Static Body Postures

When I was first presented with the static body postures, I was not sure what to expect, and I wasn't sure how I would be learning/absorbing them. I remember very clearly that my teacher was telling me where to focus my energies, and that I should be concentrating on what I was feeling/perceiving. We went through a variety of postures in class. Frankly, they were NOT easy to do and they clearly made me FEEL energy coursing within my body. I was really amazed. In research, I found out that some people call these static energy postures, some people call them "Mother Palms" and often teachers will teach them differently and in different orders.

Wu Ji - Standing in Preparation

My teacher emphasized the need to recognize the importance of the opening and closing of any given form or exercise. "There is a reason why all classical forms have the opening and closing postures/positioning." All life, motion, and energy begins from a "void."

Interestingly, since I have actually put thought and practice into standing and the Wu Ji state, I am much more  able to quickly achieve this readiness state and "feel" centered much more quickly than ever. Sad to admit that in my almost 40 years of training, I often overlooked this preparation as merely pomp and circumstance.
It's never too late to learn, truly.

Baguazhang for Older Men

As I ponder how to describe and discuss my last lesson, thought i'd share this inspirational man who practiced bagua until he was I think 113 years old?

Wu Chi Posture

In class yesterday, the first thing we did was to stand in the Wu Chi posture, and work on "centering" and stillness. We were told that to find one's center goes beyond just the physical center of our being, and that it was very important to be in the "moment," to be as present as possible.