The Seattle Winter Regional training 2019-20. By Dave Goodell and Margaret Matsumoto ~ (Jan 2020)

The Seattle Winter Regional training 2019-20.

By Dave Goodell and Margaret Matsumoto

The Seattle Winter Regional Training ran from Dec. 28, 2019 – Jan. 3, 2020 and was held in the rented basement rooms of the Magnolia Lutheran church. There were 26 apprentice-teachers, including George Kormendi, Thomas Malone, Matsu and Dave Goodell.  In addition, we welcomed 18 local students, most of whom took the Roots and Branches course while a handful enjoyed meeting daily during the training (instead of their customary once-a-week class) for their PH2 or continuing Sensing Hands Partner Work.

At every level of study, we worked our connection to the Heavens above and the Earth below. During the week, many of us relaxed into a more complete experience of our root. Some comments:

“I loved the feeling of suspension from above and simultaneously, the softening and releasing of weight below.”

“I spent this training with more sense of upward lift.”

“Yay…for continuing to soften the soles of our feet. I got an inkling of feeling my weight and even my partner’s weight passing through me into the earth.”

 “How neat to follow any movement that resulted from softening. Had to give up my agenda, though.”

“More listening and allowing, less doing or even trying to do!”

In addition to the form, qigong, sword, fencing, and push hands (sensing hands) classes, we had a B2-, B3-, and a PH1- apprenticeship.  Becky’s dog, Tip, also attended and was ready to spring into action when she heard someone call out “Hips, hips!”

There was no group New Year’s Eve party, although some people went out for dinner and others went home and to bed before the stroke of midnight. Our final party was a lavish potluck dinner on the evening before the final day of classes, with plenty of leftovers on the very last day for both delicious lunch together and great snacks.

In keeping with the season of Winter and the energetic quality of the corresponding Water Element, classes finished each day by 6pm (7pm for teaching staff) with time to rest and replenish reserves. After a successful and enjoyable training, we returned home, ready for a New Year and a new decade.