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My son and daughter-in-law, who live in Taipei, gave me a wonderful gift for my 76th birthday; a week at Lapis Lazuli Light, led by Chiu-Nan Lai, Ph. D. My birthday was in October and I had to wait until December with some curiosity. I walk a lot and I am strong and healthy, but I have never been an exercise-program person and I wondered whether I was in for a track-and-field meet, a dose of martial arts forms, or would I sit cross-legged and do strenuous thinking? And what were those "higher-energy fruits and vegetables"? Prunes and beans? The week began and the "Waidangong" (exercises) surprised me because they are simple, elegant and effective. Although my form wasn't too good, I could follow along, and I benefitted right away. I tend to slump, and the exercises lift the body, align the spine--it feels good! Although I was the oldest person there, I did everything except the mountain hike. They were going up that trail too fast for my pleasure, so I walked around at my own rate. The exercises are tied to a benign spirit and peaceful mood toward the world. The philosophy is Buddhist, and people from other faiths can look for corresponding attitudes in their own teachings if they feel need to do so. (Example: "The joy of the Lord is my strength" and "The Lord inhabits the praises of his people" are Biblical references.) The exercises began the day, and other lectures and activities followed. Dr. Lai plans the week, in part, according to what specialists may be available in or near the area, and her programs would vary from place to place. We had a lecture on massage, and each person was scheduled for individual massage--the massage expert lived not too far from Santa Barbara (where our sessions were). One unexpected feature was a video on how to brush the teeth. It is a gum-massage technique, and surprise! After a week of that, the mouth demands it! That sums up the whole session: Once the week ends, the body wants to keep the program going. Exercises never did that for me before. The food was delicious vegetarian. If any restaurant served such wonderful food, I'd move next door. Like so many millions, I have cut back on animal products in recent years, and while I am not an official vegetarian, I normal diet is about 99% vegetarian. Another good feature: Dr. Lai prepared an excellent "textbook" of our specific week. I has our schedule and brief descriptions and articles on various matters we covered. This make a useful reference; I could not have remembered all the exercises otherwise. Also I enjoyed the people at the session; their company was pleasant and heartening. One person was in a wheelchair and could do only parts of the exercises as she sat. Even so, she developed a little freedom of movement in the short week. I recommend Dr. Lai's program whole-heartedly and without reservation. Ruth Talorich |
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