Hello you bums,
I wanted to give some perspective on a discussion about chi gong+weight lifting and found myself having to make a post upon inscription in order to do so...
So
Here it is...
As a mean of introduction:
"I have been in and out of regular practice and study of various internal arts because I would gather as much informations and practice in a state of want and need really striving, trying to apply everything I found at the same time (which was mentally exhausting and far from relaxing) and being harsh on myself, probably because I wouldn't cope with the "almighty perfect unreachable master-worthless piece of sh** student" relationship (like it was a question of motivation or being worth anything)
But lately I have been blessed to connect a lot of dots in many aspects of my perspective on life and the way I approach it, which got my practice to make a lot more sense right away."
First of all, I am my own master, in the sense that during practice I have control over my thoughts and "things" don't just happened to me like in a victim state. So if a form or a move (and it's said results) seems unreachable, and you have a thought like "It will take me years to be able to..." or "I don't have the patience for this..." simply just "think" another thought that at least sets you on a more positive outlook towards the practice (And since you are you're own master, you'll know which one it should be). Then see as the tension in your body just release as you discard those unproductive thoughts giving you more space and setting you back on the ease of the practice.
Also in the process of having a regular practice also discard the thought that "you need a great master" or "today I can't because I'm tired and other obstructing thoughts" by saying/thinking something like "it is accessible to me just like those masters are human being" or "I'm practising now, period" and once again feel those tension go in the sense of like a muscle contracted that you intentionally release you let go of the bad thought and it's associated tension inside. And you'll just see yourself being able to resume or start practice very easily.
Once you're set you'll be able to be back in the letting go of the practice (because you've also said/thought "I am letting go" ^^)
So it is your choice
Either Apply or Deny it
Second of all, It is really not "that deep" or "that far away" from you but many masters and teacher will tend to try and keep you in the dark or in that "master above disciple below" relationship, because they may live of your fees or enjoy the treatment and respect they get out of it or really don't believe in your infinite potential or also some may see you as unworthy or from the wrong nationality or are bad judges of people and on and on... Look around the people around you in the room following the class and be honest with yourself, do they look like empowered people in charge of their life radiating a quiet but steady energy or do they seem like jumpy insecure low self esteem awkward anxious people and you'll get a feel of what fruits bears that master. Some will say "yes but some people need that type of relationship, the master as a higher purpose..." it simply is not true but will be hard to admit or to come to terms with it if you've invested a lot of money and time with one master/teacher (the ego works like that) so simply discard this stagnating pride since YOU are you're own master, yes even above ego
And third of all, the 70% rule I've heard "Bruce Frantzis" say. Don't go full extension, full contraction, full range in any motion keep some cards under your sleeve or some slack and see how your muscles & tendons find the inspiration to go where that "full extension would have found you" on your second repetition only with still some cards under your sleeve meaning you are still going 70%. By the way master "Bruce Frantzis" a great teacher with lot's of experience and knowledge also guilty of self explanatory great pride (you'll be pressed to see him crack a smile that's not a private joke)
Yet let's not throw the baby with the bath water if you find yourself learning with him because he does have a lot to give. Plus he seems more and more joyfull in his late years.
That's it, hope it will benefit somebody
Have a nice day Bums
