In these two series, we will explore the keys to returning to our natural movement. This will bring the body to balance and freedom alike and open new wells of creativity and ability in the diligent explorer.
In this stage we have: standing hip twist and ground Psoas bend
In these two series, we will explore the keys to returning to our natural movement. This will bring the body to balance and freedom alike and open new wells of creativity and ability in the diligent explorer.
In this stage we have: standing hip relaxation and ground turning
This drill helps in getting past the push/pull movement and into moving ourselves as one unit. Continuous attention to this practice will give you more fluidity in motion and thought.
Solo version:
Sit and start moving from one side of the area to the other with no contact with the ground with either your feet or hands. Keep your breathing continuous and and your eyes relaxed from focusing on one direction or object.
Partner version:
Repeat the previous drill but have a partner walk through where you are and avoid impact. Continue to work as your partner or partners try to push you and pull you with their arms and hands as you move about and then add the lower limbs in the fun.
The more you pay attention the more it pays forward afterwards.
1. MAKE FRIENDS – it is nice to have people watch your back and it is easier to fight a group when you are a part of a group yourself.
2. BE IN THE MOMENT – Consider what you will say in the interview or how to plot your course in the night operation but keep a part of yourself in this moment breathing and moving and listening to your senses.
3. BE FLEXIBLE WITH DEFINITIONS – A hand bag is also a shield and a flail. A pen is also a puncture device and your body has much more capability than most things you own.
4. DON’T PUSH PEOPLE AWAY – Any time you push people away, you give them tense contact they can use to control and puncture and break you. When someone enters your space, make the choice of maneuver warfare and keep moving yourself and avoid defending the ground beneath you.
5. ENJOY YOUR SURROUNDINGS FULLY – Every reflective surface gives you a point of view your eyes cannot supply, Any response from a bird on a birch or a person walking toward you on the street will enhance your awareness to your surroundings.
6. BE HONEST – Listen to your senses and to your heart. If someone makes you uncomfortable, act on it by panicking of a micro second if needed and then return to yourself and keep moving and thinking. If you have “a bad feeling about this” then you have some information and asking questions (both yourself and others) will get your further and closer to yourself.
7. THINK ONE STEP AHEAD – Going to the club may seem fun but also consider when and how you are getting home afterwards. Filling up the car during daytime even though you have a third of a tank may be wiser than doing it when your wife is in labor and your car is running of fumes.
8. LEARN TO SAY NO – Many times social and inner pressures and expectation sweeps us into doing things we gain nothing from. Visiting relatives in Transylvania that live in an abandoned hostel because mom haven’t seen cool aunt Olivia in a while can stay on hold and Milo can say no to that ride home from that good looking but slightly inebriated friend.
9. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO GET WHERE YOU WANT TO GO – It is easy and energy saving to get into routine. It is also harmful for our growth and ability to change so find at least one new thing a day. Find a shortcut or a long cut to school. Park in a different location and when someone tries to grab you and stuff you into the trunk, use the trunk itself against him so you don’t repeat the same day again and again. Live quality.
10. YOUR POINT OF VIEW CREATES REALITY – Focusing on a problem is sometimes key but both narrow and wide viewpoints are needed to give you the freedom of full awareness. A hand that approaches to catch you is important but it is equally important to see the body and mind who is sending that contact. Making a lot of noise at night may be a great way to discourage an attacker instead of trying to sneak away. It is both your and others point of view which shift all the time. The more we are aware of it. The more freedom we have.
And PUT THE CELL PHONE AWAY or at least listen with one headphone OFF and avoid completely isolating yourself from what is around you. Your status is here and now and not online.
Here are a series of drills for an easy transition from ground to standing and moving. The hard work is paying attention. Move like a human and things will go your way.
And don’t hold your laugh when you can. Life is what you make of it.
The Martial Art of Walking 