Lost Coin Class Notes - 10/28/10

Doen spoke of Star Wars and the notion of "the Force" and the Jedi warrior training.  The Force , or chi, is vital energy.  Spirit manifested as activity.  This is not an intellectual activity.  Doen is training us to use this vital force, this spirit of consciousness.  This vital force can be seen in many artists including Keith Richards who has lived his life in total immersion.
 
To develop chi SIT and pay attention to the energy without using the intellect and take on challenges to overcome limitations.  See what is essential and see what gets in the way.  Vital energy is not intellectual.  Be conscious all day everyday in everything you do, see , and experience.  Make that awareness your practice.  Ask yourself, are you in training or not.  How much of your vital energy/chi do you bring to your day?
 
A monastic life imposes full time training.  As members of LCZ  we choose how to spend our energy, attention, and time.  This is an ongoing training in everyday life and this vital energy is available to each of us.  Doen advised against being too broad in our studies,  apply what is in our LCZ curriculum.
"If you study everything you will learn nothing".
 
In LCZ there is a teacher/student relationship and a student/student relationship.  Support each others efforts with clarity, commitment and growth.  Do it, just don't think it.  Kathy's progress since her accident is about her chi, not about her intellectual ability.  Emotions and relationships require chi spirit.
There are many activities where we can focus our chi (parenting, music, getting well, running).  All life can be practice.
 
Do chi.  Chi has many aspects.  Physical, emotional empathy, leadership, vision of beauty, efficiency compassion.....