It was pointed out to me that I have not posted for quite a long time – which is interesting since a lot has been going on for me in my training – but it has been moving so fast in my body/subconscious that I have not been able to sort it out intellectually and put it in writing!
So now that some at least has consolidated, let me try to put down a few thoughts.
I have aquired more flexible ankles and with them much better balance – also more relaxed groin muscles allowing easier and lower movement.
I took literally Master Chen’s direction to focus on my centre and very physically investigated how this worked. With time I managed to reduce the movement to a rolling feeling and have a much better feeling of connection.
Along with this I have had physical injuries and medical problems which have also provided opportunities to further my awarenes of body feelings, and I can now practice better than before the problems arose.
So how did I do these things, what is the secret? What I have done, and can now suggest, is to investigate your body and its feelings in movement, with awareness, noting the guidance of those that have gone before – your teacher or other masters.
And what is next? Well I am quite a way into eliminating my beginners errors from a long time ago, which came about from too slavish adherance to instruction. Also I am now working on the applications of what I have learned – for example in push hands.
It is worth mentioning as well that I am working regularly with a dance therapist on physical/emotional issues – after 74 years you can imagine that there are quite a few! I am looking forward to my next cycle of development.
