The Roots of Change:
Episode 2: "Internal Awareness"
The Awakening That Changed Everything
Every practice has a turning point—a moment when knowledge becomes wisdom, and routine becomes revelation.
For me, that moment came a few years ago, after a long day at the computer. My back was tight, my body out of balance, and sleep wouldn’t come. At 3 a.m., desperate for relief, I got on the floor, closed my eyes, and just listened: to my breath, my joints, and the quiet voice of my own body.
What happened next surprised even me.
I moved exactly as my body asked—one step at a time, pausing, listening, letting each movement guide the next. This wasn’t a routine from any book or temple. It was something new, born from years of Taichi and Qigong, but shaped by real life and real tension. By the end, I felt lighter, clearer, and finally at ease—in both body and mind.
Heads up, Deep Root community!
To better serve everyone’s schedules, we’re updating our Tuesday and Thursday class times. Starting Tuesday, September 2, 2025:
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Kung Fu will now start at 6:00pm
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Qigong/Taichi will begin at 7:00 pm
Both classes are still held at our Oakland center. Please mark your calendars and spread the word! If you have any questions about the new times or how this might affect your routine, feel free to reach out via chat, email, or at your next class.
Sunday’s classes remain at their current times.
We’re looking forward to seeing you on the mat at our new times! What’s the best way for you to receive these updates—email, text, or social? Let us know so we can keep you in the loop!
Recommended Article: Invisible Skills
Looking for inspiration beyond the physical? Check out our featured article: Invisible Skills. Explore the subtle, often overlooked abilities you gain through practice—like relaxation on demand, quiet confidence, and real-time self-awareness. These are the skills that transform not just your training, but your everyday life.
Subscribe to the Inner Circle and get monthly articles from our Wisdom Archive and much more.
🌱 Community Spotlight: Sammuel Washington
Student & Volunteer Stories This month, we’re shining a light on the journeys happening within our community.
Student Story: Sammuel Washington
“After my stroke and seizure, I was left with paralysis and severe damage to my arm and legs. I could barely stand for eight seconds, and even simple tasks like using the bathroom or moving my fingers felt impossible.
Working with Master Sheldon and the Deep Root team changed everything. They didn’t just help me understand what was broken—they showed me how to move forward, day by day. Through Qigong and Kung Fu, with real support and encouragement, I began to see progress I never thought possible.
Today, I no longer need a cane. My wrist, fingers, elbow, and shoulder are all improving, and I’m gaining more movement and strength with each session. I’m still on the journey, but I’m moving forward every day.
I thank God for Master Sheldon and the community at Deep Root. Their dedication and care have truly given me my life back.”
— Sammuel Washington
Volunteer Spotlight: The Tech Team Heroes Behind Deep Root
At Deep Root Center, the smooth flow of everything—from our website to class sign-ups to workshop testing—doesn’t just happen by magic. It’s made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers who handle all the technical details so our community can focus on growth and learning.
Meet the Unsung Heroes:
Shereel Washington: Always ready to troubleshoot, organize, and support, Shereel is the glue that keeps our digital operations running. Whether it’s updating content or solving a last-minute tech hiccup, her steady presence makes a difference every day.
Carla Briggs: From registration forms to backend logistics, Carla’s attention to detail ensures every sign-up and system works smoothly. Her behind-the-scenes work means our students and teachers can focus on what matters most—practice and connection.
Shannon Mante-Green: Coding and providing new features that help us improve, Shannon is always one step ahead. His commitment to quality helps us offer a seamless experience for everyone at Deep Root.
Landon Callahan: Landon keeps our website and digital tools up to date. His expertise ensures our community can easily access resources, sign up for classes, and stay informed.
We’re grateful for the time, energy, and care these volunteers bring—often without recognition or fanfare. Their work behind the scenes is vital to the Deep Root experience, and we couldn’t do it without them.
If you see them in class or online, give them a thank you—they truly are the backbone of our community.
📚 Resources for Beginners
Just getting started or want a refresher? Here are some resources to support your journey:
A Beginner’s Guide to Shaolin Kung Fu – Your go-to for history, etiquette, and foundational skills.
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