Language shapes our perception of reality. Modern language, with English as a primary example, tends to be pragmatic and straightforward, aimed at “arriving at the point”, extracting meanings from the felt-sense and lived experiences sometime in a brutal way. With this language as the primary lens, we may experience the world as fragmented, transactional and alienating to the felt-sense of aliveness.
In contrast, ancient languages with an indigenous root, with Chinese as an example, works in an opposite way. It tends to enfold layers of meaning into simple phrases, enriching the felt-sense and feelings through poetic expressions. It also arranges many shades and nuances of felt senses into imagery and metaphors, through which one experiences more of an inter-connected, living world.
Chinese characters carry maps pointing to the mysterious territory of the Tao, which cannot be comprehended through an approach dominated by the rational left brain. Nor can it be fully translated into modern English language. Learning to speak and draw Chinese characters, and contemplating on the meanings they transmit, will activate our feeling heart and intuitive mind, where the essence of the Tao already resides.
This course will teach the pronunciation and writing of about 30 ~ 45 Chinese characters, as well as the inherent sense-making schemes that are central to the philosophy of the Tao and Chinese medicine. Using these characters as maps, we will explore applying the spiritual essence of the Tao and the principles of Chinese medicine in daily life through a playful and intuitive way.
Please note that this is intended as a mindfulness embodiment mediated through the study of language. This is not a conventional language class focused on everyday communication skills.
Thursday 1 – 2:15 pm
Six Sessions, 10/24, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5, 12/19 and 1/2
Discount $140 | Regular $160 | Abundant $180
Location: Either private home or Bellingham downtown, depending on the enrollment
Course Instructor Dr. Spring Cheng is a native Chinese living in Bellingham. She is the co-founder of Resonance Path, dedicated to midwifing a culture that prioritizes diversity, belonging and relational reciprocity guided by the Spirit of the Tao.
Spring is a mentor, Tai Chi teacher, a musician and a healer. She has a passion for Chinese language and classic poetry. Her original music that revives the lost tradition of the ancient poetry-songs (read her story here) is featured in documentary movie Dancing with the Dead. Read her full bio here.