Gravitas and Levitas

Gravitas is the Latin root for the English "gravity." It means weightiness, substance, dignified demeanor and has overtones of ground, earth, roots. When we have gravitas, we are coming from a deep and connected place.

Levitas is the Latin root for our words "levity" and "levitate." It means lightness, playfulness, spontaneity and has overtones of space. When we have levitas, we are not too serious and we are not stuck.

To encourage gravitas, use the yinning and yanging of the legs exercise and other grounding methods; think before speaking; act with special care. To encourage levitas, "shibabo!" Use the opening the crown exercise, smile, giggle, quip, let go . .

Onami

The Great Wave (Onami) at Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai, ca. 1830 From a series of 36 wood block print views of Mt. Fuji.

Onami is made up of two Japanese words: O-nami. Nami is wave. O- is Great. As in really Great. Bigger and more significant than Tsu-nami, a giant wave. It is the genius of Hokusai that he was able to unleash the power of the ocean while maintaining the stillness of the mountain. This coexistant harmony of stillness and motion is reinforced by the position of Mt. Fuji, riding the curl.

Life comes at us in waves. If we an learn to identify and ride the curl, we enjoy a dynamic balance, centered like Fuji, moving within the power of the great ocean, and poised to enjoy the view. How to establish such a quality in ourselves? Music, Movement and Meditation will hone our skills to creatively deal with what comes our way.

Teaching Tips to Remember

Don't teach what you don't know.

Get permission before entering the student's space.

Explain, demonstrate, suggest, critique.

Respect freedom; encourage responsibility.

Receive and adjust to each moment's feedback.

Know when the lesson is over.

Teach to the highest common denominator.

Don't teach other people's students.

Some difficulties cannot be overcome.