frequently asked questions*

Who would want to practice the Longevity Exercises?

The Longevity Exercises are designed for people of all ages, and has much to offer to a wide range of people. Individuals who are looking for a way to truly help themselves will benefit greatly from this system. The benefits that result from the practice of the exercises can range from the more obvious to the more subtle. More obvious benefits may be relief of chronic pain, improvement of posture, weight loss, greater coordination and sense of gracefullness, overall more youthful appearances. More subtle benefits may be a quieter mind, a sense of openess without feeling vulnerable, greater self-confidence, an inner sense of peace through resolving or letting go of conflict.

Suitable to today's fast-paced times, twenty minutes a day of practicing can bring about many benefits. In addition, acquiring tools to help one's self can be a very empowering and joyous experience.

How often should I practice?

A daily practice is optimal. According to one's interest and circumstances, the length of time dedicated to practice will vary. In general, 20-30 minute long practice session is a good amount, and if one is so inclined, a practice session could be a few hours long. However, it is recommended to start with an amount of time that can be sustained comfortably over time. A shorter daily practice is better than longer practices that are not practiced regularly.

What are you referring to when you talk about Energy?

The energetic aspect of the Longevity Exercises is what makes this system unique. Unfortunately, energy is not an aspect which lends itself easily to words since it is essentially a non-verbal experience, in addition, the word "energy" is a rather generic one and we use it only for a lack of more fitting terms. However, many people are able to "tune-in" and open up to the particular energy we engage in while practicing the Longevity Exercises, and often upon their first encounter with the exercises. After a class, most people leave with a definite sense experiencing something which is at once simple and direct, yet difficult to verbalize.

There is nothing mystical or mysterious about energy, at least not any more mysterious or mystical than anything else. It is a matter of paying attention to another aspect of our reality which we may not have been so aware of before. Naturally, we all have our different paces and ways of learning and understanding so each person's experience is unique. Essentially, I would say that opening up to the energy is a process of broadening our ways of perception so that we can hold a bigger experience of our reality.

Are the Longevity Exercises a type of yoga or chi kung?

This is a very common question. The Longevity Exercises are not a type of yoga or chi kung. Each system is unique in it's own way, and each person experiences them in their own unique way. The Longevity Exercises have something very special to offer to those who choose to look into them.

Here is an analogy: Take a work of art, The Duck Pond by Monet, for example. From a distance, we can say that there is nothing special about this painting: It is painted within a rectangular frame just like so many other paintings. From closer still, we can say that there is nothing unique about painting a picture of ducks in a pond, many people have done that before. And the artist probably used many of the same colors other artists have used. And so on, and so forth.

Obviously, the real beauty of a masterpiece hides behind the superficialities of the mundane, or rather it uses the superficialities to express something deeper. I don't think that kind of beauty ever imposes itself on anyone--one has to seek it out, to meet it halfway, so to speak. The best way to find out about the Longevity Exercises is to try a class, and to let your own experience inform you.

Who is Howard Y. Lee?

Mr. Lee is a renowned healer and teacher, known for his humbleness and masterful ability in dealing with the energy source he calls The Light of Life. Many people have also heard of him through his connection to the late famous author Carlos Castaneda, who was a kung-fu student of Mr. Lee for some 15 years. You can read about Mr. Lee on his website: www.thelightoflife.com. I recommend reading some of his articles and interviews, also. This year (2008) some books by Howard Y. Lee are due to be released.

Can anyone become a Longevity Instructor?

Yes, anyone can become an instructor by attending the Longevity Instructors course offered at The Light of Life Institute. You can see the training schedule at www.thelightoflife.com.

 

 

*The ideas expressed here are subject to change as my understanding grows.