David J Meredith

03/14/2025

09/20/2024

"Sweata Weather" has arived, and outdoor QiGong & TaiChi classes are starting back up in local parks. Stay tuned for pop up announcements...

https://youtu.be/_2PuhzO_whY?si=HvGcpsMkJ6D-nrSI

09/17/2024

On behalf of us brother Masons here at Euclid Lodge, here's a big shout out with thanks to all you who have donated to our on-going food pantry collections. The needs are many so if within your means, please consider donating some non-perishable food items. We have two convenient drop off locations. One in Wood-Ridge in front of Get Well Physical Therapy at 270 Valley Blvd, and the other in front of our Masonic Lodge located at 200 Division Ave in Hasbrouck Heights. Together we can make a big difference for local families in need. See the comments here for much needed item suggestions, and don't hesitate to call me with questions at
(201) 414-3601
Best wishes and enjoy the Fall!
~ David J Meredith
(Chaplain)

08/07/2024

QiGong food for thought with Master Gu from the Wudang Mountains.

What is Qi Gong? Taoist Master explains power of Qi and philosophy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsJRGT3d0DU&t=284s

08/05/2024

Sitting, Standing, or Moving, Mindfulness = Wellbeing...

Hi Friends - Hoping this new message finds you doing great! I was sharing some content with my group classes, and I thought you might find it interesting as well.

Over the years, much of my practice, whether on the massage table or through my teaching & training, has been influenced by the work of the late Dr. Herbert Benson. Quoted here in my meme, Dr Benson published several books & scientific studies on the beneficial effects to our minds and bodies when we practice certain meditative techniques, which include the QiGong we practice together.

When describing the science behind, “The Relaxation Response”, as he called it, he says, “two steps are necessary. One can be repeating a word, a sound, a prayer, a phrase, or a repetitive movement. The second is that when other thoughts come to mind, you passively disregard them and come back to the repetition.”

Below I have included some links. One is Dr Benson talking at the Harvard Book Store explaining the history and techniques involved. The other is a shorter and straight forward guided meditation by him.

Among all the traditional practices in our class, I thought you might find these videos useful, as when we are practicing QiGong, this is exactly what we are doing… End point is that, whether Sitting, Standing, or Moving, Mindfulness = Wellbeing...

Enjoy and contact me if I can be of service. 😀
- Dave
(201) 414-3601

Talk at Harvard Bookstore:

https://youtu.be/KZ7JfC3_Zgc?si=ZhYg7MyWpa2KnGeR

Shorter Guided Technique:

https://youtu.be/nBCsFuoFRp8?si=Ofp2eEWvvTJwo7-A

07/25/2024

Some more thoughts for your time outside...

The late actor was a personal friend and deep thinker. His books included "The Lemming Condition" and a children's classic, "Tony's Hard Work Day." Here's a quotation by Alan that you might appreciate:

Life is improvisation — we’re tap dancing on a rubber raft.
We like to think otherwise, so we plan our lives,
we plot, we figure, we find careers
that will guarantee early retirement;
we look for lasting relationships, and write rules,
trying to control a wild horse
of a universe that gallops by us, through us, around us —
and every once in a while,
for a moment or two,
we grab its mane and join in its dance.
But won't be tamed.
We’re at our best when we let it go.
To improvise, according to Webster,
is to create on the spur of the moment
with any material at hand.
That's what we're all doing, every day.
We might as well let the rest go, join the party,
and dance our hearts out.
-Alan Arkin

07/21/2024

Fun times yesterday on the Rail Trail from Barnegat, with David Rosen and a great group called the Inglorious Ruckers. They walk the trails and other interesting spots in this area prepping for their fund raising events in support of veterans, most especially for ‘Mission 22’. The ages and fitness levels were diverse and everyone was welcome to go at their own pace. This ruck was free but supporting their event in September is a great way to get some exercise and have a good time for an outstanding cause! For more information about their rucks and how to support Mission 22 with their team, check out the links below…

Inglorious Ruckers FB Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/fMXQSsGG8pTdvPMr/?mibextid=K35XfP

September Ruck to Support of Mission 22:
https://give.mission22.com/campaign/inglorious-ruckers/c591846