Introduce Yourself

[#1]

Hello!

Welcome new members. It's nice to see so many people interested.

I have some fun ideas for the group--but first I think it would be nice to introduce ourselves (if you would like to).

Tell us a little about yourself, what interests you about Taoism/Zen/Confucianism/Buddhism--or anything you would like to share at all. :-)

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My name is Ren Adams. I'm a lifelong student of Taoism, Chinese culture, Japanese culture, and Eastern philosophy and religious. I am deeply interested in both religious and philosophical Taoism (and their middle meeting grounds) and I practice zuowang and qi gong meditation each day.

I teach a course in Taoism through the University of New Mexico and I hosted a Taoist interest club meeting for a while, before my schedule became too filled.

I am a professional artist and teacher, and I also do some freelance writing and illustration work.

I am about to begin am extended program of study under the American DragonGate lineage of Quanzhen Taoism--which focuses on "sitting in oblivion" meditation.

I love art, crafts, poetry, music, video games, writing, reading, Chinese culture, history, tea, cooking, old game shows, dancing, collecting books, pirates, philosophy, costumes, cop/detective shows, animals--and everything in between.

[Former_Member]

@tbdsnuggets - Welcome to the Teahouse! Your work is very inspiring and beautiful. I love your take on engraving words and their connection to grounding the self. It's nice to meet you!

@LunarBlueDesigns (Amy) - Welcome! Wow. An MA in East Asian Studies. That's awesome. It's nice to have you here and feel free to discuss Zen or anything you like. Zen and Tao are so intricately tied.

@Kymsart777 - Welcome! Glad you signed up. I've admired your work for years now. Pop back in anytime. Your presence is very much appreciated.

[Former_Member]

Thanks Ren! I haven't yet read a lot of books on Chinese Brush Painting, so I will definitely look into those.

I have found it very interesting that meditation has always been difficult for me. I have never been one that can clear my mind so to speak. Yet I now find when I paint, I get completely lost in the painting, find myself thinking about nothing but the painting, and an hour can go by in minutes. I love it. Its probably the most relaxing thing I have ever done. I can see how it helps cultivate Tao.

I will definitely be around for future discussions. As a Taoist in the Bible belt South, I dont have alot of people to talk to!

Peace,

[Former_Member]

Caly--you're not the only one who has trouble doing the traditional sitting-still meditation (clear mind, like zuowang meditation).

You probably need, or prefer, moving meditation. There are so many different kinds of meditation--which I believe developed because each method speaks to different people.

Chinese painting is also considered a form of moving meditation, so it's no surprise that it helps you clear your mind and focus. It always makes me feel healthier when I'm done painting, if that makes sense.

Burning incense (like the Japanese incense burning rituals) is also a form of moving meditation, as is Tai Chi and tea brewing.

Pop in any time! Although we technically don't need other people to cultivate Tao or Zen, it sure helps to know you're not alone. It can be rough. Here in New Mexico, few people have even heard of Taoism.

People need people once in a while. :-)

[Former_Member]

People need people once in a while. :-)

Thanks Ren, I totally agree. I am perfectly happy to be alone, especially when I am cultivating Tao, but its nice at other times to check in with others on the same Path and just compare experiences.

I do belong to the Taoist Tai Chi Society and try to work on my Tai Chi 2 to 3 times a week. It is definitely also a form of meditation for me, especially now that I have learned the set and just get lost in the moves. I always feel so peaceful when I am done.

[Former_Member]

Namaste Ren and all others who read these words.

I'm a UUBU practicing out of the Cambridge, MA area. I have a holistic healing arts business and teach people how to meditate, attune them to Reiki and I make aura sprays. I love my life and try to find a bit of Zen each day.

I am filled with gratitued and love for all sentient beings.

Om Mane Padme Hung

[Former_Member]

Hi, I am interested in Eastern philosophy and medicine. I would say that I am a novice with my knowledge and practice of meditation but am willing to learn and embrace others knowledge.

[artizen]

Ive copied this from my profile.......

As a Taoist I work with the way the world is, the dogs jolt my arm and and chew my felt creatures into something else, the phone rings and I miss photographing the sunset but hear a funny tale.
It was ever thus.

I work in watercolours, with salvaged materials, found objects, wool and wood.
I make creatures, assemblages, abstracts and artists books.
I write bedtime stories for grownups.
My blog has details of work in progress, inspiration of the local landscape and wildlife and various creative musings.. its new.. come and watch it grow. http://lichenandlentils.blogspot.com/
I also work with my partner and help with his etsy shop making carpetbags ... http://www.etsy.com/shop/travellinglight

Except Im not sure Im a REAL Taoist !!!
Thats what I feel I am, Ive done Tai Chi for 25 years, find something inspiring in the Tao Te Ching every day, meditate, muse, tell myself theraputic metaphors, benefit from accupuncture and shiatsu . I sing in a Peace Choir in a tiny old thatched Quaker Meeting House.
Im so glad to have found this team!

[Former_Member]

Wow, What a wonderful group! I am honored to be a new member!

My name is Greg Casey. I came into Taoism through martial arts. As a kid I was hugely influenced by the power rangers and when I was little I practiced some Karate, and some Aikido in highschool. A few years ago, without knowing anything about it I told my then girlfriend (now Fiancee!) that I wanted to learn Tai Chi. This got me into yin and yang and dao, and now I have just finished my first year of studying Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and could not feel more assured of my life path. I have my family, friends, nature, dao, intuition and listening to my heart to thank for getting me this far relatively unscathed.

I am so thankful and grateful for every moment.

Ren, I am so interested and excited to hear you study Complete Reality Dragon Gate Taoism!!! I have just started reading Opening the Dragon Gate by Thomas Cleary and we at Daoist Traditions (the school I go to) are super blessed to have Jeffrey Yuen as one of our teachers who is an ordained priest in the Dragon Gate as well as Jade Purity lineage. Truly there are some awesome teachings available though these ancient schools of wisdom!

I love tai ji and qi gong, and teach a free community qi gong class each week at my school. Right now i am particularly interested in the five animal frolics which i believe you said you are also interested in!

My greatest hope and intention is to be able to help others and my self achieve balanced harmonious lives and open up to the infinite potential within weather this is with meditation, mindful loving presence, art, flutes, needles, herbs, or not doing anything at all! (lol) and to have a great time along the way!

Peace, Fs

[Former_Member]

Hello, my name is Ani Palmo and I am a Tibetan Buddhist nun. Here in the West we have to support ourselves and having an etcy store hopefully will give me the resources and the time to do my practices.
My store contains photos, cards and hopefully soon some malas and mantra paintings.

[bankiebaby]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Katey. I'm involved and interested in Buddism (plus Quakerism and Judaism). I practice yoga and mindfulness as often and as fully as I can. I am also a work-at-home mom with 2 small kiddos at home.

For work, I have been making 100% certified organic cotton fleece baby blankets for about 4 years but only recently really got in to etsy. I'm excited about the responses I have had. I try to design and sew all my items mindfully and I hope that spirit is reflected in my work.

I recently had a request for an "om" blanket and am very, very excited to do more designs in that direction.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79596755/rainbow-buddah-baby-organic-baby-blanket

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80053055/zen-organic-baby-blanket-with-om-new

I'm glad to be a part of the team! Thank you for having me.

Katey

[Former_Member]

Hi, I am Susan
I have a B.S. of Art Ed, MBA
I teach at 2 colleges here in IL- I split my time between art and business classes. I have a few shops here on Etsy, all are heavily themed. My little Jade Dumpling sells Chinese calligraphy sets, sushi themed gifts and other Asian inspired fun stuff. I am working on my holiday inventory now- looking to double my shop in the next few weeks!

Great to be here-
Susan

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone,

I am Lilian. I am from 道's original country, China.

Great to be here~~
Lilian

[Former_Member]

I'm new to Etsy and relatively new to making handmade objects for sale. I've always done some kind of art. Only recently got involved in meditation and simultaneously found out about prayer beads at a workshop. I set out to make a string of beads for my own use and ended up making them for other people.

I love the practice of meditation. I love the beads and how they feel in my hands. I love the stones and the connection they bring to earth (being a Capricorn and very earthy).

I want to connect with others who love meditation and hear more about the various practices they use. I love the creative spirit that meditation brings -- all evident in the etsy community.

[Former_Member]

Hello,
I'm robert. I really consider my practice to be chan buddhism but of course it was very much influenced by taoism. To me the basic understanding of life and the universe is the same. I'm planning on having some meditation clothes, cushion, etc. in my shop. I got side tracked with halloween when friends wanted me to make trick or treat bags and some small accessories.

Hello to Marjorie, Lillian, Susan and others. Thanks Lillian for the character 道. I thought it had to be taoism but it sent me to my translation tool just to be sure. Best wishes to everyone on the team and I hope to be seeing more posts.

With Loving Kindness,

Robert

[LaFilleQuiFleche]

Hi, my name is Marie-Eve and I just created a sort of rosary for creative people, so they can recite an incantation as a sort of meditation before getting to their creative work. Go and have a look at my shop.

I am also a singer songwriter who sings in french and english.

I would say I am in a bit of a spiritual search at the moment, and have been for about a year. I am exploring all sorts of beliefs and traditions. Glad I found your team.

[Former_Member]

Hi, Everyone! My name is Solvita. I'm artist from Latvia (small, beautiful country with lots of trees). One of my my hobbies is a Mandala drawing.
For me Taoism is a way of life that resonates with my beliefs.

Interesting facts about me :
*I'm a Daydreamer, Nature and Animal Lover!!!!
* When I was little my favorite things to do was tree climbing (the higher, the better), swimming like a mermaid and star gazing.
* I Believe in True Love, Miracles and Life on other planets!

If you wanna know more about me and my shop click here

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeSolGoddess/about

[InsightGraphics]

New member here. Been selling on Etsy for a short time and this is the first time I've joined a "team" and not sure what to do. Anyway... my interest is most anything related to Chinese culture and/or traditional Chinese Medicine, philosophy, theory, etc. Studied martial arts most of my life, travelled around China in the 1970s, and studied taijiquan in Beijing in the early 1980s. Glad to be on Etsy and on this focused team.

[Former_Member]

Ethnic Handbags
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/487733550/dineshalini-creationsethnic-handbag149?ref=shop_home_ac...
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/501230753/dineshalini-creationsethnic-handbag157?ref=shop_home_ac...
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/487733828/dineshalini-creationsethnic-handbag150?ref=shop_home_ac...
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/501228301/dineshalini-creations-sling-bag148-woman?ref=shop_home_...
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/501230455/dineshalini-creationsethnic-handbag156?ref=shop_home_ac...

[Former_Member]

Home Decoratives
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/501226097/devoik-religious-wooden-tree143?ref=shop_home_active_74
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/487730482/devoik-religious-wooden-tree142?ref=shop_home_active_75
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/487730220/devoik-religious-wooden-tree141?ref=shop_home_active_76
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/501225341/devoik-religious-wooden-tree140?ref=shop_home_active_77

[Sweetlakecity]

welcome at the fb group: The Angel Institude

Learn about angels , helping souls and your true nature


https://www.facebook.com/groups/155700058445193/

since there is only one true nature you will find a mirror here …

[ShorioSpiritJewelry]

Hello everyone, My name is Daishin Escobar, I'm a Zen Buddhist nun. After almost 9 years of life in a monastery, only a few months ago I returned to society to practice Zen according to my conscience and my own values. I have created Shorio, as a way to earn my livelihood and also as a way to channel and express the universal values ​​of Buddhist practice as I feel it