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  Reflections on Teaching the Principles and Art of T’ai Chi Ch’uan  (Part 2) Ode to Gravity   Prompted by the  gravitas  of recent months, really years, I feel increasingly drawn to teach about Gravity – with gravitas, and enthusiasm. For several decades now, I have been focusing in my T’ai Chi teaching on the natural physical laws on earth. They are universal. Gravitational force, momentum, change of yin & yang, flow of energy, balance and counterbalance. Simple, elemental and cosmic, these laws are affecting all of us with their Form and Function, Principles and Art. In grave times,  gravitas  is necessary. In return,  gravitas  might offer us the revelation of our true lightness. Perhaps. Let me guide you into the realm of paradoxes and possibilities.   In T’ai Chi, as in life, we are always engaged in the great dance with Gravity. We might not be aware of it, but undeniably   Gravity  is present at all times. It limits...
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  This Morning   sun rises in my heart – starts flowing bubbling over speechless lips roots growing downward elongating spine   innocence is wiggling in my curious toes cup with gold is slowly swelling safely hiding in big belly fleeing nowhere   lightness of being how wondrous gliding free Karina Epperlein, June 2025 My Clematis at the front door keeps showing off  blooming four and five petalled like night stars.
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  I Will Not Be Sad In This World   #2 This declaration is my every day mantra nowadays. 94-year-old Zaroohe – the protagonist of  I Will Not Be Sad In This   World , is a survivor of the Armenian Genocide (1914 – 18). In my 2001 film, she comes alive as gardener, fabulous cook, storyteller, mother, seamstress, grand- & great-grandmother, lover of music and life. She is my heroine. All my life, I had the good fortune of counting amazing elder women as close friends, several of them German-Jewish Holocaust survivors, now long gone. Remembering and honoring them is how I find  Trost , consolation in our times.  Yesterday, my friend Connie sends me pictures from a small town in Germany where she and her late mother Lucy are honored by the 500-year-old Gymnasium  (advanced high school) and the City of Nienburg.  90 years ago, Lucy was forced at age 20 to emigrate to save her life. Recently my lawyer warned me visiting my brother and sister in...
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  When You Feel Afraid   When i feel afraid i become a hare at dusk small and white and soft exploring the fields of life learning to bolt, turn corners escaping fitful deadly dangers quickly recognizing helpers i nuzzle and restore   When you feel afraid i become an owl at sunset sailing silently through oaks scanning cool air and ground speedily i carry medicine to those in silenced need of swift miracles calmly sensing their despair i gather and embrace When i feel afraid i become a little girl at midnight tracing paw prints with my fingers counting stars as close friends of mine feeling insanely safe amidst explosions with invisible fierce feet i run and run abruptly stop, rendered helpless i remember and snuggle   When you feel afraid i become a raindrop before dawn letting myself fall and fall and fall along the way touching in with clouds breeze and branches, multiplied by sunrise gently i land on fragrant quince tree blossoms and on your cheek, languidly evap...