Working with John today, the stuff came alive, as it often does, once we'd both opened and connected to the five hearts: your own, your opponents, the heart of the heavens, the heart of the earth and the heart between you.
A bit like the five directions of Tai Chi, but with more heart.
Once this clicks into place the creative process begins to work and new material is born.
This may be as significant as the discovery of a new principle, which will eventually go on to permeate and change everything we do, or as modest as a slightly new way of looking at a posture (which will also permeate and change everything we do, but less obviously).
Today it was the latter.
John said at one point, "I feel I have these wrought iron hoops all around me, filled in with a grainy sandstone."
It was perfect at the time.
The session continued to develop, both of us hot with the excitement of new birth.
Tomorrow, having come down from this trip, we'll both be confronted by the torture of sifting through what can be recalled of the session in our own private practice.
It is this private work that develops the internal strength and stability - the sobriety - to enter these creative frays without losing our collective composure.
It is the same torture a beginner goes through as she tries to recall what was taught in a class.
If you relax into the practice, be mindful of principle and face the new stuff aslant, then you're far more likely to accurately recall the spirit of what was taught.
A light but persistent touch is all that is ever required.
A bit like the five directions of Tai Chi, but with more heart.
Once this clicks into place the creative process begins to work and new material is born.
This may be as significant as the discovery of a new principle, which will eventually go on to permeate and change everything we do, or as modest as a slightly new way of looking at a posture (which will also permeate and change everything we do, but less obviously).
Today it was the latter.
John said at one point, "I feel I have these wrought iron hoops all around me, filled in with a grainy sandstone."
It was perfect at the time.
The session continued to develop, both of us hot with the excitement of new birth.
Tomorrow, having come down from this trip, we'll both be confronted by the torture of sifting through what can be recalled of the session in our own private practice.
It is this private work that develops the internal strength and stability - the sobriety - to enter these creative frays without losing our collective composure.
It is the same torture a beginner goes through as she tries to recall what was taught in a class.
If you relax into the practice, be mindful of principle and face the new stuff aslant, then you're far more likely to accurately recall the spirit of what was taught.
A light but persistent touch is all that is ever required.
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