is but a small step to do the impossible – to help yourself, or the client, imagine themself in that same situation, but with their clear and present grown-up resources.

In this way we change our world, for what is our world but our perception of it? Helping others to make life a rich rewarding lesson, ah! Someone told me I was lucky to have had the experiences I have had, been to the places, met the people, done the things. Was I lucky? Was I lucky that I lost my father when I was a toddler? Was I was lucky in my stepfather who raised me and my brother as his own – and abandoned us? My view of the world was perfectly normal for someone who had those early experiences.And when I took the conscious decision to change it, my new world became perfectly normal. But it took me fifty years! You don’t have to wait so long, unless you’re there already, and then it’s never too late and no dog learns new tricks so well as an old dog who simply learns to adapt the old tricks.

And its not just scars from childhood, is it? That more recent past, not so far behind us, the wounds of betrayal or cruelty, deception and disappointment, heartbreak or humiliation, can we let these too distort our view of the world or can these too be placed in perspective, processed and dealt with. Some might call this a life of suffering but those same also say we cause that suffering for ourselves. Let me tell you, calling out from the depths of a vale of tears holds us in those depths, and we can leave them, and we can learn how. We have a choice, to dwell in the past, to long for the future, but meanwhile the present slips by, unnoticed.

It is a simple process, to find motive, and then to associate it with a desire. Imagine now, or remember, a moment of total pleasure, or a peak of achievement. Think of a time when you felt wonderful, any time, from a moment ago to years ago, any moment when everything was right, perfect, in that moment, for however long or short a time. In your mind’s eye, see what you saw in that moment, the picture, and see where it is, in front of you or all around, colourful or black-and-white, moving or still, framed or panoramic – yes, that’s right, see what you see – are you in the picture or looking at it? Hear what you heard in that moment, feel what you felt, and where did you feel it? Where in your being? Was there fragrance, a smell or a taste? Re-live that moment with all your senses and now, and now, double the size of the picture and turn up the volume, double the feeling, the smell or the taste, and double again and again and again until your whole being is filled with that moment, that’s right, all your senses, be there, in it all around, capture that look, that feeling, all those sensations, savour them, let them linger in your being, your mind, your body … that’s right … and now, just be aware, back now, be aware of how far you went, how deep, how you lived that moment as if it were now!

And now, of course, you will have noticed, won’t you, that moment was your moment, entirely personal to you. I did not know where you were or what you saw or how you felt or what you heard – but you did!

And then we take that peak moment and anchor it, yes, anchor it, so that it can be revived and relived, at will! Then we associate that moment with something you want to do, something you want to achieve, something you want to change, and that instills the motivation deep inside you. Imagine now, how effective this can be in helping others change, help others achieve what they want and sometimes desperately need, freedom from negative programs that might have been instilled in them from childhood,freedom from unnecessary habits or out-of-date ways of thinking, freedom even from the past – the past is where it belongs, behind us! Freedom to move on, to achieve what we want and help others do the same.Freedom. Yes, freedom. That’s what we teach. The ways of letting go, cutting the chains of the free.

We learn to speak each other’s language, the language of the visual, if you see what I mean, or the language of the auditory if you hear what I’m saying, the language of the kinesthetic if you catch my drift, yes, smell the freedom – how does it taste? The sweet smell of success, the taste of achievement, the sound of letting go, the feeling of a weight off your chest, seeing yourself, as you really want to be, the past in place – a place to learn from and move on. That’s right.

Of course I don’t know your personal situation, problems, difficulties, hopes and dreams but I do know that at some deep level within us we have the resources to make the change you need to make and its just a matter of learning how to help yourself and others make those changes and make a decent living at it too.

Take a break - eight days hard work by day, private study by night, relentless concentration, tough challenges, exhaustive practice and thorough testing, all made well worth it by your NLP Practitioner Certificate signed by Richard Bandler, John LaValle and me, Kris Deva North, your Licensed Trainer, internationally recognised, accredited by the Society of Neurolinguistic programming. If you are prepared to step out of the box, invest eight days in YOU. You may find that success, fulfilment and happiness can be ... perfectly normal!

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AWAKENING YOUR INNER GODDESS...FOLLOW YOUR INNER WISDOM!

2011-02-19T07:58:00.001Z

Sunday 27th February 2011 - 10am to 5.30pm

Ladies, Sisters,

Anamarta is proud to present a special workshop to celebrate and embrace the Yin Peak of the year, the Winter! Along with the Taoist practices we're going to awaken, stimulate or just allow space for our Inner Goddess to bloom and to be fully present.

Through meditation, Kuan Yin Chi Kung, dance, and much more, you'll:

**Do the Ceremony of the Sacred Water.

**Explore the different manifestations of the Goddess Power within and without.

**Reclaim your Divine Feminine, honour it and enjoy it!

**Embrace your inner wisdom.

**Learn how to keep your kidneys (the Winter organ, which regulates our sexual energy and links with our wisdom & gentleness), healthy and radiant.

What to bring?

Something special for you that represent your yin energy, your femininity, yourself!

Why not wear your best Goddess clothes, what makes you feel good externally and internally.

You can make savings when you combine this Jade Circle (women only!) workshop with the JADE CIRCLE I - Special Yin Step 1: learn how

VALENTINES WEEKEND for Couples: 12th & 13th February

2011-01-29T05:07:00.001Z

DO YOU KNOW your partner’s most potent arousal point?

CAN YOU TELL the strength of his/her libido?

DO YOU WANT to know secrets of pleasure - giving and receiving?

DO YOU BELIEVE that however good you are already – you can be a more effective lover?

WOULD YOU LIKE to spend two days of sensual delight exploring how Pleasure can open the door to Bliss on the path to Ecstasy and, ultimately, connection with Spirit?

"Tantra 1 was a wonderful experience. What a valentines gift!! A beautiful intimate weekend with fun, deep time to reconnect with my loved one, looking forward to the next one." S.D. & L.P.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
What is Tantra and how it can help with relationship.
Overview of tantric traditions: Indian, Tibetan,Taoist.
Energy Centres/Chakras as Gateways to Spirit
Qigong (Chi Kung) for Couples
Sexercises to warm up and cool down.
Prelude to Intimacy: The Art of Tantric Touch
Magic Buttons and how to press them.
Intimate Tantric Massage
The Whole Body
The Nine Flowers
"We would like to thank you both again for the wonderful weekend we had - we really didn't want to leave! Tao Tantra 1 was great for the foundation of tantric practice." J.G. & J.
Pre-requisite: being a couple!
Couples work/play only with their own partner
Please bring: big fluffy towel; silk cloth; sarong/lunghi/kikoi; rug/blanket/sheepskin; open mind
"Our objective of reconnecting and spending some quality time together was successfully met. We both feel we came away more intimate & loving towards each other with some great new tools/ exercises that we are able to work into our relationship.(...)the chi kung for couples has become part of our morning courtship!(...)It was a pleasure to be led by a couple who were genuinely benefiting from the exercises themselves as well as embodying the Way."C.C. & J.H.

Sign up here to give yourselves a treat!

Learn more about Taoist Tantric Massage in ‘A Touch of Sex, Shiatsu Secrets for Love’ co-authored by Taoist Master Mantak Chia & Kris Deva North

"I would like to thank you for the loving intimacy that you expressed this weekend as a couple which contributed a great deal to the quality of love that was reflected in the ease of participants in what was a very warm and heartful group energy." K.W. & J.

Workshop Facilitators: Kris Deva North & Anamarta

...and when you have enjoyed this first step on this Taoist tantric path and completed the Foundation Step 1 - Harmony of Yin and Yang , you may like to explore together Tao of Tantra Part 2...and beyond.

"I really enjoyed the heightened intimacy my partner and I now share as a result of the practices we learned on Tantra 1 & 2. We enjoyed every minute of discovering each other in a completely new and exciting ways on these courses." L.P. & S.D.

TAOIST SHAMANIC HEALING: Taoist Shamanism London training

2011-01-22T07:28:00.001Z

Learning secrets of the Hidden Masters, healing warriors and barefoot healers stepping lightly in all worlds. A rare opportunity for training like this cosmic chi kung, Hands of Light without pre-requisites. Come by 4-day event in London: Friday 28th thru' Monday 31st, 10am to 5pm daily.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Communing with Spirit
Journey through the Inner Eye, Heaven's Garden, Moon Gates, Steps and Chambers.
Affirmations

Guides Totems and Animals
Taoist Medicine Wheel, relationships to other traditions
African, American, Australian, Druid, Hawaiian, Indian/Nepali, Pagan, Shinto, Siberian, Tibetan, Wiccan,

Space Clearing and Cleansing
Personal, General and Specific

Shamanic Tools & Uses
Intuition, dreams, prayer and ceremony, hands, wand, bowl, drum, fan, incense, sage, water, herbs

Crystal Seminar
exploring the stone people, ancient allies and healing tools of the shaman

Shamanic Techniques
Intention, visualisation, communing with others; drilling, cutting, separating

Aura
Seeing, sensing, feeling, healing

Directing
Aura, energy field, anatomy, meridians and points

Adapting other traditions
Hawaiian Calabash of Light; Native American medicine cards

Practice
Evaluation, application

Daily practice on this workshop includes the 'Hands of Light' (Cosmic Chi Kung) exercises to develop sensitivity to etheric fields and enhance healing power. See demonstration video below.

Reading resource for this workshop is Taoist Medicine Wheel - Tao of the Shaman 1

This workshop is pre-requisite for Step 5, Tao of the Shaman
You can continue with Taoist Shamanic Training by going on through Steps 4 and 5 (Steps 1 to 3 pre-requisite).

Register early - make the commitment and benefit from the savings for multiple registration: 10% off the combined total for booking 2 courses, 20% off for 3 or more.
Sign up on-line

Shiatsu Practice Management 5: AIDA!

2010-11-10T04:54:00.005Z

Making it with AIDA - How to tell the world about you and what you do.
Walk into a community centre, library, surgery, healthfood shop, anywhere that displays sales literature. Take what catches your eye. Note, for example, the leaflets in racks that show their message in the top two inches, so you can easily read them. Ignore the others, where you have to actually take the leaflet out to see what its trying to say.
Look at what attracts your ATTENTION
Glance down each of the leaflets, flyers, cards and ads. Which ones excite your INTEREST? What are the benefits of what they are offering? Does it appeal to you? Do the words/pictures make you want the product or service? Do they arouse your DESIRE? And is the next step clear – are you told how to satisfy this desire? Does it say what ACTION to take?
Think about what you want to say about yourself and what you have to offer. See it from the other person’s point of view. Do they know what the letters after your name mean? Do they care? Maybe, maybe not, but they do care what are the benefits to them.
Be clear - decide who you are (today!) and what you want to present.Vague ("Therapist" or "Bodyworker") or Confused? I have seen flyers and ads listing a dozen different therapies offered by one practitoner, from reiki to soul retrieval via holistic massage and moon dancing. Are you a Jill or Jack of all trades...and Master of Some? Are you focussed, or scattered?
Think of the person reading your stuff, the person who is looking for someone (you) to give them the benefits of training and experience, someone they can trust to look after them properly, someone they can think knows their therapy thoroughly!
Take a step back from your self: write what you have to say as if you were writing about someone else. Make it with AIDA - Attention Interest Desire Action, then put your ego in your pocket and ask someone else to read it before you go to print. And it doesn't matter whether its a business card, a leaflet flyer, a magazine listing, advertisement or brochure - make it with AIDA.
Where do you put it - well, all the above-named places to start with. Take some of their leaflets to put in your clinic - even if its just the spare room, its still your clinic.Keep some flyers/cards with you to give people. And then look for opportunities to give out: festivals, events, exhibitions....every opportunity that comes up, take it! and watch your practice grow. (ps don't be choosey - you'd be surprised where you can find potential clients: exclude no-one.)
Finally, please don't waste your creative efforts and distribution legwork- BE AVAILABLE when they call.... what is your purpose? to get clients, to give treatments, to make a living....all of this but right here and now you want someone to make an appointment, so you want them to call you. Your aim is to get the phone call, yes?
Do you know how often I've heard, after enough rings to test my patience, BT1471 answer..."the person you are calling is not available..." Hmm! Professional? I don't think so.
Best voicemail I've heard...."Thank you for calling the Shiatsu Practice....etc"
And answer every call right away without delay.
And watch your practice grow!

NEXT WEEK: Doing it with Doctors.
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What are they thinking of? not me!

2010-11-05T08:43:00.002Z

While Zen Shiatsu Society runs a fascinating series of articles on how to find and keep clients, Healing NLP, not to be outdone, offer something even more illuminating: how to lose them, with case studies and detailed instructions on how to embarrass, insult, ignore, betray and generally bite the hands that feed you.

What makes this so very interesting is the realisation that we can initiate almost all these disaster-scenarios often with just a word or a phrase - and without any training whatsoever! The possibilities are boundless, from the slide of an eye that loses potential interest, to the phrase that can destroy years of trust.

These proven techniques work equally well for losing friendships.

This story helped me avoid the traps, or at least be aware of them, and their relative importance, e.g "I can forgive a man insulting me in my own home, but not being served lukewarm soup in his."

Embarrass Them

I stood behind the bar of the French Resistance in Earls Court waiting for the lunch-time crowd and, that day, having fired the cook, a thief, and her lover the night before. My clientele were mostly waiters and chefs from local restaurants and hotels and there was a body of opinion that my winebar should really have been named the Spanish Succession.

Anyway, first in was an early Englishman, handsome grey-haired man with good teeth and years of experience in the catering trade. He had built a business in consulting, advising people like me running their first venture on the do's and don'ts. Some months before he was a regular, in every day about this time to take a glass of sherry and tapas. Now he came up to the bar with a big smile across his face.

"Long time no see," I greeted him, "usual?" reaching for the Manzanilla.

John nodded, smile shrinking a little. I didn't pay much attention as, mind on lunch, I thought here's the very man to help me out now. He did, and more than I'd expected. I told him about the cook.

"Good," he said, "her food was ... well, what you'd get in one of those places where they go down Macromart for a dozen duck-in-orange boil-in-the-bag."

Yes, I agreed, but she was the expert and I'd never cooked anything more sophisticated than an egg. John rummaged in the cupboards, fridges, freezer.

"I'll do Drunken Sausage for you." He put on the apron and set to. I hear the tones of Galicia upstairs at the bar, and went up to serve Paco and Manolo.

"Ay, Crispy (what they called me), where the tapas?"

"Not today," I said. "John's cooking Drunken Sausage for us."

"Eh?"

"Salchichas borrachos."

I explained why and they politely finished their drinks and went next door to the Duke of Richmond. Roz, the barmaid and aficionada of all things Spanish arrived. I went back down to John.

He said, "I stopped to buy a paper on my way here. The newsagent said he hadn't seen me around for a while, where'd I been, man? I told him abroad. I didn't like having to explain myself. How did he know I hadn't been in the Priory - or Belmarsh. Or divorcing - or any of the things people don't want to be reminded of? "

"Oh come on, he probably just missed your happy smile!"

"At catering college they told us always greet every customer like a friend, but never ask anything more than how are you. Act like you saw them yesterday."

I had a fleeting thought he maybe felt embarrassed when I said Long time no see, then shrugged. "Oh, well," then to change the subject, "Mind if I take a look at your paper?"

John grinned.

"I didn't buy one."

Funnily enough, a few weeks after we moved the Zen School of Shiatsu to a new location, August 2006 it was, I happened to be passing the sweetshop where I would buy my after-lunch KitKat when we were based in Phipp Street. The man behind the counter said "Hey! Long time no see!" I explained we had crossed to the other side of Great Eastern Street, the traffic, etc etc.

I didn't go back again after that. I felt embarrassed at him noticing I hadn't been there. And my mind shot back thirty-five years as I remembered John.

We humans, aren't we all a little bit sensitive? In all senses of the word. Or is it just me? And if you think its just me, imagine if any, or how many, of your clients are 'just me!'

NEXT WEEK: Insult them!

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Asking Diagnosis - The Popsy Principle

2010-11-03T06:25:00.002Z

The Popsy Principle - Asking Diagnosis to bring your clients back

When I took my cat to the vet, whatever her condition and his treatment, he would always say to me "And I want to see Popsy again in two weeks, so please make an appointment with the receptionist as you go out."

He did not sit there anxiously hoping I would want to rebook. He told me to. By telling me so, he gave me the reassurance that he was treating Popsy properly.

Asking-Diagnosis gets to understand the people who have come to you for a shiatsu treatment. As you progress through your shiatsu-learning the basic "How're you doing? any aches or pains?",evolves into a focused conversation.

How you present this questioning-diagnosis can determine whether or not they become a regular client. Launching straight into a series of intimate personal questions might lead to a initial resistance. By starting with a little explanation, you can put the Popsy Principle into practice.

Why have you come for shiatsu? Curiosity? Serious condition?

Whatever you hear, explain why you need to ask questions- it helps to get specific permission for the Asking Diagnosis. I have found something along these lines quite effective:

"Shiatsu is a holistic treatment, so I'd just like to ask you a few questions to help me understand you as a whole person...."

wait for their agreement

".....then we can get on with the treatment and perhaps look at working out some kind of plan that's right for you...."

Start with relatively neutral questions. I find it helps to focus down the body, asking head-things like job, working down to heart-things like stress, relationships, down to diet, digestive system, down to reproductive issues etc

Often a person wants to know how many treatments it would take to help relieve symptoms of their condition. I would hesitate to give much of an answer before the treatment. I would suggest to them that we may come to a clearer idea afterwards.

The treatment follows, with questions about pain, sensitivity etc.

Allow your receiver plenty of time to return to this dimension following the treatment-experience. Often they will ask you what you found - explain, in everyday language avoiding shiatsu jargon, the imbalances you found during the treatment. Relate these imbalances to what your receiver told you during the asking diagnosis, so they can understand the connection.

Then apply the Popsy Principle, suggesting a course of treatments related to their condition. At least three, perhaps, followed by a review of the situation.

You have a duty of care to your clients. If you think they'd benefit from more treatments, tell them to book in. Leave it up to them to say no - don't do it for them! Give them the chance and remember - they don't have to be ill to feel better!

NEXT WEEK: Working with AIDA to tell the world about your shiatsu.

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Rage against the Machine - a Lesson from NLP Training

2010-10-31T08:03:00.001Z

Tommy and I had trained together from the first Practitioner Training with Paul McKenna, and on through the Masters' and Trainers' with McKenna, Richard Bandler and John LaValle, learning tricks of stage magic and the different magic of Milton Ericksson. We rediscovered each other years after first meeting on a shiatsu course. I had gone ahead with a shiatsu career while Tommy opted for part-time. Now we were both determined to complete an inspiring but difficult training, a particular challenge for me being the making of a video of my teaching as I had never before even held a camcorder in my hand.

One of the earliest conditions I offered colleagues at Practitioner training was 'Technophobia', the panic attack that set in when presented with any kind of problem with technology, from kettle to computer, lightbulb to lap-top. I would break out in sweat, my heart would hammer, my breath go into shallow bellows-mode and my mood swing from fear to rage. By the time I got to Trainer-training I had learned to take a step back, reassure my inner self that everything would be (probably) be OK (eventually) and the machinery was just being machinery and it really wasn't personal.

Tommy had none of these issues. He worked in IT and told stories of help-desk questions ("the computer says it doesn't recognise the printer even though its right in front of the screen") and had his own video camera.

We went our ways after the Trainer course, I to a winter beach holiday where en-route I bought the latest, state-of-the-art, mini-disc camcorder "that works with everything" enthused the duty-free salesperson. Except mac, I discovered when I got home, proudly noticing as I wrestled (kinesthetically) with wires, helplines (auditory) and knowledge-bases (visual) that instead of stamping on it I kept cool, calm and contemptuous. (Metal cut Wood, in shiatsu terms, and Earth controlled Water.) I even managed a wry smile reading the small print - operating system windows - at home instead of at the airport. My son benefitted: the camera proved valuable in his acting/directing studies.

A trip to Amazon led me to a second-hand Sony, underwritten by a customer's comment that a Belkin cable between it and a mac required no software. I was in business. I set up the tripod - bought with the first camera - and filmed myself teaching NLP to my first group of accommodating students. That video got me my Trainer Licence and since then I've made many more, about NLP, Shiatsu, Tai Chi and Chi Kung. People have even told me they've joined courses through being impressed by my Youtube collection.

I came across Tommy again at another event a year or so later. He was still in his IT job and "hadn't got round to doing the video yet," although still determined to change career to NLP.

There's another lesson in here somewhere, but maybe for another day.

Kris Deva North

Kris is on Facebook

November Newsletter

2010-10-29T12:04:00.002+01:00

Air cools as nights draw in and thoughts turn like leaves to warmer times past or future, hopes and memories of good turns done, friendships lost and found, of magic childhood moments getting into warm ironed pyjamas in front of the fire...
A Taoist autumn is to let go the melancholy of season's change, grow courage to face winter, and smell the sunshine on those rare bright days that skymark this time. One such lit up the half-marathon when we gave shiatsu to the Capital runners: it was a real thrill to hear their appreciation on the radio. The week before we were at the Mind Body Soul exhibiting the art of gentle healing, meeting new people and making new friends.
And now, hooray for Amazon publishing three e-books: Taoist Medicine Wheel, Finding Spirit in Zen Shiatsu and Taoist 4Play Shiatsu Secrets for Love, that people can download for really a very small sum to read on (the beach?) their Kindles, iPhones, iPads, Androids, Blackberries ... when I first went to school we wrote on slates; paperbacks had just been invented, credit cards not even a tinkle in a banker's eye, and keys were made for locking. Now we can go anywhere in the world and spend money by tapping numbers on keypads - scary!
Talking of years, our Winter Gathering on 5th December will be a celebration of Kris's 70th and an occasion for remembrance, reconciliation and peace-making. We would love to see you there.
We close the Year opening doors to new experiences in Shiatsu and the Tao. Come on by!

All the info on what you like - see you there!

Cool links to connect you with what's what, where and how:

3rd November Jade Circle Level 1 with Anamarta
8th November (- 20th December) 'Chi Kung for Health and Vitality' with Tanya in North Wales
11th November Zen School of Shiatsu Assessment-Training Day
19th November Jade Circle Level 2 with Anamarta
24th November Zen Shiatsu Free Open Evening with Kris and Marta: no need to book, come on by and learn about the Zen approach to Shiatsu
27th & 28th November Foundations of Taoist Practice Step 1: Harmony of Yin and Yang. The first step, the first experience of Taoist Alchemy: transforming stress into vitality, awaken healing light.
29th November to 2nd December Shiatsu Intensive Immersion with Kris and Marta, four days of the Art of Gentle Healing, leading to Certificate in Practical Shiatsu and your first steps on the Way of the Helping Hand - watch video

Click for Kris's ebooks on Amazon including the latest 'Taoist Medicine Wheel - Tao of the Shaman Part 1' by Kris Deva North published by Universal Tao Publications UK.
Also available here in full colour illustrated pdf (you can see the Chapter-list.)
Also serialised on the Taoist blog with, so far, Ch1 From History to Mystery, 2 Comparison with other Traditions, 3 Evolution of the Medicine Wheel, and coming next, Chapter 4 The Five Elements.
A paperback version 'Taoist Shaman, Practices from the Wheel of Life' co-authored with Mantak Chia, is due out soon published by Destiny Books.

Shiatsu Practice Development

2010-10-27T08:09:00.002+01:00

Talkability

Standing in line at the healthfood shop with my basket of miso, brown rice and onions I overheard the customer in front of me ask the checkout lady "Do you know a good therapist?"

Checkout waved at the notice-board crammed with flyers and rang up the sprouts. "Yes," persisted the customer, but there's so many. Can't you recommend any?"

I first heard this half-conversation when I started doing Shiatsu and racking my brains for ways to find new clients. I was surprised to be hearing it over twenty years later - where are we all?

Obviously we can ask to put our card or flyer (more later on how to write one) on their notice-board along with all the others. But why not treat the finding of clients as important to our Shiatsu practice as the giving of treatments? Why not use the same principles - you remember last week I wrote about the unique relationship between Shiatsu giver and receiver - why not develop a personal relationship with people who can help you? Talk to them.....have you ever had shiatsu/? what do you think of it? would you like to try it? Give them a free-sample treatment -session. Just sit them on a chair or stool and do it, right there and then. (And even if its only a 5-minute session, apply the Rule of 3.)

I did this, the manager saw, said that looks great! and asked if I would mind offering seated-shiatsu treatments to customers, one lunch-time a week "...it will attract business, and generate enquiries for you."

Would I mind? Wow! We agreed I could charge a modest £10 for a 15-minute treatment, with half going to the shop. When customers started to book private treatments my practice grew.

Even if you don't get the gig, you will certainly be the one that Checkout remembers when customers ask about therapists.

Visit the shop/restaurant every 2 or 3 weeks. Talk to the people. Give treatments to new staff.Wherever your enquiries come from - follow up every lead immediately.

Something to be - so far I've focussed on things to do. Here's something to be, that will help you find and keep clients more than any other single quality - - -
* BE ENTHUSIASTIC *
focusing your enthusiasm on your client/potential client as much as on yourself or your shiatsu.

This is the latest in the series of articles on Shiatsu Practice Management or 'How to find Clients - and keep them coming back' by Kris Deva North, Master of the Zen School of Shiatsu. You can read the whole series with a click here , including the audio-version, completely free.

NEXT WEEK: The Popsy Principle
© Kris Deva North

How to make your living doing what you love

2010-10-20T07:54:00.001+01:00

Keeping your clients coming back - the Rule of 3

In that wonderful book Nourishing Destiny, Lonny Jarrett discusses the idea that each of us is a unique individual, and Oriental Diagnosis is of the relationship between two unique individuals, giver (practitioner) and receiver (client), as much as of the condition.

To me, the key word is relationship. A close, personal relationship evolves in a shiatsu session. Masanuga's student Wataru Ohashi in Reading the Body describes how to extend that relationship beyond the treatment-occasion and use it for "client-retention" by applying the Rule of 3.

The first step would be to contact your receiver 3 days after their first treatment, to ask how they've been and how they are feeling. Spend time talking (better, listening!) to them. Show an interest (be interested!) in their life and conditions or situations mentioned at the treatment, being mindful this is not the time to re-book them - more on this later.

Getting in touch again after 3 weeks would be to find out how they are getting along. Have there been any changes in their condition? By take a genuine interest in whatever is going on in their life (a holistic view) you are sustaining the relationship that evolved in the shiatsu session. If they have not been able to follow recommendations/advice, let your attitude be supportive rather than judgemental, because they are giving you valuable diagnostic information.

When you make contact again after 3 months they will appreciate your interest even if - perhaps especially if - they cannot afford more shiatsu or if life has taken over where they had other plans.
None of your follow-ups are to re-book them for treatment. If they want one they will ask you for it. Let your focus be on sustaining the relationship between you, so that they know where and who to come back to in time of need.

Your last contact would be after 3 years. They will remember you and be glad you called. They know they have a shiatsu-friend if they need one.

This is the second of a series of articles on 'How to find Clients - and keep them coming back' by Kris Deva North, Master of the Zen School of Shiatsu. You can read the whole series with a click here, including the audio-version, completely free.

NEXT WEEK: Finding new clients
© Kris Deva North

Get a proper job - or how to make your living doing what you love!

2010-10-17T12:43:00.001+01:00

I thought it might be helpful to give some insights from my early days of starting and running my Shiatsu practice.

When I qualified in the art of gentle healing I thought I was doing such good things that the world would beat a path to my door. Growing up in the Age of ‘Get a Proper Job’ Responsibility it was hard for me to take that first step up to self employment, making my living doing what I love. Such self-indulgence was for those of private means, or musicians. Nowadays of course the Age of Generosity gives us all access to the whole wide world of www - is that enough?

In those days I had to learn how to TELL THE WORLD I do shiatsu. I read a book on 'business development' and, in my mind, replaced the word 'business' with 'practice' as I followed the advice, to

* make a list of everyone you know and tick them off as you tell them, just let them know. Leave the rest to them.
* I learned to dress the part to give a treatment, in special shiatsu-clothes, no particular colour, just what you wear only for shiatsu. It makes you feel special, and your client feel special too.
* I quickly realised I had to make sure the answerphone/voicemail is on when you're not available on the phone. And to return calls right away.
* I chose one day a week to give treatments. Just one day. When that day was fully booked, add another day. And what did I do with the other days? I'll tell you:
* I learned to spend as much time seeking out new "customers" as you spend on giving treatments.
* Remembering that your best chance of building your practice is repeat treatments.

NEXT WEEK: The Rule of 3

Watering the meadow

2010-10-17T12:41:00.000+01:00

Watering the houseplants, giving each their particular attention, less for the cheeseplant, more for the bonsai, plenty for the moneyplant, spray for the orchids, I found myself thinking of last night's Asking Diagnosis tutorial and an anxious new student wondering if she really could make a living doing Shiatsu. Someone had told her, she said, to get a proper job and just do shiatsu part time. Why not, I thought, its as good a way to start as any. But no, said another more senior student who had returned after a long absence: "I've been making my living at it full time for the past three years, paying the bills, going on holidays, all the things I did when I was in employment. The difference," he added with a serene smile, "is that I can start work at noon and organise my time the way I like."
What a great example! of both, I mean, because some people like to do things one way and some people another, whether bonsai or a an orchid!
That tutorial inspired me to serialise our Zen School teaching 'How to find Clients - and keep them coming back', the system adopted by the returning student to build his practice and based on my own experience of thirty years in business and management development before I discovered shiatsu.
The truth is, while these challenging times seem to clothe the merchants of gloom with authority, we can each use our talents and follow our nature to make our living doing what we love in the way that suits us best, from cheese-plant to money-tree, in the Way of the Helping Hand.
My mind drifted back to the days with the Rainbow people, where the protocol for dealing with forest fires was either to join the team fighting the flames, or to run away to safety taking with you the children and utensils for the tribe's survival. Both ways are honorable for we honour our nature, and while some will do shiatsu part-time, others will take the step to full-time, and both will be helping others.
Read all about it with a click here

Taoist Shamanic Practice

2010-09-27T12:43:00.007+01:00

On the publication of the Taoist Medicine Wheel I'm very happy to offer this overview of Taoist Shamanism

My interest in Taoist Shamanic practice began with that 1998 interview with Master Mantak Chia at the Tao Garden:

"A group of Aryans was shipwrecked on the China shore thousands of years ago. They did not die, nor have children, and became known as the Shining Ones. They taught shamanic practices, including the protective circle, calling the elements, ecstatic journeying and flight, power animals and tutelary deities or guides.
"With the rise of Buddhism shamans were persecuted, like witches in the west. They continued their practices in secret, without the use of drums, rattles, robes or other articles of the craft to identify themselves. The saying goes ‘you cannot tell a sage by his clothes.’ They were also known as magicians, wizards and sorcerers.
"Magic is like religion. It can be of great benefit, or cause great harm. In Taoist magic as in the Tao, there is no judgement - we are all responsible for ourselves. As long as you do not harm another being, you are free to do what you want."

My studies and research over the years since show that some of the old shamanic arts flourish today under the shield of Chinese Medicine, most practitioners unaware of the magical connections.

From its shamanic roots, Taoism rose to become the official religion of the Imperial Dynasties. It is the foundation of most Chinese art, of the Traditional Chinese Medicines we know today as acupuncture and herbalism, of Chinese Astrology and Divination, of Tai Chi Chuan "the Supreme Ultimate" combining meditation and martial art, and of the esoteric sexual practices taught to the Emperors by their female advisers to form the basis of Taoist Alchemy: the quest for immortality.

Outside of the Imperial Court Taoism evolved as the folk religion, the Old Ways common to many First Nations, a way of mystery and secrecy, with rites, rituals, and initiations. A notice stating ‘There is an altar in this house’ was a sign of a safe haven for the travelling Taoist during the Buddhist persecutions. The tradition has been maintained to this day to show the location of a Taoist household or temple.

Barefoot healers, pre-Taoist shamans, wearing red headbands, wandered naked and were subject to fits, a characteristic particularly of the Siberian but also known among shamans of other traditions.

The shaman, as ‘mediator with spirit’ is chosen by spirit and called by humans when healing practices such as herbs, massage, acupuncture or allopathy have failed. If the sickness prevails, Shaman finds out from Spirit what healing the soul needs for the body to be whole again. Everything is a gift and a blessing, for everything is Love, and gratitude and thanks must be given even for hurt and pain. Then harmony can be restored between soul and body.

Practitioners of shamanism can be susceptible to suffering afflictions of spirit in this earthly dimension. I personally know two people, one an acknowledged practitioner and the other a young boy recognised by his teachers as having shamanic power, who have an extremely difficult time living in the "normal" world themselves but through their spirit-connection are able to help others. This of course is where modern-day Taoist practitioners have the advantage of the Healing Tao system to protect themselves from depletion and contamination.

Families and priests, sources of the great Schools of Taoism with their ideological and geographical differences, practiced Shamanic Taoism as local cults. The simple philosophy, or Tao Chia, expounded by Lao Tsu in the Tao Te Ching c600 BCE had become Tao Chiao, religious dogma, by 2nd Century of the new millennium. The ‘Do-It-Yourself’ principles of Taoism were competing with Confucianism’s reassuringly strict codes of behaviour for all situations. After another thousand years the Complete Clarity school sought to return to the untrammelled simplicity of the original practice.

Interesting comparisons between Taoist and other shamanic practices:

Worship by Smoke: the Native American "peace-pipe" equates to the Taoist practice of burning incense, with the smoke rising as a prayer to Heaven. The Taoist has the additional feature of the ash falling as a prayer to Earth. The Taoist also uses the ash to establish other "altars" such as when the student leaves to start their own practice; they take a pinch of the accumulated ash from the mother-altar.

Purification by Sweat: here is a common thread running around the world among First Nations in the cool-to-temperate latitudes. Native Americans with their Sweatlodge, North Europeans with Sauna and the Taoist Hot Tub Immersion all share the sweat-detox practice, social as well as ritual in nature.

Symbolic Sacrifice: common to all traditions with varying relationships between symbolism and reality, from the killing of the Corn God at the end of the harvest in North America and Europe, to the ritual breaking of bones until death in the Siberian tradition, to the burying of slaves at the temple corner among the ancient Hawaiians, crucifixion and ascension for Christians etc etc. The suffix name -ti for the Emperor implies a meat sacrifice reflecting the killing of the old one when his son reached puberty. The shamanic blood-sacrifice traditions of ancient China were modified in religious Taoism: the scriptures were written on parchment, which is made from lambskin, a lamb being killed only once but thereafter each time the priest reads the scriptures he evokes the spirit of the sacrifice.

Ecstatic Flight: Whereas the early Taoist practice culminated in ecstasy, the shamanic practice began thus, using it to launch into the celestial or lower realms. Other traditions perceive the Taoist practice as more familiar with the Heavenly path than the lower worlds. True, Taoists begin with the celestial realm then use its light to illuminate the dark places below.

Bone Spirits: all traditions practise "changing the bones", the cellular crystalline structures capable of transmitting and receiving energy-waves: the first radios were crystal-sets. Mantak Chia teaches bone-changing through the Advanced Iron Shirt practice. In Hawaiians cooked off the flesh and preserved the thigh-bones (the location of the bones of the last king who died 100+ years ago is still kept secret.)

Initiation: common to all traditions and the Taoist are as testing as most. Overcoming obstacles the Initiate gains knowledge of her or himself and learns secrets of the craft. Through Initiation the Shaman learns the power of Spirit, using it to understand the illusion of fear and physical limitations of discomfort and fatigue. After the Ordeal of Initiation the Shaman is reborn to take his place in the Community and returns to the Outer World

The Shaman is the Healer in the community and, particularly in the Taoist tradition, is known only to the community, unknown in the Outer World. This secrecy stems from the days of persecution. As Healing Warrior, the Shaman mediates with, or combats, Spirit, by taking into her or himself the energies, to heal and to seal.

For more information and a Chapter List of the book go to: Taoist Medicine Wheel - Tao of the Shaman 1
I plan to serialise extracts from each Chapter over the coming weeks, so watch this space! Meanwhile, you can buy the pdf from Universal Healing Tao UK and an e-version for your Kindle or iPad from Amazon.

Finding Spirit e-book on Amazon

2010-09-21T15:50:00.001+01:00

Finding Spirit in Zen Shiatsu is an enjoyable and inspiring read. I found this to be a welcome retreat to go for inspiration. Kris Deva North blends an enjoyable mix of anecdotes from his travels, to hara diagnoses and five element theories.
North is founder and Master of the Zen School of Shiatsu in London and has been involved in healing work since the 1970s. He has a wealth of experience including appearing on UK national television demonstrating Taoist healing and tantric practices and a documentary of his work.
The reader joins North as he travels the globe and learns from Masters in Japan, Africa, Nepal, Hawaii and Australia. After too many mushrooms and too much partying, North cleans up his act and focuses more intently on his shiatsu practice and commences what turns into the Zen School of Shiatsu.
North challenges the shiatsuka (shiatsu therapist) to throw away the textbooks and allow intuition to flow. He describes his experiences of being mentored by Takeo Suzuki in Tokyo. Suzuki states after observing North's shiatsu practice that `...you do it like a mechanic...when you lose connection with the body, you lose connection with...spirit...in shiatsu awareness is sensitivity...Empty your mind of all that learning...'
North realizes that `Memorising symptoms and pushing points were of this world; seeing into the essence a step into spirit.'
One aspect of this book's usefulness lies in challenging the shiatsu practitioner to contemplate their own shiatsu practice. Where are we at with it? Are we allowing ourselves to flow and find the spirit in our shiatsu practice?
North is obviously very passionate when it comes to his healing work and teaching. This is illustrated by the amount of valuable information in this book, which includes case study guidelines, coping with assessments and how to make your living doing what you love.
Overall, this easy-to-read accessible book is useful for anyone interested in shiatsu, from beginner to practitioner to teacher.
Pointers, Journal of the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia, Spring 2007
Finding Spirit in Zen Shiatsu by Kris Deva North
Review by Paul McCann See it as an ebook for ipad, iphone, blackberry, android, kindle

Learning Shiatsu at the Zen School

2010-08-08T15:11:00.001+01:00

New Iron Shirt Chi Kung video

2010-07-07T06:16:00.002+01:00

We found a secret Taoist garden tucked away in a corner of London to make an up-to-date video on Mantak Chia's ancient practice for modern living. Anamarta and I are happy to share: join us!

The Rewards of Taoist Training

2010-06-30T05:14:00.001+01:00

Dear Kris and Anamarta,

Thank you both for an amazing weekend. It has undoubtedly been the most positive thing I have done for a very long time. As I mentioned on Sunday I can to be a rather sceptical, suspicious and even cynical person when it comes to things outside my usual routines, circles and/or comfort zone. You have made it easy for me to keep an open mind, have fun and at the same time learn and experience things I never have before. My mood has not been this good for months and I have already applied some basics I remember from the course to my daily life. As I was on a high last night I worried about going to sleep. Considering I had to get up at 5am today I was very glad for the Triple Heater Sound which sent me off within minutes. While my crazy 14 hour working day was spent mostly driving, I very successfully resisted multiple road rage attacks with the Liver Sound and smiled or actually laughed at the situation instead.
The only downside is that I am finding it hard not to sound too excited when talking to people...
Mr M.P.

Facebook and Twitter

2010-06-25T06:46:00.004+01:00

Yes, we've taken our place in the universal community. I've often thought the internet is the nervous system of our planet and its good to be able to connect with so many friends and, of course, help more people discover what we do. And have all the pics and videos in one place - cool!

Find Healing NLP on Facebook
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Find Zen School of Shiatsu on Facebook
Tweet the Zen School on Twitter

Find Universal Healing Tao UK on Facebook
Tweet Universal Healing Tao UK on Twitter

Watering the Garden

2010-06-25T06:45:00.000+01:00

Step 1, the start of the cycle for a whole new bunch of budding Taoists ... I am privileged to play my part in watering the garden. When a friend/student recently told me she gave birth in her Garden surrounded by her Children and Animals I realised again how profound is the effect of these beautiful practices, that ripple through our lives made beautiful by them.

Midsummer News

2010-06-16T08:48:00.004+01:00

Happy Solstice! All these summer showers show summer's lease hath all too short a date: what was the first line? A complimentary copy of Bouncing Back, Thriving in Changing Times to the first three correct answers.

With all the problems, challenges and opportunities in our present uncertain world, what better time to invest in yourself. Your value can only increase, as a human being, as a shining spirit, or simply a more accomplished person who has done the best for yourself. How long have you been promising yourself a new challenge? a new skill? even a new career... just do it.

For those thinking to take the first steps, 26th and 27th June sees the first Foundations of Taoist Practice, before Step 2 on 10th and 11th July. Beginners will know by then if they are ready for Step 3: The Power of Fusion (Feng Shui for Humans) 23rd thru 26th July - then only Six Steps to go!. The Tai Chi Camp 10th to 15th August fit for the challenges that follow. Do it now or wish you had!

Midsummer Sale of Books - some titles reduced to just £3.97, and a special savings combination for buying Jade Egg + Emergence of the Sensual Woman together.

For the diary: 7th August Jade Circle Workshop 'Let your Inner Beauty Out' with Anamarta; 8th August Tao Yin Yoga with Matt Lewis; 10th to 15th August Tai Chi Camp ; 21st & 22nd August Andy Fretwell teaches Enlightenment QiGong; Take Step 4 in September; Saida Desilets returns in October with Teachings of the Jade Goddess and Sol Sebastian teaching Alchemy of Man.

Info on all of the above with a Click Here

Help others: our annual Shiatsuthon for Help a London Child! is 9th July, 9 am to 7 pm. Come by the Zen School to treat yourself and take the bliss. Enjoy a wonderful 20 minutes of shiatsu massage and start, end, or fill your day refreshed, relaxed, revitalised and in tune with Life! before work, after work, lunch break or book time off work to HELP A LONDON CHILD! or call out the Zen Squad to visit your offices!

Help Yourself: Shiatsu Summer School runs from 2nd to 5th August, Monday through Friday,10 am to 5 pm, with an free drop-in Open Evening on Wednesday 28th July. Just come by the Zen School - no need to book... Take a look at our video Zen Shiatsu Basic Training

If you can't make the Open Evening call 0700 078 1195 for your personal (free!) visit to the Zen School, or just come by any Tuesday evening 6.30pm or Thursday afternoon 2.30 pm, or the monthly Saturday: next is 19th June 10am and 2 pm. 'Continuous Enrolment' means you can join us any time.

For info on the above Click Here

HEALING NLP The next 8-Day Intensive Practitioner Training 22nd to 29th August, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. ... save your place here! Free Talk and NLP Demonstration on Friday 30th July and/or NLP Taster Day on Saturday 31st July. Hear how NLP started as a healing therapy and get a feeling for how it might work for you.. to Help Others or sort out your own stuff, or both!

A comment from the recent training: "...a big thank you for the last 8 days which have literally been life changing and hugely inspiring." Mr RB, life coach and personal trainer.
Catch the Healing NLP video here

Info on all the above here

"BOUNCING BACK - THRIVING IN CHANGING TIMES - Kris Deva North is a featured author with Wayne Dyer, John Assaraf, Gavin Keilly, David Riklan, Brian Tracey and Gregory Scott Reid telling uplifting stories of individuals who have learned to face adversity and overcome challenges." Of course I knew my own story and reading the others I found the book so practical and inspirational that I will be giving away a free copy to every new registration on Healing NLP Practitioner and Master-Practitioner Training.
About the book here

june news

2010-06-10T06:22:00.001+01:00

Celebrity Shiatsu! They ran, we rubbed! The Zen Squad turned out for the London Marathon, massaging Capital's runners including Stamford the Lion - both halves, front and back - from Chelsea Football Club and earning another great gig at Stamford Bridge for Capital Kicks. Well done for the Double! The Squad descended on Park Lane, the London Marriott, to kick off an early start to this year's Shiatsuthon leaving a trail of blissed-out bodies. Well done the Zen Squad and our amazing PR Marta who has nurtured these relationships and made the Zen School the place to call for important charity events for Help a London Child!

We won our own cool prize on 30th April when Middlesex University took the decision to accredit our Practitioner Training. Well done us, the first and so far only Shiatsu Practitioner training with University Accreditation - the Zen School glamour for a great cause is underpinned by training that satisfies rigorous standards, and we still keep our laid-back Zen ethos of compassion. Check out our new Prospectus, attached, effective from 1st August (sorry, we've had to put the fees up slightly but with good savings for combining courses - and when you join before August you're still on the present rate.)

The next Shiatsu Intensive Immersion for beginners is from 11th to 14th June, Friday through Monday, 10 am to 5 pm, with an free drop-in Open Evening on Wednesday 9th. Just come by the Zen School - no need to book... Look before you leap here Take a look at our video Zen Shiatsu Basic Training http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elMdYoO4wkc
And if you miss that, never mind - our unique 'Continuous Enrolment' means you can join us any time. Give Marta a call on 07722566010 for your personal (free!) visit to the Zen School, or just come by any Tuesday evening 6.30pm or Thursday afternoon 2.30 pm, or the monthly Saturday: next is 19th June 10am and 2 pm.

Congratulations to Guillaume Bouteloup and Chisato Ikeda on attaining their Certificates in Intermediate Shiatsu. Well done! Now for the Home Run!

Zen Shiatsu Society The Zen Shiatsu Society verifies qualified applicants for registration, including non-members, to the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. To learn more about the Zen Shiatsu Society please click here

TAOIST TRAINING

The Taoist Training season kicks off with Foundations of Taoist Practice Step 1 Harmony of Yin and Yang on 26th and 27th June with Kris & Anamarta. Step 2 Healing Love, Greater Harmony of Yin and Yang, follows July 10th and 11th and Step 3, Greatest Harmony of Yin and Yang 23rd to 26th July. (You can combine courses and make savings here - scroll down to the combination you want.) Journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. Time for yours?

Dates for the diary: Tai Chi Training Camp August 10th to 15th video of last year's amazing camp

More excitement: more great Visiting Teachers: we are proud to welcome Andy Fretwell teaching Enlightenment QiGong in August; the long-awaited return of Saida Desilets with Teachings of the Jade Goddess in October, with Sol Sebastian teaching Alchemy of Man. (Bookings are already coming in so please don't wait too long to sign up.)
HEALING NLP

"Teach them to fish!" Learn the mystery and the magic at our Free Talk and NLP Demonstration on Friday 30th July and/or the NLP Taster Day on Saturday 31st July. Hear how NLP started as a healing therapy and get a feeling for how it might work for you...people learn better control of feelings and thoughts, and a remarkable power to help others fulfil their own potential. In other words, you learn to Help Others AND to sort out your own stuff. Mastering mind, our reflective approach sounds a deep chord of appreciation as we learn to use these incredibly powerful techniques to unlock the 'secret codes' that open to the mind's potential.
The next 8-Day Intensive Practitioner Training 22nd to 29th August, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Bookings already flowing in so ... save your place here!
A comment from the recent training: "...a big thank you for the last 8 days which have literally been life changing and hugely inspiring." Mr RB, life coach and personal trainer.
Catch the Healing NLP video here

Bouncing Back has arrived! Now available in our catalog and we can compete with Amazon on price: just £7.97 and plenty in stock right here with a click
(*) "BOUNCING BACK - THRIVING IN CHANGING TIMES - Kris Deva North is a featured author with Wayne Dyer, John Assaraf, Gavin Keilly, David Riklan, Brian Tracey and Gregory Scott Reid telling uplifting stories of individuals who have learned to face adversity and overcome challenges." Of course I knew my own story and reading the others I found the book so practical and inspirational that I will be giving away a free copy to every new registration on Healing NLP Practitioner and Master-Practitioner Training.

Political Blog: who should I vote for?

2010-04-25T11:08:00.005+01:00

Not my usual subject but like you I'm more interested than before - my last vote was for the Green Party in 1988, if that was an election year and if not, the nearest to then.
What really impresses me this time is how the parties are conducting themselves. Surely the Conservatives can afford better PR advice - all the free publicity they're giving Labour with the extraordinary poster campaign that, if you're driving by, leaves only a fleeting impression of 'Vote for Me' or 'Let me do it again' next to Gordon Brown's picture. They ought to attend one of my NLP trainings to learn about the subliminal effects of language. This remarkably negative choice of campaign - by David Cameron, the man who first said he would put a stop to and then became the Maestro of Punch-and-Judy politics, marks the Tories as the natural party of opposition. I have to say, some of their scorn tactics really put me off: the Sarkozy-box comment surely lost the vote of the verticaly-challenged, Cameron's mockery of Baldemort must have lost a few of the bald, while Grayling's embrace of the anti-gay posture would not not have helped their cause on Clapham Common.
Of the three contestants, I don't see any having put their foot in it quite so far as the Tories: I am reluctant to believe that they are doing all this deliberately.

So that leaves me with someone to vote against - but who to vote for?
The press don't help at all with their favourites to support. What happened to objective journalism? The TV people are no better: they complain that politicians don't answer their questions, and then don't give them time when they try. Watching Andrew Marr this morning, his constant interrruptions almost to the point of heckling I found so irritating that it was a real effort to pay attention to what Nick Clegg was trying to say. Paxman was a little better with Cameron, at least allowing him to answer even though he rarely did.

We are an enlightened and compassionate society - yes, we are: we have opened our hearts to the huddled masses for generations, and I'm looking for an enlightened and compassionate government. You'd have to go a long way - as I have, to over 50 countries in my 69 years - to find a place where everyone is cared for, even our enemies. We might not like it but its the right thing to do in a land where although we might not agree with what they say we'll die defending their right to say it.

Who was it who said - each nation gets the government it deserves?

Special Yin Step 1

2010-04-14T07:25:00.001+01:00

Friday 23rd April - FREE TALK - 7 to 8.30pm

Saturday 24th thru Monday 26th April - 10am to 5.30pm

JADE CIRCLE I - INTRODUCTION to TAOIST TANTRA for WOMEN - Special Yin Step 1

A great opportunity to open the door to the mastery of your foundation
essential practices, to learn about the Yin Taoist Practice, Kuan Yin Chi Kung,
and the secrets of the Jade Egg Practice.

Facilitated by Anamarta

ANCIENT PRACTICE FOR MODERN WOMEN

Jade Circle, symbolizing the mysterious feminine, presents a unique
3-day workshop to welcome all women willing to learn more about the Jade Egg
Holistic Practice and apply the benefits at all levels: physical,
emotional and energetic.

* Connect with your Divine Feminine

* Enjoy a deep and intimate relationship with yourself

* Reclaim your inner wisdom

* Love and accept yourself unconditionally

* Awaken the body sacredness and sensuous femininity

* Improve your sexual health, natural beauty & vitality

* And much more!…

As in the Taoist philosophy of Yin & Yang, the aim of this Practice
is to find harmony within, to connect and honour the feminine and masculine,
the love/emotional and the sexual/creative, and to bring this balance
into your life.

By opening and evolving the path of self-healing and self-mastery,
you live life to the full!

Click to learn more, or just browse!

£197

Sign Up Now!

What to Bring?

Comfortable clothing, sarong/skirt on the 3rd (optional),
Journal, Open mind & Open heart.

Questions? Call me, Anamarta 07722566010 or email

For women who wish to continue on the Taoist path this workshop
counts as Step 1 of the London Tao Centre Nine Steps to the Tao

Springquinox News

2010-03-19T17:26:00.003Z

Equinox and changing clocks, Year of the Tiger getting livelier! We have a great programme for April from Zen Shiatsu, Healing NLP and the Tao, and a preview of May. Read on for courses to make things better: enlightenment means, lighten up! who wrote that and and where was it first published?

ZEN SHIATSU
4-day Intensive Immersion: Learn Shiatsu! From happy hobby to full-time career-change, absolute beginner to qualified practitioner, our shiatsu training offers fun and fulfillment as you learn to help others, meet new people, making new friends as you learn a caring skill - and maybe more about yourself and what a wonderful human being you are.
The Intensive Immersion (learn more here) leading to the Certificate in Practical Shiatsu, is a basic Starter-Course that takes you through the four positions and two structures, with a little bit of theory to preview more advanced training - its OK, you can just do the Starter by itself: we look after the happy hobbiers as well as the new-careerers. The Immersion runs from Friday 26th thru' Monday 29th March, 10am to 5pm. There is a FREE TALK and demonstration on Wednesday 24th March, 6.30 to 9pm - no need to book, just come on by.

HEALING NLP
NLP started as a healing therapy....people learn better control of feelings and thoughts, and a remarkable power to help others fulfil their own potential. In other words, you learn to Help Others AND to sort out your own stuff. Mastering mind, our reflective approach sounds a deep chord of appreciation as we learn to use these incredibly powerful techniques to unlock the 'secret codes' that open to the mind's potential. "Teach them to fish!"
8-Day Intensive Practitioner Training 2nd thru 9th April, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
... learn more here! Three places left.
(*) "BOUNCING BACK - THRIVING IN CHANGING TIMES - Kris Deva North is a featured author with Wayne Dyer, John Assaraf, Gavin Keilly, David Riklan, Brian Tracey and Gregory Scott Reid telling uplifting stories of individuals who have learned to face adversity and overcome challenges." Of course I knew my own story and reading the others I found the book so practical and inspirational that I will be giving away a free copy to every new registration on Healing NLP Practitioner and Master-Practitioner Training.

UNIVERSAL HEALING TAO
Special Yin Step 1 offers a great opportunity for women to open the door to mastery of the Foundation practices, to learn Kuan Yin Chi Kung, secrets of the Jade Egg and much more in a nurturing feminine environment with Anamarta. By opening and evolving the path of self-healing and self-mastery, you live life to the full! This is a 3-day workshop from 24th to 26th April, Saturday through Monday 10am to 5.30pm. Anamarta is giving a FREE TALK about the workshop the evening before, Friday 23rd April - 7 to 8.30pm. Learn more
Step 2 Healing Love, Greater Harmony of Yin and Yang, follows July 10th and 11th.
Step 5, Tao of the Shaman runs through the Beltane weekend, 30th April through 3rd May, based on the practices in Mantak Chia and Kris Deva North's book Taoist Shaman, due to be published by Inner Traditions Bear & Co in December. Preview the book here.
Couples Training Level 2 from 7th through 9th May is in beautiful Cumbria, in a secluded Lake District retreat centre. Bookings for this are now closed. Ready for the next Level 1 here
Click here for the full Taoist training programme 2010 -

Happy Chinese New Year of the Tiger

2010-01-25T11:20:00.002Z

Happy New Year of the Tiger! which this Chinese New Year begins on ... VALENTINES DAY!
Love! All you need is...... Valentine's Weekend, a special time for Couples, three days of sensual fun (with qigong for couples, Dance of Dragon and Tiger and much more, with Kris Deva North & Anamarta) from Saturday February 13th through Monday 15th 10am to 5pm daily - yes, celebrate with your Beloved, come to know each other better: yes, more and better - and be Tigers in love! The only pre-requisite is being a couple ... Learn more with a click

Conundrums of the mundane

2010-01-12T22:42:00.007Z

Cabin fever in the snow:
On progress:
On Politicians "They all steal your chickens." (1920)
"Whether you think you can do it or you think you can't, you're right on both counts." (1925)
"On an island made mostly of coal and surrounded by fish, what kind of government organises a shortage of both?" (1947)
"In a nation that virtually founded education and blessed with abundance of oil, what kind of government cuts the first and runs out of the second?" (2010)

New Year Evolution?

2010-01-02T06:28:00.001Z

What is your New Year Evolution? Suggestions: Just do it, whatever you've been promising yourself all these years/months/moments. When the going gets tough, the tough get: (circle your choice) going / shopping / smiling / meditating / surfing / googling - whatever your choice, in 2010 all's good again! Enjoy this fresh and beautiful newborn year.
Coming soon (Feb 14th) the Year of the Golden Tiger (Lucky for some.)
Going soon: the Year of the Ox (Prosperity through fortitude and hard work.)
Zen Shiatsu
Universal Healing Tao
Healing NLP

Mid Winter News

2009-11-23T09:24:00.004Z

Join us for Candlelight Meditation on Sunday 6th December 5.30 pm to 7pm when Zen School of Shiatsu, Universal Healing Tao, Zen Shiatsu Society and Healing NLP gather to remember those who have gone before and to celebrate Life In Winter! bring food to share and a musical instrument to play, or just listen ... the nights draw in, as our thoughts of past and future turn to changing times. The season is Winter, the direction the North, the Time of death and conception: time to let go what restricts and open to that which frees. Should you leap from the cliff, go about your work as if your hair were on fire, or stroll through life supremely at leisure? Be yourself!

Down the Rainbow Steps

2009-10-16T21:25:00.003+01:00

Chill out in tough times? The Waterfall Meditation proved so popular I've added another, Down the Rainbow Steps, a favourite of mine for over thirty-seven years! Its a nice easy way into a pleasant, relaxed state, and from there to access the deeper levels. Let me know how it works for you.

Imagine a rainbow arching the sky......look at the colours, and then, breathe all the way out, let your lungs empty, then as they relax let the new air flow in like a tide, and as it flows in, then think of the number Seven and see the colour Red…
I prepare to relax body and mind
See something Red…a red world
I am more relaxed than ever before…
Let your breath come and go as you count seven breaths of red.

Then breathe out all the way, let your lungs empty, then as they relax let the new air flow in like a tide, and as it flows, think of the number Six and see the colour Orange…
The present is Orange…
This is your physical relaxation colour…with your mind's eye look inwards and upwards to a point at the top of your head, between your skull and your scalp,
and imagine it relax and grow warm,
and let that warm relaxing feeling spread down,
relaxing your temples, your forehead and the tiny muscles around your eyes.
Relax your cheeks and your jaw, your neck and shoulders, your chest, back and belly.
Feel your legs heavy and all the tension flow out of your feet, out of your toes, into the earth.
Let your breath come and go as you count six orange breaths.

Then breathe all the way out, let your lungs empty, then as they relax and let the new air flow in like a tide, and as it flows in, think of the number Five and see the colour Yellow…
Look in front of you and with your mind's eye see the sun,
breathe in the golden light between your eyebrows,
and let that light fill your whole being...
I breathe in the sunshine
Let the your breath come and go as you count five golden breaths.

Then breathe out all the way, let your lungs empty, then as they relax let the new air flow in like a tide, and as it flows, think of Four and Green…
and the ancient healing forest
Green is the colour of health…
And I am healthy…
Let the your breath come and go as you count four breaths of cleansing green.

Exhale, relax, let the new air flow in like a tide, see the number Three, and think of Blue…
Blue is the colour of Love…
I love, and I am loved…
See a flash of blue sky…
Let breath flow blue as you count to three

Flow breath slow as you count to Two, Purple…

All disappears into One, Violet…

I am now at the deepest and most inward level of my being, deeper and more inward than ever before…now go into a waking dream, remembering or imagining a pleasant experience, or any other meditation ... until time to return to the mundane dimension with:

And now, in a few moments I will count from 1 to 7…
LITTLE PAUSE
Focus on the back of your eyelids

On the count of 7, I'll open my eyes,
1 – 2 – 3

Refreshed, relaxed, revitalised,
My head comfortable relaxed and at ease upon my shoulders
My vision perfect, my eyes so clear and bright
4 – 5

Coming up slowly
On the count of 7 I'll open my eyes

in perfect health and in tune with life
6 – 7 (SNAP FINGERS)

Open your eyes

and Smile…

Down the Rainbow Steps © Kris Deva North May 1972

October in the Tao

2009-10-01T06:49:00.005+01:00

I thought to give you a little more information on Taoist events in October, in particular the Couples 1 training weekend, and Mantak Chia's teachings for Individuals and Couples at the end of the month.

Tantric Secrets of Love 1 If you are in a partnership and interested in ways to deepen and enhance your relationship, perhaps add a spiritual dimension without giving up any of the pleasures of the physical - in fact increasing them - and learning new techniques to spice up your encounters then why not join us? With so many opportunities for tantric practice in our New Age few seem to be taught by a Couple. I recently saw a listing for a festival of tantra with over 30 speakers, of which only 3 were teaching in partnership. Please understand, I have absolutely nothing against single individuals teaching tantra, as I did myself for many years before entering a committed relationship with my beloved Anamarta. My point here is I believe it is reassuring for couples to be taught by a couple coming from a background and with experience of practice together: living and loving in the Tao.

The basic Couples Training is a great opportunity for you and your partner to learn more about this aspect of Taoist practice. You don't need any knowledge or experience and the only pre-requisites are to come as a couple - and with an open mind. We practise only with our own partners. Anamarta and I guide you through the first steps of Taoist tantra from an overview of the different traditions (the Tao honours all ways) through the beautiful Nine Flowers massage to the Dance of Dragon and Tiger.

Many who have taken a little time to learn the Tantric Secrets of Love have discovered a pleasurable sensual practice, wonderful for enhancing relationship. You may have in mind a special person to surprise and delight, a new partner to impress, or to refresh your relationship with a long-loved friend or lover.

The weekend is from Saturday through Monday, 10th to 12th October, 10am to 5pm at our Universal Healing Tao Centre, 68 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3JT. You can sign up on-line here or Learn more with a click here and the cost of the 3-day training is just £397 per couple.

Of course, not everyone is a couple! Mantak Chia's Talk and Slideshow on the evening of Friday 30th October is on his specialist subject "Supreme Inner Sexual Alchemy - Healing Love for Individuals and Couples". I love the clarity of his explanations - I've been seeing them for nigh on 20 years now and never tire of hearing those rich tones guiding us through the images of ancient practice that can do so much to enliven our modern world.

On the Saturday and Sunday he teaches "Supreme Inner Alchemy - Basic practice", transmitting the Primordial Force to help you open the Microcosmic Orbit, learn to master emotions, master your chi. My first memory of training with him is of how he takes us from fits of giggles to deep meditation- this was a pleasant surprise as I had gone with the expectation that everything would be very sombre and serious. And this year Master - now Grandmaster! - Mantak Chia is teaching throughout his visit at our London Universal Healing Tao Centre, our beautiful permanent home in the heart of London. Learn more here

The last three days of his visit is a Practitioner Certification course in Level 1 of Cosmic Healing. This I believe is a must for anyone on the energy-healing path. You learn new and different things very quickly and effectively and what you take away is a way of helping others and looking after your own self: guarding against energy-depletion or contamination. I have used the techniques on their own, to enhance my Shiatsu and Chi Nei Tsang, and as a sound introduction to Shamanic Healing.

Beginners are welcome both to the Couples Training and Mantak Chia's visit: no pre-requisites, so don't delay! You can sign up on-line for Mantak Chia here.

I should mention also, for those who have completed the first three Steps of the Taoist training, we have a Step 4 Introduction to Taoist Shamanism coming up over the four days 23rd to 26th October, Friday through Monday, 10am to 5pm.

I look forward to seeing you this month!

What's new in my world

2009-09-21T22:53:00.006+01:00

At last, CNHC opens the Shiatsu Register
CNHC opens National Shiatsu Register to Practitioners and Teachers who comply with National Occupational Standard for Shiatsu listing as a Shiatsu Practitioner/Teacher member of the Zen Shiatsu Society in compliance with the NOS for Shiatsu: CNH13.
Ten years of committees, distilling what we do with hearts and hands, love compassion and skill, into writing and getting it agreed!
Come on, now, let's get ourselves registered! Read all about it - click here!

Zen School wins UKBA Licence
Congratulations to us at the Zen School of Shiatsu on attaining the UK Border Agency Licence to sponsor Tier 4 (non-EU) students to study in the United Kingdom. This achievement is appropriate recognition for the, literally, years of preparatory work to comply with stringent regulations and requirements to satisfy the UK Home Office in these times.

Learn more with a click here.

Well done, the first Shiatsu School to be accredited by the British Accreditation Council and the first, and at the time of writing the only, UKBA-licensed Shiatsu School. Thanks to the teaching and admin staff, students and everyone involved.

May we flourish in the Year of the Ox: prosperity through fortitude and hard work.

But its not all work even when it is - what a fantastic Tai Chi Camp we had at Rosewell!

Watch the movie here - great music, too.

New audio downloads for Taoist Meditation
We're starting to run low on the Taoist Meditation CD so I've added Inner Smile, Microcosmic Orbit and Six Healing Sounds to the Digital Download section in the catalog. You can download them separately for £2.97, pretty good value for 10 to 15 minutes guided meditation and no postage to pay! Check it out here

We enjoyed a really great Healing NLP Practitioner training in August and one of the new graduates, Miguel, started a Healing NLP Google group. Great idea - why didn't I think of that? See for yourself with a click here

And enfin, catch Mantak Chia on his London visit teaching at our Universal Healing Tao Centre. Tickets selling like ice-cream on a hot day so don't delay, sign today! Here

Bye now - ah, yes. this for couples! October 10th thru' 12th.

Healing NLP London free Talk and Demo

2009-08-02T07:27:00.000+01:00

I demonstrated Visual Squash, at the first NLP free Talk and Demo, with a commentary on what I was doing. It was interesting because the subject was not at all bothered by my turning away to talk to the audience between-times.
Her major problem was "Everything", including panic at work, depression, moodiness, smoking, over-eating, inability to complete a training course, lack of money and relationship problems.
This was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate how to elicit 'Desired' and 'Problem' states from a mass of information and went down well with the good crowd who had turned up. We chunked down to a desire to manage her stress in the workplace when having to learn complex new processes in a very short time.
The technique was effective and I'm looking forward to hearing her report when she goes back to work. Meanwhile, here's her next-day feedback (short version!):
"Amazing healing NLP and it was so calming. I feel I can do anything from now on, deal with any situation well, express and allow love for me and for other people. Kris demonstrated the wonderful techniques of helping people find their strong and loving selves,while at the same time helping me be at peace and love the journey I am on."

I'm running a Practitioner Training 24th to 31st August at Healing NLP @ Zen School of Shiatsu, 1st Floor 68 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3JT. Learn all about it with a click here.

FIT FOR PURPOSE

2009-07-19T06:37:00.005+01:00

You know how you look at people when they're fit. Probably how they look at you when you're fit! August is packed with new and exciting events to help YOU be a perfect fit for purpose member of the superhuman race. Special Summer Schools in Tao Yin (new), Zen Shiatsu, Jade Circle Beauty Tips (new) (from a L'Oreal former model now Tantric Dakini,) Tai Chi, Enlightenment Qigong (new), and Healing NLP Practitioner Certification training. Everything with recession-busting savings, too, plus a special 'heatwave meditation', "Under the Waterfall."©
So, for Summer Benefits, read on and click your pick.

LEARN ZEN SHIATSU: Summer School with Master of the Zen School Kris Deva North. No pre-requisites. August 3rd to 6th. New career-fit or helping hands fit for family and friends. Learn more about the Zen School including full course information See the new video Yin Yang Zen Shiatsu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elMdYoO4wkc

LET YOUR INNER BEAUTY OUT and get beauty-fit with L'Oreal former model now Tantric Dakini Anamarta of the Jade Circle. Saturday August 8th. Let your Inner Beauty out! Learn more about Let your Inner Beauty Out . See the video of Anamarta demonstrating Kuan Yin Chi Kung warm-up exercises including Chi Self-massage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCNQccG0MTU

Experience TAO YIN Yoga for the first time in the UK and get fit with Chi-Master Matt Lewis of the Universal Healing Tao Centre. Beginners to advanced, no pre-requisites. Sunday 9th August. Like Yoga? Love Tao Yin! Like Chi Kung? Love Tao Yin! Taster evening 29th July 6.30 to 8pm Learn more about Tao Yin including fees and booking info

Enjoy TAI CHI CAMP and get Tai Chi-Chi Kung-fit in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside with Kris Deva North and Matt Lewis at the Rosewell Centre. Beginners to advanced, no pre-requisites. Learn Form, hands, weapons, demonstrations, practice. 11th to 16th August (free rough-camping) http://www.healing-tao.co.uk/Tai_Chi_training.htm Taster evening 27th July See the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4sqKt5T070

Enlighten your QIGONG and get fit with Andrew Fretwell, Taoist brother and Senior Instructor Universal Healing Tao, 22 and 23 August. Learn more

Enhance your Mindpower with HEALING NLP and get head-fit with Kris Deva North Licensed Trainer on Society of NLP Practitioner Certification Training 24th thru' 31st August. Free Evening Talk and Demo 7pm to 9pm Friday 31st July, no need to book, just come on by Healing NLP @ Zen School of Shiatsu, 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3JT. No pressure, no obligation: in NLP you make your own choices, so start now. TASTER Day Saturday1st August. Learn more about NLP including fees and booking info

"Under the Waterfall"
People have told me this has been helpful to cool down and calm their energy on very hot days, in close conditions, or when feeling over-excited, dizzy or nauseous:
Imagine yourself sitting under a waterfall, your feet on cool wet grass
Close your eyes and lift your face to the water, imagine feeling it splash cool on your face
Spread your hands to the water, let it splash cool on your hands
Sit upright and let the water flow down, all over the crown of your head and cooling down, over all your skin, down to your feet on the cool wet grass,
and then
Imagine feeling the water pour down, into the crown of your head and cooling down, all under your skin, down to your feet on the cool wet grass,
and then
Let the water cascade down, through the crown of your head and cooling down, gushing down through the centre of your being, down to your feet on the cool wet grass,
and then
repeat three times
Under the Waterfall © Kris Deva North May 1972

Tune in with TAO YIN Taoist Yoga

2009-07-13T07:27:00.007+01:00

Tao Yin, from Mantak Chia's book of the same name, is the Taoist form of Yoga

A GREAT ONE-DAY WORKSHOP 9th August 10am to 5 pm

NO PRE-REQUISITES, Ideal both for Beginners and for more experienced
The Tao Yin workshop includes Chi Self massage and the Warm-up exercises.
Like Yoga? Love Tao Yin! Like Chi Kung? Love Tao Yin! And here's why:

In the old days when people still lived close
to nature, the heat that was released by the body was absorbed by
the woods. These days, the artificial environments that we live
in don't provide us with this kind of release. Heat is more and
more trapped in the body, causing it to overheat and to damage the
internal organs. This may cause various diseases including heart
attacks.

Tao Yin lying and sitting positions for exercise
contain a set of postures, breathing exercises, and meditation that
are designed to move the excess heat out of the body. They stretch,
detoxify and revitalize the muscles and the tendons. While in the
relaxation period after the active phase of movement and stretching,
we guide the Chi with the breath to that particular part of the
body affected by the exercise. This yin phase of the practice expels
the heat and opens the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints that
are emphasized in the postures.

In general, the combination of active and passive
phases of the practice conditions the spine, tendons, ligaments,
muscles and diaphragm - and in ways that cannot be achieved in standing and moving positions. A balanced session of practice opens chi flow throughout all the meridians, removes toxins and tension throughout the body and engenders a deep sense of relaxed peace and calm - yet wonderfully energized at the same time.

In particular, Tao Yin focuses especially on the Psoas muscle
because of its central role in our body. The Psoas muscle connects
and moves the hips, spine and legs; all movements of Tai Chi Chi
Kung come from the Psoas muscle. The kidneys are connected to the
Psoas muscle, and the nerves move it from behind. While doing Tao
Yin, one also trains the Second Brain in the abdomen as the control
and coordination center of awareness for the body. Practicing Tao
Yin is very helpful for the practice of Iron Shirt and of Tai Chi
Chi Kung.

Come by the London Tao Centre, 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3JT - Old St/Liverpool St Tubes/BR
Just £87 for the whole day workshop with Chi-Master Matt Lewis, Chief Instructor Universal Healing Tao UK

Click here to Register
All course calendar

Resource: Tao Yin, by Mantak Chia

Accreditation Congratulations to the Zen School of Shiatsu

2009-06-05T09:01:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to the Zen School of Shiatsu on accreditation by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education.

This success follows two years of preparation and a rigorous inspection by the BAC of all aspects of school life, from teaching qualifications to Health & Safety.

Master of the Zen School Kris Deva North thanks all who took part in readying the school for this validation of our commitment to excellence, in particular Michael Cullingworth, Bernadette Carelse, Elizabeth Butters and Marta Antunes.

In celebration of this the Zen School is offering a Shiatsu Summer School, with an extra special Intensive Immersion at the old rate, before the unfortunately necessary increase in fees for the next academic year. Register with a click here

We are also celebrating the 3rd London Shiatsuthon on 3rd July to raise money for Help a London Child in association with 95.8 Capital FM, London's No 1 Hit Music Station, furthering our partnership with Capital developed by Marta Antunes. Learn more with a click here.

Save in the Tao, or Down with Course Fees!

2009-05-17T04:19:00.002+01:00

Save in the Tao
Hearing about the struggle to find resources for courses (credit card full, overdraft overdrawn) I believe its time now to share our own resources - the rainy day has arrived! Now, as our Universal Healing Tao Centre shares the same building as our Zen School of Shiatsu and Healing NLP Institute, this sharing of our beautiful permanent premises allows scope to pass on some savings in these more difficult times. Good news: course fees for the Foundations, Step 1 and Step 2, are slashed to recession-beating less than half, to just £137 (down from £297) for each, and the Chi Nei Tsang Specialist Training Day to just £97. And you can still take advantage of the extra savings for multi-course advance bookings - and even if you don’t make the advance booking you can just come by on the day - we’ve plenty of space! Call 0700 078 1195 for your copy of the new Universal Healing Tao prospectus. Check out the new prices with a click here and book in for the start of the summer training season with Foundations Step 1, 27th & 28th June. Or just come by on Monday for some Tai Chi with Matt.

Congratulations to Mantak Chia on his elevation to Grand-Master! My friend and cherished mentor continues to inspire us and returns to London with his wit and wisdom, 30th October to 5th November 2009, teaching Basics and Cosmic Healing at our Universal Healing Tao Centre 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3JT. Bookings open 1st September, meanwhile make a note in the diary!

Congratulations also to Matt Lewis on his appointment as Chief Instructor at the London Universal Healing Tao Centre. Matt has facilitated the Jade Arrows and taught Tai Chi and Taoist practice for many years since qualifying as a Certified Instructor.

Jade Arrows the men's club for Taoist practice meets on Wednesday 20th May and Wednesday 24th June, 6.30 to 8pm. For info call Matt 07949 602 216 or click here for the web page.

Jade Circle A special Jade Circle "Let's Dance" on Friday 29th May with Anamarta and Bernadette following Anamarta's hugely successful visit to the Buddhahall at Dharamsala in the Himalayas, where she shared some secrets of Taoist practice with a happy and appreciative crowd of women, including the world-famous teacher Monika who shared some of her own belly-dancing skills and secrets. To learn more call Anamarta 07722566010 or click here. The next regular meeting is Wednesday 3rd June. Click here for the Jade Circle blog.

Afternote: some of the Mantak Chia book prices have also been cut to less than half. Click and scroll down to find bargains.

Visit our Universal Healing Tao web site with a click here!

London Marathon - Capital 95.8 FM - Zen Shiatsu

2009-04-10T06:06:00.002+01:00

The Zen School of Shiatsu has supported 95.8 Capital FM's charity Help a London Child since 2007 and this year they are providing massages for our marathon runners.
Zen School of Shiatsu and Help a London Child

On the 26th April Zen School of Shiatsu are partnering up with 95.8 Capital FM's Help a London Child to provide vital massages for the 2009 Help a London Child Marathon runners. Their support with this event is fantastic and we are grateful for the time they are donating.

In addition, Zen School of Shiatsu promote 95.8 Capital FM's charity at exhibitions such as the Vitality Show and the Festivals of Mind Body Spirit and Mind Body Soul, keeping Help a London Child in the consciousness of the new-age generation.

By donating a proportion of their exhibition income, by offering fantastic prizes including personal treatments by Zen Shiatsu Masters and free places on Zen Shiatsu training courses, Zen School of Shiatsu have raised thousands of pounds for disadvantaged children.
Plus, they have first-hand experience of the results - one of their own Zen Shiatsu colleagues received a grant from Help a London Child for a children’s playground she facilitates.
Master of the Zen School, Kris Deva North, says “We are dedicated to teaching how to help others and are happy to be helping the kids of London at the same time. The response is amazing!”

For more information on Zen School of Shiatsu visit:
http://www.learn-shiatsu.co.uk/
Zen School of Shiatsu 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3JT
www.learn-shiatsu.co.uk e: info@learn-shiatsu.co.uk t: 0700 078 1195

Shall we trance!

2009-03-16T07:12:00.002Z

I'm always curious about what and why people choose to learn. Sometimes its obvious - a desire to help others, or better control of your life, to find grounding and balance, managing energy, losing unwanted fears, phobias, toxic emotions, reactions to stress. One thing struck me: we all love to learn! For me, teaching is learning, sharing knowledge and experiences, helping make a difference.
Learning something new is like travelling to places you've never been, seeing new sights, hearing new sounds, smelling new smells, tasting new tastes. Its the journey, its the destination, its the guidebook. And its the challenge, too, isn't it? The excitement of being a student again, not quite knowing what's going to happen, but knowing it will be something new, that opens new doors or closes the old on a past behind us, where it belongs. Our future takes just a step to begin!

Shall we trance?

Preparing for the next practitioner training I once again find myself intensely interested in how our brain works. How we can make sudden, lasting change in the way we think really captured my attention when I first trained in NLP with Paul McKenna, and has kept me fascinated since. I realised I don't have to be a word-famous magician or hypnotist to show others how they can control habits or cope with unnecessary fear and phobias. The process does it, small steps to giant leaps, simple techniques that master emotions, gain confidence, change unwanted behaviours, power up motivation. What my NLP students have said about how the process has helped them makes me feel a sense of gratitude to Paul, for showing how to help others become the best they can be.

Originally teaching NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) for complementary healthcare practitioners, student feedback over the years made me realise many more benefits from improvement in powers of observation public speaking, group facilitation. interview situations (whichever side of the desk) especially nowadays with so much re-thinking of career and job-satisfaction.
For many students English was their second language and you hear their command improve with precision and elegance. All of us reap the benefits of how to make yourself understood (very good for avoiding misunderstanding), or understand why people don't always understand!

How interesting to learn something new in a strictly come trancing way - its all the same, really, trance, hypnotism, meditation, relaxation - the special words and phrases that work to help others and yourself make a difference. I'm running an 8-day intensive NLP Practitioner Training in the Easter break,6th to 13th April, Monday to Monday, 9am to 6pm. Its intensive, its effective. Click to learn more and see the video. Master-Practitioner training follows in May for a complete qualification. Works too for CPD.

In Taoist Training, I'm going to run a Chi Nei Tsang (Taoist Massage) Study Day on Monday 29th June for those who have completed Harmony of Yin and Yang Step 1 Foundations and are interested in following this interesting and remarkably effective therapy. Learn more about Chi Nei Tsang training and certification.

New deal on Insurance for Zen Shiatsu Society

2009-03-05T14:52:00.004Z

New insurance details from Towergate Professional Risks look pretty good to me! You can go on-line and use quote-and-buy, or you can give them a call and they do it all for you. They cover shiatsu, tai chi, chi kung, and a huge list of other therapies (I have to say the list of therapies you can get insured for is...amazing!)

Click here for quote and buy

When the page comes up, click on Complementary Therapists at the top on the left (under the word 'Homepage')and then on the Get a Quote button.

Then you just click on the Yes or No dots until reaching the question 'Are you a member of a Professional Association - please choose'. Click on that and when the list comes up just press z on your keyboard.

Zen Shiatsu Society will appear in the drop-down list for membership organisations and this will trigger the discounted rates.

Or you can just call them up on 0113 3919 555 with your membership info and they will talk you through.

Complementary Integrity or What?

2009-02-13T15:33:00.006Z

All this bank bailout and bonus stuff going on makes me thankful to be working at teaching people ways to help others rather than screw them. I still believe most people come into Shiatsu, Taoist practice and NLP with the thought of what they can put into it rather than what they can get out of it. When I was much, much younger I was inspired by a new young President saying "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask rather what you can do for your country." And last year Marta and I stood on the balcony of Gandhi's house in Mumbai and felt the Great Soul, and read his words, "A life not spent in service is a life wasted." What happened to both those men did not destroy my trust in the basic goodness of humanity. But beware of weasels!

Taoist Training
Foundations Step 1 - Just a few places left on this two-day introduction to Taoist Practice on Saturday and Sunday 28th February and 1st March, a real opportunity to absorb the cheery optimism and zest for life that characterise the Taoist practitioner. Learning the Microcosmic Orbit balances mind, body and spirit, and the Inner Smile and Healing Sounds help cope with/demolish the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. The course is equal fun and positive value for both women and men, young and old, come out of it refreshed, relaxed, revitalised and in tune with life. What a great start! Learn more with a click

Couples Training
Valentine's Weekend sold out two weeks before!. The next is in October and bookings have started already so don't miss out - sign up now! Learn more

Jade Circle - Taoist Meditation for Women 10th Anniversary
Surprisingly, the Jade Circle was started by a man. In 1999, after seven years teaching Mantak Chia's Taoist practices to mostly male students, Kris Deva North invited the Yin adepts of the London Tao Centre to form the Jade Circle, symbolising the "mysterious feminine."
Over the years the Circle has been nurtured by outstanding facilitators - and been to some interesting places. In 2003 Cathy Rowan and Jaclyn Snyders facilitated a 'celebrity circle' on an island in the Andaman Sea as part of Channel 4's TV series 'Extreme Celebrity Detox'. And once even Kris ran a circle, in Dublin for women on Foundations Step 1, the only time a non-woman has entered the circle. Anamarta has taken the Travelling Circle across the land, from Devon to Newcastle and places between, and this year accepted invitations to circle the world: Portugal, India and Florida, and co-facilitating the London Circle with Liz Peart who has taken over from Uta.
One of the original 1999 Circle and first facilitators, Bernadette Carelse, will be guest of honour at our anniversary celebration to be hosted by Anamarta and Liz on March 13th.
All women are welcome to come on by the London Tao Centre on Friday 13th March 6.30 to 8pm, enter the circle and participate in our celebration of the mysterious feminine. No need to book.

The regular monthly Jade Circle meets the week before on Wednesday 4th March as usual, with Liz and Anamarta. Click here to learn more

Check out the new Jade Circle blog!

Jade Arrows the men's club for Taoist practices meets on Wednesday 18th February and then on Friday 20th March, 6.30 to 8pm. For info call Matt 07949 602 216 or or click for the web page

Jade Circle and Jade Arrows count towards CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for Shiatsu Practitioners...apart from all the real benefits from attending.

LATE EXTRA NEW NEW NEW I've just approved the final draft of 'The Taoist Medicine Wheel' by Mantak Chia and Kris Deva North - moi. Watch this space - I hope to have an ecopy on-line soon. Great writing, fantastic pictures. Its the first in our series on Taoist Shamanism

Jade Circle celebrates Full Moon

2009-02-05T05:02:00.003Z

Our Taoist practice group for Women, the Jade Circle (learn more with a click) is gathering on Wednesday 11th February to celebrate the first Jade Circle and first Full Moon of the Year of the Ox.
All women are welcome - come on by the London Tao Centre at 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3JT between 6.30 and 7pm for a warm welcome from Anamarta and Liz. We finish around 8.30. If you need help finding us or would like more info just give us a call or email
Anamarta 07722 566010
Liz 07780 904562

Sign up for NLP Training and Change Lives - start with YOURS!

2009-01-30T22:41:00.005Z

Change Lives - start with yours. Train as an NLP Practitioner, accredited to the Society of NLP. Here's Six Minutes on how...

NLP Practitioner and Master Practitioner training in London at the Healing NLP Institute with Society of NLP Licensed Trainer Kris Deva North trained by NLP founder Richard Bandler and Paul McKenna, John LaValle. Learn to
Master your own emotions and run your own mind
Gain instant confidence and motivation in a wide variety of situations
Access your unconscious learning ability at will
Use language with greater precision and elegance
Change unwanted behaviours in yourself and others
Remove unnecessary fears and phobias
Discover your true potential
Create better working and more satisfying emotional relationships
Learn more with a click here
TRAINING IN HEALING NLP counts as Continuing Professional Development for Shiatsu and other Complementary and Natural Healthcare practitioners

Politricks Rebrowned

2009-01-30T07:09:00.003Z

Hee hee! They promised to abolish the House of Lords, didn't they? I bet they wish they had, instead of booting more of the good ol' boys up there into the pork-barrel to make sure of a majority (is that corrupt) or for a way of bringing on the unelectable (ethical?).
Pity really, just as the Umber one was starting to look and sound just a tad more statesmaniacal at least in comparison with the increasingly strident Camergoon. But what can one expect, with an unelected upper house that we don't pay (only attendance-money) and allow members to take jobs - consultancies, directorships etc - with companies that do. Are the noble ones supposed to remain noble, keep their snouts of the trough even?
There is a solution - export them to the Premier League, or Zimbabwe.
Happy Chinese New Year of the Ox - the year to do things properly.
Ironic that the archetypal nanny state should have forgotten properly.
But they say, then, that a people gets the government it deserves, don't they.
Oh dear. (Notice the French are rioting about that)
Back to Taoism - if you don't want a law broken, don't make it in the first place.
Join here

Happy Chinese New Year of the Ox

2009-01-25T07:41:00.002Z

The Ox is in charge! This is the Year to 'do things properly,' perhaps start catching up on those things you always said you would do, walk your talk...maybe complete a project you began with all good intention but failed to follow through - life happens, etc. Take back control! Honour the Ox! Inspire confidence!

Taoist Training
We had a full house for the 2009 Shamanic Healing, a wonderful circle sharing mystery and magic qualifying to go on together to higher things for the greater good. Well done! The next in Twenty Ten, last weekend in January. Forward thinkers can register soon and make savings - watch this space.

Valentine's Weekend 14th thru' 16th February
Space for just one more couple to learn some special secrets of love together on our Couples Training.

Foundations Step 1 - This two-day introduction to Taoist Practice runs on Saturday and Sunday 28th February and 1st March, a real opportunity to start finding out the techniques of cheery optimism and zest for life that characterise the Taoist practitioner. Learning the Inner Smile and Healing Sounds helps cope with/demolish the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. The course is equal fun and positive value for both women and men, young and old, come out of it refreshed, relaxed, revitalised and in tune with life. What a great start!

Jade Circle, Taoist Meditation for Women starts the Year of the Ox with Liz Peart and Anamarta on Wednesday 4th February 6.30 to 8pm.

Jade Circle for Women who have done a little more than the basics and are interested in taking it further are invited to join Uta and Anamarta for a more advanced circle on Wednesday 11th February 6.30 to 8pm

Jade Arrows, Taoist practice for men with Matt Lewis on Wednesday 18th February 6.30 to 8pm.

Click for info on all the above

The Bankers Bomb

2009-01-14T07:41:00.003Z

Who would have thought that the month after Lloyds posted ads across England announcing how trusted they are that they would have agreed to pay a fine of US$350 million to a US prosecutor for breaking US law by falsifying bank records to conceal the origins and identities of certain account holders (some of whom who were quite well known to be in the market to purchase titanium)?
Goodness me. We UK taxpayers are of course now shareholders in these bankers so it is we who will be paying their 'donation'.

Of course I would not doubt that their intentions were of the best - were they hedging? That would be like the British government holding shares in Krupps in 1914-18, or Imperial Japanese War Bonds in 39-45.

Money talks, loud enough it seems to buy the silence that has fallen on this potentially rather explosive item.

Back to meditation.

9 will be fine

2009-01-08T20:53:00.004Z

I thought 68 would be a good age, a kind of Dom Perignon year, and so it was. The hardest part was learning to surf, carrying a big heavy beginners board out through the Lennox breakers against an undertow so strong it felt like the muscles were being ripped off my legs. But on the last day of five I stood up and sailed in and understood what it was about. I could have started younger, I guess, but being of an obssessive nature I might then have done nothing else.

Back in the maelstrom I was gratified to see a pleasant gain in the portfolio, especially in the DIY stock and even more so in a builder whom everyone seemed to have written off but for some strange reason whose shares quadrupled in just a few weeks - could it be that the market finally noticed that if it folded, just 50% of its land bank would pay 100% of its debts? Or was it that the government started talking about 3m new homes?

Returning to my real world, I'm limbering up for the Tai Chi weekend, expecting a few people keen to learn how this simple but effective form of stress-busting builds confidence, works for self-defence, meditation, healing and personal fitness and is fine for both men and women. in this most reasonable of courses at just 192.08 - benefitting from the reduced VAT rate too. Join us on Saturday and Sunday 10th & 11th 10am to 5 pm at the London Tao Centre, 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3JT. Learn more

Then a deeper dive into the Taoist dimension with a four-day course in Shamanic Healing. January 23rd to 26th. The four-day introductory workshop on the concepts and practices of Taoist Shamanic Healing is ideal both for Beginners and for more experienced shamanic Practitioners of other Traditions. Friday to Monday, 10am to 5pm. There are NO PRE-REQUISITES for this workshop so you can benefit without having had any previous experience. More

Looking ahead, Marta and I are running a Couples Workshop across the Valentines Weekend. We have only a few places left on this one so, if you're a couple and want to learn some magical ways to stimulate and sustain each other, why not find out more.

A final word, as its New Year and the chance to fulfil your New Year Evolution! Change is the common denominator of life and the highest common factor so why not make yours for the better? Invest in yourself was the best advice I heard last year. Let this be the one you make a difference. Yes, I'm talking about the most effective programme I've come by in my 38 years of walking the way of self-realisation - Healing NLP works to benefit yourself and others with habit control, cope with unnecessary fear and phobia, master emotions, gain confidence, change unwanted behaviours and learn techniques of motivation. This excellent training counts towards CPD (Continuous Professional Development) for Shiatsu and other complementary healthcare but its not just a matter of ticking boxes but learn to maximise your potential. Make the most of yourself. More

Reflections by Candlelight

2008-12-07T06:12:00.000Z

Meditation
On Saturday 6th at 6 pm we gathered in the evening by candlelight, turned our eyes to the north and remembered those who have gone before, took time to give thanks for our own life and health, reflected on the passing year, contemplated the year to come, and danced a celebration of gratitude for the blessings of past, present and future.
As sure is death for the born
So sure is birth for the dead
Like joy, like grief
All things shall pass
In their season.

Clarifying Illusions

2008-11-21T15:12:00.002Z

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.

Winter Newsletter

2008-11-15T16:50:00.001Z

Out there
Now is the winter....sometimes I wonder, you know. These financial analysts upon whose words the money-men hang, yes, the fund managers who have your pension in their pocket, or the whole in their pocket. Anyway, I quote, "... xyz company has poor prospects in the coming year because its in the DIY business and people won't be moving house so much." Am I alone in thinking that when people don't move house they DIY the one they live in?
Meanwhile the market bumps along the bottom offering some tasty bargains.

Meanwhile, back in the world of spirit - please feel welcome to join in our Candlelight Meditation on Saturday 6th December 5.30 - 7pm Winter Gathering at Zen School of Shiatsu & London Tao Centre 1st Floor 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3JT

Taoist Training
Just a few places left now on Step 1 of the Foundations of Taoist Practice this Saturday and Sunday November 22nd and 23rd, Inner Smile, Healing Sounds, Microcosmic Orbit, the basic structures for Iron Shirt Chi Kung (qigong) and a look at some simple Tai Chi movements - whereas Chi Kung develops rooting and grounding, Tai Chi offers flexibility and adaptibility. The combination offers the means to cope with day-to-day life and more, to live life to the full. Step 1 is an ideal introduction for beginners and is a pre-requisite for Step 2 (December 13th & 14th). Learn more

Taoist Shamanic Healing
Register early for the only Taoist Shamanic Healing training scheduled for 2009 as these courses will in future run once only in the spring of each year. Come by on a most auspicious weekend, when the Year of the Rat makes way for the Ox. January 23rd to 26th a four-day introductory workshop on the concepts and practices of Taoist Shamanic Healing, ideal both for Beginners and for more experienced shamanic Practitioners of other Traditions. Friday to Monday, 10am to 5pm. There are NO PRE-REQUISITES for this workshop so you can benefit without having had any previous experience.
Taosit Shamanic Healing is a pre-requirement for the higher Shamanic Trainings, Step 5 and beyond.

Although the financial situation strains everyone's resources we've added more on-line course-combination discounts to help you make savings by widening our range of courses. For example you can now combine Steps 1 and or 2 with Taoist Shamanic Healing, or with the Couples Training. And for the Couples Training you can save even more with special couples-discounts.
For decrunching discounts of up to 20% for Taoist Training multi-course registrations click here and scroll down to find the one you want.
Click here for dates of all 2009 Taoist Training programmes

Healing NLP
works to benefit yourself and your clients with habit control, cope with unnecessary fear and phobia, master emotions, gain confidence, change unwanted behaviours and learn techniques of motivation. This excellent training counts towards CPD (Continuous Professional Development) for Shiatsu and other complementary healthcare but its not just a matter of ticking boxes but learn to maximise your potential. The Early Bird discount is open until 6th February for the next Practitioner Training in April with multi-course discounts for combining with the Master-Practitioner training. Make the most of yourself.
Go here for overview of Healing NLP
See here to register and info on early-bird and multi-course discounts.

Valentine's Weekend 14th thru' 16th February
What better date than Valentine's Day to make a date with your beloved and learn some special secrets of love together on our Couples Training. No experience necessary and the only pre-requisite is being a couple! Learn more

November News and Notes for 09

2008-10-20T07:05:00.002+01:00

MANTAK CHIA in London
Witness wit, wisdom and learn something new. Take something away with you to ease the stress - amazing how these practices put credit-crunches in perspective. Maybe we can't change the world - sure we can change how we manage it, and our rightful place in it. Get your share.
7th to 13th NOVEMBER at the Columbia Hotel Lancaster Gate London W2

Friday Evening 7th November 7pm to 9.30 pm Evening Talk
Introduction to Astrology & Feng Shui

Saturday & Sunday 8th & 9th November 10am to 5pm 2-day Weekend Workshop:
Taoist Astrology & Tao of Feng Shui

Monday & Tuesday 10th & 11th November 10am to 5pm 2-day Workshop:
Tao Yin & Tan Tien Chi Kung

Wednesday & Thursday 12th & 13th November 10am to 5pm 2-day Workshop:
DNA Stem Cell Chi Kung & Mindpower Manifestation

We have some places left at each event -click for info

Newcastle Jade Circle Anamarta makes the journey north carrying jade to Newcastle for a three-day event
3rd November Introduction to theTaoist Jade Egg practice
4th & 5th November Jade Circle with exercises,dance and meditations.
in Heaton, Newcastle on Tyne, NE6 contact Lisa 0191 240 2845

The next Step 1 of the Foundations of Taoist Practice runs on Saturday and Sunday November 22nd and 23rd, from 10am to 5pm at the London Tao Centre. Inner Smile, Healing Sounds, Microcosmic Orbit, the basic structures for Iron Shirt Chi Kung (qigong) and a look at some simple Tai Chi movements - whereas Chi Kung develops rooting and grounding, Tai Chi offers flexibility and adaptibility. The combination offers the means to cope with day-to-day life and more, to live life to the full. Step 1 is an ideal introduction for beginners and is a pre-requisite for Step 2 (December 13th & 14th). Learn more

13th & 14th December Foundations of Taoist Practice Step 2
Healing Love: Saturday & Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Suitable for individuals and couples (no "pair-work" is involved.) Step 1 is pre-requisite. Learn more

Usha Visit
It has been such a pleasure hosting Ushaji's first visit to London and seeing the effectiveness of her healing and inspiration of her teaching. For sure she will be back. (A 'beneficial side-effect' of her London visit was a Crystal Sale that raised over £650 for HIV children in the Himalayas - where they have less access to support systems ranging from over-stretched to non-existent.)
We have been invited to Buddha Hall, Usha's Healing and Teaching Centre in Dharamsala to teach the Shiatsu Certificate in Practical Shiatsu course in the Spring of 2009 - Monday April 20th through Thursday 23rd. So, if you happen to be passing by North India...join us!

More Notes for 09

Valentine's Weekend 14th thru' 16th February
We promised another Couples Training after the profound learning and intense fun of the last one - and what better date than Valentine's Day to make a date with your beloved and learn some special secrets of love together. No experience necessary and the only pre-requisite is being a couple! Learn more

Festival of Taoist Arts One of the attractions of the Taoist practice to me was its inclusiveness. I could learn and practice healing, martial arts, shamanism, meditations ... and much more from cooking to calligraphy. Now a Festival of Taoist Arts is in gestation, conceived by Uta Demontis and sponsored by the London Tao Centre and Zen School of Shiatsu, to celebrate all the facets of this diamond among disciplines with demonstrations, seminars, talks and workshops on everything from acupuncture to zen through Qigong and Tai Chi. All the schools of Taoism from Celestial Masters to Action & Karma are welcome along with their teachers and pupils, from Grandmaster to Novice, with virtual appearances by Huang Ti and Lao Tsu. You can rent a stand to promote your own school, style, therapy or discipline, or give a demo, talk or workshop - and maybe even participate in the Tai Chi Chuan push-hands event. Or just turn up and have a great day among all of the above: note for 2009, an auspicious year, October,17th, Saturday. Book your stand, demo or event with Uta 0789 111 8487

Another kind of Master

2008-10-14T12:30:00.005+01:00

One cannot but help feel a little smug. Two blogs ago I said I had never regretted for one moment leaving the buckfast abyss of commercial dealings, and one blog ago announced having been tempted back in. My goodness me, what a blinder was that! Very nice. Now back to retirement, until re-awoken.

Meanwhile, back in the Tao, as if one had ever left it, Step 4 was such fun I felt inspired to trawl around a few Taoist web sites to see what others were doing. All having fun, by the look, feel and sound of it. But what a puzzling thing - I found that I knew many of the webbers, had trained with some and had trained others...and yet, where was I? And yet, yet, yet, where Master Mantak Chia?
In every sweatlodge I honour my teachers by name. On my web pages and blogs I express my appreciation for those who have gone before, by name. This began as a feeling from my heart. It was also of course a courtesy to those to whom I owe whatever I have attained in the world of Tao. Then, in the evolution of the internet these high-minded good intentions began to bear some very rich and tasty fruit in that those names I had honoured came up in web searches - on my web pages! Lucky me! or was what went around coming around? Regardless, I'm very happy.

For those who choose not to mention their Teachers, I wish them well, but to quote Sai Baba: "Mankind can win happiness only through unity...if thoughts and feelings run along the routes of division and distinction happiness is beyond reach and peace cannot be experienced."

So I thank my masters, from Mwala Ibuti and Nthenge Ngubi through Howard Wills and Mantak Chia, Richard Bandler, Roger Evans and Paul Mckenna and others meaningless to you, in appreciation for the benefits they continually shower upon me, my appreciation that when people search for them - they find me! Come by any time.

And as an afterword, hosting a visit by the Indian spiritual teacher Ushaji has given rise to an invitation to Anamarta and me to teach Zen Shiatsu Immersion and Taoist Practice in her home village of Dharamsala in the Indian Himalayas - right next door to that other villager HH the Dalai Lama (whom I had the honour of meeting a few years ago and from whom I learned that light can be love.)

In passing, come by for Master Chia's visit in November. He has some new and interesting subjects to teach. Click to learn what

A Critical Note on the Crisis

2008-10-08T20:20:00.004+01:00

So many wonderful explanations of what went wrong...starting with Bill Clinton's idea that banks should give mortgages to people who couldn't pay their rent. Banks thought this a great idea - with property prices rising they didn't care that much about ability to repay. They could repossess and get their money back plus plus. Alas, when everybody stopped paying at once the system couldn't cope: big supply of property on the market, prices fall, banks lose their money, borrow from other banks only to realise all are in the same boat so stop lending, borrowing. From free market to free-fall market. And of course it spread because as we've been seeing, football clubs and pension funds, conglomerates and insurance companies, all own bits of each other.
I remember the theory fashionable in the eighties, or was it the nineties, that a butterfly flapping its wings in the rain-forests of Brazil creates vibrations affecting a squirrel on the steppes of Siberia...what was that theory called, now? Ah yes, the Chaos Theory.
Hey ho, now I remember another idea - buy when there's blood on the streets!
In the late eighties when I was part of that buck-based world we all thought the banking system was going to collapse because of involvement in third-world debts.
What tempted me back in now was a survey in a daily paper saying 90% of respondents thought it would all get much much worse. That's like when the taxi-driver says its a good time to buy shares is probably a good time to sell.
Look what happens when you go with the herd, Merrill. You get lynched. When you rely on experts.
Its actually very simple.
Quote from Mr WB "When the price of hamburgers goes down there is joy in the Buffet household. We eat well. When the price goes up, we don't buy so many. What is different about shares?"
Who is Mr WB? The richest man in the world. He actually bailed out one bank from his own pocket. I don't think he's going to lose his money.
Bye now.
QUESTION FOR THE DAY
What's the difference between a football manager and a banker?
Answers on the back of a (50) pound note please

The Season is Autumn the Element is Gold: enjoy the Fall

2008-09-30T17:06:00.002+01:00

Panic all around - in a few months or maybe years we'll look back and laugh from the doors of our cabanas at the rich rewards being doled out for bank failures. Time for a career change.....I started my shiatsu career in the crash/crunch of the 80's, taking the hint from the universe that there are other ways to be than chasing the buck and have never regretted it for a day since.

Speaking of spirit, the great spiritual teacher and healer from Dharamsalla is visiting London in October. No, not HH the DL but his neighbour, the Yin Master Ushaji, and we are just so proud and pleased to be sponsoring her visit. A spiritual teacher is like a soul guardian and Usha is among the most recommended, influential and effective.

Between 6th and 24th October Usha is offering courses in

* Pranayama Breathing for Self Healing (23rd Oct)
* Chakra awareness for Self Healing (17th Oct)
* Reiki Attunements
* Level 1 (6th Oct all day)
* Level 2 (15th & 16th Oct mornings)
* Level 3 (18th & 19th Oct evenings)

Thanks to my beloved partner Anamarta for fixing it all up after meeting Usha during her travels in the Himalayas. You can book Individual Healing appointments with Usha in Reiki Healing, Marma (vital structures) empowerments massage for Women, Releasing psychic attack, Negative emotional cord cutting, Spiritual Tarot reading with Mayan cards, and Tarot & Numerology readings. For a full programme just call Anamarta on 07722566010. Numbers are limited so please book early.

News from the Tao

The first Couples Training was such a success and such a pleasure that we're going to run some more! Watch this space.

October sees Step 4 and Taoist Shamanic Healing (dates and information)
Step 4 has pre-requisites but the first Taoist Shamanic Healing course is open to all. Learn more about guides and totems, space clearing, aura sensing and much more.

Jade Circle in Newcastle Anamarta takes the Travelling Circle north from 3rd to 5th November. For more information call 07722566010

NEW Jade Eggs superior quality perfectly crafted in beautiful deep jade, new supplies from a new supplier of the famous Chinese drilled jade egg now in stock direct from China £39 plus p&p. Click for description including a note on the beneficial properties of jade. We do still have a few of the previous stock of Jade Eggs. Although the quality and colour consistency is not the same neverthless they still serve their purpose and a bargain at £27 plus p&p until they run out.

Master Mantak Chia joins us again from 7th November, with a range of new programmes for a look at modern life through the eyes of the sage. There are no pre-requisites and
BEGINNERS are WELCOME to all events info and sign up

Friday Evening 7th November 7pm to 9.30 pm Evening Talk
Introduction to Astrology & Feng Shui

Saturday & Sunday 8th & 9th November 10am to 5pm 2-day Weekend Workshop:
Taoist Astrology & Tao of Feng Shui

Monday & Tuesday 10th & 11th November 10am to 5pm 2-day Workshop:
Tao Yin & Tan Tien Chi Kung

Wednesday & Thursday 12th & 13th November 10am to 5pm 2-day Workshop:
DNA Stem Cell Chi Kung & Mindpower Manifestation

This year multi-course dicounts also apply to Mantak Chia's November workshops when booked on-line, because on-line booking saves us a huge amount of time, energy and cost. Click here for the direct link to the discount info and scroll down to find the one for you.

Taoist Books and Products sorry to say due to hugely risen production, currency and shipping costs imported items are going up in price between 15 and 35 pcent from 1st October but happy to say are all available in stock now! Take a look (buy now)

The Good News is about Multi-course discounts for Taoist Training: 10% for registering with payment in advance for 2 courses, 20% for three or more. see all courses here
Repeater-course discounts: 25%, rising to 50% on attaining the Taoist Practitioner qualification. How to become a London Tao Centre qualified TP

Healing NLP
Congratulations to new practitioners Mina Wolton, Catarina Marques, Raphael Mouhtiser, Sarah Dickens and Ricky Fairs. Why not book a session and find out what this wonderful therapy can do for you? Here they are with a click
and while you're there take a moment to check out the benefits of Early Bird registration for the next Practitioner Training and the multi-course discounts for combining with the Masters.

Enjoy the fall - be a share! or a pound?

September News

2008-08-30T09:36:00.001+01:00

Leigh Blyth joins Matt Lewis teaching Jade Arrows and the Monday evening Tai Chi and Chi Kung resuming 1st September at the London Tao Centre, 6.30 to 8pm, no need to book, just come on by.

New for Couples
Ever since Su Nu and her two Sister-Goddesses instructed the Yellow Emperor on matters of sensitivity in relationship, Taoist teaching has given equal value to both Yin and Yang. Even today, some 4,000 years later, the Dragons Gate sect of the Celestial Masters in Taiwan honours an unbroken lineage in the 'Double-Master' tradition.
Right here at the London Tao Centre we are developing our own Double-Master tradition in teaching Steps 1, 2, 3 and 4, and of course in the Couples Training coming up in September (Tantric Secrets of Love, 27th to 29th: learn more with a click) where with Kris and Anamarta you visit Planet Sparkle to gently explore some of the Arts of the Bedchamber, a classic of Taoist Yin authorship. Registrations close 10th September - places left for just two more couples.

October sees Step 4 and Taoist Shamanic Healing (dates and information)

Master Mantak Chia joins us again in November, this time offering a great new programme of Taoist Astrology and Feng Shui, Tao Yin and Tan Tien Chi Kung, and DNA & Mindpower Manifestation to satisfy even the most intellectual Taoist thirst. Registrations open in September - prepare to finger your keypad Learn more here

NLP Summer School

2008-07-28T07:34:00.000+01:00

Healing NLP Summer School
8 days intensive learning to master mind, starting with your own, and help others be the best they can, finding their full potential, overcoming fears and phobias, enhance your understanding. Works well with healing therapies - not surprisingly as NLP began as one itself - and fits nicely with the 5-element model of oriental medicine. Diagnosis suddenly becomes clear! Multi-course discounts are available for the coming series of Practitioner and Master Practitioner trainings. The next NLP Practitioner Training August 22nd to 29th. Learn more

Taoist Training
Wonderful Tai Chi camp with three new Taoist Practitioners passing their assessment to teach Basic Tai Chi, Intermediate Chi Kung and Jade Circle or Jade Arrows: Bill Jones, Liz Peart, Tom Cohen. There'll be a video posted soon with, I have to say, some pretty exciting action, especially bearing in mind how few of the players had ever played at hand- stick- or staff-play and, believe me, Rudyard was right about the deadlier of the species!

Registrations for the Taoist Summer Retreat are now closed and I look forward to welcoming all to nine days of wisdom, action,enjoyment and enlightenment. What is the connection between the Taoist Summer Retreat and Mamma Mia?

We have a Couples Training coming up in September, Introduction to Taoist Shamanaism and Taoist Shamanic Healing in October, and Mantak Chia's visit in November (registrations for this open in September)

Pillockits and Chickens

2008-07-25T20:08:00.001+01:00

Mamma Mia, they miss their chances. I just watched Kaplinsky asking David Cameron in his kitchen if he didn't think the common people (no of course she didn't say that but you know) thought he was too rich, too posh and just too toff to understand their common needs and he said he didn't think they'd think that if he did the job ok. He might have gone deeper into the Punch and Judy pillockits at which he excels to point out that Mr Brown, a man of said people if ever was, had the perfect background to understand the common needs, and look what a fine job he was doing. Was he being nice, or had he heard that when you point a finger as I am now, if you turn your hand over look, there's three fingers pointing back at you? And regarding the Umber, is it not a wonderful illustration of be careful what you wish for? But like the man said about pillockital parties in the Mexican Revolution, they all steal your chickens. Personally, I'm looking forward to the next bribe to buy my ageing vote going up to £300 this winter. A couple more years and it'll be enough to pay the fuel surcharge on my flight to the sun. Meanwhile, how to cope with the economy? Go see Mamma Mia. Meryl Streep can sing. James Bond can dance.

More serious stuff on its way....

ps the tipi didn't blow down on the tai chi camp hooray

Summer in the Tao

2008-06-23T07:14:00.000+01:00

Taoist Training
Tai Chi summer camp: arrive on the evening of Tuesday 15th July for an early start Wednesday 16th and some good training every day till Sunday 20th. Its always been fun, with all the aspects of Tai Chi from meditation to martial arts, and this year, Taoist Practitioner Assessments - if you've done Step 5, make sure you make it here to complete your TP qualification and permission to teach Basic Tai Chi, Intermediate Chi Kung and Jade Circle/Jade Arrows. Check out last year's camp video here, and here for directions to the Rosewell Centre. The camping is free and the training not expensive at all - sign up on-line here or just come by for a day or two.

The next Foundations Step 1 of the Taoist Training runs on July 26th & 27th at the London Tao Centre, the last before this year's Taoist Summer Retreat at a new and beautiful venue near Glastonbury in Dorset with accommodation for both singles and couples and a refreshing new programme. The Retreat (1st to 9th August) covers Steps 2 and 3 of the Foundations of Taoist Practice plus you need Step 1 to qualify - just to make sure its right for you. Check out the full course programme including dates and costs with a click here.

From our sister organisation the Zen School of Shiatsu and the London Shiatsuthon on Friday 4th July:

Can you lie still for twenty minutes and get pampered for a great cause, making a difference by taking the bliss and enjoying stress relief + satisfaction when you make a donation to Help a London Child. A little goes a long way to help a little one on their way. Celebrate with us on Friday 4th July, no need to book, just come by anytime between 7 am and 7 pm, at the Zen School of Shiatsu 1st Floor 68 Great Eastern Street EC2A 3JT, just by the corner with Garden Walk and across the road from the Hoxton Hotel. A few steps from Old Street Tube on the Northern Line, a little further from Liverpool Street. (find us with a click:)

Now, if sadly you can't make the time to come in for a wonderful shiatsu massage then help a London child by sponsoring a shiatsu practitioner with pounds per hour giving shiatsu treatments
Children in need and in danger all over the world cry out for our help. The nearest cry is the loudest, the cry of our own kids here at home in our London. The best way to understand how HALC helps is to read the stories of children who've benefited from donations to Help a London Child.
And if you can't make it to any of the events then please donate online with a click here

And if you have done any kind of shiatsu yourself, no matter when, please spare some time to come in and give treatments at the Zen School, or visiting offices, or getting sponsored. Download the sponsor form at the London Shiatsuthon web site. We need your help and you will receive a Certificate of Participation in the first London Shiatsuthon to Help a London Child in association with Capital Radio, plus obvious benefits for developing your practice.
If you or your friends live or work near the Zen School then TREAT YOURSELF or them on 4th July to 20 minutes wonderful shiatsu before work, after work, lunch break or book time off work, or call Marta 07722 566010 for a Zen Squad Therapist to visit you at work!

Thanks to Peter Cowdy of the Zen School for the beautiful invitation design and to Brian at Premier Print Solutions for printing it.

Taoist Summer Training

2008-06-07T06:00:00.000+01:00

The next Foundations Step 1 of the Taoist Training runs on June 21st & 22nd at the Rosewell Centre, including Beginners' Sweatlodge, Inner Smile, Six Healing Sounds, Microcosmic Orbit in beautiful South Lincolnshire, near Stamford - just over an hour from London by train or two by car depending on traffic click for info and directions. Many Taoists who began at Rosewell have said what a wonderful start it is to the Foundations. And if you've not yet experienced a Sweat-lodge, this is a nurturing and supportive introduction to a wonderful tradition shared by Taoist and Native American alike.

Also at Rosewell, the Tai Chi Training Camp, open to all from beginner to expert, from the evening of Tuesday 15th to lunchtime Sunday 20th. Learn more with a click

Another Step 1, July 26th & 27th at the London Tao Centre, is the last before this year's Taoist Summer Retreat at a new and beautiful venue near Glastonbury in Dorset with accommodation for both singles and couples and a refreshing new programme. The Retreat (1st to 9th August) covers Steps 2 and 3 of the Foundations of Taoist Practice plus you need Step 1 to qualify - just to make sure its right for you. Check out the full course programme including dates and costs with a click here.

Make sure of registering before 22nd June for your early bird discount on the next NLP Practitioner Training August 22nd to 29th. Learn to master mind, starting with your own, and help others be the best they can, finding their full potential, overcoming fears and phobias, enhance your understanding. Works well with healing therapies - not surprisingly as NLP began as one itself - and fits nicely with the 5-element model of oriental medicine.

Friday 4th of July, the Second London Shiatsuthon - last year we raised £1000 for Capital 95.8's charity Help a London Child giving shiatsu treatments at the Zen School from 7 am to 7 pm, tasking out the Zen Squad to offices across London, practitioners organising local Shiatsuthons, sponsored private treatments and donations. Bring yourself and invite ALL your friends, relations, colleagues and neighbours to come to the Zen, lie down and Take the Bliss with 20 wonderful shiatsu minutes on Friday 4th July!
Book the Zen Squad to visit your office (do this now!) - 0700 078 1195
You can make on-line donations in multiples of £10 - this is a GOOD CAUSE. Yes, there are good causes all over the world crying out for our help but doesn't charity begin at home? one of our shiatsu students works with kids' projects in east london. last year her group benefitted from playground equipment donated by Capital...this kind of early learning helps little Londoners grow up to be good InnerCitizens, and we all feel a little bit safer!!! Click to make an on-line donation.

2008-05-09T08:49:00.003+01:00

Back from a trip to India including a short visit to the house of Mahatma Gandhi. To walk the same floorboards, to stand on the same balcony, in the footsteps of the Great Soul, was to feel inspiration. Those today fighting for a just cause could learn from a man who used all means except violence to obtain justice. And succeeded.

Many thanks for the wonderful hospitality Marta and I received in India, especially from Gita Pandit who gave us accommodation in Mumbai, tea in Delhi, and a lot of inspiration - including the visit to the Gandhi House. We're looking forward to you resuming your studies at the Zen School!

Apart from all the fun, and the challenges of an Indian train (for those who know my mantra) we had positive results in our search to promote the school to potential shiatsu visa students. And I should mention it wasn't all work - the Taj Mahal is even more than the hype, even more than the most expected expectation, even in 47 degrees. Make it a thing to do before you die! (early morning best!!!)

Taoist Training - preparing for the Summer Retreat

This year sees changes! A new and beautiful venue near Glastonbury in Dorset with accommodation for both singles and couples and a refreshing new programme make this year's Taoist Summer Retreat a must for those on the seriously fun path to enlightenment - lighten up! A wise Taoist hearing the bookings already rolling in will be thinking of registering sooner rather than later. The Retreat (1st to 9th August) covers Steps 2 and 3 of the Foundations of Taoist Practice plus you need Step 1 to qualify - just to make sure its right for you.

If you're just starting out, or simply want to learn more about the Taoist practice, the next Foundations Step 1 is on June 21st & 22nd at the Rosewell Centre, including Taoist Sweatlodge. You learn the basics of the Inner Smile, Six Healing Sounds, Microcosmic Orbit and much more. Set in the beautiful countryside of South Lincolnshire, near Stamford - just over an hour from London by train or two by car depending on traffic, the Rosewell Centre is hosted by Sue Hix, a qualified Taoist Practitioner, offering classes in Tai Chi (including Sword and Fan forms), Chi Kung, Yoga, Pilates, Shiatsu (including horse-shiatsu), Sweatlodge and Women's Groups.

Accommodation ranges from sleeping-bag on the dojo floor, free camping in the adjacent meadow, to proper beds in nearby B&B's. Sandwich lunches can be had in the village of Castle Bytham (yes there's a castle) and on the Saturday evening Sue cooks us a delicious vegetarian feast in time to digest before the evening Sweatlodge. Sue can also organise breakfast for floor-sleepers and campers if you arrange with her beforehand - click for info and directions.

Many Taoists who began at Rosewell have said what a wonderful start it is to the Foundations. And if you've not yet experienced a Sweat-lodge, this is a nurturing and supportive introduction to a wonderful tradition shared by Taoist and Native American alike.

The next Step 1 after that, (July 26th & 27th at the London Tao Centre) is the last before the Retreat. You can making savings by registering in advance for more than one course. Click to see training dates and costs

Healing NLP

Early Bird discount (before 22nd June) is on offer for the next Society of NLP accredited Practitioner Training August 22nd to 29th. http://www.healingnlp.com Also on the web site, names and contact info for our growing number of Practitioners and Master Practitioners, including other languages spoken. Learn to master mind, starting with your own, and help others be the best they can, finding their full potential, overcoming fears and phobias, learning to understand others. Works well with healing therapies - not surprisingly as NLP began as one itself - and fits nicely with the 5-element model of oriental medicine.

Facebook etc friend requests
Many thanks to the many who have invited me to join their networks on Facebook and similar sites and I would love to do so but for the volume of requests. I really appreciate your thoughts and feel very flattered so please don't think my lack of response is personal. I've actually closed my Facebook account because the deluge of messages got too much to cope with. I already spend too long looking at liquid crystal. Consider me a friend anyway!

best

Kris

To be a Taoist Trainer

2008-05-04T19:36:00.000+01:00

More Changes in the Tao - becoming a Taoist Trainer

Many people who've shown interest in climbing the ladder to becoming a Taoist Trainer have, up till now, had to consider the potential effect on personal relationships of the requirement to work in pairs from Step 6 onward. They've also had to cope with the effect on their resources of numerous course repetition and assisting requirements.

Here at the London Tao Centre we have stated our intention to make courses more accessible, in line with current education and training methods. We want more people to qualify so we can spread the benefits of the Tao that has benefitted us. Everyone can become a more effective human being, even if their only practice is the Inner Smile at the morning mirror.

So, as of now, Steps 6 and 7 are optional and no longer pre-requisite for Step 8. (We will continue to offer tantric training as a separate stream for couples. The next is in September, details soon.)

Step 8 will be dedicated to individual "Trainer Training," to include personal assessments of knowledge and ability to pass it on. This takes into account individual learning and teaching ability rather than simply turning up and being there.

On successful completion of Step 8's 4-day training you will either receive your Taoist Trainer Licence to teach Steps 1 to 4 without any further post-requirements, or be asked to repeat/assist specific course/s to reach an acceptable teaching standard. For the sake of clarity, outcomes will be defined so that everyone knows and can agree on standards - more on this in the future.

Pre-requisites for Step 8 are a) to have attained Taoist Practitioner (TP) status and b) after attaining TP, just one series of assisting once on each of Steps 1 to 5, plus Taoist Shamanic Healing and the Tai Chi Summer Camp

To achieve Taoist Practitioner status you can take a simple assessment after completing Step 5. This assessment will be of your ability to:

demonstrate the Tai Chi form and explain the applications;

demonstrate and explain the basic structures of Iron Shirt Chi Kung;

demonstrate an understanding of and ability to explain and demonstrate the Jade Circle or Jade Arrows practices.

If you've completed Step 5 in the past you can take your Taoist Practitioner Assessment at the upcoming Tai Chi Camp 15th to 20th July at the Rosewell Centre

In summary: A Taoist Practioner will have completed Steps 1 to 5 and, after successful assessment, be authorised to teach Basic Tai Chi, Intermediate Chi Kung, and Jade Circle or Jade Arrows.
A Taoist Trainer will have assisted on Steps 1 to 5, Taoist Shamanic Healing and Tai Chi Summer Camp, and, after satisfactorily completing Step 8 Training & Assessment, receive the London Tao Centre Trainer Licence to teach Steps 1 to 4.

I will update the web site to reflect these changes which I hope will inspire a new and dynamic generation of Taoist Practitioners and Trainers, confident in their proven knowledge and ability to impart these wonderful practices to others. This is already happening in the networking of the Jade Circle.

Learn more

A rant for English Football

2008-04-13T09:49:00.003+01:00

Once upon a time England were losing so often that they dumped the lot and built a new team around six Liverpool players. In those days Liverpool obviously must have had more than six English players to choose from. Things got better.

The other day I watched Liverpool beat Arsenal, a foreign club based in North London. Not entirely foreign - their Englishman came on as a substitute late in the game and showed his team how to play - that is to say he ran all the way up the field with the ball, staying on his feet when challenged instead of lying down and pretending to be injured. (Quote from Martin Johnson on the differenc between football and rugby: footballers spend 90 minutes pretending they've been hurt; rugby players spend 80 pretending they haven't.)

What are the prospects for English football - as opposed to football in England - when English players are so few? Of course we can scour the world for the best foreigners to make our club teams sparkle but what then of the pool of home-grown talent for our national team?

I know the Premier league is the best in the world - the most excitng to watch, the best-paid players, the top managers, but isn't it silly for anyone to think this means our national team could be any good? And wouldn't it be just as silly to suggest clubs should pick local boys over imported stars.

What to do, then? We could ask the money, Rupert, Roman, Abdul etc, to invest in facilities to develop home-grown talent but am I forgetting something? Yes, what would be the benefit to them? Are any of them English? Would they make any more money?

Perhaps, therefore, before England becomes a mere performance stage, our own football organisation should require an English club's team to have a specified number of English players. One? Two? Three?

Would they? They seem to roll over nicely to re-schedule games for the money.

I like watching English football. I'd like to watch England play.

Spring into April

2008-03-31T13:23:00.000+01:00

Taoist Training

This year's Step 5 initiates broke two records: all completing their agreed tasks with only a minor variation, and surviving the most ferocious weather. Everything's perfect - a blizzard blew the tipi over, forcing startled sleepers to take refuge in a nearby and pre-arranged (well done, Kris!) shelter with thick carpets and under-floor central heating. It was so comfortable we felt compelled to run out and roll in the snow for a Scandinavian moment on Easter morning.

The next event coming up is Foundations of Taoist Practice Special Step 1 for Women only 12th & 13th April, 10am to 5pm, with Tanya McCormack and Uta Demontis co-facilitating with Kris Deva North.
The next combined Step 1 for men and women is at the Rosewell Centre in Stamford Lincs, June 21st & 22nd.
Step 1 is pre-requisite for Step 2 (Healing Love) and 3 (Power of Fusion) on the Summer retreat (August 1st to 9th) - make sure of your place this year - things are changing next year.

Diary note for Mantak Chia's visit: 7th to 13th November. Three exciting new workshops: Taoist Astrology & Feng Shui; Tao Yin & Tan Tien Chi Kung; DNA Stem Cell Chi Kung & Mindpower Manifestation. Registrations open in September.

Good news for those patiently waiting for the Cosmic Chi Kung 'Hands of Light' video. Here it is on the new Shamanic Healing page on the web site, completely free! and I'm sorry its taken so long...life happens...

Changes in the Tao
The London Tao Centre is making some changes to bring our training more into line with modern society's sometimes conflicting demands on resources of time and money. The focus is on outcomes and demonstrating commitment and ability, rather than time passed.

The training courses are being made more accessible and pre-requisites kept to the minimum. The aim is to offer a clear pathway for learning to teach these ancient but effective practices and for certification as one of our Taoist Trainers. Changes will be published on the web site www.healing-tao.co.uk and here in the newsletter as and when, the first being a change to the requirements for Taoist Practitioner following Step 5, now including a simple assessment:

demonstration of the Tai Chi form and explanation of the applications;
demonstration and explanation of the basic structures of Iron Shirt Chi Kung;
demonstrating an understanding of and ability to explain and demonstrate the Jade Circle or Jade Arrows practices.

Learn more If you've completed Step 5 in the past you can take your Practitioner Assessment at the Tai Chi Camp this year. The Interim Taoist Practitioner qualification (TP(int) is discontinued.

For Taoist Practitioners already assessed and certified to teach Intermediate Chi Kung, Beginner Tai Chi, and Jade Circle/Jade Arrows click here. Could you be among them?

Healing NLP

Early Bird discount now on offer for the next Society of NLP accredited Practitioner Training August 22nd to 29th. Also on the web site, names and contact info for our growing number of Practitioners and Master Practitioners, including other languages spoken. web site

March Newsletter

2008-02-28T14:05:00.000Z

Chant for Charity
I'm still seeking a few more singers, unsingers, chanters, growlers, blowers, drummers and strummers to come along this Saturday 1st march to help in creating an Album of Chants to promote our school and raise some money for Capital Radio's charity Help a London Child here at the Zen, 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2 starting at 5.30 pm to about 8.30 pm. - bring a friend to blow or sing or drum or strum.

Early Warning of Approaching Vitality
Yes, its the Vitality Show March 27th - 30th at Olympia.
Visit us on Stand E131, enjoy a wonderful head- neck- and shoulders treatment and get a 5% discount on any courses you sign up for at this exhibition. Thursday 27th 1pm to 9pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am to 6pm. More than 400 exhibitors. Great Buzz!

Zen Shiatsu Open Evening and Intensive Immersion Course Coming Soon
Come to our Open Evening on Friday 29th February and learn more about Zen Shiatsu. Meet the teachers, have your questions answered. Win a 5% discount if you sign up this evening - no pressure, big saving. No need to book - just turn up: 6.30 for 7pm at 1st Floor, 68 Great Eastern Street EC2A 3JT (Old St Tube) Finish by 9 pm and costs just £9. Find us:

5-day Shiatsu Intensive Immersion course. Monday 3rd March, daily until Friday 7th, 10am to 5pm. Learn the Four Positions: Prone, Supine, Side and Seated, leading to your basic Certificate in Practical Shiatsu (CPS.) If you can't make the Immersion, why not join one of the weekly courses: these start Tuesday evenings 6.30 pm or Thursday afternoons 2.30 pm, or for the monthly cycle enrol Saturday March 15th at 10am or 2pm (3rd Saturday, two sessions, 10 am to 1 pm and/or 2 to 5pm.)

The Zen School Spring break is from March 17th to 28th.

Taoist Training
Foundations of Taoist Practice Step 1 8th and 9th March, 10am to 5pm, pre-requisite for later Steps, including Steps 2 and 3 on the Summer retreat. With enrolments already rolling in make sure of your place on the last retreat of its kind - there are changes in the air ! Last year we had to turn people away.

Can you sing, strum, blow, drum or hum?

2008-02-15T22:36:00.000Z

I'm looking for 12 people who can't to growl in the background and for 12 people who can and a few people who play instruments to join in creating an Album of Chants to promote our school and raise some money for Capital Radio's charity Help a London Child.

We'll be chanting everyone's favourite - Gayatri Mantra, the Mexican Om, and others such as We All Come from the Goddess, Om Nama Shivaya, Shakti Kundalini, Truth Simplicity and Love, Shiva O, Om Mane Padme Hum etc. (You don't have to know the words - there'll be cue-cards and practice!) The Album should be available as a download within a few days.
Our PR Consultant Marta Antunes received this message from Chloe Herbert at Capital Radio:
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for everything you and the Zen School of Shiatsu do for Help a London Child. It really is with people and organisations like you that Help a London Child are able to carry on the work we do for disadvantaged children and young people in the Capital. You really are helping to make a difference and your support is very much appreciated."

Your name will be on the album which is scheduled to be recorded at the Zen School of Shiatsu 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2 on Saturday 1st March starting at 5.30 pm. It shouldn't go much later than 8.30 pm. Interested? email Marta

Taoist Training
starts up again on the weekend 8th and 9th March, 10am to 5pm, with Step 1 of the Foundations of Taoist Practice Step 1 is of course pre-requisite for later Steps, including the Summer Retreat in August - Steps 2 and 3. With a few enrolments already it may well be worth your while to think about that if you intend to develop your practice (while having a lot of fun). Last year places filled up quickly and we had to turn people away. This year we have hired a bigger venue in Dorset. Nevertheless....

Master Mantak Chia is planning changes to his system which I will keep you informed about but let me reassure you that the London Tao Centre will continue to keep our training accessible, affordable and structure simple. A new module, Taoist Shamanic Healing, combining advanced Fusion practices with Cosmic Healing, replaces Cosmic Healing as a pre-requisite for Step 5 and replaces Chi Nei Tsang as a requirement for Step 8. I'm still writing the manual but take a note of the first course: October 24th to 27th, Friday through Monday. There are no pre-requisites although if you have done Fusion (Step 3) by then you will find it helpful.
The web site info will be updated soon.
We will also be giving Certificates of Attendance for courses.

Master Chia has asked me to find out what you would like him to teach on his next visit in November so please - click reply and let me know your requests or suggestions,. Stem Cell Rejuvenation sounds interesting and Tao Yin could be exciting...what do you think? Click with your suggestions or requests.

Healing NLP
If you have an NLP Practitioner Certifcate from the Healing NLP Institute or any other Society of NLP accredited trainer why not upgrade your qualification to Master Practitioner? The 8-Days NLP MASTER PRACTITIONER TRAINING this year runs in two blocks of four days, 25th to 28th April and 2nd to 5th May, 2008 Friday through Monday 9am to 6pm. Ask for the NLP Master-Practitioner Training Application with Early Bird discount for payment by 7th March.

Happy New Year of the Rat,

Modern Day Sexual Teachings

2007-11-20T06:21:00.000Z

Facilitating at an Open Forum recently, Marta and I found a wide range of views on tantra and its relevance to "Modern Day Sexual Teachings." Our version, in this broad church whose only common theme is acceptance, is Taoist Tantra.

The Tao is the One, the source (1); Tantra is to expand and to liberate (2). Both see the world "not as a vale of tears, of sorrow or of suffering, but of subjective and objective beauty, a world of reality, neither an illusion nor an evil...the path is smooth and straight". The aim is enlightenment: Union with the Divine (3), the means, sexual ecstasy. The practices are lofty and profound, sacred and profane, barring nothing except harming another. (4)

While the Tao is Harmony, Tantra "challenges practitioners immediately to see all things and all experiences as intrinsically pure and innately perfect.... including situations meant to shock, repulse or terrify ... heart and mind will be illuminated"(5). Courting the disapproval of society, Tantra bashes down boundaries, barriers and taboos, prescribing "forbidden acts"(6), opening windows to spiritual independence, creating opportunities for grasping the moment, shoving you along the "short path" to ultimate peace, the indescribable experience of subtle clear light.
Flavoured by its roots, Hindu ritual is based on surrender (6), eating forbidden meat and drinking forbidden alcohol. Women practitioners (personifying the goddess Shakti) are seated either Right or Left of their male (Shiva) partners in the tantric circle. In the Right-Hand Ritual members enjoy sex with their own partner, in the Left-Hand Ritual with others, of any or no caste and regardless of sexual appeal. Rituals culminate in orgasm, with Shiva ejaculating in ecstatic surrender to the power of Shakti, the divine.
The mechanistic nature of the rituals and unofficial use of drugs help participants overcome apprehension, inhibitions and aversion to such practices as breaking caste taboos, ingrained over lifetimes in the Hindu consciousness. Liberation from conditioning of caste, taboo and convention leads to a freedom from fear possibly comparable with that of a committed Christian or Jew discovering that sin has been abolished.
For many this is enlightenment enough. Others continue to surrender: possessions, dwelling, family, becoming Saddhu, beyond ritual. Beyond the beyond, the Aghora sect live tantra "at the Left Hand of God" (7), frequenting cremation-grounds, eating human flesh and excrement, having sex with the dead, surrendering all attachment to shorten their chosen path by many incarnations.
For the male and female Buddhist, with their "inner experience of dissatisfaction with this existence"(8), the focus is bliss rather than sexual ecstasy. The Right-Hand path means practising alone or "Single Cultivation"; Left-Hand or "Dual Cultivation" is with a partner, preferably a member of the same tantric family: teacher, pupil, co-practitioner (5). A man should not surrender semen, in fact if he "spills it, this is considered a great fault.... a very grave mistake"(9). The reward for correct practice is enlightenment in just one lifetime.

"Addicted to sin and anger"(3), we in the West yearn for ecstasy yet pollute the practice of pleasure with demons of Shame, Guilt, and Fear of punishment (10). A Western guru diverts such "demons" by encouraging an attitude of Reverence or describing practices as Sacred, but labels as "shame-muscles" parts of the body, which might otherwise be described as pleasure-zones. Judaeo-Christian patriarchal conditioning influences western tantra towards the socially approved ideal of the faithful couple. Carefully drawn boundaries and use of psychotherapy and counselling help groups and individuals meet fears and inhibitions arising from repression or sexual wounding earlier in life. This approach suits seekers who might otherwise not take even a first step on the tantric path. Enlightenment here could mean freedom from sexual trauma.
Indian classics advise setting aside twelve years yogic preparation of the physical and energy-body, Taoists (11) recommend Tai Chi and Qigong to open and clear energy channels (3). Western tantrics, wanting immediate enlightenment, now, at the weekend workshop, might find certain practices overload the nervous system, with painful and sometimes dangerous long-term side effects.

Is Tantra something more than disgusting, boring, worthy and dangerous? Stoned and inebriated, fearful of the great fault, the grave mistake, plagued by guru-demons of shame and guilt, we seek the true spirit of tantra, the path of ecstasy. Can we attain self-realisation by having a good time?
"Secret Instructions of the Jade Chamber"(12) is a Taoist text on harmonising male (yang) and female (yin) energies. Sin is not recognised, nor any concept of right and wrong beyond individual conscience. With "...all things and all experiences intrinsically pure and innately perfect..." it is unnecessary to create difficult and painful processes. Pain and difficulties arise only from our responses to experiences.
Taoist Tantra is mutual nourishment, yin drawing on yang and yang from yin. Single, Dual and Multiple Cultivation can be practised, for pleasure, health and longevity, healing, self-realisation and, ultimately, experiencing a self beyond the cycle of life and death: Re-Union with the Tao, the universal Source. As above, so below: each of us a microcosm, two heavenly cycles fusing in the moment of sexual climax.
Taoist methodology begins with the familiar: the physical and the formulaic. In progressing from novice to adept, the practitioner learns to transcend form and formula. There is no ‘sacred’ focus, all human sex being sacred in the union of Yang, the force of Heaven, with Yin, the power of Earth.
Sex is seen as the servant, not the master. Practitioners learn to control and harvest the abundance of reproductive power, otherwise wasted in unmindful intercourse: yang having the power to repopulate a continent in a single ejaculation, yin with eggs to generate hundreds of lives. If the products of our pleasure are not being deployed to start new life, say the Taoists, we can internalise the intense energy, all the hormones and nutrients, to improve our own lives.
Repression of the natural urges is considered unhealthy. In the words of Mantak Chia, a modern Taoist Master, "Sex is natural. The human being has a powerful sex drive - and you cannot keep the pingpong balls under water. Sometime, somewhere, they pop back up, maybe as disease, maybe as emotional problems, causing energy blockages, leading to illness. The Tao is the way of recycling, not repression."
Men and women redirect orgasmic energy through the Microcosmic Orbit (Small Heavenly Cycle), for good health and long life, with the additional benefit for women of controllable and painless menstruation (13). Practitioners enjoy increased vigour, improved stamina and enhanced sensation through "whole-body-orgasm". Harmonising male and female peaks and valleys of arousal and orgasm without energy-loss enables longer and more pleasurable sexual encounters.
Woman loses energy more through menstruation and childbirth than orgasm. For man, it is vital to open the Orbit otherwise non-ejaculatory orgasm can cause aching, congestion, wet dreams or headaches. Retention and recycling is important but Taoists also make recommendations for seminal release related to the age of the practitioner and season e.g. rarely in Winter, a time for conservation, more frequently in Spring - and the springtime of a relationship, with its urgent need for surrender to the goddess. However, Secret Instructions of the Jade Chamber contra-indicates practice when in the grip of emotional extremes and unbridled passion, then adding that because you may become ill from it, you may also be cured by it! Other contra-indications include practising when drunk, too soon after a meal, and when constipated.
Mantak Chia speaks of the spiritual power: "You can either pray 100,000 hours, or you can consciously guide the sexual energy in the Microcosmic Orbit."

The Tao is the way of harmony, Tantra expands and liberates. Without gender discrimination, rules, hierarchy or clergy, requiring no conversion or belief system, offering guidance rather than dogma, the Tao of Tantra is a short sweet path to spiritual independence, or your own conception of self-realisation or enlightenment. These words of the Dalai Lama capture the essence: "if the meditator applies certain meditative techniques it is possible to create opportunities for grasping the moment and consciously generating the experience of subtle clear light...during the time of death, of deep sleep, and sexual climax."(9) If His Holiness were a woman, he might have included the moment of childbirth!

Is it disgusting, boring, worthy and dangerous, or can Tantra offer self-realisation by having a good time? This is for you to find out for yourself, because everyone has their own ideas.

RECOMMENDED FURTHER READING
A Touch of Sex - Shiatsu Secrets for Lovers revealed
Master of the Zen School Kris Deva North and the Taoist Master Mantak Chia combine their years of teaching and depth of knowledge and experience to create a compelling journey through the secret ‘erotic pressure points’ of Chinese Medicine.
‘A Touch of Sex: Shiatsu Secrets for Love’ reveals the secrets of Taoist Foreplay, from it’s origins at the Court of the legendary Yellow Emperor through 4,000 years of sexual history to it’s relevance for modern lovers: combining loving touch with healing power.
"Sexual practices have been studied for centuries in both East and West," says Chia. "Chinese and Japanese traditions combined the study of sex with medicine: certain pressure-points and meridians were found to stimulate and sustain sexual desire. Using the secrets of these points and channels makes for longer and more pleasurable sexual encounters. Peak moments can be prolonged beyond bliss, into ecstasy. Like cooking a Chinese meal, preparation is the key."
"Yes, you can become a far more effective Lover," adds North. "Woman, man, straight, gay and bi, you can please your partner and please yourself. The act itself is natural. You know what to do. It is the moments leading up to the act which make it more or less pleasurable for your partner. Women fear insensitivity. Men fear inability to perform. Both fear rejection. Knowing the psycho-sensual secrets of certain pressure points helps you become a better lover, however good you are already. Are you aroused more quickly, your partner more slowly? It’s quite usual for the man to climax first. Woman comes to the boil more slowly but simmers longer. He’s done in, she ready for more. "
Based on the form of a conventional shiatsu treatment, the text and pictures give detailed guidance, showing precisely where to place the hands - and other body-parts - to stimulate and sustain arousal.
Many of the pressure points from shiatsu healing massage are shown with their more arcane applications, sometimes with passing reference to the clinical use, for example: "Conception Vessel 1, known as the Gate of Life and Death, so named because the retention of sexual energy is said to prolong life, has subtle use as arousal point for both sexes, especially good for prolonging male orgasm. Clinical use is said to be able help with prevention and relief of symptoms of some prostate conditions."
Self-shiatsu is well covered, with exercises for men and women to keep themselves at the peak of sexual fitness, and the women’s practice of using the famous Chinese Drilled Jade Egg is described in detail. A chapter on what to look for in a lover, from astrological compatibility to physical attributes as indicators of sexual performance, is followed by advice on coping with sex-vampires and energy-parasites. It is Mantak Chia’s twenty-first book, and the first by Kris Deva North. The book shows a profound knowledge of the subject, which it conveys with a light touch and hundreds of colour photographs.
* * *
‘A Touch of Sex’ is available in paperback and as an on-line digital download: learn more
And here for info and training on managing sexual energy

Tao of Tantra References
1) Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu tr JC Wu, Shambala 1989 ISBN 0877733880
2) Ecstasy through Tantra, John Mumford, Llewellyn 1988, ISBN 0875424945
3) Principles of Tantra, ed A Avalon. Ganesh & Co (Madras) 1914
4) Cultivating the Energy of Life, Eva Wong, Shambala 1998, ISBN 1570623422
5) Passionate Enlightenment, Miranda Shaw, Princeton 1994 ISBN 069101090
6) TheTantricTradition, Agehananda Bharati, Rider 1965
7) Aghora, Robert Svoboda, Sadhana 1999 ISBN 0965620840
8) The Dalai Lama’s Book of Wisdom, ed M Bunson, Rider 1998 ISBN 0712671196
9) Healing Anger, The Dalai Lama tr GTJinpa, Snow Lion 1997 ISBN 1559390735
10) Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman, Bloomsbury 1996, ISBN 0747528306
11) Taoist Secrets of Love, Mantak Chia, Aurora 1984 ISBN 0943358191
12) The Taoist Experience, Livia Kohn, SUNY 1993 ISBN 0791415805
13) Healing Love through the Tao, Mantak & Maneewan Chia, Healing Tao Books 1986 ISBN 0935621059

MANTAK CHIA LONDON VISIT 23 to 28 November at the Columbia Hotel, Lancaster Gate, London W2

2007-10-11T15:42:00.000+01:00

Friday Evening 23rd November 6.30 to 9.00 pm

Introduction to Healing Love: TALK & SLIDESHOW
Master Chia gives an overview of the concepts of multiorg love for men, women and couples as described in his books Healing Love through the Tao and Taoist Secrets of Love. Master Chia will be happy to dedicate and sign your copy of these and his other books on sale at the Talk.
24 Places remaining for this Talk.
Tickets £77 includes £27 non-refundable deposit. No refund less than seven days before event.
Payment Options: on-line Sign up now on-line ,
OR cash/card on the door on the day subject to place availability,
OR use the registration form at back of Prospectus (click for prospectus)

Saturday & Sunday 24th & 25th November 10 am to 5 pm both days

Overview of Taoist Practice: WORKSHOP
Master Chia presents the basic concepts of the Taoist practice he has evolved over thirty-five years of teaching in the West, illustrating the benefits for modern life, transforming stress into vitality. Talks and demonstrations sprinkled with slide projections, explanations of the scientific basis for ancient practice, delivered with wisdom, spiced with wit. Bring an open mind and all your questions.
26 Places remaining for this Workshop.
Tickets £297 includes £97 non-refundable deposit. No refund less than seven days before event.
Payment Options: on-line Sign up now on-line ,
OR cash/card on the door on the day subject to place availability,
OR use the registration form at back of Prospectus (click for prospectus)

Monday 26th thru' Wednesday 28th November 10 am to 5 pm each day

For the first time in the UK Master Chia will teach Cosmic Healing Level 2: CERTIFICATION COURSE
Cosmic Healing II deepens the knowledge & experience of Cosmic Healing I. In Cosmic Healing II the emphasis is on connecting the body with the five elemental forces of nature, the moon and sun, the planets, the stars, galaxies and other celestial phenomena. Cosmic Healing II incorporates ancient Taoist knowledge and practices based on Taoist astronomy observations and cosmological research.
Whether you are interested in building on your base of Chi Kung and meditation or whether you are bodyworker desiring to make giant strides in your treatments you'll find within Cosmic Healing II the substance for growth. Inner and Outer universe become even more connected through planetary/galaxy stellar meditations as you learn how to integrate Taoist Astrology and Astronomy with your healing practices and support others in a deeply rooted cleansing revitalization. Cosmic Healing II teaches how to take charge of health and well-being.
15 Places remain for this Level 2 Certification Course.
Tickets £397 includes £97 non-refundable deposit. No refund less than seven days before event.
Payment Options: on-line Sign up now on-line ,
OR cash/card on the door on the day subject to place availability,
OR use the registration form at back of Prospectus (click for prospectus)

The preliminary Level 1 in Cosmic Healing runs earlier in the month: 4 days, Friday through Monday, from 9th thru' 12th November at the London Tao Centre with Kris Deva North.
(see below for combining course discounts)
Taoist Cosmic Healing presents chi kung techniques that develop and strengthen awareness of the force and energetic principles of the universe and the earthly six directions, for healing self and others, activating and strengthening the immune system. Also known as QiGong Therapy or Taoist Colour Healing, this non-contact power-healing connects with the etheric energy-centres, and the "brains" of the organs which receive impressions and store energy as you learn to apply the colour-rays to heal their organic aura...and to harmonise and restore the energy-field without depleting or contaminating your own chi. "Hands-of-Light" Cosmic QiGong exercises: ideal for shamanic healers - or martial artists - to boost their energy-projection power.
click to learn more about Level 1 Cosmic Healing

ON-LINE REGISTRATION COMBINATION DISCOUNTS

Combine payment for Overview of Taoist Practice w/end 24/25 Nov + Cosmic Healing Level 2, Nov 26-28th: £627 (saving £67) includes £194 non-refundable deposit. No refund less than seven days before event. Sign up now on-line

Combine payment for Cosmic Healing Level 1 with Kris Deva North 9 to 12 Nov at London Tao Centre + Cosmic Healing Level 2, Nov 26-28th with Mantak Chia at the Columbia Hotel: £717 (saving £77.) includes £194 non-refundable deposit. No refund less than seven days before event. Sign up now on-line

Combine payment for Cosmic Healing Level 1 with Kris Deva North 9 to 12 Nov at London Tao Centre + Overview of Taoist Practice w/end 24/25 Nov and Cosmic Healing Level 2, Nov 26-28th with Mantak Chia at the Columbia Hotel: £987 (saving £104) includes £291 non-refundable deposit. No refund less than seven days before event. Sign up now on-line

Taoist Training in September - Bookings open for Mantak Chia's November Visit

2007-09-05T16:03:00.000+01:00

Monday evening Tai Chi and Chi Kung resumes, 6.30 to 8pm at the London Tao Centre. Learn More
Take a look

Click for your nearest Iron-Shirt Chi Kung or Tai Chi Teacher and look for the initials TP – Taoist Practitioner.

Places remain for just four more couples on the Intimate Tantric Massage for Couples September 22nd & 23rd. Bring your partner or buddy. Learn more

We still have some space on Foundations of Taoist Practice Step 1 on Saturday and Sunday 29th and 30th September. Sign up now!

Taoist Healing: The next Chi Nei Tsang training weekend is October 13th & 14th.
Cosmic Healing Level 1 runs November 9th to 12th before Master Chia’s Level 2 Certification Course from November 26th to 28th.
Bookings have opened for Master Mantak Chia’s November visit. Places this year are strictly limited so when its full its full and we won’t be able to ‘squeeze you in’ at the last minute. See the Visit Page for remaining availability and workshops info.

Sun Tan - Philosopher or Surf Brother?

2007-08-09T20:59:00.000+01:00

Taoist Training
The annual Tai Chi Summer Camp was great fun with a fine young warrior taking his first steps, novices developing their practice and some of the more experienced attaining certification to teach Basic Tai Chi and Intermediate Chi Kung. Take a look

Our Jade Circle Facilitators celebrated the visit of the Jade Goddess from Hawaii, learning new ways of doing ancient practices. Her book (with foreword by Mantak Chia) and CD will soon be available in our on-line catalog. She returns next year, last weekend in June. Details will be in the printed prospectus which should be falling through letterboxes in the next couple of weeks. Note the next Jade Circle is on Wednesday 5th September and starts at 6.30 pm – pick up the latest from the Goddess.

Our Taoist Summer Retreat filled up quickly this year. Sadly, for the first time, we have had to turn people away. In 2008 its from 1st to 9th August so – diary note, please!

September sees the opening of bookings for Master Mantak Chia’s November visit, - fingers poised over keypads on September 1st. Places this year are strictly limited so when its full its full and we won’t be able to ‘squeeze you in’ at the last minute. I will post a running place-availability update on the Visit Page. And its not too early to volunteer to assist (ps, volunteers have to pay too, sorry) so if you’re up for it, click here and say so.

Also in September, Foundations Step 4 overnight 8th to 9th;
then an Intimate Tantric Massage for Couples weekend 22nd & 23rd bring your partner or buddy;
and the next Foundations Step 1 on Saturday and Sunday 29th and 30th

Healing NLP
24th to 31st August 8-Day Intensive Practitioner training, at the Healing NLP Institute @ Zen School of Shiatsu, for a Practitioner Certificate recognised and accredited by the Society of NLP. Read all about it and supercharge your healing power. (NLP began as a healing therapy – the marketeers turned it into something else, but we hold the original spirit of compassion. It is one of the most effective forms of healing I have encountered and really makes a difference to Shiatsu and Taoist diagnosis and treatment.)

Happy Days
Congratulations to Megan and Jacob on the birth of their son Lorian Seth Chadwick (9lbs) at 2.43pm on Thursday 26th July.

What a wonderful crop of little piggies we’re having in this Year of Abundance!

Enjoy the sunshine!

Taoist Summer Retreat Coming Soon

2007-07-09T06:21:00.000+01:00

The last Step 1 before this year’s Taoist Summer Retreat is on Saturday and Sunday 28th and 29th July at the London Tao Centre, 10am to 5pm both days. Click to learn more, or to sign up

The annual Tai Chi Camp runs from the evening of Tuesday (arrive, make camp, settle in) July 10th to mid-day Sunday 15th at the Rosewell Centre, S.Lincs. All levels and all styles welcome. Training and demonstrations (standard form, fast form, weapons forms, push-hands, self-defence, blindfold fighting demonstrations) with Matt Lewis, Kris Deva North, and Taoist adepts. Learn more with a click, and see directions to Rosewell. Day attenders also welcome.

Healing NLP
24th July is the Early Bird discount deadline to save £100 on the August 8-Day Practitioner training. Read all about it and supercharge your healing power.

Happy Days

Congratulations to Abi & Manuel on the birth of their son Luca Bear born at 4:18am on Friday May 11th 2007, Sydney.
(Abi filmed our Tai Chi, Tantric and Shiatsu DVDs.)

Love and best wishes on their marriage to:

Rachel and Ehsun 16th June
(Rachel is the Voice of an Angel on the Tantric CD and DVD.)

Rosie and Olly 30th June
(Both Universal Healing Tao students. Rosy went on to qualify in Chi Nei Tsang.)

Enjoy the summer – sunshine is on the way

London Shiatsuthon to Help a London Child

2007-06-25T11:12:00.000+01:00

Please spare seven minutes for a quick look at the video we’ve made to show how you can both help and benefit from the London Shiatsuthon for the charity Help a London Child in association with Capital Radio or go to the web site

Get pampered for a great cause. You can make a difference by just lying down and enjoying stress relief + satisfaction when you make a donation to Help a London Child. A little goes a long way to help a little one on their way.

At the very least, please tell your friends. If you or they live or work near the Zen School then TREAT YOURSELF or them on 4th July to 10 or 20 minutes wonderful shiatsu before work, after work, lunch break or book time off work, or call 0700 078 1195 for a Roving Shiatsuthon Therapist to visit you at work!
Celebrate on Wednesday 4th July
No need to book, just turn up anytime between 6.30 am and 6.30 pm, at the Zen School of Shiatsu 1st Floor 68 Great Eastern Street EC2A 3JT, just by the corner with Garden Walk and across the road from the Hoxton Hotel. A few steps from Old Street Tube on the Northern Line, a little further from Liverpool Street. Find us with a click

If you can’t make the time to come in for a wonderful shiatsu massage then help a London child by sponsoring a shiatsu practitioner with pounds per hour giving shiatsu treatments.
Call 0700 078 1195
Children in need and in danger all over the world cry out for our help. The nearest cry is the loudest, the cry of our own kids here at home in our London. The best way to understand how HALC helps is to read the stories of children who’ve benefited from donations to Help a London Child.

And if you can't make it to any of the events then please donate online with a click here or why not download and print out the Donor Form from here to donate by post.

And if you have done any kind of shiatsu yourself, no matter when, please spare some time to come in and give treatments at the Zen School, or visiting offices, or getting sponsored. We need your help and you will receive a Certificate of Participation in the first London Shiatsuthon to Help a London Child in association with Capital Radio, plus obvious benefits for developing your practice.

Yes, you can make a difference!

Tao for Two

2007-06-10T04:11:00.000+01:00

Everybody likes a nice backrub. Some want to go through the formal course-learning process but aren’t sure where to start. Some just want to learn great techniques for giving a wonderful backrub to friends, family, partners, lovers, work mates, mates…
And the smart ones want to learn about those special points that ‘do it’, from hangover remedy to appetite control, to subtle stimulation for those special moments, to that most wonderful feeling of relaxed wellbeing.

Beginners welcome, pairs of friends, partners and couples, no experience necessary, and no, you don’t have to take your clothes off, not in class but we can’t stop you doing so back home. (You don‘t have to wait for the relationship to fade before you start polishing!)
We will be doing some fun exercises too, to take away and play with.
This is no heavy teaching session but you will learn about the pressing-points to do with a whole range of modern-life stressers, such as
Back pain
Stiff neck
Motion sickness
Coping with Dentists & Hangovers and why these go together
Stress headaches
Menstrual and reproductive difficulties
Prevention
Overthinking
Hunger, the best diet
Stimulation
Relaxation
Calming emotions
Managing stress
Discounts on longer courses if you want to go on
And of course you don’t have to be a couple. All pairs welcome, friends, colleagues, family – yes, bring your mum; we’re not going to do anything embarrassing.
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th June, 10 am to 5pm, at
London Tao Centre
1st Floor 68 Great Eastern Street
London EC2

See more here

"I had absolutely no idea of how wonderfully young I could feel again until I felt Jim’s hands lift off my shoulders. I felt eighteen again!”

"The most amazing thing was that Mel and I had received just one weekend training. I, like you, always thought back pain and neck ache went with the job. With this beautiful sensual massage they just went, and we could get back on the job – stress-free, pain free, refreshed, relaxed and revitalised. We did it again later, just for pleasure this time, and that’s all I’m saying!”

Taoist Training Events in June

2007-06-01T11:26:00.000+01:00

Chi Nei Tsang
Book in for Chi Nei Tsang Specialist Training Weekend on 9th & 10th June. CNT Level 1 Practitioner is a degree-equivalent qualification you can complete in less than two years, or the preliminary certificate, Healing Tao Shiatsu, in nine or ten months. Chi Nei Tsang combines well with other forms of healing and bodywork. Learn more

Foundations
The next Step 1 combines Taoist with Native American traditions over the weekend 16th & 17th June. Taoist Training runs from 10am to 5 pm both days, with a ‘sweat lodge for beginners’ after dinner Saturday night. Learn more about Step 1 training and registration.
The venue is the Rosewell Centre in South Lincolnshire, an hour and a half or so from London. The nearest station is Stamford.
Free camping, or bring sleeping bag and sleep on a futon in the communal training room (with underfloor central heating), or ask Sue* for advice on a local B & B.
Travel directions and accommodation booking *contact.

If you’re on the Shiatsu Advanced or Combined Course, the cost of the Step 1 weekend is included in your course fee, so you only have to pay to get there. The weekend saver is about £39 with regular trains from Kings Cross. Check the timings from London and elsewhere to Stamford.

This is the second last Step 1 weekend (the next is at the end of July in London) to qualify for the annual Healing Tao Summer Retreat in August that for many has proved the experience of a lifetime. Step 1 is a tantalizing taster to start and the meadow is beautiful.

Wonderful Backrub
Summer connects feelings of the heart; the sense of touch…and everybody likes a nice backrub. Partner shiatsu is at the Zen School of Shiatsu 23rd and 24th June, including tips about the special points that ‘do it’, from hangover remedy to appetite control, to subtle stimulation for those special moments, to that most wonderful feeling of relaxed wellbeing. Learn more.

Coming soon
Take a minute or 8 to check out the free Tai Chi video trailer online at youtube and get in the mood for the July Tai Chi camp, also at the Rosewell Centre. Later in July, the Zen Day Out on July 1st and the London Shiatsu Marathon – Shiatsuthon – on July 4th. 28th & 29th July have the last Step 1 before the summer retreat.

Click for all the Taoist Training events.

London Tao Centre
68 Great Eastern Street London EC2

Monday evenings Tai Chi & Qigong 6.30 to 8pm
No need to book – just turn up!

Summer Breeze in the Tao

2007-05-20T06:00:00.000+01:00

Taoists call summer the season of love and joy when I like to retreat into my garden seeing how they grow. Some like more attention, watering here, fertilising there, growing together, apart, or budding alone when waltz becomes reel. Old blooms wilt in heat out the kitchen but spring’s tender shoots bury roots and flourish. Pruning helps some while others sigh or ramble wild on the same earth, and all lie beneath the sky. Rocking broken boughs, can you tell those that fall and whither when autumn leaves? and others that graft and heal? Nature pedals her cycles and I peddle mine as June opens like a flower on the very first shiatsu evening followed by five days immersion from 4th to 8th. Take a peek.

Inner alchemy begins when water meets fire and steams the sweatlodge, a great tradition shared by Taoists and Native Americans. Taking the first step in the Tao on June 16th and 17th could lead to a retreat somewhere special, easy to understand, hard to describe, for many has proved the experience of a lifetime. Step 1 is a tantalizing taster to start and the meadow is beautiful.

Summer connects feelings of the heart, the sense of touch…and everybody likes a nice backrub. Partner shiatsu is fun and fulfilling, shiatsu training fulfilling and fun. click for a taster at the Mind Body Spirit Festival on Saturday 26th May in London Victoria or the full treatment at the Zen School of Shiatsu on 23rd and 24th June, including tips about the special points that ‘do it’, from hangover remedy to appetite control, to subtle stimulation for those special moments, to that most wonderful feeling of relaxed wellbeing.

Take a minute or 8 to check out the free Tai Chi video trailer online at youtube and get in the mood for the July Tai Chi camp. Make sure to come back when you’ve watched it as there’s another whole bunch of events in July including the Zen Day Out on July 1st and the London Shiatsu Marathon – Shiatsuthon – on July 4th.

I’ve started on the new Prospectus which comes out later in the summer. This is the first year we’re offering a few small advertising spaces now that we reach over 9000 people throughout the year, 5000 in the first month at the start of the ‘training season’. If you offer a service or product of interest to interesting people interested in healing, being healed, meditation, martial arts, NLP training or anything else that helps others then click for a look at the web page.

Enjoy the breeze

Kris

The Path of Kuan Yin to the Summer of Love

2007-04-30T15:50:00.000+01:00

Summer’s coming full of early fire and what better way to celebrate the solstice than with some of the gentle yin practices. In summer buds flower open to bear fruit. Taoists call it the season of love and joy, connected with feelings of the heart and the sense of touch…and everybody likes a nice backrub. You can learn great techniques for giving a wonderful backrub to friends, family, partners, lovers, work mates, mates…
Start feeling the G-power flow through your whole being with your first step on the path of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Compassion. Learning to manage stress, some useful breathing exercises and hearing guided meditations such as the Inner Smile on a weekend Foundations course.

Or simply start with an evening of Taoist meditation for women in the Jade Circle. All women are welcome and no previous experience is needed: in fact all our experiences are valued and can contribute to the group pool of knowledge. Our meditations address the needs, interests and desires of those who attend - weaving together a rich tapestry of feminine energy, wisdom and experience. This first event is at 7.30 on Wednesday May 2nd at the London Tao Centre. No need to book, just turn up (donations welcome.)

And on the weekend 12th & 13th May Kris Deva North and Catherine Rowan assisted by Tanya McCormack share a special ‘Yin Only’ Step 1, Foundations of Taoist Practice focusing on applications for the women’s practice turning stress into vitality. 10am to 5pm both days at the London Tao Centre. You can learn more about this with a click here

As for the wonderful backrub, there’s a taster at Kris’s workshop at the Mind Body Spirit Festival on Saturday 26th May in Victoria,(3 to 7pm), click for details
with the full treatment at the London Tao Centre on 23rd and 24th June, including tips about the special points that ‘do it’, from hangover remedy to appetite control, to subtle stimulation for those special moments, to that most wonderful feeling of relaxed wellbeing.

“I had absolutely no idea of how wonderfully young I could feel again until I felt Kim’s hands lift off my shoulders. I felt eighteen again!”

“The most amazing thing was that Marti and I had received just one weekend training. I, like you, always thought back pain and neck ache went with the job. With this beautiful sensual massage they just went, and we could get back on the job – stress-free, pain free, refreshed, relaxed and revitalised. We did it again later, just for pleasure this time, and that’s all I’m saying!”

Beginners welcome, pairs of friends, partners and couples, no experience necessary, and no, you don’t have to take your clothes off.
We will be doing some fun exercises too, to take away and play with.
Learn more

Wishing you a wonderful summer and hoping to meet you soon

Uta

Courtesy of our sister site the Zen Shiatsu Society

2007-04-27T19:21:00.000+01:00

I'd like to teach, the world to heal, in perfect harmony....

What a great ad - the first jingle to hit the charts and thirty years later still the biggest. NOW ITS YOUR TURN!

Do you run courses or classes in Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Yoga, NLP, meditation, martial arts? Are you looking to develop your Shiatsu or other healing practice? Reiki, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Pilates, a zillion more?

This year you can use our Prospectus, for the first time, to tell the world what you do. There are probably few more effective ways of reaching interested people.
"When I started out I thought I was doing such good work for humanity that the world would beat a path to my door. Then one day I realised I had to tell the world where to find the door." (Kris Deva North "Finding Spirit In Zen Shiatsu")

YOU CHOOSE THE WORDS
We just picked a few examples to fill the boxes - 50mm wide x 40 mm high - and to offer some ideas. What would YOU say? How do YOU want to present yourself?

YOU CHOOSE THE STYLE Tell us what you want. We will put it together for you or suggest someone who can. The ideas on the left are just that, ideas for you to play with.

WE TELL THE WORLD WHERE TO FIND YOU The printed Zen Shiatsu Healing Tao & NLP Joint Prospectus is mailed in August at the start of the training year to over 5,000 people (90%UK, 60% London & Southeast), who have registered with us to receive information about

Learning Zen Shiatsu or receiving treatments

Learning Healing NLP or receiving treatments

And learning the Taoist Arts including

Tai Chi

Chi Kung (Qigong)

Meditation

Tantra

Martial Arts

And learning or receiving treatments in Chi Nei Tsang & Cosmic Healing

And many more interested in yoga and other practices

Another 3,000 copies are distributed to interested people at three major showcase events

The Vitality Show in the Spring

The Festival of Mind Body Spirit in Summer

Mind Body Soul Exhibition in Autumn

Hundreds more copies are mailed out in response to email, phone and written enquiries throughout the year. Many more of the pdf version are downloaded all over the world from the Zen Shiatsu & Healing Tao websites

Learn more! if you like what you see there and feel you'd like to reserve your ad, scroll down and click

There's a discount for Zen Shiatsu Society members: email us to find out.
Taoist Students, practitioners and teachers of the Taoist Arts are welcome members of the Zen Shiatsu Society. Lots of support, good insurance connections and no bureaucracy - hooray!

April into May in the Tao

2007-04-14T20:51:00.000+01:00

The great fertility festival once again saw the Step 5 Taoist initiates braving the elements - which seemed to have taken the weekend off. Instead of April showers we had days of sunshine and crisp cold nights, beautiful moon and brilliant stars. I must confess I do prefer weather a little more testing for this particular event but my demonic assistants, the Fallen Angels, and I did our best to make up with winding up. Oddly enough the candidates said they'd enjoyed it. There you go - Taoist practice enlivens modern life. Climbing the learning curve I made a video of the Taoist Shaman Camp, not giving any secrets away but enough to show a taste of the fun and the trials. Click to take a look

Now you have a bunch of new Taoist Practitioners authorised to share Basic Tai Chi, Intermediate Iron Shirt Chi Kung, Jade Circle and Jade Arrows with you. One in your area? Look for the initials TP on the Combined Register for Zen Shiatsu, Healing Tao & NLP

I'd already done a training video of Iron Shirt Chi Kung at the request of those on the last Step 1 Foundations - its had more than 1,000 hits on youtube in just 2 weeks. Cool, eh? Click to see it

The next Step 1 is a Special ‘Yin Only’ Foundations of Taoist Practice Special course for ‘Women Only’ so the only pre-requisite is - being a woman.
12th & 13th May, 10am to 5pm both days
Stress management, Grounding, Flexibility
Mind, body and spirit learn to work together, to be at ease together, to live together. Breathing, structural exercises and meditation turn stress into vitality with Beginner Chi-kung (qigong), Iron-Shirt breathing practices, the Inner Smile, basics of the Microcosmic Orbit (“small heavenly cycle” in the traditional texts) and Six Healing Sounds, all focusing on their applications for the women’s practice.
“Journey of a thousand miles starts with the First Skip.”
Learn more
Co-facilitated by Kris Deva North and Catherine Rowan assisted by Tanya McCormack, adepts of the Healing Tao.
(if you’re not a woman the next Foundations Step 1 is June 16/17 click for full calendar of courses and events )

Come and join me at a ‘wonderful backrub’ workshop I'm running at the Festival of Mind Body & Spirit at the end of May. Enjoy yourself - bring a friend or meet a new one.

NEW COURSES COMING UP these new courses are not published in the printed prospectus.

Partner Shiatsu June 23 & 24. Two fun days learning to share a wonderful shiatsu massage without having to go through the formal course process. For friends, pairs, partners and couples. No pre-requisites.

Mastering Mind: the next Healing NLP Practitioner training will be an 8-day Intensive Friday to Friday August 24th to 31st. Learn more No pre-requisites.
Take a look
To find a Healing NLP practitioner look for the initials Hnlp on the Combined Register for Zen Shiatsu, Healing Tao & NLP

Intimassage September 22 & 23 Up close and personal intimate massage to enhance relationship through sensual touch, based on the principles of Taoist tantric massage. For couples and partners. No pre-requisites.

Enjoy the darling buds!

Do You Love Me? That is the Question!

2007-03-23T10:15:00.000Z

We sat at the back of the class watching the hands go up and hearing the questions and Master Chia’s endlessly patient answers.
“He knows that already,” I said to Richard next to me when a certain man kept asking the same question in different ways, showing off knowledge rather than seeking information.
“Perhaps he’s lonely,” said Richard.

When I’d finished the Instructor Training and was teaching my own sessions I discovered what it felt like to be asked questions to which the asker already knew the answer. Sometimes it was indeed to show off knowledge. Other times I thought I detected deliberate traps, you know the kind of thing, what is one and one, answer two, then a triumphant flourish of the book “But look, see, it says here on page hundred and eleven that it is eleven! I’m confused. What is the answer?”
Should I say ‘Are you lonely?”

But is not that the question? How often have I asked a question simply to draw attention to myself, to my knowledge, skill, resourcefulness, superior experience? How often have I known the answer, or asked with the best of intentions – to elicit more information for the benefit of those who I felt in my wisdom might not have understood – because they are still and also asking questions.

My next meeting with Master Chia was about business. I was about to take over sponsoring his London visits. We talked about promotions, venues and what-have-you. Later over tea I said, “Where do get the patience to answer all those questions, again and again?”
“Every question,” he answered, “means Do you love me. Every answer, when you give one, means Yes, I love you.”

That is a Taoist Master.

Spring into April

2007-03-18T08:46:00.000Z

The game’s afoot as the days dwindle before Step 5, Tao of the Shaman. Tasks done, reports in, they stand like greyhounds in the slips, straining upon the start, to follow their spirit. Those happy few who passed before know that sense of achievement, going further than they might on their own.

To learn more about Taoist Meditation (good for confidence, managing stress, grounding and relaxation as well as sound spiritual benefits) I can recommend the Step 1 coming up this weekend 24/25 March. I have three spaces available. One for you? Sign up on-line or on the door on the day: we start 10am Saturday. Learn more with a click, or here for future courses, dates, fees, venues

Good news for the more experienced meditator: download the Fusion meditations - become a poditator.
Forming the Pearl, Pearl of Compassion, Three Thrusting Channels, Heaven’s Garden. Not while driving! These are powerful formulas. Learn more, save time and cost – instant download and no shipping charges.

Feeling springtime? check out the Chinese Astrology Love Horoscope – you can’t be too careful.

SHIATSU OPEN EVENING
Friday 20th April 6.30 to 9pm
Learn about Zen Shiatsu and how it is different. Secrets of energy-flow; does it work for backpain; other symptoms?
How long is the training? Full-time or part-time? How often are the classes? how much does it cost? can anyone do it?
The Student Reps and I are looking forward to answering your questions, showing you a taste of Shiatsu and while you get a feel of what its like to train with us you learn about the first steps to becoming a Shiatsu Practitioner, qualified, licenced and recognised,
There's no pressure and of course no obligation but do sign up this evening and we take 5% off the course you choose, so come prepared.

You are always welcome to visit our school if you miss the Open Evening and try a class before committing yourself. We offer continuous enrolment – you can join any time – on the weekly and monthly courses, and Special Intensives several times a year.
Learn more, and I look forward to meeting you.

MORE INTENSIVE SHIATSU
23rd thru 27th April Zen Shiatsu 5-day Special Intensive Starter Course Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm leading to Certificate in Practical Shiatsu (CPS)
Five days out immersing yourself in receiving, watching, experiencing and learning to give shiatsu, practising mindfulness in action and feeling the satisfaction of a job well done, then whatever your own reasons for wanting to help yourself by helping others you have found the way to do so. As well as meeting new people and making new friends while you learn a caring skill, you start with a warm welcome and complete with a proper qualification. Learn more

Now if you prefer to learn by absorption or if work and family commitments don’t let you take five days out then take advantage of our continuous enrolment to join the weekly evening, afternoon or monthly weekend classes. It’s the same programme spread over a longer period with the same benefits. Join any Tuesday evening at 6.30, Thursday afternoon 2.30, or the third Saturday of the month 10am or 2pm. * No need to book – just turn up! Learn more

MASTERING MIND
Congratulations to Annie Hooley, Uta Demontis and Ivana Garcia on certification as the Zen School’s first Healing NLP practitioners and going on to the Masters course starting April 13th. They liked the effectiveness of our more reflective approach:

“The resistance I felt before starting has completely vanished. I find it fascinating and extremely powerful. I could see the results happening there and then. I can use it not only in working with clients but in my 'normal' life. I am using it and it is working. It can help you change instantly.”

"Even this beginning has made a huge impact on my life. Shiatsu treatments have already become more effective, to the point, and more nourishing regarding client's attitude to quality of life. My music teaching has been more clear more quickly. Talking with my partner has been even more illuminating...that really says a lot."

Even if you’re not planning to do the training yourself, you can discover the benefits of Healing NLP or combine with a shiatsu treatment. Look for Hnlp in the qualification column on the Combined Register

HnlpP Certified Practitioner
HnlpM Licensed Master Practitioner
HnlpT Licensed Trainer

Much appreciation to Liz Butters for assisting, and giving the benefit of her valuable experience combining NLP techniques with Zen Shiatsu.

Early info: the next Practitioner training will be an 8-day Intensive Friday to Friday August 24th to 31st. Learn more.

Enjoy the spring!

Mid March matters

2007-03-12T08:06:00.000Z

Power of Fusion meditations now available as downloads: is this poditation?
Forming the Pearl, Pearl of Compassion, Three Thrusting Channels, Heaven’s Garden

And if you’re feeling springtime check out the Chinese Astrology Love Horoscope – you can’t be too careful.

Foundations of Taoist Practice Step 1 weekend 24th and 25th March. Included in your fee for the ZSS Professional Licence Course and well worth doing anyway: a master-class in energy-management.

See you soon!

Marching the Pig

2007-02-23T18:24:00.000Z

Well didn’t the Pig just stroll in full of smiles and goodies. I think we’ve been giving it so much attention lately it stocked up with extra abundances for us. I learned to skate, properly and on ice, on Chinese New Year’s Day – chuffed? You bet!

The first Healing NLP weekend was a whole lot more than any of us expected – even me, teaching it, with wonderful help from Liz Butters. This practice makes such a serious difference to diagnosis/analysis, with treatment results to match. And our more reflective approach (minus the business/sales razzmatazz often associated with nlp) certainly sounded a deep chord of appreciation.

Onwards and Inwards – marching in comes the first Shiatsu Open Evening of the New Year, the first Five-Day Special Intensive starter (five spaces left – one for you?), the first Healing NLP Master-Practitioner weekend and 2007’s first Foundations of Taoist Practice. What a basket – scroll down and take your pick.

SHIATSU OPEN EVENING
Friday 2nd March 6.30 to 9pm
Learn about Zen Shiatsu and how it is different. Secrets of energy-flow; does it work for backpain; other symptoms?
How long is the training? Full-time or part-time? How often are the classes? how much does it cost? can anyone do it?
Michael (Dean of Studies) Cullingworth and I are looking forward to answering your questions, showing you a taste of Shiatsu and while you get a feel of what its like to train with us you learn about the first steps to becoming a Shiatsu Practitioner, qualified, licenced and recognised,
There's no pressure and of course no obligation but sign up this evening and we take 5% off the course you choose, so come prepared.

And please don’t worry if you can’t make the Open Evening because you are always welcome to visit our school and try a class before committing yourself. We offer continuous enrolment – you can join any time – on the weekly and monthly courses, and Special Intensives several times a year.
Learn more
I look forward to meeting you.

TAKE FIVE
Zen Shiatsu 5-day Special Intensive Starter Course March 5th thru’ 9th Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm leading to Certificate in Practical Shiatsu (CPS).
When you take five days out to immerse yourself in receiving, watching, experiencing and learning to give shiatsu, practising mindfulness in action and feeling the satisfaction of a job well done, then whatever your own reasons for wanting to help yourself by helping others you have found the way to do so. As well as meeting new people and making new friends while you learn a caring skill, you start with a warm welcome and complete with a proper qualification. Learn more

I’m assisted by Nicola Abson throughout with appearances by: Alexander West, Zen School Teacher; Annie Hooley, Zen School Student Rep; Fiona Spence, Zen School student; and Sakae Fujiwara taking time out from her Harley Street practice. Abundance! I am grateful to those who give up their time to share their skills and compassion and help show the way to others.

Now if you prefer to learn by absorption or if work and family commitments don’t let you take five days out then take advantage of our continuous enrolment to join the weekly evening, afternoon or monthly weekend classes. It’s the same programme spread over a longer period with the same benefits. Join any Tuesday evening at 6.30, Thursday afternoon 2.30, or the third Saturday of the month 10am or 2pm. * No need to book – just turn up! Learn more

MASTERING MIND
March 13th Early Bird discount deadline for Healing NLP Master-Practitioner Training with Kris Deva North, starting 13th April. You may have missed the Practitioner Course but there’s nothing to stop you joining the Masters and getting the early-bird discount if you sign up before the deadline.
Learn more

MORE ENERGY, LESS STRESS
Foundations of Taoist Practice: Step 1, March 24/25
Stress management, Grounding, Flexibility
Mind, body and spirit learn to work together, to be at ease together, to live together. Breathing, structural exercises and meditation turn stress into vitality with Beginner Chi-kung (qigong), Iron-Shirt breathing practices, the Inner Smile, the basics of the Microcosmic Orbit (“small heavenly cycle” in the traditional texts) and Six Healing Sounds.
“Journey of a thousand miles starts with the First Step.”

Matt Lewis will be co-facilitating with me and if you’ve tried out our Monday evening Tai Chi and Chi Kung class you’ll know what a cracking good teacher he is.
Learn more
(Step 1 is included in the Shiatsu Advanced Professional Licence course so if you’re on that but haven’t yet done it, seize the moment! You will find it worth it.)

VITALITY SHOW
This sounds like its going to be a real buzz! 29th March to 1st April in the Main Hall at Olympia. We’re on Stand F138 so come and see us, get a head-neck-and shoulders, if you’ve done a shiatsu course with us sign up as a volunteer, (click Reply) and if you haven’t done a course with us yet, sign up at the show for a special festival discount: come prepared.

SHIATSU REGULATION
Shiatsu Politics took a tip in the right direction when organisations that hitherto had communicated at the bellow sat down together to hammer out a group policy for compliance with House of Lords recommendations on regulating complementary therapies.

Sponsored by the Prince of Wales Federation for Integrated Health, the meeting was chaired by newly elected Paul Nethercott whose impressive credentials include chairing a high-level National Health Service complaints committee, well fitting him for the task of managing the diverse representatives of the Art of Gentle Healing.

For the first time in several years there did seem to be an element of agreement in principle about the way forward for regulating our profession; although one organisation still laboured under the impression that responsibility toward their members should be balanced against a duty to guard the public - against marauding practitioners? (Armed Shiatsu Bandits arrested dispensing Random Acts of Healing)

The new lay Chair explained that protecting the public was the purpose of the Regulator whereas a Society exists for its members, (the principle on which our Society was founded; scroll down our Charter)

A breakthrough was achieved in agreeing that Shiatsu Schools should have a vote in the regulatory process, simply because whatever emerges it will be the shiatsu schools that have to inform students and act to implement it. So far our Zen Shiatsu Society is the only one to offer corporate membership to schools as well as individual membership to students, practitioners and teachers.

The new Shiatsu Regulatory Group is intended to replace the General Shiatsu Council as regulator for the profession. The SRG is seeking a lay Vice-Chair and until they find one they elected me to fill the post.

I came away encouraged. That vote shows all parties are taking seriously what’s best for Shiatsu. Following this melodrama a year or two ago, you might have been excused for thinking that this was not among the foreseeable outcomes. This is a fitting start to the Year of the Pig, a symbol of abundance. Let's hope other negotiations on matters of health, life and death in other fragmented parts of the world also enjoy successful new beginnings. The full minutes of the SRG meeting will be posted on the Zen Shiatsu Society web site.

Best

Kris Deva North

MARCHING IN like a lion
at Zen Shiatsu & Healing Tao
68 Great Eastern Street London EC2

Monday evenings Tai Chi & Qigong 6.30 to 8pm
* No need to book – just turn up!

Tuesday evenings 6.30, Thursday afternoons 2.30
Zen Shiatsu Beginners continuous enrolment
* No need to book – just turn up!

Sign up for Abundance

2007-01-31T13:00:00.000Z

Happy Chinese New Year of the Pig

If this is the year you have decided to bring a little more abundance into your life then I would say, good timing! Like Turkey for the Native American, Pig in the Taoist tradition is the symbol for Giveaway, or Abundance. “The pig is made to be eaten.” Whatever your eating preferences you can benefit from the abundant blessings to be enjoyed under the Sign of the Pig.

Now I for one suspect that the universe likes a helping hand in giving away blessings – maybe you know the story of Jimmy who after hearing the “ask and you shall receive” sermon, prayed every week to win the lottery. After several weeks of not he turned his disillusioned eyes to the sky, saying “so much for promises.” Whereupon a great voice echoed from the clouds, “Help me out here, Jimmy. At least buy a ticket.”

Getting abundance means first asking, then allowing it to manifest, and then accepting. Giving that helping hand - allowing it to manifest – involves doing things a little differently, generating a little change, opening the door to let abundance stream in.

Now of course I have no idea how you feel about the whole question of abundance, but I do know there exist specific ways and means to allow it into your life in terms of more personal satisfaction, spiritual and personal development; friendship or romance; more money in your bank account or goodies in the shopping basket; better provision for your family; greater job satisfaction or career enhancement; healing or helping others; more success in any form.

I sometimes wonder how life would be if nothing ever did change. Stability, security, eternal love and the comfort of prenatal heaven? OK when things are fine. But what about when change makes things even better – could you be reading this without the internet? Yes, but on paper made from trees. Google and iTunes are examples of changes that benefit us with abundance of information and entertainment and, of course, bring abundance to their innovators, who succeed by doing new things or finding new ways to do old things: faster, better, with less expense, more efficiency, and lower cost to the planet.

In the world of medicine, we hear how laser surgery is replacing the butcher’s toolkit. More cures, less pain, quicker recovery. In the world of mind, we see fast and effective NLP replacing less reliable more laborious methods of teaching, learning and generating change for the better in self and others.

Welcome, Piglet, so far a Very Small Animal. Let’s grow in abundance together! Come and learn new stuff, do some courses, make things happen, create and share - change lives, start with yours!

Take YOUR chance to make a difference: help yourself to help others. Rewards on earth, credit in heaven. At least buy a ticket.

Best

Kris

HAPPY NEW BEGINNINGS - Joint Newsletter Healing Tao NLP Zen Shiatsu

2007-01-02T09:39:00.000Z

NLP Talking of new beginnings, this year sees the launch of Healing NLP. To me the attraction of NLP is its precision. Matters are not left to chance or in hope of some abstruse theory working out. The outcome is always successful – what you and your client want, or a clear reason why not. No doubts, no half-ways, no maybes. Either outcome is effective: I can help my clients effect the change they want, or suggest appropriate modifications.

One simple technique, ‘reframing personal history’, was alone worth the whole investment in terms of freeing clients from past baggage, whether they came in the first place for shiatsu, chi nei tsang, cosmic healing or NLP, and I believe this would equally apply to any mind-body therapy.

The Early Bird discount for this year’s Spring training is available till January 10th. Training starts in February please click for more information. These courses are fully accredited with the Society of NLP: your certificate will be signed personally by Richard Bandler, the man who “invented” Neurolinguistic Programming, the system that since 1972 has gained international recognition by helping millions of people change lives – starting with their own.

Anyone involved in training or teaching will find this the best training education on the planet, I believe, (based on my own experience of over 40 years teaching, training and training teachers,) and ideal for CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

TAO And now, a New Year gift of a Taoist story for you. Chapters 1 to 4 of The Story of Su Nu, in hope it will encourage you to read more of this captivating monthly serial of how the girl who became love-goddess and agony aunty to the Yellow Emperor got the job in the first place. Some of it might be a little naughtier than you feel comfortable with so, if in doubt – don’t. On t’other hand if having read it you can offer any feedback to make succeeding chapters more appealing or appalling, let’s have it: generations will be grateful. Click here for a free download of Chapters 1 to 4 in PDF format and here for the latest free Adobe Reader.

Chapter 5, Night of the Dark Moon, is on sale now for just £2.97 click and scroll down to see .
If you experience any download problems, please let us know right away so we can help you sort it. (Sometimes its just a matter of clicking Checkout and then Confirm (ONCE!!! only please) when the order completes.

SHIATSU Someone asked which is the best shiatsu school - I mention this because many adults coming into shiatsu had not thought of starting at the beginning of the school year, in September/October, but in the New Year, a great time for new beginnings.

I don’t think there can be just one ‘best’. Everyone coming into shiatsu is by definition a compassionate person who wants to help others, but different people have different learning requirements. I believe the best school is the one that’s best for you and your needs, and accessible

With a continuous enrolment system you can start any time – join when you like - AND have a choice of part time evening, afternoon, weekend or intensive training, and I believe the Zen School is unique in this flexibility. Many students say flexibility was their chief consideration, along with quality of teaching.

Nationally recognised educational qualifications (Cert Ed, PGCE, MPhil, BSc and BEd on the faculty) as well as specialist shiatsu qualifications and training at source in Japan; the graduate Licence being recognised - without further assessment, by the way - by the British Register of Complementary Medical Practitioners, the General Shiatsu Council and the Zen Shiatsu Society. And, in the ‘real’ world the Zen School is a registered learning provider with the Department of Education and Skills (fCareer Development Loans, Student visas).

All this of course before you take into account the easy-payment schemes, massive discounts for paying in advance, acceptance of major credit cards and, once you’re in, NO LOSS OF FEES for missed classes! Oh yes, and add the warm welcome, the nice people, the being treated as an individual and the Student Reps. And, even before you’ve graduated, the help in building your practice. And did I mention insurance?

Probably the best? I’d say certainly the best - but then I’m biased. Click here to see for yourself and for a school in your area.

SPAM A quick word about spam: spammers have been/are hijacking our email address and sending out emails in our name. Some spammers have been able to duplicate our sending address so it looks like an authentic message. You should be able to tell by the content. We don’t give, lend or sell email addresses to anyone, and spend an hour or two every day sorting the thousands (yes) that pour into our inbox, many purporting to be from ourselves! (Any organisation with an internet presence like ours gets a lot of spam.) We send our emails in packets of less than 50 so they shouldn’t go straight into your bulk-junk-mail box.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Roll on the Pig!

JANUARY EVENTS at Zen Shiatsu & Healing Tao, 68 Great Eastern Street London EC2

January 6 Zen School Advanced Course training resumes following Winter Break.

January 7 Zen Shiatsu Study Day – the Water Element

January 8 Tai Chi & Qigong Monday evenings resume 6.30 to 8pm

January 9 Zen Shiatsu Tuesday classes resume (intermediate and Beginners.) Tuesday Continuous Enrolment resumes: every Tuesday evening 6.30

January 10 Last day for Healing NLP Early-Bird discount booking.

January 11 Zen Shiatsu Thursday classes resume (Beginners and Intermediate.) Thursday Continuous Enrolment resumes: every Thursday afternoon 2.30

January 13/14 Tai Chi Winter Weekend with Matt Lewis

January 17 Zen Shiatsu Supervised Practice resumes and thereafter on 3rd Wednesday of the month

January 21st Zen Shiatsu monthly weekends resume (Beginners and Intermediate.) Weekend Continuous Enrolment resumes: Third Saturday of the month, 10 am and 2pm

Zen Shiatsu Training Information

Healing NLP Training Information

Healing Tao Training Information

Setting a good example:

2006-12-21T06:15:00.000Z

I'm constantly admonishing people to pat themselves on the back when they've done something to be proud of and that's my excuse for this.

After wrestling with my technophobia - a good affirmation? I don't think so! - I finally got the new Healing NLP website sorted, at last got all the right links on Healing Tao books web site, and corrected the Google links in their Googleprint list.
Exciting? well, for me, yes, all that painstaking laborious infinitely detailed stuff. I'm always telling people to embrace what they find most difficult and now I've done it myself, and just before setting off on the winter walkabout too, so my mind is at rest. This year its Wales instead of Hawaii: I've been invited to celebrate the midwinter festival feasting with friends. Then escape to the sun, beaching on Koh Pha Ngan.

My last Shiatsu evening at the Zen School was wonderful: I'd just finished all the computery stuff so was feeling very satisfied with myself - no, not smug! me? so joined Liz's evening class. Two new people enrolled which was a great combination of ending the old year and starting the new: a continuing.

I'm very excited about running the new NLP courses when I get back, in February. I'll be writing the manuals from a beach-hut infusing them with sunshine energy. It really is such a wonderful healing modality - I know most NLP trainers use it for business and suchlike but for me, its real and profound effect in working with people who need to make change in their lives had made the same impact on me as my first training with Mantak Chia. Thus my boundless enthusiasm.

My book Finding Spirit in Zen Shiatsu seems to be proving popular. I'm getting some lovely feedback. Thank you - it was a pleasure to write it. I'm just beginning another now, this one with Mantak Chia on Taoist Shamanism. We're going to do it as a series of four.

Busy year ahead then. And how happy am I to be able to say that: one year past offical retirement age (free tube travel and a pension, hooray) I still have a career, a business, and the best job in the world: helping people help themselves. Thank you, Universe!

Have a wonderful winter

Healing NLP launches in London

2006-12-09T09:12:00.000Z

CHANGE LIVES - start with yours!

"You already possess the most powerful tool known to mankind: the human mind."
Co-Created by Dr. Richard Bandler in the late 1970s, the processes and techniques used in NLP have been continually updated and refined by Dr. Bandler ever since.

This training provides 'workshop manuals' for using that mind to best effect. NLP's tried and tested techniques are the keys to the 'secret codes' that unlock your mind's potential, giving you a high degree of command over your feelings and control over your thoughts, and a remarkable power to help others fulfil their own potential.

Some of us in the caring professions prefer a reflective approach to this dynamic training. Let's learn to use these incredibly powerful techniques, these proven ways that really work, with care and compassion.

Whether working with clients or developing my practice I have found the NLP principles transmitted by Richard Bandler to be highly effective:

In diagnosis, for example, NLP's audio, visual and kinetic elicitations dovetail perfectly with the elemental model of oriental medicine.

In treatment, the sheer healing power of anchoring positive emotional states in the organ-meridian and energy-centre networks has an immediate, profound and lasting effect.

Whether complementary therapist or medical practitioner, we have a duty of care to our clients. The methods and practices of NLP blend seamlessly with my base practice, keeping me entirely satisfied that I have done everything to fulfil that duty of care, in every treatment, with every client. And that is a very good feeling to take home from the clinic, every single day.

And then all the personal benefits I've gained from NLP training: in building a practice, running seminars and tutorials, group discussions, speaking in public, helping people get over fears and phobias, seeing them gain the confidence to share in their own self-healing.

Healing NLP makes me a highly effective practitioner helping others become highly effective human beings. And that starts right when you start. It is immediate, effective, and lasting.

Join me. I want to share this with you.

Kris Deva North obtained his Trainer Licence directly with Richard Bandler, Paul McKenna and John La Valle and is proud to offer Society of NLP accredited Practitioner and Master Practitioner training in NeuroLinguistic Programming

7-days Certified Practitioner Training
evening Friday 9th February 2007
weekend February 10th & 11th
weekend February 24th & 25th
weekend March 10th & 11th

An NLP Practitioner is someone who has learnt to use the principles and techniques of NLP to enhance their personal effectiveness and improve those same skills in others.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Master your own emotions and run your own mind
Gain ‘instant confidence’ and motivation in a wide variety of situations
Access your unconscious learning ability at will
Use language with greater precision and elegance
Change unwanted behaviours in yourself and others
Remove unnecessary fears and phobias
Discover your true potential
Create better working and more satisfying emotional relationships
Diagnostic applications

CERTIFICATION
The NLP Practitioner Certificate is awarded for demonstrating the ability to use the attitudes, principles and techniques of NLP with yourself and others.

The first evening training is from 7pm to 9pm. Weekend training is from 9am to 6pm daily, with breaks. Training is at Healing NLP, 68 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3 JT. You will receive full joining instructions soon after registration.

8-days Licensed Master Practitioner Training
April 13th evening
weekend April 14th & 15th
weekend April 28th & 29th
long weekend May 5th, 6th, 7th

This seminar develops your mastery of the creative and innovative applications of NLP by giving you an in-depth understanding of its principles and methodology.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
The very latest applications and developments in NLP
The spirit and attitude of NLP which drive the techniques
Unconscious behavioural competence in the ‘basics’
Advanced unconscious installation
Extremely highly skilled communication
Specific patterns and filters that allow you to create your own NLP techniques
Advanced healing applications

CERTIFICATION
The NLP Master Practitioner Certificate is awarded for the creative and innovative application of the principles and methodology of NLP. This is an internationally recognised certificate for the advanced use of NLP with yourself and others.

THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION is 'Why is the cost of Healing NLP training so much less than other Society of NLP-accredited institutes?"
And the answer is simple - we have the use of the Zen School of Shiatsu beautiful premises in Central London and don't have to pay for hugely expensive (and often impersonal) hotel conference venues!

The next most frequently asked question is "Why is the length of Healing NLP courses less than those of some other NLP-style organisations?"
And the answer is that NLP's founder Richard Bandler encourages his Licensed Trainers to teach this dynamic system the way he does - dynamically!! His question is "Why take longer? If you want to make more money run more courses and train more people. NLP is stripping down to the essentials, without adding padding!"."

If you have more questions or would like to find out about registration, please click here and you can email, or click the Find out More link for course costs and EARLY-BIRD discounts.

I look forward to meeting you.

December Joint Newsletter: Zen Shiatsu & Healing Tao

2006-11-22T06:06:00.000Z

Candlelight Meditation: on the evening of Sunday 3rd to remember those who have gone before, to celebrate the continuation of our own life, and to bless our new place: 68 Great Eastern Street, London EC2.

Thanks for your support at the Mind Body Soul Exhibition and Mantak Chia’s visit. Both went well, and special thanks to all the helpers – you are much appreciated!

Master Chia reminded us of what an amazing teacher he is. We have agreed to do a book on Taoist Shamanism. And thanks so much for all the wonderful feedback on my latest: Finding Spirit in Zen Shiatsu. I knew it would be worthwhile and this reassures me that you are finding it both useful and inspirational – and that’s a quote! See it here (click)

Thanks for all the interest in the new Healing NLP courses. I will circulate full info in the next newsletter. When someone said – a few years ago now – that I was teaching NLP I decided to find out more and signed up for the complete training with its founder, Richard Bandler and his UK rep Paul McKenna. I discovered the most effective teaching and practice methods I had ever come across for the delivery of any subject, and what’s more, fit perfectly with our Shiatsu and Taoist healing modalities. Since then I have completed the Licensed Trainer training and will be offering both Practitioner and Master Practitioner programmes in Spring next year (click here and scroll down the catalog to Healing NLP for dates, costs and content.)

We've just produced a very nice little (30 mins)'no frills' AudioCD in mp3 format. I guide you through four meditations from the Taoist Fusion practice. "Try before you buy!" you can hear a generous free sample: the whole of the first track, Forming the Pearl. At just £7 its a good buy.click here and then on the picture and scroll down to 'Power of Fusion'

The next Chapters - now three in all - of the Story of Su Nu are quivering to be downloaded - liven up those winter evenings with a spot of solo, dual, triple or multiple cultivation - the Yellow Emperor's sexy guru and agony auntie seems to be covering all the bases...hmmm. And there's a lovely free taster with Cathy Rowan's beautiful voice reading an extract from the first Chapter. click here and scroll down the catalog to E-books and Articles for instant download

The Zen Shiatsu Open Evening and Video Show is coming up on Friday 1st December. You can get a discount on training when you sign up this evening but there is no pressure and of course no obligation. Its much more important for us to have the right people than the most people. Here's the scoop - click! And a 5-day Beginners Intensive starts on Monday 4th. See you there!

Open Secrets of Energy Management

2006-11-16T05:26:00.000Z

Something I value most in my own practice is the ability to help others manage their energy. I have also found great benefits in drawing on the Universal Energy rather than using my own. Whether for healing, martial arts or 'ordinary life', I have found Cosmic Healing the most effective method of working with people.

When you learn the secrets of connecting with Spirit you learn to direct the power of Spirit. It is like supercharging the healing process. I, like you, am here to help people. Sometimes I need help myself and Cosmic Healing showed me how to use the Universal Qi, quickly, effectively and directly. You will agree that it is one of the most easily learned yet effective practices you can do, requires no prior knowledge or experience and you can walk out of the workshop and start using it right away, on yourself, on others.

It would be great if you could join me over a four-day weekend, Friday 24th through Monday 27th November at Zen Shiatsu & Healing Tao, 68 Great Eastern Street, London EC2, 10 am to 5pm - get the time off, its worth it! Click to learn more about the Cosmic Healing practice. Of course you can get the specialist qualification but you can also use it right away in your own practice.

Click HERE to sign up now (DON'T FORGET to click CHECKOUT)

LONDON GETS WORLD FIRST on MANTAK CHIA VISIT

2006-10-26T20:20:00.000+01:00

MANTAK CHIA has written over 20 books, many best-sellers, on Taoism. Now for something new: Taoist Shamanism, which he is presenting for the first time in London in
SIX WAKE-UP WORKSHOPS from 14th to 19th November
A journey through the Old Ways to the New. Mantak Chia's genius lies in decoding traditional and sometimes obscure Taoist practices so that we can understand and, more importantly, make use of them to enhance the way we live and cope with the stress of modern times.
Combining workshops offers a sense of grounded continuity to take away with you, as well as making sense of a glimpsed world. Even one or two days could show you how to use these time-proven former secrets to smooth away the bumps of everyday life, to become a more effective human being, to help others.
Tickets are still available for all events. As soon as a workshop is fully booked we will remove it from this page, so if it's shown below, SIGN UP NOW!

Tuesday 14th 10am to 5pm Taoist Shamanism

How to using an altered state to activate left and right brain, sexual energy and the pineal gland to produce pinaline, the superconductor. Learn meridian stimulation to shake out old and sick cells for repair by activated Stem cells. Taoist shamanic arts flourish today under the shield of Chinese Medicine, most practitioners unaware of the magical connections. Ancients of all cultures seemed to know how to be more effective beings. Some of this knowledge has filtered down the ages through secret lineages. We can make use of and keep their ideas alive. They knew about power, ways to win and when to accept loss with grace. They are worth your attention. You are worth it.

£27 non-refundable advance reservation deposit per person. Pay the balance on the door of £70 cash or £80 by card.

SIGN UP here by post/fax: click to download pdf

Wednesday 15th 10am to 5pm Awakening Spirit Energy

The Tao believes that our Earth is the energy centre of our universe, a view supported by scientists of today in the field of quantum mechanics. According to quantum theory, one quality of subatomic particles is 'non-locality.' Thus, with zero-point fluctuation as the underlying mechanism acting on quantum entities and causing one entity to affect the others, every part of the universe can be in touch with every other part simultaneously. The 'Zero Point Field' is the all-pervasive ground state throughout the universe. Taoists call it Spirit. Learn to awaken yours.

£27 non-refundable advance reservation deposit per person. Pay the balance on the door of £70 cash or £80 by card.

SIGN UP here by post/fax: click to download pdf

Thursday 16th 10am to 5pm Taoist Medicine Wheel

Cosmic protection of the Chi field; calling the Animals of Earth, the Immortals, Higher Spirit. Finding your Animal Guides. Use of Medicine Wheel in everyday life. The story goes a group of Aryans shipwrecked on the China shore thousands of years ago did not die, nor have children, and became known as the Shining Ones. They taught shamanic practices, including the protective circle, calling the elements, ecstatic journeying and flight, power animals and tutelary deities or guides.

£27 non-refundable advance reservation deposit per person. Pay the balance on the door of £70 cash or £80 by card.

SIGN UP here by post/fax: click to download pdf

Friday 17th day 10am to 5pm Creating Power Fields

Each person is at the center of the universe, well-positioned for drawing upon the primordial force for our life maintenance, refinement and evolution. Fortifying ourselves with this essential resource enables us to manifest our human birthright. According to the Tao, the universe sends energy to us and to Earth so the earth can support life. Our earth stores a major part that we need in order to fulfill our birthright. Our planets also influence us, and store elemental qualities of Primordial Force to complete our inner alchemy transformation.

£27 non-refundable advance reservation deposit per person. Pay the balance on the door of £70 cash or £80 by card.

SIGN UP here by post/fax: click to download pdf

Friday 17th evening 6.30pm to 9.30pm Brain QiGong

Brain Chi Kung creates exercises for awareness of the tan tien's function to restore the mind-body balance essential for spiritual growth and optimal well-being. Brain Chi Kung (also called Tan Tien Chi Kung) is the art of cultivating and condensing Chi in the Lower Tan Tien and thereby raising the pressure in this area. The Lower Tan Tien is the centre, the major generator and storage place for Chi. Taoists train this lower abdominal area as the second brain. Also called "the Elixir Field", it contains the Original Chi or Prenatal Energy, Ocean of Chi, the Sea of Energy, the cauldron and the navel center. "Cauldron" refers to the center of internal alchemy which transforms Chi into Shen: spirit power/energy. Lower Tan Tien opens body and mind for uninterrupted energy flow.

£27 non-refundable advance reservation deposit per person. Pay the balance on the door of £30 cash or £35 by card.

SIGN UP here by post/fax: click to download pdf

Saturday/Sunday 18th &19th 10am to 5pm Awaken the Shaman

Intense workshop of Inducing Altered States, activating Immune System, re-programing DNA; awakening the power within and the healing power. Investigate the space between ordinary and non-ordinary reality, expand personal awareness and participate in the exploration of consciousness.

£57 non-refundable advance reservation deposit per person. Pay the balance on the door of £140 cash or £150 by card.

SIGN UP here by post/fax: click to download pdf

Learn something new with this inspiring Taoist teacher, at the Columbia Hotel, Lancaster Gate W2.
Limited Places - Advance Bookings Only
BEGINNERS WELCOME
For more info on Taoist Shamanic Practice click here

ACCOMMODATION for accommodation in and around
Bayswater/Paddington near the Columbia Hotel click or copy-paste the following http://www.londonnet.co.uk/ln/guide/accomm/bandb_w2.html

nearest Tubes are Queensway, Lancaster Gate and Paddington

Ear of the Emperor

2006-09-09T18:14:00.000+01:00

When Ms BC of London read the first chapter of The Story of Su Nu she sent me an email: "Brilliant!!! easy, sexy read.......and I really like the girl.... Can't wait to read the next instalment."

Did the Yellow Emperor need an agony-auntie to advise him on how to cope with 1400 wives and concubines? How did Su Nu get the job?

With the Imperial harem guarded by eunuchs she would have found it hard to gain the range of experience that underlies her advice, so its unlikely she “rose through the ranks”.

Su Nu must have lived outside the rules and ‘outside the box’. Was she a captured prize already experienced in the art of the bedchamber? Or did she somewhere and somehow learn secret practices unknown to the imperial court and manipulate, in every sense, her way through the ranks of officials to a position where she had the ear, and more, of the emperor himself?

Or was hers a simpler tale? Perhaps Huang Ti came across her in one of his forays about the kingdom and, entranced by the vision of her innocence bathing in a forest pool, taken her home, where she found the voice of the love-gods speaking through her?

Su Nu Ching,‘The Classic of Su Nu’ and the Formulas ‘Su Nu Fang’ are silent on her personal history. Other sources mention her attributes but are vague about her roots.

Well, it was once upon a time and far away...

Could this be her story? Click to read The Story of Su Nu

or, better, to hear co-author Cathy Rowan read extracts CLICK HERE

Healing Tao September Headlines

2006-09-09T17:46:00.000+01:00

TRAINING – NEW PRODUCTS - MANTAK CHIA VISIT - NEW ADDRESS

Training

Foundations Step 1 is on Saturday and Sunday 23rd and 24th September with Kris Deva North and Matt Lewis. This is the first of the Nine Steps and is great for Stress management, Grounding and Flexibility. MORE INFO

New Products

Tantric Tips for Taoists (with free voice sample), Shiatsu Secrets for Love and, just released, Solo Rites: the first Chapter of the Story of Su Nu to be serialized over the next eighteen months or so. (I was always curious about Su Nu and how she got the job as Sex Guru to the Yellow Emperor.) These are low-cost e-books and e-articles for e-zee download: zero delivery charge, and clear instructions if this is your first time using e’s. : MORE INFO

In paperback, we have the six latest from Mantak Chia: slim, compact, stuffed with info and images. They are “single-subject”, more like driver-manuals than workshop-manuals, and make a great starting point for Inner Smile, Healing Sounds, Microcosmic Orbit, Wisdom Chi Kung, Tendon Nei Kung and Lesser Kan & Li (answers questions you never thought of asking.)MORE INFO

Mantak Chia November Visit Information

The Master returns with six new and interesting workshops on the theme of Taoist Shamanism. Bookings are already coming in so sign up sooner rather than later if you want to see the man who writes the books and hear what he has to say. MORE INFO

Zen Shiatsu & Healing Tao are now at 1st Floor, 68 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3JT telephone 0700 078 1195 fax 020 7739 9916

click to download the complete Taoist Training Prospectus as a pdf 1.4mb

Tantric Tips for Taoists

2006-08-11T05:45:00.000+01:00

Ten Tips on Taoist Tantra

Eight Formulas for Women

Five Formulas for Men

The Tao of Tantra

Recommended further reading

are the headings in the latest e-article release from Healing Tao UK, packed with information which put into practice could certainly help your love-life.

click here to hear me read some sample extracts from the article
and here to download. At just £2.97 its a very small investment for a lot of information.

I would very much appreciate any comments (click below) on the article: how does it work for you? I'd like to hear of any difficulties and problems as well as positive feedback.

Tai Chi Camp Zen Meditiation and Taoist Retreat for Spiritual Summer in England

2006-06-26T17:26:00.000+01:00

Workshops in Taoist practices, Zen Insight Meditation and QiGong and Tai Chi (as meditation and fighting art) combine to offer connection with Spirit in England, heart centre of the planet.

Adepts of Healing Tao UK and Tao of the Shaman trained by Taoist Master-Trainer Kris Deva North are teaching courses and classes in Tai Chi, Qigong and the Taoist meditations of Mantak Chia, including a weekend of Zazendo, Zen Insight Meditation.

Kris blends learning Zen shiatsu and Taoist practices with NLP in which he qualified as master practitioner with Richard Bandler and Paul McKenna. He has practised Healing meditation for over 30 years. In 1993 he co-founded the Zen School of Shiatsu and Healing Tao Centre in London.

“So many people have found ways to become more effective human beings in their own terms, from compassion to confidence, energy to assertiveness, as well as simple methods of habit control and stress management,” says Kris “and although I may not know each individual’s problem or situation I do know we all have the resources to cope. Through these practices I can help you connect with deep levels of consciousness to access those resources.”

Tai Chi and Qigong training camp is from Tuesday 11th July afternoon to Sunday 16th morning at the Rosewell Centre, Castle Bytham NG33 4SL off the A1 between Stamford and Grantham, with self-defence, weapons forms and daily chi kung based on the Mantak Chia form and the Hidden Masters structures. Training and demonstrations (standard form, fast form, weapons forms, push-hands, self-defence, blindfold fighting) £117 for the five days, or £30 day-visit. Sign up here, sign up now! Learn the skills, catch the wave.

Tai Chi can be practised at any age, for health, to enhance your protective energy-field, to strengthen the physical and energetic immune system, to connect with higher and lower forces on the spiritual path, for self-defence, or simply to harmonise with the environment and alleviate the effects of stress.

The following weekend, also at Rosewell, from 10 am Saturday 22nd overnight through to 5 pm Sunday 23rd, a weekend of Zazendo with Kris Deva North: Zen Insight Meditation combining the Zen tradition, Vipassana experience and Taoist teachings with NLP: powerful techniques for attaining the elusive inner peace and harmony which, in the real world, could mean habit management and addiction control. £57 pay on arrival.

Then in London July 29th and 30th Kris introduces Step 1 of that journey which leads so many people to become even more effective human beings. Step 1 Foundations of Taoist Practice Weekend is an ideal introduction for both women and men, singles and couples, young and old. At the London Tao Centre 19 Phipp Street, London EC2. 10am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. £197. click to sign up here

The Taoist Spiritual Summer Retreat follows from 12th to 20th August in South Devon, with Steps 2 and 3 of the Taoist Practice. Thinking of a retreat as a real treat, this must be the closest to heaven on earth with silent meditation and sauna, tai chi and jacuzzi, chi kung (qigong) and swimming pool, fantastic food and walks on the moor.

Internal space-clearing, like feng-shui for humans, gives internal clarity and external protection. Such pre-Taoist shamanic practices include intense self-healing experiences and an immediate increase in awareness and focus.

Many people on this summer retreat have found self-discovery through silence, and how to let go embedded conditioning, harmonising with Nature in a beautiful countryside setting, feeling the healing power of Earth, and the resources to cope with the residual effects of past baggage.

The Retreat is guided with love and care, allowing space for discussion, regeneration, relaxation and multicultural celebration reflecting the diversity of the Tao, with QiGong and Tai Chi; Sweat-lodge, dancing and singing bhajans; swimming-pool, sauna, jacuzzi; walks on the moor, sunrises and sunsets; ritual and ceremony.

12th-20th August at Yelverton, Devon. Booking through Healing Tao UK. Step 1 is pre-requisite. For full info and registration including big discounts - from 10% to 20% - click here and scroll down the options.

Join me to walk the path of spirit.

Sweat Lodge and Meditation Weekend June 17 & 18

2006-06-11T21:06:00.000+01:00

Have you done a Sweat lodge yet? One of the many traditions shared by Native Americans and Taoists, purification by sweat is magical combination of 'outdoor sauna' and internal cleansing. The first one I ever went to had such a profound effect that I learned the rituals from a Lakota medicine-man and have been incorporating whenever possible with my Taoist practice since.

I will be running a sweat lodge this weekend 17th/18th June as part of the Foundations of Taoist practice. This sweat lodge is for beginners - a gentle introduction to a wonderful tradition, and is included in the cost of the Step 1 training - which itself offers techniques for stress management, personal grounding and flexibility.

See if you can join me at the Rosewell Centre, South Lincs (Stamford BR), from 10am Saturday - you are welcome to arrive Friday (free overnight accommodation on the dojo floor, or camp free in the meadow. And there are B&Bs in the area too). We finish at 5 pm Sunday.

For directions please click here OR copy/paste http://www.healing-tao.co.uk/rosewell_directions.htm which also gives email and phone info to find out about B&B accommodation.

To sign up for the weekend please click here OR copy/paste http://www.healing-tao.co.uk/ht_foundation.htm or just give us a call at the London Tao Centre and we can organise it by phone: 0700 078 1195.
See you there: to learn something new and have a great weekend.
Kris Deva North