Why Principles over Styles?
I am often asked for my opinion on styles or whether I am aware of a particular style. This question is generally rooted in a desire for proof that something is good and worth the time to study. When it comes to my answers on the subject, they are based on opinion, drawing from observation and e...
by Master Sheldon —
May 25, 2026
adaptability
embodiment
inner circle
kung fu
martial arts
personal growth
practice
principles
self-mastery
shaolin
structure and flow
style
training philosophy
wisdom practice
yin and yang
Mastery Mindset
Introduction: What Is a Mastery Mindset?
Â
A mastery mindset is not about perfection, status, or reaching a final destination where learning stops. It is a way of relating to skill, knowledge, and practice that emphasizes depth, adaptability, and intentional action.
At its core, a mastery mind...
by Master Sheldon —
Apr 29, 2026
discipline
focus
inner circle
kung fu
martial arts training
mastery
mastery mindset
personal growth
qigong
spiritual practice
tai chi
The Tree Already Growing
🌱 The Seed
Have you ever been doing something intuitively or felt led to do something or a series of things that you later realized was an actual path for you to follow, or that you yourself blazed a trail for others?Â
Â
The Hero's Journey
I think of the stages of the hero's journey:
❓the quest...
by Master Sheldon —
Mar 27, 2026
hero’s journey
personal transformation
spiritual growth
🌀Loops and Spirals: The Discipline of Staying Human (Part 1)
Loops & Spirals: The Discipline of Staying Human
Humans have long noticed repeating patterns in nature and learned to use them to advance mankind forward. Some of the first patterns we noticed were cycles and their repetition in the seasons, weather, and the planets. We noticed the spiral patter...
by Master Sheldon —
Jan 31, 2026
kung fu
practice
qigong
taichi
theory
Follow Your Fingers: The Energetics of Attention, Direction, and Power
Feeling Energy, Not Force
If you’ve ever tried to move someone heavier than you, you know the struggle — the harder you push, the less they budge.
In Kung Fu and Qigong, that moment isn’t failure; it’s the doorway to understanding energy.
In one of our Energetics classes, a student was pushing a...
by Master Sheldon —
Nov 04, 2025
qigong
taichi
Invisible Skills: What You Gain That No One Sees
What Progress Really Looks Like
Most people think of progress as something you can show off. A new form. A stronger body. A dramatic before/after story that makes for a great headline. But real transformation doesn’t always look like that. In fact, some of the most important changes are invisibl...
by Master Sheldon —
Aug 16, 2025
kung fu
qigong
skill
taichi
training
The Truth Behind Energetics—It’s Simpler Than You Think
Have you ever heard terms like peng, lu, or ji tossed around in martial arts classes and felt completely lost? It can seem like a secret language designed to keep you confused. In this article, I want to break down these concepts so they’re accessible—because energetics isn’t about memorizing ex...
by Master Sheldon —
Jul 03, 2025
energetics
kung fu
qigong
taichi
Summer is in Full Swing!
Â
Summer is finally here, and it's time to unleash the energy that’s been building up during the colder months. With longer days, shorter nights, and more sunshine, summer is the perfect time to enhance your endurance, engage in higher-interval training, and manage the heat effectively. Whether ...
by Master Sheldon —
Jun 21, 2025
Does Qigong Work?
First, I want to emphasize that Qigong is not a cure-all; it has its limitations. Its role is not always what people think of regarding health, and many misconceptions are associated with the practice. Let's first address the misconceptions surrounding Qigong and tackle the question, "Does Qigon...
by Master Sheldon Callahan —
Jun 03, 2025
qigong
taichi
What I Shared with an NBA Team
NBA Players are elite athletes with excellent command of their bodies. These professionals have a whole staff of people who care for them, from exercise and nutrition to mental health, so what could a Kung Fu/ Taichi and Qigong teacher share with them that is of value?
Why was I asked to share w...
by Master Sheldon —
Apr 12, 2025
mindset
nba
pro sports
zen
Animal Energies
Animal styles have fascinated martial artists and movie lovers alike. From the legendary Shaolin Five Animals to Jackie Chan's playful adaptations, these styles embody more than just movement—they represent a more profound philosophy of Power, adaptability, and energy.
Yet, while these styles lo...
by Master Sheldon —
Mar 13, 2025
5 animals
crane
dragon
energy
kung fu
lohan
monkey
panther
qigong
snake
tiger
Embracing Dance for Holistic Wellness & Community Connection
In a world where rigid routines often define wellness, MOVE: Spirit & Rhythm Wellness Experience offers a refreshing alternative, a celebration of movement, culture, and community. Since the beginning, MOVE has provided an inviting space for individuals to immerse themselves in the Dance of the ...
by Shereel Washington —
Jan 17, 2025
dance
move
Stay Connected,Subscribe to Deep Root
Get the Inner Circle Digest for Exclusive insights & The Temple Guardian for news, comics, and community updates.
Read Articles
Inner Circle Digest
Get highlights from our curated "Wisdom Archive" of illustrated insightsÂ
The Temple Guardian
Deep Root’s newsletter—sharing updates, stories, and ways to get involved.Â
All The Tools You Need To Embark on a Transformative Journey with Deep Root Center For Spiritual Studies
Gain unparalleled access to our treasure trove of resources designed to enlighten, inspire, and propel you towards your highest potential.