Embodying Technique
I was asked today about whether I experience ups and downs in my training. Of course, it’s only natural; progress is never a straight line. If, however, we spend too long judging our own performance as good or bad, then we risk not actually ever experiencing it.
I notice this when holding a target for some students. Sometimes they miss and become so annoyed at themselves that their next three kicks are equally as bad. Only after they have been able to let go of the self condemnation can they start kicking effectively again. As soon as we judge ourselves, we separate from ourselves and can no longer connect with the energy of what is occurring in the present.
Of course the technique must first be learned, but then a wonderful performance is unselfconscious and allows for a deep spiritual connection between technique and partner. In many ways we embody the experience.
I notice this when holding a target for some students. Sometimes they miss and become so annoyed at themselves that their next three kicks are equally as bad. Only after they have been able to let go of the self condemnation can they start kicking effectively again. As soon as we judge ourselves, we separate from ourselves and can no longer connect with the energy of what is occurring in the present.
Of course the technique must first be learned, but then a wonderful performance is unselfconscious and allows for a deep spiritual connection between technique and partner. In many ways we embody the experience.
posted by Tammy Parlour at 4:56 AM
1 Comments:
To me this illustrates non-resistance and the water principle as well as highlighting the nature of suffering.
The monk chooses a path of non-resistance to the invading army & calmly meditates. In this he shows that he is free of the fear of violence or death and so understands the nature of existence & suffering.
When he speaks to the general they both recognize that the general has no power over the monk, all he can do is kill him.
In this was he uses the water principle. Since the general’s power lies in physical violence the monk counters this by removing the fear of that violence.
What I like about this is that it can be read as a contest of wills that the monk wins. This is not the case though because there is no contest.
This is a story where the general leaves with a greater understanding of his own power & it's limits.
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