Songs to Sing, Words to Ponder

The Song of Ward-off

How can we explain the energy of Ward-Off?

It is like water which supports a moving boat

First make the chi in the tan-tien substantial,

Then hold the head as if suspended from above.

The whole body has the power of a spring.

Opening and closing should be clearly defined.

Even if the opponent uses a thousand pounds of force,

We will float lightly and without difficulty.

 

From the Song of the Eight Ways, attributed to Tan Meng-hsien, in Yang Family Secret Transmissions, trans Douglas Wile

 

Can you sing the song of ward-off? of rollback, press, and push? of pull-down, split, elbow-stroke and shoulder-stroke?  Is your practice as joyful to you as singing a song?

 

Enjoy your song

Dorian

No BLOG this week -

 

Thanks for checking in and please check back next week.

 

Meanwhile, as always -

 

Enjoy your practice

Dorian

 To Every Season there is a Turn

Fall equinox is coming soon. The last third of tai chi class in the courtyard is in the dark. Well, not entirely  - it is by the lights of the nearby apartment building and as we uncover the mysteries of connection and deep listening our stories are softened by the muted light. My friend whispered to me last week, “ I like the change of season, Dorian”  - the giddy confession of a longtime Californian transplant going with the flow of late summer New England.

I like the change of season, too. I like change. I like the transitions from one thing to another. I seem less and less interested in the thing itself and more and more fascinated by the becoming and the ending. But what I am intrigued by is that turn around point. Exactly when does the probability of thing being one thing change to it being something else?  According to the theory of yin and yang – as the one extreme is reached, the ever-present potential for its opposite is actuated, and the turn around begins. As I study my tai chi form, the expression of an energy reaches it’s extreme  - the posture is realized – and this seems to actuate its opposite – the turn around begins.

So here’s my question: In fighting, what makes a victim turn around and become the actor? In push hands, it is one thing to meet the force, even to receive force, but what triggers the turn around from receiving to giving back? When sticks are flying in a Modern Arnis flow drill, where are the changes in intention from initiating the attack to defending against the counter. Is it true that in all these cases – one expression has come to fruition and the potential for its opposite that is latent within it is actuated?  Turn arounds happen.

And it seems to me there is a place where human will (heartfelt intent) joins with the turn around point and in that joining – something different ( maybe magical) can and often does happen. A woman takes back her life, a friend begins listen and to understand, even sympathize, the chaotic pressures of the corporate job gradually become the opportunities to shine and be of service. Something different.

Sifu Jan has been encouraging me to linger in the turn around points – to notice where it happens and where I join in. I am grateful - for in the space in between I find a kind of freedom – freedom to enjoy life.

Enjoy your turn

Dorian