Practice Above the Graveyard

Last night went up past a graveyard to a generally empty park. It stretches half a mile above the tombstones, is well lit and has a temple at mid-point. The atmosphere is very conductive to practicing. I get the feeling of solemnity, of being all alone amidst the maple trees and row upon row of Buddhist headpieces. When taking a break, standing on the fallen leaves, I looked up through the bare branches to see the moon shining brightly. Was a great practice not because I had a major breakthrough but because I felt the beginning of a deeper realization. That's how it always starts.

I had exercised for quite a bit earlier in the day so muscles and mind were in a fatigued relaxed state. But what I noticed was when executing lunges or explosive movements with the lower body usually i would be committed to it until it finished and could recover. But instead I pushed off in one way and immediately contracted the muscles in mid-air so that the moment I touched soil I could segue into another direction. And not just jumping but even when one leg is pushing forward, the other is keying up muscles to execute another action. So that one jump forward becomes a whip to any other direction!

And though its hard to explain, another thing is total body involvement. Now I remember way back when I took martial art classes the stress on stepping, blocking, punching: each movement utilizing a separate muscle group. I know that one aim is to combine all into a fluid action but what I didn`t realize until last night was that the entire body is used for every single action. What this means is that while you could block with just your upper body, stomach muscles, shoulders, arms, back etc. you are taking the full brunt of the force in the upper body only. But just add the turning of the legs and pivoting of the feet and deflect-counter becomes effortless. The placement of the feet being the most important as they aid not only the direction of force but also quickness and power as well.

All that is from just thinking about last nights practice. I think it is essential to not just train physical but ponder what you noticed- your body`s reactions. Now, next time I have things to focus on. Also how much of this discovery was related to the excellence of the practice area? I think choosing a good place, one that matches your personality or disposition is vital to making progress. I mean we choose our workplace around such principles so why not?