Time For Action

Something interesting happened…. I did some counter pushups yesterday. Not because I had to or needed to check a box. It was a random unplanned moment that seemed to just happen automatically. That initial unconscious action then quickly became a conscious decision to continue for 20 reps. 

Apparently it was time to take out a well used tool that’s been gathering some dust for far too long. The concepts behind doing pushups and situps had been applied to other areas of my life, but the original tool had not been discarded. 

I think the key in all this is I’ve been staring to feel a bit stuck and knowing that the time for more action is here or at least drawing very near. So in reality that random moment wasn’t random at all. An established tool and muscle memory took over at an opportune time to remind me how easy and beneficial the effort of doing pushups can be. And to remind me the time for action is here. Makes perfect sense with the Year of the Horse almost upon us.

Breath as a Tool

There were significant key discoveries and take aways from this weeks black belt classes. During Tuesday’s class, we were working on a section in Lao Gar 1 with the focus on chi. After running through that section a number of times and not really feeling much in the way of chi, there was a spot where I realized I needed to adjust my breathing. As soon as I changed my breathing pattern to two inhales with one exhale at the end, everything fell into place. I was able to feel the flow of chi at the end of the sequence and it was pointed out to me that my technique corrected itself as well. 

Breathing differently during the technique brought that section of the form more in line with the Tai Chi I've been focused on this year. My pace slowed down with the extra breath and focus, allowing me time to experience and feel the energy more. Tempo, flow, energy input/output and technique all changed and improved with a simple adjustment to breath. 

A question I ask myself with regards to specific and mindful breathing, is how much of this is a tool to facilitate a particular outcome during a technique or sequence? And at what point is that tool no longer needed? I feel my goal needs to be on the desired outcome becoming natural, and eventually being able to eliminate or shorten some of the pauses or steps. The tool doesn't disappear completely, it just smooths out and becomes more natural with less thought required.

The internal and external styles share many fundamentals principles and Tai Chi has certainly improved and added depth to my Kung Fu. When I practise Tai Chi, I feel I am more aware of chi in each sequence and as I move through the form. There has been a lot of crossover from Tai Chi to my Kung Fu training and I've also been able to apply concepts from the more external forms of Kung Fu to help with my Tai Chi training.

This is definitely something to continue working on and exploring.

Back to Class!

This was the week! I was finally able to return to black belt classes in person after being away for five weeks. Attending classes has always been a priority for me so five weeks is a long time away. Being sick sucks. 

There was a part of me that was missing classes and yet comfort and rest became my priority, which also fueled the excuses to stay away. As symptoms decreased and I continued to feel better, there was no longer a valid reason to not go to class this week.

At the start of Tuesdays class I was unsure of where my energy level was at or how rusty my forms would be. There were two things that stood out for me during that first class back.

1. Forms- With my head in the game, I focused on the form we were doing. I remember thinking as I was going through the form how surprisingly good it felt. There were moments of flow and intensity at times. There were also a few sticky spots, but I didn’t feel stuck. They were noted and I moved on. Looking back now, I realize that I had let go of any expectations and allowed myself to be in the moment. 

2. Bag Kicks- I definitely had lower expectations and less confidence with kicks. My technique, power and speed all need to be addressed while working on a bag. Definitely a hole in my training and skill level that are in need of some care and attention.

So what did I do after class? I went to the Kwoon the following morning to get some practice in and to also start to rebuild a healthy training routine. And I have some thoughts/plans for the coming year.

Pre Sick Normal

There have been moments this week where I’ve had a sense of getting back to my pre sick normal. Post viral symptoms have been decreasing and my energy level has been increasing. It also feels good to be making some plans for next year and setting goals. Making positive and impactful decisions is helping me to get me unstuck from this loop of doing what has been mostly only necessary these past few weeks.

I know my normal is going to be constantly changing and evolving. I also know from past experience I have a degree of control and the ability to shape my experiences and outcomes. I simply need to exercise that control and continue putting one foot in front of the other. Looking forward to putting illness behind me.