The Dance of Life is a ritual dance to the 4 directions was taught to me at Camp Winnarainbow by Txi Whiz in 1984. Here are the instructions of how to do the dance>
The Dance of Life
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Not-Knowing-Where the Magic Happens
A while back I saw a graphic on the back of a sweatshirt that really caught my attention. It was very simple, two circles, a big one, with a smaller one hovering above as if in orbit around the...
Meditation, Resilience and Clowns
When I talk to Sandra after the workshop, to ask how it went, she tells me she has never seen some of the participants smile before, let alone laugh. I hadn’t considered that possibility earlier in the day, though I did note a few faces that were slow to thaw into humorous expression….
Mr. YooWho at the Gate of Sweet Nectar (circa ZCLA 2006)
This is a story I've told this story many a time, yet never in writing. I dedicate it to Ensho's memory, who is missed by many. This photo was taken 4 weeks after this story, at Buddha's...
Is Ridiculous a Bad Word???
This post was originally published in 2017, 5 years after a post about Ja Woo's participation in the annual Buddha's Birthday celebration at the Zen Center of Los Angeles. Ja Woo: “There is no room...
Constructive/Destructive Humor
You wish to share a joke, a remark, expecting/hoping for laughter. Sometimes though your intent backfires, and you find yourself in a bit of a pickle….How to know when is the right time? When is the joke a good joke?
“As long as the humor is not destructive” the woman explaine
Clown + Zen. Listening and Connection. Conversations with Egyoku
This conversation with Roshi Egyoku took place during my six weeks (Jan-Feb 2007) as an artist in residence at the Zen center of Los Angeles. A few times a week, we would sit down for a half hour...
On Clown, Zen and Sponaneity
Perhaps you are already aware that 15 years ago, Roshi Bernie Glassman, Zen master, started studying clown with me. Up to that point, all my students were performers. Bernie’s intent was not to...
Nosing the Buddha. disrespectful???
Holy Moley it’s already the 1st of May. Revolutionary workers day, almost everywhere except good ol’ US of A. It’s been a great day for online discussions about putting clown noses on buddha...
Discussing Mindfulness with Wavy Gravy
Yesterday I dropped by my clown guru Wavy Gravy’s house for a visit. Our conversation at one point opened up the topic of mindfulness and it’s current top position in the moving and grooving place...