did you hear what Victor & Anna said about China? OMG!

Published: Thu, 06/01/17

Terry Hodgkinson - MindFit Excellence Coach

I have always wanted to see China and experience its Historical and Spiritual aspects. Terry’s Tao Travel – Journeys that Enlighten the Soul program seemed like the perfect way to do this. I can tell you that it certainly was ideal, even exceeding my best expectations.

There was an enjoyable flow to the entire trip as all the well-planned activities unfolded, day by day. I personally would call it, “Terry's Active-Zen Spiritual Adventure Tour”. It truly was outstanding and I had a wonderful time!

I saw much that was awesome and of keen interest to me: The Great wall, The Forbidden City, many ancient mystical Tao temples on Wudang Mountain. Also I experienced things that we might have otherwise not been able to in a more conventional tour: such as visiting with a elderly Taoist Monk who lives alone high up in a mountain cave; witness up close a Taoist ceremony deep in the bowels of the ancient Blue temple, something that has happened daily since the 13th century when the temple was completed; visit the art gallery of a prominent contemporary artist and enjoy watching him work, and later being coached in how to do calligraphy by this master.

I was delighted to experience the natural beauty of WUDANG MOUNTAIN area; to spend a nice amount of time there, and then to climb to the very top, all of which made understandable to me why this location has been such a central source of inspiration for artists, meditators and famous philosophers throughout China’s long history.

The climb up Wudang was a very special undertaking. I knew the climb would be about 4 hours, and I assumed it would be a tough slog, maybe even agonizing if one were out of shape. So weeks before the trip I got into shape by walking up stairs and running up hills during my daily walks. This proved to be useful. I was also determined to be as mindful as possible, a Zen Buddhist technique. By putting my fullest attention on what I was doing as I climbed step-by-step, moment-by-moment there developed eventually the experience of exquisite effortlessness… as I seemingly was glided upward. It became real easy, hardly experiencing any of the anticipated agony I had! The majestic scenic visuals all around me at the top of the mountain evoked a heightened sense of happiness to be so lucky to experience something so extraordinary. Yes, It was a very neat experience; actually it was an exhilarating experience. I’m very happy I did it.

I really appreciated Terry and Fan’s teamwork, 'can do‘ approach to things that made every aspect of our trip such a memorable success. They both are very conscientious, inclusive, caring individuals, knowledgeable and always ready to do what’s appropriate and needed for us; and to have a good laugh while doing it. Both demonstrated a resourceful willingness beyond the call of duty to resolve any unexpected challenge. This was much appreciated and worthy of praise and recommendation. They proved to be ideal guides to navigate within an unfamiliar culture and place. I always felt in harmony with others, my environment and myself. I really enjoyed the daily Tai chi class and the interaction with many of the local folks. Terry and Fan made all this possible and easy. The vegetarian meals were always great, as were the interesting and entertaining mealtime conversations with my fellow trip companions; all had a great time! So if you are interested in such things and ‘Peak Experiences’, join Terry next time in China, climb to the top of Wudang Mountain. Enjoy the view and the Tao.

Victor Levytsky

Retired

Mississauga

When Victor mentioned a possible trip to China with Terry, after talking to Terry and doing some research, I thought it might be an amazing adventure. AND OH IT WAS!

Terry’s agenda allowed us to experience the spiritual, religious and scenic majesty of Wudang Mountain as well as great sight seeing around Beijing. Many thanks to Fan our Chinese trip liaison, without whom our trip would have been impossible. She is very resourceful; her calm organized pleasant manner and sense of humour added so much enjoyment to our trip. We will be forever grateful.

Terry’s planning made the trip carefree. The walk up Wudang Mountain was a real challenge for me. I was encouraged by my other trip travel companions as well as many strangers on the same journey, and local guys offering to carry me up to the top. I made it up all those stairs with my new walking sticks, which allowed me to push on up to the top much more easily. As a physical and mental challenge, it was something that I was grateful to accomplish and will always take pride in.
I met so many kind and generous people who made the experience unforgettable. Master Li, his patience and sense of humour allowed me to experience Tia Chi as a beginner and add something new with pleasant memories.

The cool evenings sipping tea with Master Hu who taught us valuable lessons from Taoism and his students was a delight worthwhile. We now have that same green tea with red dates and 5 Gogi berries often back home in Canada

Our attempts at calligraphy with Fan’s father who is a master calligraphist and such a kind and gentle man, was a wonderful experience that I tell everyone about. He is but one of many warm and kind people in China whom I will remember always.