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The Chilean Earthquake and some lessons of Boabom

terremoto en chile

Without a doubt the magnitude 8.8 earthquake in Chile will leave a long trail. In situations such as these it is inevitable that the Boabom School in Chile will be affected, whether directly or indirectly. While, from the information that we have, the students are well, the teachers in perfect condition, and infrastructure of the schools did not suffer any major damage, the chance of further damage was very close, and the impact on everyone’s lives is undeniable.

One of the first things that come to mind are the values taught in Boabom. These days, faced with a situation like that in Chile, these values become more clear. There are many phrases used in classes which appear tailor-made for the moment, such as: “A solid foundation makes a strong building.” This is obvious now, for those that were was built with care remained standing, just as in the Art, where the careful student achieves the fullest achievements. By contrast, a minor glitch, a poorly executed detail, neglect, all lead to crumbling buildings. Yet there remain situations that, even if the construction is very good, are impossible to resist (as the case of the combined earthquake and tsunami) … You should always “expect the unexpected.”

In turn, the ideals of Discipline, Respect, and Humility taught in the Boabom schools are also apparent. Only with great discipline can we rebuild; only with respect for others can order be maintained and can we clearly assess what all have suffered; and finally only with humility can we maintain the serenity to understand, a humility before all, before nature, before our weakness, before the ephemeral nature of the material.

boabom-chileAll who have lived through this earthquake have learned something. Those who study the Boabom Arts have seen, through these events, the importance of ancient teachings and counsel that carry the echos and experiences of the past.

The country has now been mobilized in a series of campaigns to help people who have been affected by the earthquake; as a school we look forward to lending a hand, to helping focus and realize any kind of aid necessary to further these goals.

Our support goes to all the schools in Chile, to their students and teachers, to all people who have suffered and to those who are willing to help without asking anything in return.

You taught me that the Art was surprising… that one must expect the unexpected, and that it is always good to be one step ahead; I knew intuitively that, since you think in that way, you would go not by the west but by the east, and that of course you would leave early.” (The Secret Art of Boabom)


–from El Diario Boabom

More Boabom Cats!

gatos boabom- “Correct your position!!! Flex that knee!!! NO! The hand isn’t like that! These humans aren’t so good at Boabom…”

Three Boabom Haiku

Breathing through movement.
Barely can do this new move.
Samut: “Too easy.”

Balance improves, but…
Flailing arms and legs. Watch out!
Someone yells “Timber!”

Angry arrival.
Meditation in movement.
Why was I so mad?

The Other Anonymous Student (Boabom North)

Quote of the Day…

We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it — and stop there — lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove-lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove-lid again, and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one any more.

-Mark Twain, author (1835-1910)

the Car Wash

Went to the car wash today, i know it is a waste of good water and the soap probably is not so good for the environment, but it is a necessary evil. Well for as long as i drive a car and when occasionally, i can’t bear to see it so grimy. Maybe i should have bought a color which better hides the dirt.

Chose the do it yourself car wash as opposed to the drive through. Still too cold for the at home car wash. The do it yourself car wash is easier on my conscience as it uses less resources than the drive through, or so i tell myself. But it seems to me, obvious. Plus there is exercise, a bit anyway. Certainly more than the drive through.

While there, i fell into the routine developed from previous visits. Not till this moment as i am writing, did it strike me that i had a meditation in movement kind of thing going on as i washed the car. This much like the experience i sometimes get while in class at The Boston School of Boabom. On some rare occasions in class when i actually concentrate, on not concentrating, if that makes sense. Better put if i just relax and follow the movements, the rhythm and pace which the Teacher sets, i can at times really veg-out. Or more so tune in to la-la land. That’s the place where i forget about EVERYTHING except what is right there and right now.

It is a remarkable feeling of secure comfort and relaxation which can be achieved simply by focusing on what we are doing in class. If i can refrain from getting frustrated with my not doing it perfectly the first few times. If i just keep moving and trying, eventually the movement finds a way to help my body and mind understand and accept. When both body and mind get it, when both mutually form a bridge of partnership i am able to actually do a movement as the Teacher has been showing us for some time, or a close facsimile. These small accomplishment are a wonderful feeling and for this student a victory on more levels than just the obvious. They are self earned healing and advancement. They help me to stop dealing with the obvious in the same old tired and negative way. By learning something new with both body and mind acting in unison, i also learn to look and see what is truly there and not what has been taught and accepted for far too long.

While in the process of the car wash dance, i was interrupted by a woman who was having trouble operating the car wash equipment in the next bay. i explained the process rather briefly as the clock was ticking and it is a by the minute charge. When my four wheeled friend was feeling and looking better, we drove out of the bay, and as is the tradition i stopped to admire my friend. He really likes the inflated ego feeling he gets from my acknowledging how clean and sparkly he looks. Being much more secure i did not exhibit any insecure male type ego, by attaching anything to the AMAZING, SUPER EXPERT, and MOST PROFESSIONAL job of cleaning!!!

Nooooooooooo, not me, this is all about my friend, it is his moment to shine! So i let him have his moment. After it was almost over, i approached the woman who had asked me how to use the equipment. If for no other reason than to stop my friend’s gloating and Ego Dancing all over the place. Plus i could have originally been more generous and helpful to her. As i spoke with her and tried to help, it became obvious she was drawing a negative attachment which could well lead to a negative conclusion of her car wash encounter.

This allowed me the connection of how we learn and live, or how i did so, before Boabom. Boabom has provided an environment in which to learn, which is fun, healthy and positive. This allows for me to reevaluate stuff, lots of stuff.

She was most likely feeling frustrated and hindered by her lack of experience and comfort. As i spoke with her and tried to provide some support and a wee bit of positive energy via some humor. She helped me see what was so obviously there. What had been right there all along, yet hidden by my running with the rest of the herd and the herd mentality.

Previously i may have just rolled my eyes and reached the preset conclusion of WOMEN!!! Helpless, Hopeless Women, poor little thing could not handle the old car wash. Same car wash any 12 yr old boy could handle. This very subtle lesson is what i had learned and accepted to see as the norm or prevailing attitude. Women are less, is a mistake most likely created by some poor misinformed, insecure GUY. In reality people are people, ALL people have the ability to learn and grow, to function and change if given the opportunity.

My experience held that this woman was intimidated by the guyness of the car wash. Something i found to be very familiar and was quite comfortable with, (don’t read too much into that OK?). The car wash was designed by guys for guys. All the machinery, electronics, bells, buzzers, gadgets and buttons are guy heaven!!!

All she had to do was eliminate the testosterone factor and “reduce” things OOPs sorry i meant “elevate” things to a simple female wisdom. “Rinse, Soap and rinse.”!!

Here was a beautiful and intelligent woman who was more than capable of accomplishing what she had set out to do. Her beauty was in her confidence and willingness to try something new, to be self sufficient and enriching. Her wisdom and intelligence was in her doing something a GUY would never do, SHE ASKED!!! She was secure and confident enough in herself to ask about something she was unfamiliar with.

This is where all the subtle societal negatives came subliminally knocking. Movies, TV, songs, and written history all combine to inflate men by deflating woman. My observation was that this beautiful, intelligent and adventurous PERSON was intimidated and frustrated by the fact that she was taught to act and think like a female. Being in a male environment she possibly felt intimidated and confused. As well she should have, if a woman had designed the car wash it would have two buttons instead of the multiple buttons and attachments it’s maleness required to satisfy it’s need to control and create. The difference being woman can create so they do not need all the bells and whistles.

This “would” have been a somewhat shocking, painful and eye opening observation for this GUY. Like many observations since beginning at The Boston School of Boabom it led to other connections. But it led me there in a clear and humorous manner. Like how women seem more comfortable at accepting and learning the new movements in class while some guys (Ok Ok this GUy) struggles to control himself and so too the movement. Guy’s try to conquer, while women accept, adapt, change and grow.

Maybe what i am trying to say and learn is that we are all people. But with beautiful, amazingly unique qualities and abilities. That there is a very real difference between how females and males act, process, learn and live, and that this was TAUGHT.

Maybe just maybe, if we stop defining by gender, race, color, or national origin. Maybe just maybe, if we just stop stereotyping self and others. Maybe just maybe, if we relax and begin accepting people as simply being people. Maybe just maybe, if we begin to clearly observe life. Well then, maybe just maybe, we can begin to relax into a most stress-free, negative-free, stereotype-free life without fear or worry. That my friends will be a beautiful thing!!!!!!!!

Sojammmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Anonymous Student (Boabom North)

Free Boabom Class this Sunday at LOCUS in Allston, MA

Hello Everyone!! LOCUS is offering an Introductory class of Boabom (pronounced bo-ha-bom, ryhmes with rome), a system

of Meditation in Movement developing Self-Healing, Self-Defense (internal-external) and Self-Awareness (your body, your thoughts and the space around you).

This class will focus on moving the body in different ways, similar to taichi or yoga but with different ways of breathing united with the movements.

When: Sunday, February 21, 2010

1:00  - 2:00 pm

Where: LOCUS – 20 Rugg rd. Unit 2D Allston, MA

This class will be facilitated by a Student/Assistant Teacher of the Boston School of Boabom in Brookline.

See you there!! Bring comfortable clothes!

bostonboabom.com

allstonlocus.webs.com

Sojamm to the Renovators!!!

This weekend we successfully renewed, repainted, and re-energized the Boston School of Boabom! Fresh paint and positive energies  always do a school good, and we had plenty! We were even able to use a zero-VOC paint (we used one called FreshAire, bur there are many others available), so the school and its air will be clean and healthy for all of us!

So thanks to everyone who came and helped out–you made the weekend fly by, and with so much help we were able to finish earlier than we expected!!!

Sojammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!


PIANO FORTE IN THE AFTERNOON

On January 31, 2009 the *BSBLROFC (Boabom Boston) came out en masse to attend a piano concert by our own Lindsey Robb. As some of you know Lindsey is an accomplished classical pianist who teaches at the Rivers School, Conservatory of Music in Weston, MA and who gives private lessons to some lucky fledgling students in the Boston area.

Lindsey performed Prelude, Chorale, & Fugue, by César Franck. One of three performers, he was hands down the most enjoyable. When he entered the room a hush came over the crowd as we waited expectantly, and being ever the teacher he shared some interesting facts about the composition he was about to play. He then took a few moments to compose himself (and pray he wouldn’t screw up) – we felt him say a silent sojammmmm.

When he began to play the crowd was instantly enthralled. The notes soared and danced around the acoustically perfect hall. His hands raced up and down the key board like tiny NASCARS, his fingers leapt like ten tiny gazelles. It was con passione, con fuoco and con amore ,- the heart pounding cresendo – the resolution of the pianissimo, the adiago and the allegro all made for 20 minutes that felt like 2 and we were left with an immense respect for the work, the talent and the passion that was displayed. AND all without the benefit of being able to glance at the score- who knew it was against the law for a classical pianist to read the notes while performing- THANK YOU FRANZ LIZST!!

After the performance Lindsey humbly thanked the BSBLROFC for attending. Tasty refreshments were enjoyed by all.

PS- the *BSBLROFC is pleased to welcome new members. Please see Paul (Boabom North) for an application

*(Boston School of Boabom Lindsey Robb Official Fan Club)

–Melanie (Boabom North)


Recipe: Granola!

Here is a simple granola recipe that you may enjoy! It’s been tested and is known to taste very good!!! It is nut-free, though they can be added, and the recipe can be adjusted to accommodate nearly any dietary restrictions.

Ingredients:

3/4 – 1 cup Oil (any neutral oil: Sunflower, Safflower, Canola, etc…)

1/2 – 1 cup Honey or Agave Nectar
1-2 tbsp. Vanilla Extract
1 tsp. Salt
1 cup Flaxseed Meal
1 cup Shredded Coconut (optional)

2 cups Oats
1/2 – 1 Cup Sunflower Seeds

Preheat oven to 350

Mix the oil, honey/agave, vanilla and salt in a large bowl. (Honey is stickier than agave, so the granola will clump more).
Add the flaxseed meal and shredded coconut, and mix well.
Now add the oats and sunflower seeds. If you like, you can add nuts at this point, too. Don’t overmix, but make sure that everything is well coated and distributed. (If you add more stuff, add more oil.)

Transfer to a cookie sheet or baking dish.
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, take it out and stir it well, then return it to the over for the last 10 minutes of the bake.

Let cool. Store, covered.

When it is cool you can add dried fruit or whatever else you like. Enjoy!!!

Seamm-Jasani Seminars in Ecuador!

March – 2010… Seminars in Ecuador, Quito and Guayaqil! Soon more information

http://www.boabomsur.com/escuelas/ecuador/

Boabom Cats…

boabom cats- ” Arrrgh…!!! This mouse knows Boabom!!!”

~~~~~•~~~~~

Last Day: Boabom for $20 on Living Social!

Today is the last day for new students to take advantage of our collaboration with LivingSocial: $20 for your first month’s membership! Pass this link along to your friends–you can even buy it as a gift! There are less than 24 hours left to buy the deal, so pick it up by midnight tonight!

Boston Boabom on LivingSocial Deals

Boston Boabom on LivingSocial Deals!

A Student’s Exhortation for Contributions!

Just occurred to me that i truly enjoy checking in with The Boabom Journal. Often with anticipation, as to what new thought provoking and insightful positive it will hold. At times there will be a gap between entries, which could for one less secure prove a disappointment, or a let down. Last time the Journal went awhile without an entry, in true Boabom Style, i turned my disappointment into a positive and reread some of the older entries.Possibly after a most positive “rassa – frassa” or two!!!!!! So my new found slice of security replaced my recently departed disappointment. Such a brave little soldier, almost tantrum free!

This small bit of progress for me coincided with a Teacher telling us of a favorite book he often returns to. He spoke of how the book provides different and new insights each time he revisits it. Like many things i have learned since becoming a student at The Boston School of Boabom, this too had been my experience. When i think back to how many times i had said roughly the same thing of a different book, it produces the smirk and positive head shake of Eureka! Finally getting something that has been sitting under that big ole imaginary Flashing Neon sign, is both enriching and humbling. But then that was teacher’s point, i think.

The book does not change, but the reader does. If they are constant, positive and open to change this can occur in a most favorable way. This as well led to another realization of how very much i learn, listening to students and Teachers while waiting for class to begin or in conversing after class as well. Something about this Art called Boabom and the few special folks who practice and share it with all they contact, make everything about it a positive experience. Well, most everything; a few memorable warm ups at the beginning of class were in the moment a challenge. But then that was my doing in the energy i chose to put into them. May well have been told about conserving energy. But that lesson sits under an imaginary neon sign i am not yet ready to acknowledge. It’s a gift! That often the recessive Guy Gene lies to me and lets me believe i’m still 20 and in shape. Such a mischief maker that Guy Gene! But in this there is realization, growth and a better me headed down a more positive path.

At this point i am in much better shape on a number levels. This due to a small bit of constancy on my part and a bit of guidance in The art from some exceptional Teachers. Oh and maybe just maybe a boat load of patience by those Teacher types as well. But this for me needs to be refreshed and replenished in an ongoing cycle. this requires input!!!!!!

Soooooooooooo, fellow students and Teacher types how’s about sharing some of your lesson’s insights, realizations, passions, experiences and ideas so my new found security is not tested by lack of new articles in The Journal. You all know what they say about “idle hands”. From experience it is far worse for an idle mind when visited by The Guy Gene! Don’t know about anyone else but i am always trying to eat and live healthier so maybe a recipe for a healthy meal or a healthy recipe for life!!! Better yet, make me laugh. Whatever you share it is all good !!!!!!

Sojammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm !!!!!

Anonymous Student, Boabom North

Boabom Cats…

“mmm… my young apprentice… good position! As we say in Boabom;
a good foundation makes a good building”

Interview with Asanaro and BAMSO, The Art of Dreams.

Interview with Asanaro (writer and Boabom teacher) to ARE-New York, December 2009 about “BAMSO, the Art of Dreams” (Tarcher, 2009).

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: I was inspired by dreams! I think we are living in a time of changes in which it is important to share personal experiences that we value strongly, since the more different perspectives there are in our society, the more options for the ‘right path’ there will be for us all. Dreams are, without a doubt, a source of inspiration for anyone around the world, a free potential that is out of the command or control of any interests.

The experiences described in this book only wish to contribute in a positive way with the concept that we have about dreams, to give them more importance so that future generations are able to listen and explore their own awareness, whether dreamlike or daily, before that what their environment imposes.

Q: You are a primary character in the book.  Is the story based on your dreams, your imagination, or both?

A: Without a doubt, this book is inspired by what I have lived in both my real life and in my dreams. There are many more dreams I would like to share, but there will be time for those. There is a part in this story that has been dramatized a well as other parts in which I have used symbolic elements, but they are always linked to my own personal life.

In a beginning I called this book a metaphorical autobiography so as to explain that things that have happened in both my lives (the real and the dreams) were ‘compressed’ to make them have a certain smooth logic within the context of a book.

Q: What are astral projection and doubling?

A: In general, we can say that astral projection and/or doubling are two ways of explaining one same phenomenon: being aware in your dreams. If we call it astral projection, we see this phenomenon as the possibility of projecting our mind with the quality of being conscious and fully aware of what is happening. From another perspective, when we call it doubling, we analyze this consciousness as the capacity of having a ‘double’ or dreamlike body (also known as an astral body) which is energetically connected to our body, through which we can have a fully conscious experience of what is happening while we sleep.

In my opinion, it is not as important how we define this or understand this, nor for us to theorize too much on how to define this phenomenon or capacity. Dreams exist, unconscious dreams are something habitual, and dreams in which we have some control and lucidity are less common but happen nonetheless, and dreams that do have a profound impact (which we can call Bamso) are far more rare but still exist. All this is true, and maybe for some it is only a mental process and for others a practice of pure energy, but however it is we cannot deny it but should see it as a gift.

Q: How might people learn from their dreams, and is it possible to control dreams?  If so, how?

A: First, I think one has to pay attention and value the idea that you can learn from your own dreams. All experience in life is a lesson, and dreams are a rather important part of life. Dreams have simply been relegated by our culture and many religions as an evil, useless or distractive phenomenon; however, dreams were always a guide for us in different times and places. Thus, I think it is important to see dreams as a respectable and positive experience. They should be seen as something constructive, even nightmares, as for instance these can indicate that something is happening with us, or that something is upsetting us and we have not given it proper closure, or that something shocked us during our day… there is nothing negative in it, they’re stages that are manifested in our dreams to be lived, analyzed and eventually overcome.

It is also a relative control, since our minds need to digress and have moments of non-control over the dreamlike experience. However, you can find many degrees of awareness in dreams until you can reach a complete lucidity and enjoy it. I do not like using the word ‘control’ loosely since from the perspective of control for its own sake, dreams turn boring :D Thus, it is a good advice remaining expectant in dreams more than trying to absolutely control them, and the best way to accomplish this is to have a healthy life, rest well, eat healthy (and not to much before sleeping) and to exercise and develop certain relaxation practices before going to sleep.

Another detail that helps awareness is to have a notebook by your bed that can be there for you to write down dreams that call your attention and to meditate about them in a simple way.

Q: You say that the world of dreams is real. How should one understand the reality of dreams?

A: It should be understood as one more process of life, only it happens in a different time-space state. At the same time, it should be taken as our personal advisor, a reality that is there to help us make decisions, that helps us to reach other perspective of ourselves, that helps us become more tolerant and have a bigger vision… and at the same time as a reality that is simply there for us to enjoy life!!!

Chakra Boabom 108: Beyond the energy!

There are several *chakra, but only one **chakra boabom 108!!! and already has her first corn and her first fig! A big sojammmmmmm to the first corn and the first fig boabom of this millennium!

May this cycle-circle be auspicious!

*Chakra (derived from the Sanskrit cakraṃ चक्रं) is a Sanskrit word that translates as “wheel” or “turning“. Chakra is a concept referring to wheel-like vortices in the human body.

**Chakra 108: A little farm.

A Journey in Boabom…

Have gone through many changes since beginning at The Boston School of Boabom. Some easy, some not so much. Yet all have been ultimately, a positive experience in that i have begun working for a better way, in hopefully a better way than i had known. As i am drawn to words both spoken and written which aid me in finding my way, i can not help but see the folly and humor in my past living and lessons. In an effort to be me, i was more truthfully trying to be what i felt i should be. In some ways i was striving to become what family, media, school, religion and others projected as the perfect person. But from this if viewed objectively, honestly and securely comes positive growth and a few laughs. Ok Ok a lot of laughs!!!!!

Made me a bit crazy at times. Which can, when combined with a belly full of beer, make for some very entertaining and embarrassing stories. At this stage in my learning it is about acceptance. Accepting self or the self i am at this stage. Also accepting what and who, i have done and been. It is like they say “all good” if you realize we all play the same games for the same fear based reasons. But it is not about others it is about self. It is not for me about what another did or did not do. It is, or should be, only about what i do, what i say, and how i choose to live.

Recently while having the opportunity to speak with a Teacher i finally got it. Not “THE IT” just a small nugget of “IT” ! Which is OK even for one so impatient as i. This Teacher’s words helped me to get the fact that it is a process more so than an epiphany. For me it seems to take hearing something over and over and over again until “light dawns on marble head”!! But that is Ok in that we all learn and accept at our own pace. Hearing something, learning something and accepting something are now quite different than knowing something, for me. At some point things click and another piece of the puzzle fits into place for me. Much like finally being able to do a movement from class which i had been struggling with. When this happens, rather than shake my head and look at the floor while mumblimg “Tupid, Tupid, Tupid”. Now there is a warm feeling and a slightly downward smirk with a most positive shake of the head. In this i can see just how much energy was wasted on trying to be what was deemed acceptable by, for, and to, others. So no looking back with regret or shame. Irony is … it was NOT me. In working so hard to be the me i thought i was supposed to be i almost lost the me i could be. It is not about my mistakes. But through seeing them for what they were, and befriending them, we can shine the light of honesty on what is ahead. Well, after some good humored honest laughter and maybe some blushing. OOPS! “Did i do that?”

The things which previously caused drama and often led to full contact Logak (hand to hand combat) were never about me they were never mine. Yes i had accepted them and made them mine, just as i made all the misery and drama i received from the news and so many other sources mine. The conflict came for me from listening to outer voices as opposed to my inner voice. Outer voices are many, seductive, relentless and loud. Inner voice is clear, humble, knowing and soft.

i guess what i am trying to say is we all are truly in this together. We all are responsible for what we attract to our own life experiences. This in that we share and interact with so many others in an ongoing and constant process. Sooooooooo quite simply put, do not make someone else’s problem your problem. Do not be motivated by drama and negatives that are not yours. Listen to your self and not the herd. In doing this you are not different you are just being a most unique, beautiful and powerful being … your SELF. And that my friends is a beautiful thing.

Oh yeah, when you do get there. When you do get “IT”, stop by The School and let me know how you did it. Because i can use all the help i can get!!! Sojammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm !!!!!!

Anonymous Student, Boabom North

We are children of the Stars…

A trip to the universe from the Himalayas. No doubt a video that every student and Boabom teacher will enjoy.

Boabom Video ~ Boston

This Saturday 23, at the Boston School of Boabom (MA, USA),

everybody is invited to see the annual Video of the School. At 18:00

The Video will show the activities of the Boston School of Boabom in the last year, 2009.

Welcome and a big Sojammmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

MORE INFORMATION: info@bostonboabom.com

Forest School

six months ago today . . .

out of the streets, into the trees,
into the soilscent leaf-speaking breeze;
now we arise and go forth by the day
to prepare for the night and its firelight play.

far from the squarecut grey stone and black tar,
we leave what we know to find out who we are;
away from the concrete, the crush and the crowd,
to where minds are made quiet and whispers ring loud.

over ways high and low we rise early and go
to the land of green mountains, blue streams, and brown earth.
the rewards for our senses make the journey well worth
any troubles; with each furlough free-feelings grow.

when we arrive we take to trail, learning the lay of the land.
then we work to build fire, clear spaces for sleep,
chop wood, carry water, and though the hill’s steep
each hour finds more friendly faces lending helping hands.

when all sites are settled, we gather and greet,
sit in a circle, speak freely, and eat:
hand-harvested vegetables fresh from that morn
and flesh from creatures kindly kept, free as they were born.

to sunlit grove we make our way to stand in loose-set lines.
led by the gentle voice of one who’s balanced calm and urge,
we warm our blood with a gentle art[ist]’s simplest designs
and feel our worries wane away, our senses start to surge.

muscles loosened, minds made sharp by that exercise-game,
we use slowfading light to work by tool and hand.
we stack splits fit for sparks, make our marks upon the the land,
readying the ground to greet the round for which we came.

then the light begins to change as night creeps closer near;
we scatter, then are summoned, and should strangers pass us by
they’d find us dressed in garb to fit well into none-and-any year:
cloaked in monochrome, we find each eye is drawn to eye.

under leaf-ringed, star-strewn sky, by floor of pine and moss
we set the fire high alight; flickering shadows cross
the copse as voices rise in humming tide—
then silence, then a call to stand and show and cease to hide.

volunteers step forward, make mandala, mantra, motion,
a choreographed collective: many waves, a single ocean.
then come stories told in mime and movement, drumbeat-driven dance,
as every student strives to take a turn, to take a chance.

fires flicker, fists flash, stars shine, strikes spark;
like sylvan sprites we’re living lights at play in deep surrounding dark.
for hours, it feels, we take turns in that wheel with all our expression exposed,
but time waits for none, and all too soon, our dance is done; we sing the circle closed.

one by one we turn to find our ways through woods to bed,
closing up our tents to rest our bodies and our heads,
and in so doing open doors perception locks ’til sleep.
and what’s found there? that secret’s one the forest’s kind to keep.

earth, tree, sky, sun . . . we raise our hands inhaling, greet the morning light,
loosen a little, stretch and smile, stir our second sight.
we pace through patterns, permeated with pastoral peace—
sun, sky, tree, earth . . . we lower hands and walls and wards, let our lungs release.

we break camp, clean and cover, leave no trace but ash
save our element of focus, made of branches hung and lashed—
a gift to a forest familiar with such seals,
its simple shape a message every creature lives to feel.

out of the shade and into the sun,
saying farewells, giving thanks for what’s been done, we head
out of the trees, back to the streets, we carry close the emblems and the embers
of our memories, those keys we’ll keep to help us re[p]lay what we remember:

if you follow the light of phantom fires in the forest
far away from city’s sirens and bright electric hums,
you’ll find a hidden choir singing out a secret chorus
to the song of a stream and the rhythm of a dreamseeker’s drums.

in the hidden, wooded glade,
a circle’s drawn, a mark is made,
so come away from concrete, construction, crowds, and cars
to sit and sing with root and wing beneath a thousand stars.

a wisdom waits there in the woods
where figures sat in long black hoods;
beneath the oaks, among the pines
wrapped in cloaks with opened minds . . .

. . . it’s far away now, but not out of our reach.
until we return one day to learn what lessons land alone can teach,
until that day arrives again, whether it be soon or late,
until its students reappear, the forest school will wait.

- Udaboa, the Scribe
Boabom North