Developing Ease

I am interested in developing ease in my training and in my life in general. It is said that Ease is not always Easy. To develop ease in movement and power generation requires diligent practice of Wujifa standing and other internal movement exercises such as side to side see this wujifa post for more on side to side.

Ease in a larger sense in life comes from a combination of the way one notices, responds, one's emotional states, etc. Learning to develop more functional ways of interacting with yourself, others, and the world requires diligent practice and is directly related to this concept of Ease.

Forcing Issues

Tonight while practicing Wujifa standing meditation I noticed some things about force vs. allowing.

When I tried to force an alignment or posture I noticed I would get uncomfortable and/or upset in some manner - and distracted. I felt constricted.

When I relaxed my body and allowed it to . . . it almost felt like I let my body grow into the proper alignment (wujifa's 1234, 1234) I felt like I had more space for my joints, organs, etc. Breathing was easier, I was comfortable and practice felt great.

So long story short notice HOW you are practicing stance and do not just put your body into what you think the correct alignment should be. Allow your body to unwind, and gently move toward proper alignment. It isn't a damn competition or a race, and trying to force it will only slow you down on the path to developing internal gongfu.

So be cool, relax, and be gentle with yourself. Practice diligently but not by forcing yourself.