In the past if I was stuck on something I would spend hours until I got it figured out and things felt right. Many wonderful discoveries have been made over the years when I push myself and what I learn usually transfers into other areas of my training.
Training with such a determined attitude takes effort and perseverance, but there is a hefty dose of ego involved as well. I find it very interesting how ego keeps popping up quite often this year. It is something that I have been working on to identify and disengage from more and more.
I am finding that I don't try to force a solution or beat it into submission nearly as much as I used to. Instead I've been approaching my training with more of a peaceful and calm attitude this year. Relaxing into the process allows a natural evolution to occur. This has been very apparent for me in the past few weeks.
I had a great training session Monday morning. As I went through my hand form I was focusing on flow in a section near the beginning and near the end. I've been working on flow for a few weeks now and only making teeny tiny little steps forward. The great thing is I am not trying to force it. I put in the effort, and I ask myself questions. I am drawing on all the knowledge passed on to me from teacher to student and my skill and experience. And I do feel that I am getting closer to not only developing flow in my hand form but also being able to apply it to all areas of my training and have a good base from which to grow.
These are some of the things that I am aware of and working on to help facilitate better flow.
Finish my technique
Understand the intent of the application
Release my energy
Joining techniques - where and when
Transitions of the upper body and the lower body
Proper rotation
Engaging my core
Circular energy
When I do a rep I may choose 1 or 2 of the above to work on. I may do all my form reps with the same intent in a given day or I may change up the intent with each rep. It all depends on what I feel is needed at the time and lessons taught in class. I find it hard to work on just 1 thing at a time. Progress is coming slowly and I'm good with that because I know there is forward momentum.
On Monday as I worked on flow in the section near the end of my form I recognized I wasn't feeling the power of my strikes and blocks. Partially because I wasn't releasing between moves and the circular energy that connects each technique to the next technique was mostly taking place with the arms and hands. I know the hips and shoulder, knees, elbows and feet were involved as well, just not to their full potential. There were a couple moments where everything came together and I could feel the connection of power and release. The six harmonies were working together and I could feel the potential. Ahh... I believe more snake is needed.
I also had what I thought was a breakthrough on a troublesome section of the broadsword. It is the strike as you complete the 360 degree turn. I am having trouble with the trajectory of the sword. I couldn't seem to get it to feel right. Thankfully I found out I wasn't on the right track only because I asked Sihing Csillag some questions and got some help to continue down the correct path.
Monday was a great day with lots of good observations and instruction. Amazing what one day can bring!
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