Sant Cugat, Spain
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 8
Get up bit earlier to do the bread, and soft boiled eggs, well almost. They were soft when I took them out, but they weren't cooled down so they continued cooking and turned hard boiled. Something to check out on the next course!
The morning the House of Guitars session is strong. Some AT work by M during it inspires me to check out what happens when I release the neck while playing whizz circulation - it's so easy to forget body and oneself while doing this. While releasing the neck notice that my body begins to rock from one sitting bone to the other, following the group flow.
Then work on the scones, and i get some help with this. It takes ages to bake them, 10 minutes according to the recipe, and over one hour with the oven we have. So they don't make it for tea time, but will be served after the final meeting.
Many good personal meetings today, but can't make it for the Division of Attention group work with guitars, which is a shame, as I feel very attracted to this kind of work.
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists Project completes in the evening. But some of us are still 'on'.
Late in bed, at 2-ish.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Friday, 27 February 2009
27th February 2009
Sant Cugat, Spain
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 7
I have a late morning, but remember my feet when they hit the floor.
Do the sitting in my room, because I need to be in the kitchen some time before the dining room doors are open. The situation gets a bit tricky when the sitting is extended.
As for the kitchen exercise, i noticed two points there - the kitchen work extends outside the limits of the kitchen space and it is in sync with the rhythm of the monastery life.
The morning is very busy with all sort of stuff, going out to the shop, kitchen, personal meetings etc.
And in the evening the performance of RF & the OCG. A very rich event!
In the audience, on my left, a middle aged woman was sitting, she came along with her family. At one point our eyes met and maintained the contact for a short time, without an embarrassment, any hidden agenda or trying to get anything from each other. A centre-to-centre moment of connection, communication without words. Some people in the audience seemed very touched, as if the healing was taking place. Most of them were women, which later was confirmed by a well informed and experienced person.
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 7
I have a late morning, but remember my feet when they hit the floor.
Do the sitting in my room, because I need to be in the kitchen some time before the dining room doors are open. The situation gets a bit tricky when the sitting is extended.
As for the kitchen exercise, i noticed two points there - the kitchen work extends outside the limits of the kitchen space and it is in sync with the rhythm of the monastery life.
The morning is very busy with all sort of stuff, going out to the shop, kitchen, personal meetings etc.
And in the evening the performance of RF & the OCG. A very rich event!
In the audience, on my left, a middle aged woman was sitting, she came along with her family. At one point our eyes met and maintained the contact for a short time, without an embarrassment, any hidden agenda or trying to get anything from each other. A centre-to-centre moment of connection, communication without words. Some people in the audience seemed very touched, as if the healing was taking place. Most of them were women, which later was confirmed by a well informed and experienced person.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
26th February 2009
Sant Cugat, Spain
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 6
Up at 6.20 with the alarm clock. Go to the kitchen to begin with the breakfast team. Two points were made: to make sure knives are there and to do the basics first - both were forgotten. Did anybody mention the theme of communication before?
Short Chi Kung and sitting.
It's a warm and sunny day. Have time to retreat to the room and work on the primaries. Good stuff, my hands feels better.
Most of the nuns that live in this monastery are elderly, some middle aged. I'm wondering what is going to happen to this place in the future, not many young women feel attracted to the monastic life these days.
In the afternoon we go to the venue in Sant Cugat for the the rehearsal and to check out the space of tomorrow's performance.
The dinner is great, and we have a guest. Afterwards i catch up with MC on AT related issues. Today at the rehersal space M was doing her usual 'hands on' work while we were working with guitars. She skipped me, but I didn't feel missed out, or bad about it. Her mere presence helped me to release and it seemed other people needed her work more.
In the evening bake bread with R, I add some walnuts and put some cheese on top.
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 6
Up at 6.20 with the alarm clock. Go to the kitchen to begin with the breakfast team. Two points were made: to make sure knives are there and to do the basics first - both were forgotten. Did anybody mention the theme of communication before?
Short Chi Kung and sitting.
It's a warm and sunny day. Have time to retreat to the room and work on the primaries. Good stuff, my hands feels better.
Most of the nuns that live in this monastery are elderly, some middle aged. I'm wondering what is going to happen to this place in the future, not many young women feel attracted to the monastic life these days.
In the afternoon we go to the venue in Sant Cugat for the the rehearsal and to check out the space of tomorrow's performance.
The dinner is great, and we have a guest. Afterwards i catch up with MC on AT related issues. Today at the rehersal space M was doing her usual 'hands on' work while we were working with guitars. She skipped me, but I didn't feel missed out, or bad about it. Her mere presence helped me to release and it seemed other people needed her work more.
In the evening bake bread with R, I add some walnuts and put some cheese on top.
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
25th February 2009
Sant Cugat, Spain
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 5
Get up at 6.30, feel tired, but jump out of bed as planned. Begin with the breakfast team, then to the ballroom, where i do some chi kung and sitting.
After breakfast I do wash up, then to Tai Chi meeting. Quick run to the shop as the milk is missing and then to the AT lesson.
It's very strong, and to me it contributes to our group guitar work. A lot of stuff going on here, for me personally the main points are: being clear on what we do, following the group leader issues, inner-freedom in action, play etc. After the meeting I bring the available intention and commitment to one job i was planning to do.
After lunch there's time for some personal meeting. For example Alexander with MC. When I attended my first courses 10 minutes seemed so short. But with preparation and lack of expectation a lot can be done in a short space of time, indeed. For example today we've done a lot of quality table work, freeing the neck and the hip joints.
The same could be said about the guitar meeting with MS, very much to the point: preparing for the performance, right and left hand.
The dinner is tasty and on time. And superb mousse by L&S is served. Great to have women on the course!
House Circle in the evening. Then a usual evening kitchen meeting with JH&MG. These happen at the right time, Just at the end of the day, after the group work, when something is available. Afterwards there's also time for a personal meeting with MG.
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 5
Get up at 6.30, feel tired, but jump out of bed as planned. Begin with the breakfast team, then to the ballroom, where i do some chi kung and sitting.
After breakfast I do wash up, then to Tai Chi meeting. Quick run to the shop as the milk is missing and then to the AT lesson.
It's very strong, and to me it contributes to our group guitar work. A lot of stuff going on here, for me personally the main points are: being clear on what we do, following the group leader issues, inner-freedom in action, play etc. After the meeting I bring the available intention and commitment to one job i was planning to do.
After lunch there's time for some personal meeting. For example Alexander with MC. When I attended my first courses 10 minutes seemed so short. But with preparation and lack of expectation a lot can be done in a short space of time, indeed. For example today we've done a lot of quality table work, freeing the neck and the hip joints.
The same could be said about the guitar meeting with MS, very much to the point: preparing for the performance, right and left hand.
The dinner is tasty and on time. And superb mousse by L&S is served. Great to have women on the course!
House Circle in the evening. Then a usual evening kitchen meeting with JH&MG. These happen at the right time, Just at the end of the day, after the group work, when something is available. Afterwards there's also time for a personal meeting with MG.
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
24th February 2009
Sant Cugat, Spain
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 4
I wake up rested and refreshed, great! Finally feel I dealt with the post nightshifts doziness.
After the kitchen team meeting move to the kitchen with Romain and Thomas to show them how to bake bread. In the meantime the lunch team begin their work, the special exercise introduced during the kitchen meeting is running.
Then to the Alexander Technique meeting with Mariela. Work on beginning and ending together, as a group. To me the essence of today's work is: when you're walking - walk, when standing - stand. Whatever we do, let us do it with intention, on behalf of the group.
In the afternoon catch up with my personal space, do the laundry etc.
The go shopping. This afternoon i notice most of the customers are women with children, it must be time when they pick them up from school and go shopping. Motherhood, a tough job, this...
Then to the kitchen. The dinner preparation is getting a bit out of hand, the kitchen is loud and tens The chief cook deals with the situation skillfully, with a touch of humour. ed. I look and appreciate more experienced dealing with a situation like this. And the dessert is getting late. There's an idea of delaying serving of the meal, but since the main meal is on time, why should it be delayed? Instead we stay in the kitchen and continue the work while the people are eating in the dinning room. Eventually everything turns out ok, and the pancakes are ready with 13 minutes delay, just after the performance of ZUM.
I'm wondering if the timing issues we are experiencing as the group are also reflected when playing guitars.
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 4
I wake up rested and refreshed, great! Finally feel I dealt with the post nightshifts doziness.
After the kitchen team meeting move to the kitchen with Romain and Thomas to show them how to bake bread. In the meantime the lunch team begin their work, the special exercise introduced during the kitchen meeting is running.
Then to the Alexander Technique meeting with Mariela. Work on beginning and ending together, as a group. To me the essence of today's work is: when you're walking - walk, when standing - stand. Whatever we do, let us do it with intention, on behalf of the group.
In the afternoon catch up with my personal space, do the laundry etc.
The go shopping. This afternoon i notice most of the customers are women with children, it must be time when they pick them up from school and go shopping. Motherhood, a tough job, this...
Then to the kitchen. The dinner preparation is getting a bit out of hand, the kitchen is loud and tens The chief cook deals with the situation skillfully, with a touch of humour. ed. I look and appreciate more experienced dealing with a situation like this. And the dessert is getting late. There's an idea of delaying serving of the meal, but since the main meal is on time, why should it be delayed? Instead we stay in the kitchen and continue the work while the people are eating in the dinning room. Eventually everything turns out ok, and the pancakes are ready with 13 minutes delay, just after the performance of ZUM.
I'm wondering if the timing issues we are experiencing as the group are also reflected when playing guitars.
Monday, 23 February 2009
23rd February 2009
Sant Cugat, Spain
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 3
A very good in the kitchen on the whole, putting the extra effort while we enter the middle. It makes sense why it is said the kitchen is the heart of the course.
I did hit the wall today, and not enough sleep before the course is paying off now. In the morning i decide to have a long sleep tonight, and to take break from evening circle and morning sitting. But this is intentional, not just dropping off. So a day of preparation for this.
Before settling down to sleep I have a personal meeting with HN.
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 3
A very good in the kitchen on the whole, putting the extra effort while we enter the middle. It makes sense why it is said the kitchen is the heart of the course.
I did hit the wall today, and not enough sleep before the course is paying off now. In the morning i decide to have a long sleep tonight, and to take break from evening circle and morning sitting. But this is intentional, not just dropping off. So a day of preparation for this.
Before settling down to sleep I have a personal meeting with HN.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
22nd February 2009
Sant Cugat, Spain
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 2
In the morning, when we were playing in the circle, I experienced entering into confidence of music. Sometimes i know when to refrain from playing, or when to play - fingers just follow. The space in between is filled with doubt and thinking. The key for me here is to remain present and listen.
I visited different groups to check out how different instructors work - some of them I haven't met yet in 4.5 years in GC. I come back to 'baby steppers' which feels good. Then the group is passed on to LR. We address very basics, like establishing the pulse, playing off-beats. Very challenging for our little group and for me informative in terms of how the instructor supports the students in developing attention.
Another late night, but i feel energized and inspired. Kind of an ambigous situation where on the one hand you're very tired and on the other hand full of life.
Today something shifted in the team/kitchen. My sense was that it's time to give more attention to the kitchen and the Role, which means letting go of the most of the group guitar work done on this course. Fine, this actually came easy, to respond and go with the flow.
Today I lost the distance to myself and took JK too seriously. Two guitar instructors helped too see it.
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 2
In the morning, when we were playing in the circle, I experienced entering into confidence of music. Sometimes i know when to refrain from playing, or when to play - fingers just follow. The space in between is filled with doubt and thinking. The key for me here is to remain present and listen.
I visited different groups to check out how different instructors work - some of them I haven't met yet in 4.5 years in GC. I come back to 'baby steppers' which feels good. Then the group is passed on to LR. We address very basics, like establishing the pulse, playing off-beats. Very challenging for our little group and for me informative in terms of how the instructor supports the students in developing attention.
Another late night, but i feel energized and inspired. Kind of an ambigous situation where on the one hand you're very tired and on the other hand full of life.
Today something shifted in the team/kitchen. My sense was that it's time to give more attention to the kitchen and the Role, which means letting go of the most of the group guitar work done on this course. Fine, this actually came easy, to respond and go with the flow.
Today I lost the distance to myself and took JK too seriously. Two guitar instructors helped too see it.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
21th February 2009
Sant Cugat, Spain
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 1
The project formally begins at 10.02 this morning. My job is to assist JH in the coordination of the kitchen and my aims are to contribute to the course in the way that is appropriate for me and the group, to play and to be relaxed.
After the morning Guitar Circle with RF, we split into the little groups. I'm in the circle lead by FK, and we work on the basic circle skill - circulating, and then work on developing variations - 6 note figure with displacements. The recent AAD work was a good preparation for this kind of work.
After each circle work has been presented their work we regrouped and I stepped out of the the original group that was about to become 'a baby steppers' circle, a circulating nursery. So i left the group, but soon regretted it, as I had the 'feel' for this kind of work!
The kitchen was shaky today. The tea & coffee station left unattended for some periods, certainly a lot of areas for the improvement here. In the evening we have a meeting with Dr.M to address the work in the kitchen.
After the evening circle work notice how some people make use of what is generated , i.e. practice guitar, or work in the kitchen. Tonight i go with the flow and write.
The Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists
Day 1
The project formally begins at 10.02 this morning. My job is to assist JH in the coordination of the kitchen and my aims are to contribute to the course in the way that is appropriate for me and the group, to play and to be relaxed.
After the morning Guitar Circle with RF, we split into the little groups. I'm in the circle lead by FK, and we work on the basic circle skill - circulating, and then work on developing variations - 6 note figure with displacements. The recent AAD work was a good preparation for this kind of work.
After each circle work has been presented their work we regrouped and I stepped out of the the original group that was about to become 'a baby steppers' circle, a circulating nursery. So i left the group, but soon regretted it, as I had the 'feel' for this kind of work!
The kitchen was shaky today. The tea & coffee station left unattended for some periods, certainly a lot of areas for the improvement here. In the evening we have a meeting with Dr.M to address the work in the kitchen.
After the evening circle work notice how some people make use of what is generated , i.e. practice guitar, or work in the kitchen. Tonight i go with the flow and write.
Friday, 20 February 2009
20th February 2009
Sant Cugat, Spain
A deep sleep last night - this is good, but not enough. In the morning i manage to do some Chi Kung - doing it once a day during the course should be sufficient to maintain the work with it.
The morning sitting is peaceful, however i notice that often i withdraw inside myself, and forget about the group, and sometimes the reverse happens. Wishing for balance. At one point I impartially look at myself, and my back lets go of the tension which allows finding poised & relaxed position. Perhaps the particular view of myself I was holding created this tensed and fixed posture?
I also begin reading JG Bennett's Energies: Material, Vital & Cosmic, as a part of the Applied Reading Circle work.
Speaking about it: In the evening I made the bread and made few mistakes. It was almost a disaster, but managed to recover it after a long work. The 4 material energies that Mr.B talks about were clearly present in the process of bread making. For example the heat (E12) is absolutely necessary to make the yeast grow, to make the lump of dough turn into edible food. Too much heat kills it, too little doesn't make it grow. To put the dough together so it holds (cohesive, E11) a directed energy (E10) has to be applied. Then there's plasticity (E9) of the bread which indicates whether the dough is ready or not. And then there's also the action of yeast...
While waiting for the bread to cook I get to practice some 'DV' empty the bins in the kitchen and do a short 'recap' sitting.
The guitar borrowed from Jorge is great. I'd like to acquire this model in the future.
A deep sleep last night - this is good, but not enough. In the morning i manage to do some Chi Kung - doing it once a day during the course should be sufficient to maintain the work with it.
The morning sitting is peaceful, however i notice that often i withdraw inside myself, and forget about the group, and sometimes the reverse happens. Wishing for balance. At one point I impartially look at myself, and my back lets go of the tension which allows finding poised & relaxed position. Perhaps the particular view of myself I was holding created this tensed and fixed posture?
I also begin reading JG Bennett's Energies: Material, Vital & Cosmic, as a part of the Applied Reading Circle work.
Speaking about it: In the evening I made the bread and made few mistakes. It was almost a disaster, but managed to recover it after a long work. The 4 material energies that Mr.B talks about were clearly present in the process of bread making. For example the heat (E12) is absolutely necessary to make the yeast grow, to make the lump of dough turn into edible food. Too much heat kills it, too little doesn't make it grow. To put the dough together so it holds (cohesive, E11) a directed energy (E10) has to be applied. Then there's plasticity (E9) of the bread which indicates whether the dough is ready or not. And then there's also the action of yeast...
While waiting for the bread to cook I get to practice some 'DV' empty the bins in the kitchen and do a short 'recap' sitting.
The guitar borrowed from Jorge is great. I'd like to acquire this model in the future.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
19th February 2009
Sant Cugat, Spain
My mobile alarm rang, but i didn't hear it, and then somebody else switched it off. Up 7 minutes before sitting, but make it on time.
The morning is very sunny, nice to stay in Spain for a change.
People keep coming throughout the day, the kitchen is getting in shape...
Sitting at the GC table is an opportunity for self-observation. In myself i notice a chaos of associative thinking and negative emotions, without going in details. Somehow I feel the healing of the past few months taking place.
My mobile alarm rang, but i didn't hear it, and then somebody else switched it off. Up 7 minutes before sitting, but make it on time.
The morning is very sunny, nice to stay in Spain for a change.
People keep coming throughout the day, the kitchen is getting in shape...
Sitting at the GC table is an opportunity for self-observation. In myself i notice a chaos of associative thinking and negative emotions, without going in details. Somehow I feel the healing of the past few months taking place.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
18th February 2009
7.30 this morning - Sitting with Gonzalo and Tywi.
Today is Ken Lawton's Memorial Celebration in Wokingham.
The piece of music used for Healing - Albinioni's Adagio:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz4dpbk8YBs
And in the morning leave to Sant Cugat for the preparation of the Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists Project.
Designed by Roberto Duse:
Today is Ken Lawton's Memorial Celebration in Wokingham.
The piece of music used for Healing - Albinioni's Adagio:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz4dpbk8YBs
And in the morning leave to Sant Cugat for the preparation of the Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists Project.
Designed by Roberto Duse:
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Traveling man
Barcelona, Spain.
Tuesday, 17th February 2009
Last days were very busy. 3 night shifts then some stuff to do before leaving, almost caught up with sleep this morning.
It's a traveling day, and I only feel there's time to rest and take it easy when on the bus to the airport. And I do, relax, and contemplate what have happened since my last GC course in January last year: move to Wokingham - relocate to Manchester (break up) - move back to Harrogate and preparations for yet another move downsouth!
Definitely a rich year, with a lot of information and few twists! The OCG Project seems to be what I need in this period of change and acceleration!
The exercise at the airport sets the tone for the day. Tune into the course, connect with the team ...
A travel goes smoothly - I wish every travel was like this!
Arrive in Barcelona in the evening. 14 degrees, nice. Arrive in the Avinguda Gaudi apartment, and meet Gonzalo there, who arrived from Rosario, Argentina today. That's what I call the travel, my flight from Leeds seems like a walk to the grocery comparing to this. We chat, then I have a lie-down and relax, great.
In the evening we go out to the Turkish place with Tywi and Gonzalo. Good and cheap.
Before bed I practice Chi Kung and post these journals.
Off to the course tomorrow, so next post will be on the 1st March.
Tuesday, 17th February 2009
Last days were very busy. 3 night shifts then some stuff to do before leaving, almost caught up with sleep this morning.
It's a traveling day, and I only feel there's time to rest and take it easy when on the bus to the airport. And I do, relax, and contemplate what have happened since my last GC course in January last year: move to Wokingham - relocate to Manchester (break up) - move back to Harrogate and preparations for yet another move downsouth!
Definitely a rich year, with a lot of information and few twists! The OCG Project seems to be what I need in this period of change and acceleration!
The exercise at the airport sets the tone for the day. Tune into the course, connect with the team ...
A travel goes smoothly - I wish every travel was like this!
Arrive in Barcelona in the evening. 14 degrees, nice. Arrive in the Avinguda Gaudi apartment, and meet Gonzalo there, who arrived from Rosario, Argentina today. That's what I call the travel, my flight from Leeds seems like a walk to the grocery comparing to this. We chat, then I have a lie-down and relax, great.
In the evening we go out to the Turkish place with Tywi and Gonzalo. Good and cheap.
Before bed I practice Chi Kung and post these journals.
Off to the course tomorrow, so next post will be on the 1st March.
Saturday, 14 February 2009
'The End', and I don't mean The Doors song.
13th FEBRUARY 2009
I get up at 10.30, and I know why I'm dozy and tired. Sit still in the sun for some time.
Head off to the shop, then back home and spend the rest of the afteroon on recording task. For sure I've never organized such a thorough grill for myself! More on this in 'practice notes'
Off for a night shift. I recover while I go along, great time at work. I also make a good use of breaks and practice Chi Kung twice. What a gift, this. Time for some personal healing - sense how the energy locked by anxiety and tension is being generously released.
Back home and catch up with some internet work, email exchange. Things are moving on in a good way.
Post this and soon to sitting to complete the GC AAD Course completing on Friday. It's still Friday for me!
Another two nightshifts are ahead. The firs in 8 hours and 25 minutes. I'll be in a 'time off' mode until Tuesday, break urgently needed. A kind of break, let's say.
I get up at 10.30, and I know why I'm dozy and tired. Sit still in the sun for some time.
Head off to the shop, then back home and spend the rest of the afteroon on recording task. For sure I've never organized such a thorough grill for myself! More on this in 'practice notes'
Off for a night shift. I recover while I go along, great time at work. I also make a good use of breaks and practice Chi Kung twice. What a gift, this. Time for some personal healing - sense how the energy locked by anxiety and tension is being generously released.
Back home and catch up with some internet work, email exchange. Things are moving on in a good way.
Post this and soon to sitting to complete the GC AAD Course completing on Friday. It's still Friday for me!
Another two nightshifts are ahead. The firs in 8 hours and 25 minutes. I'll be in a 'time off' mode until Tuesday, break urgently needed. A kind of break, let's say.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Hit the wall!
12th FEBRUARY 2009
8.5 hours sleep, very deep and restful. Get up after noon which is a good move: will be doing 3 nightshifts, starting tomorrow, and this evening I'm planning to record all the pieces.
First sitting. Very distracted with the uncessant flow of associative thinking. Sometimes it's just like this. Afterwards I sit to mac and deal with some urgent emails, then eat my breakfast.
I set myself to maintain focus on tonight's task and manage my energy & attention accordingly. My sister is sleeping at my place in between nightshifts so no guitar in the afternoon, instead practice CK in the room. There's not much space now, so choose specific exercises, joy. Then sit in the living room and chat with Ania. Lovely visit.
Once Ania goes to pay a visit to a friend I retreat back to my room and practice the division of attention (I did put the report from it in the notes section, if interested go to 'links' on the right hand site - notes - 'DoA' section)
Then guitar. After this go out to the shop - get something to eat, dinner
Guitar session 2
Break for chi kung and tea.
Session 3
Break for sitting
Guitar again, change the strings, and keep working. I hit the wall big time, even manage to get very angry. It's wise to let it go for tonight. I'm shattered. In bed around 3.30 am.
Shred, or die:
8.5 hours sleep, very deep and restful. Get up after noon which is a good move: will be doing 3 nightshifts, starting tomorrow, and this evening I'm planning to record all the pieces.
First sitting. Very distracted with the uncessant flow of associative thinking. Sometimes it's just like this. Afterwards I sit to mac and deal with some urgent emails, then eat my breakfast.
I set myself to maintain focus on tonight's task and manage my energy & attention accordingly. My sister is sleeping at my place in between nightshifts so no guitar in the afternoon, instead practice CK in the room. There's not much space now, so choose specific exercises, joy. Then sit in the living room and chat with Ania. Lovely visit.
Once Ania goes to pay a visit to a friend I retreat back to my room and practice the division of attention (I did put the report from it in the notes section, if interested go to 'links' on the right hand site - notes - 'DoA' section)
Then guitar. After this go out to the shop - get something to eat, dinner
Guitar session 2
Break for chi kung and tea.
Session 3
Break for sitting
Guitar again, change the strings, and keep working. I hit the wall big time, even manage to get very angry. It's wise to let it go for tonight. I'm shattered. In bed around 3.30 am.
Shred, or die:
A visit to West Yorkshire
Get up at 9.30 after uncomfortable night, the old song... I begin with some CK today Then have breakfast and get ready to leave for the interview.
First go to Leeds, do one specific exercise on the bus. Than take a bus to Huddersfield, it takes over 2 hours to get there, i didn't know the bus goes via every possible little corner of West Yorkshire. I arrive late for the interview/registration, but no problem. The visit is straightforward and goes smoothly. I meet Ania on the way back in Leeds and go with her to Harrogate. She's heading for her nightshift. A slow ride with a nice talk on various issues.
Home! I'm tired, it was a day full of information. Have a quick bath, then dinner and call home.
Then short AT lie-down and to Chi Kung to get in shape before guitar tonight. While carrying the moon sense the changqiang point open. Huray for that.
I spend the evening with guitar. Slowly paced work on a slow piece... To bed after 3 am.
Look, what a nice guy!:
But he can be quite firm and stern when it comes to the Classroom Behaviour Management:
After 5 minutes of reading:
And 12 hours later:
First go to Leeds, do one specific exercise on the bus. Than take a bus to Huddersfield, it takes over 2 hours to get there, i didn't know the bus goes via every possible little corner of West Yorkshire. I arrive late for the interview/registration, but no problem. The visit is straightforward and goes smoothly. I meet Ania on the way back in Leeds and go with her to Harrogate. She's heading for her nightshift. A slow ride with a nice talk on various issues.
Home! I'm tired, it was a day full of information. Have a quick bath, then dinner and call home.
Then short AT lie-down and to Chi Kung to get in shape before guitar tonight. While carrying the moon sense the changqiang point open. Huray for that.
I spend the evening with guitar. Slowly paced work on a slow piece... To bed after 3 am.
Look, what a nice guy!:
But he can be quite firm and stern when it comes to the Classroom Behaviour Management:
After 5 minutes of reading:
And 12 hours later:
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Prepare
Uff, get up almost on time to make it. Enough time to brush my teeth and go out to meet Karolina at the Citizen Advice Bureau, she needs some help with the language. There's a long queue so we decide to come back on another day. Another uff.
I come back home and sit in the sun. Then have a cup of mint & eucaliptus tea from my sister (and it's delicious!) and see to emails and other practicalities. I also call my dad at home and he sounds good...
Call the supply teacher agency to set up the interview, and we agree on tomorrow in Huddersfield. The person on the phone has a very broad, lovely Yorkshire accent. If I didn't live here for almost 2 years I would probably not understand her though!
I spend the afternoon getting all the papers and documents sorted. For example the list of addresses I lived at over the past 5 years. It's quite a list: Galway and Dunshaughlin (near Dublin) in Ireland, then Edinburgh, Kiel, Harrogate, Bristol, Wokingham (near Reading), Manchester and back to Harrogate again. I do look forward to settling down in one place for longer. Another thing is the confirmation of the registration with GTC, can't find it. Eventually walk to kodak point where i photocopied it about 2 weeks ago. Of course they have it, somewhere in the drawer, a relief. Also have to register at the doctor, so a busy afternoon. And emails are sent today, addressing various practicalities. Amazing and most useful tool this.
Eventually take a break for Chi Kung, then JOTD and a cup of tea. I go out to get some bread and cheese for dinner, and have it with a smoked mackerel and vegetables. They look so beautiful and nourishing on the plate, generously offering themselves so i can carry on. Eat with a sense of gratitude.
I spend some time playing guitar, and then talk with Marcin on skype. Wonderful to reconnect and update each other on recent news, and lot is going on for sure. Jan also appears on the line, the unannounced guest!
I take it easy for a while and take a warm bath, drink a ginseng extract and practice Chi Kung. Some time to take care of myself. I'm probably starting to be boring with this CK talk, can't help it! Something clicked after 2 weeks of a clear commitment to it for me
Then another session with a third piece, a slow one. Defining parts, getting there. A phrase 'just be here' comes up after working on it.
I get a very good text message in the evening. Great news indeed.
Journals, notes, completing the day. Tomorrow is going to be quite a day. Look forward to it!
1.49
I come back home and sit in the sun. Then have a cup of mint & eucaliptus tea from my sister (and it's delicious!) and see to emails and other practicalities. I also call my dad at home and he sounds good...
Call the supply teacher agency to set up the interview, and we agree on tomorrow in Huddersfield. The person on the phone has a very broad, lovely Yorkshire accent. If I didn't live here for almost 2 years I would probably not understand her though!
I spend the afternoon getting all the papers and documents sorted. For example the list of addresses I lived at over the past 5 years. It's quite a list: Galway and Dunshaughlin (near Dublin) in Ireland, then Edinburgh, Kiel, Harrogate, Bristol, Wokingham (near Reading), Manchester and back to Harrogate again. I do look forward to settling down in one place for longer. Another thing is the confirmation of the registration with GTC, can't find it. Eventually walk to kodak point where i photocopied it about 2 weeks ago. Of course they have it, somewhere in the drawer, a relief. Also have to register at the doctor, so a busy afternoon. And emails are sent today, addressing various practicalities. Amazing and most useful tool this.
Eventually take a break for Chi Kung, then JOTD and a cup of tea. I go out to get some bread and cheese for dinner, and have it with a smoked mackerel and vegetables. They look so beautiful and nourishing on the plate, generously offering themselves so i can carry on. Eat with a sense of gratitude.
I spend some time playing guitar, and then talk with Marcin on skype. Wonderful to reconnect and update each other on recent news, and lot is going on for sure. Jan also appears on the line, the unannounced guest!
I take it easy for a while and take a warm bath, drink a ginseng extract and practice Chi Kung. Some time to take care of myself. I'm probably starting to be boring with this CK talk, can't help it! Something clicked after 2 weeks of a clear commitment to it for me
Then another session with a third piece, a slow one. Defining parts, getting there. A phrase 'just be here' comes up after working on it.
I get a very good text message in the evening. Great news indeed.
Journals, notes, completing the day. Tomorrow is going to be quite a day. Look forward to it!
1.49
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Persevere
Many dreams last night, with some recurring personal symbols. Few minutes after getting up get a phone call from the supply teacher agency down south. Good news is that they are interested in finding some job for me.
Sitting, the centres are in movement due to this news, but there are moments when they come to stillness for a while. The weather is lovely outside, it's a sitting in the sun.
Breakfast, we have a good laugh with Belen and Marek. Boy's jokes. After this catch up with internet/email stuff and then to Maths. It goes smoothly today. I like coordinate geometry.
K & G invited me for lunch, so go out to visit them. In the meantime get another phone call from the agency. So far, so good - there are some perspectives for the work around in London starting in Easter. It sounds promising, but I don't get too excited about it, it's too early...
Ania calls she'll be in Harrogate earlier, so back home. We spend some good time together, then she rests while i check out some stuff online. We have some ginseng, which Marek brought from Chinese shop in Leeds. A good stuff, this. We share the box between us, 5 little bottles for each of us. I will need to get more of it. After dinner Ania leaves to work and I go out for a walk in the town. It was a very good visit, it'd be great to have more of them.
Back home, practice block: chi kung, JOTD and guitar.
Then winding down, catch up with emails, read the last ECP reports...
Things are moving on....
We have a very good talk with M, until late.
Getting ready for bed, was planning to do some CK but my sense is that it's too late for such a movement, so instead sit down and persevere in coming back to a quiet and still center.
Journals.
It's 2.01 am
Sitting, the centres are in movement due to this news, but there are moments when they come to stillness for a while. The weather is lovely outside, it's a sitting in the sun.
Breakfast, we have a good laugh with Belen and Marek. Boy's jokes. After this catch up with internet/email stuff and then to Maths. It goes smoothly today. I like coordinate geometry.
K & G invited me for lunch, so go out to visit them. In the meantime get another phone call from the agency. So far, so good - there are some perspectives for the work around in London starting in Easter. It sounds promising, but I don't get too excited about it, it's too early...
Ania calls she'll be in Harrogate earlier, so back home. We spend some good time together, then she rests while i check out some stuff online. We have some ginseng, which Marek brought from Chinese shop in Leeds. A good stuff, this. We share the box between us, 5 little bottles for each of us. I will need to get more of it. After dinner Ania leaves to work and I go out for a walk in the town. It was a very good visit, it'd be great to have more of them.
Back home, practice block: chi kung, JOTD and guitar.
Then winding down, catch up with emails, read the last ECP reports...
Things are moving on....
We have a very good talk with M, until late.
Getting ready for bed, was planning to do some CK but my sense is that it's too late for such a movement, so instead sit down and persevere in coming back to a quiet and still center.
Journals.
It's 2.01 am
Monday, 9 February 2009
Intense and good
Guilt free sleep this morning, a nourishing and restful one until noon (ca 10 hours). After the night shift and 4 hours sleep that followed it's exactly what was needed.
After sitting i have breakfast, and go shopping to asda. Then sit down to Maths (trigonometry) I find that after almost 5 years break my brain has a bit to catch up with and I need some practice to regain a fluency and competence. I also get irritated with myself from time to time. 2.5 hours of this and my brain is fried - I didn't take proper breaks, so something to look at.
But Chi Kung puts me back in shape and gives some mental clarity, which I notice immediately after glancing at my notes again straight after it.
JOTD, lunch.
...and more trigonometry. Notice that when i get things wrong (i.e. calculations) or get stuck with something my hips get tensed. Glad to see it, so I don't completely lose myself in head/study.
Enough. I speak with Ania, call my mum, then guitar work.
Day is slowing down at this point. I eat dinner, relax for a while and come back to guitar.
Then Chi Kung. Today is the last day of 2 weeks commitment to practicing twice a day - so 28 sessions in the last 14 days, about 14 hours of practice. It was definitely worth it and I'm going to keep it up like this. My sense is that the Induced Chi flow exercise is the right one for me to work with. I.e. during the flow today I noticed the release and cleansing going on in the hips area and then expanding along the spine and hands. Very enjoyable and healing experience. Also continue working on waist rotation, as it nourishes and heals the kidneys so it's a good one for me. Huray!
Catch up with journals and get ready for bed. It was an intense day.
2.12 am
After sitting i have breakfast, and go shopping to asda. Then sit down to Maths (trigonometry) I find that after almost 5 years break my brain has a bit to catch up with and I need some practice to regain a fluency and competence. I also get irritated with myself from time to time. 2.5 hours of this and my brain is fried - I didn't take proper breaks, so something to look at.
But Chi Kung puts me back in shape and gives some mental clarity, which I notice immediately after glancing at my notes again straight after it.
JOTD, lunch.
...and more trigonometry. Notice that when i get things wrong (i.e. calculations) or get stuck with something my hips get tensed. Glad to see it, so I don't completely lose myself in head/study.
Enough. I speak with Ania, call my mum, then guitar work.
Day is slowing down at this point. I eat dinner, relax for a while and come back to guitar.
Then Chi Kung. Today is the last day of 2 weeks commitment to practicing twice a day - so 28 sessions in the last 14 days, about 14 hours of practice. It was definitely worth it and I'm going to keep it up like this. My sense is that the Induced Chi flow exercise is the right one for me to work with. I.e. during the flow today I noticed the release and cleansing going on in the hips area and then expanding along the spine and hands. Very enjoyable and healing experience. Also continue working on waist rotation, as it nourishes and heals the kidneys so it's a good one for me. Huray!
Catch up with journals and get ready for bed. It was an intense day.
2.12 am
Sunday, 8 February 2009
offsky
Active break today. Up after 16 o'clock and a quiet and relaxed day follows. I cooked a big bowl of soup, as brussels had to be used up. I also got some carrots, mushrooms and sweet potato to accompany it. In the evening watch a movie with Belen - Night at the Museum. Cheesy and entertaining.
I wish my every 'day off' was like this.
I wish my every 'day off' was like this.
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Ice
Not much to report really. A usual day in a night shift mode. Up after 16 o'clock and to be before noon with twelve hours at work. The streets are frozen, what was water last night became ice this morning. And the sun is shining too, It is so bright I can actually barely see this screen.
Friday, 6 February 2009
Thursday with few twists
I get the phone call in the morning: one work mate would like to swap shifts, which means I'd be on tonight. Fine. I decide to stay in bed to be in better shape over the night, which is a bad move. I get up in a lousy shape, as usual when sleeping for too long.
Have bath, the train of thoughts is on... Sitting. Being impartial is powerful, even a short glimpse of it can make a difference, like this morning.
After breakfast send few emails and go out for a walk and buy few things for lunch. The streets are more white, it has been snowing, yet again! .
Come back home, and cook spaghetti bolognese, kind of. Very relaxing to do it. After this check AAD site. Time is passing by quickly today.
After practice session (guitar - chi kung) I learn some news about a friend in Tychy, no good.
Soon to work, but first eat and talk to M.
Work goes fine. I'm asked to swap another shift, which means I'll be on tomorrow, but in turn will have 6 days off in a row! Plenty of time to complete the AAD course and prepare and record the pieces I challenged myself with.
So: a night at work, a 'day off', and six days for preparation/completion.
Home at 8.20. Usual after work catching up. It's 10.06 - winding down now
Have bath, the train of thoughts is on... Sitting. Being impartial is powerful, even a short glimpse of it can make a difference, like this morning.
After breakfast send few emails and go out for a walk and buy few things for lunch. The streets are more white, it has been snowing, yet again! .
Come back home, and cook spaghetti bolognese, kind of. Very relaxing to do it. After this check AAD site. Time is passing by quickly today.
After practice session (guitar - chi kung) I learn some news about a friend in Tychy, no good.
Soon to work, but first eat and talk to M.
Work goes fine. I'm asked to swap another shift, which means I'll be on tomorrow, but in turn will have 6 days off in a row! Plenty of time to complete the AAD course and prepare and record the pieces I challenged myself with.
So: a night at work, a 'day off', and six days for preparation/completion.
Home at 8.20. Usual after work catching up. It's 10.06 - winding down now
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Hmmm
WEDNESDAY
Not very good start of the day for me. I get up much later than planned, but then, on the other that's what I needed after the night shift and little sleep that followed. I'm identified with disappointment.
After breakfast I sit straight to maths and it goes well, I do enjoy it. At one point get headache though, not sure where it comes from. Make a cup of tea.
M. comes and we have a good talk. I hoover and go to my room for some CK practice. Good stuff.
Lunch is fish and chips. After a break: JOTD, In the meantime read Themes reports.
Then more maths, guitar and eat.
I don't feel well today, but the practice session that follows is really good, a highlight.
Relax, watch bits of Borat on youtube, M joins in. I lie down to relax, but fall asleep, so not do what I was meant to...
Not very good start of the day for me. I get up much later than planned, but then, on the other that's what I needed after the night shift and little sleep that followed. I'm identified with disappointment.
After breakfast I sit straight to maths and it goes well, I do enjoy it. At one point get headache though, not sure where it comes from. Make a cup of tea.
M. comes and we have a good talk. I hoover and go to my room for some CK practice. Good stuff.
Lunch is fish and chips. After a break: JOTD, In the meantime read Themes reports.
Then more maths, guitar and eat.
I don't feel well today, but the practice session that follows is really good, a highlight.
Relax, watch bits of Borat on youtube, M joins in. I lie down to relax, but fall asleep, so not do what I was meant to...
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Steady day
I get up at 16.47. All sorts of thoughts running through my head. I sit still and let them be without pretending they're not there, but also without acting on them, so 'the rubbish bin of thoughts' doesn't have any of my energy to feed on. I need it for more important things!
A leaves to visit K, and after a cup of tea I do the sitting exercise, it's already dark.
And after breakfast I attend to JOTD exercise and Chi Kung - keeping this regular is probably one of the best things I ever done to improve my health and well-being. A joy to do it...
Before leaving I play few pieces from the old times: Deep Purple (Anya) and Uriah Heep (Easy Livin, Gypsy). 12 years seems like a long time!
Go to visit Karolina. The snow is still there, but most of it already melted. Nice visit and quite a good thing for not that much social creature.
Back home. Play guitar, chi kung, post the journals.
Steady day, kind of transition one, after the nightshift.
0.46 now
A leaves to visit K, and after a cup of tea I do the sitting exercise, it's already dark.
And after breakfast I attend to JOTD exercise and Chi Kung - keeping this regular is probably one of the best things I ever done to improve my health and well-being. A joy to do it...
Before leaving I play few pieces from the old times: Deep Purple (Anya) and Uriah Heep (Easy Livin, Gypsy). 12 years seems like a long time!
Go to visit Karolina. The snow is still there, but most of it already melted. Nice visit and quite a good thing for not that much social creature.
Back home. Play guitar, chi kung, post the journals.
Steady day, kind of transition one, after the nightshift.
0.46 now
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Everywhere white
Yesterday (Sunday) was a day for socializing. In the afternoon Karolina, Grzegorz with their little boy visited for lunch. Marek prepared a 3 course Thai style meal - very colourful and flavoursome. A good time together and there's some Sangria too And later in the evening go to the friend's daughter birthday party. Polish food, Polish drinks, yep, all attending were Polish...
... and today, get up at 10.30. I take it slowly, have bath, warm drink, then morning sitting.
It's white outside, can it be real? Snow in Yorkshire?It looks and feels feels like Christmas, and I keep thinking it's Sunday.
Then afternoon of some personal practice related work.
A nightshift is peculiar tonight - all six staff are Polish and 5 of them were actually at the party yesterday. I'm working with Ania downstairs, she knows what she is doing there. A quiet night which accelarates at the end (around 5-ish)
Walk back home is laborous because of the snow. A stays at my place today - back at work tonight. I take shower, catch up with journals, JOTD. It's 11.06 when I post this.
... and today, get up at 10.30. I take it slowly, have bath, warm drink, then morning sitting.
It's white outside, can it be real? Snow in Yorkshire?It looks and feels feels like Christmas, and I keep thinking it's Sunday.
Then afternoon of some personal practice related work.
A nightshift is peculiar tonight - all six staff are Polish and 5 of them were actually at the party yesterday. I'm working with Ania downstairs, she knows what she is doing there. A quiet night which accelarates at the end (around 5-ish)
Walk back home is laborous because of the snow. A stays at my place today - back at work tonight. I take shower, catch up with journals, JOTD. It's 11.06 when I post this.
Monday, 2 February 2009
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Station North
Today wasn't very much different from yesterday, at least as far as activities were concerned. Usual stuff, like sit in the morning, chi kung, Maths, AT work, guitar, Jotd, some food to keep me going, even the same movie watched as yesterday, just the second part - Pirates of Caribbean. This time watched in a company of Belen (and later Marek) How fast 140 minutes can pass? Well, very fast with this movie.
It was a pretty good day, well balanced.
As for the Maths, I still don't think I could stand in the front of the class and teach in English, but noticed the progress today and I know most of the essential vocabulary now. I'm getting there, and with more confidence for sure!
And in the evening I talked with my parents and sister on the phone. Our family is a little bit scattered around these days. Parents in Silesia and children in Yorkshire.
I also visited GC Aphorisms site and found this: Health is a measure of our wholeness.
Very appropriate one for now.
It was a pretty good day, well balanced.
As for the Maths, I still don't think I could stand in the front of the class and teach in English, but noticed the progress today and I know most of the essential vocabulary now. I'm getting there, and with more confidence for sure!
And in the evening I talked with my parents and sister on the phone. Our family is a little bit scattered around these days. Parents in Silesia and children in Yorkshire.
I also visited GC Aphorisms site and found this: Health is a measure of our wholeness.
Very appropriate one for now.
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