More on Flow
One of the last tips I sent out was on pacing. I suggested a counting method. Today (Saturday) is our usual practice day in Chetzemoka Park in Port Townsend. We talked about this concept of slow, even movements and then practiced our forms, concentrating on counting.
What we discovered is that how one counts makes a lot of difference. People count at different speeds so that affects the moves. Larger bodies need a longer count in order to have time to make the longer steps that body allows. Most of our group liked the 1,2,3,4 count better than the 1,2,3 count.
I had suggested adding an “and” in between the first part, the gather, and the second part, the release. This “and” beat was used in longer moves and for forward stepping when a bit more time is needed.
So the bottom line is try it out. Try not adding the “and” and doing either the 1,2,3, or the 1,2,3,4. Sometimes I even do a 1,2,3,4,5 when I am in a very meditative place. When you find yourself unable to match the gather and release sections of a move, don’t worry about it. Maybe your form is designed differently than mine. The main point is to be aware of slow, even, consistant moves without a break in the energy flow. There should never be a stopping of this flow. Let me know how you do.
Best Wishes,