more-subtle spectrum of data and impressions. It is this increase in “perceptual freedom” that can be one of our major contributions to promoting good health in ourselves, since it allows the brain and other systems of the body to make maximum use of their powers in discerning problems and responding appropriately. The hormones, enzymes, endorphins, T-cells, and neuropeptides being produced by the brain and body change dramatically in relation to our ability to perceive in new ways. To be able to perceive in new ways means that our energies are not locked into old patterns, but are free to respond to the actual needs and possibilities of the moment.
There is a wonderful Taoist story that illustrates the importance of perceptual freedom. A man was plodding along a dusty road carrying a long pole on his shoulder with most of his possessions hanging from the ends of the pole. The driver of a horse-drawn wagon saw the man and offered him a ride in the back of the wagon. The man gratefully accepted. As they moved along the bumpy road, the driver heard loud crashes coming from the back of the wagon. When he looked back he noticed that the man was stumbling about with the heavy pole still on his shoulder, bumping into the sides of the wagon. “Why don’t you put down the pole and relax a bit,” the driver suggested. “I don’t want to add any more weight to your already heavy wagon,” the man replied sincerely, trying very hard to keep his balance.
Anyone who has studied martial arts, tai chi, dance, and so on knows that the body is capable of remarkable intelligence, sensitivity, and action when we are able to rid ourselves of unnecessary tension. There is the legend of the tai chi master who was so relaxed, so sensitive to the forces in and around him, that his whole body would sway gently under the impact of a fly landing on his shoulder. And there is the legend of another master on whose palm a bird had alighted; whenever the master sensed the bird tensing to take off, he would simply relax his hand and the bird would have nothing solid from which to take flight. However fantastic such legends may seem, it is the ability to be inwardly sensitive in the midst of action, to be relaxed and free enough to experience subtle variations in our sensations and feelings, which lies at the heart of our health and well-being. And it is through natural breathing that we can begin to experience this sensitivity and freedom.
PRACTICE
Be sure that you practice in a space where you won’t be interrupted by people or phone calls. Though early morning is preferable, you can practice anytime during the day or early evening except for up to an hour after a meal. Wear as few clothes and as little jewelry as possible. Make sure that what clothes you do wear are loose, especially around the waist and pelvis. Do not practice outside if it is extremely cold or windy. When you practice, remember to be playful. Don’t worry about results. As your breathing begins to reach into more parts of yourself, the results will come—usually when you least expect them.
Where appropriate, the practices in this book are divided into sections. Each new section builds on the previous section. Do not move on to a new section until you feel comfortable with the previous one.
1 Basic standing position
The following standing position will be used not just in this practice but in all other standing practices in this book. Don’t worry if the position seems awkward at first. As you continue working with it, your body will begin to understand it through your inner sensation, and you will find yourself able to relax far more than you can in your normal standing postures. What’s more, the posture will help root you to the earth and provide a stable foundation from which to experiment.
Stand quietly, with your knees slightly bent, your feet parallel (about shoulder width apart) and your arms at your side ( Figure 10 ). Tilt your sacrum (the
There is a wonderful Taoist story that illustrates the importance of perceptual freedom. A man was plodding along a dusty road carrying a long pole on his shoulder with most of his possessions hanging from the ends of the pole. The driver of a horse-drawn wagon saw the man and offered him a ride in the back of the wagon. The man gratefully accepted. As they moved along the bumpy road, the driver heard loud crashes coming from the back of the wagon. When he looked back he noticed that the man was stumbling about with the heavy pole still on his shoulder, bumping into the sides of the wagon. “Why don’t you put down the pole and relax a bit,” the driver suggested. “I don’t want to add any more weight to your already heavy wagon,” the man replied sincerely, trying very hard to keep his balance.
Anyone who has studied martial arts, tai chi, dance, and so on knows that the body is capable of remarkable intelligence, sensitivity, and action when we are able to rid ourselves of unnecessary tension. There is the legend of the tai chi master who was so relaxed, so sensitive to the forces in and around him, that his whole body would sway gently under the impact of a fly landing on his shoulder. And there is the legend of another master on whose palm a bird had alighted; whenever the master sensed the bird tensing to take off, he would simply relax his hand and the bird would have nothing solid from which to take flight. However fantastic such legends may seem, it is the ability to be inwardly sensitive in the midst of action, to be relaxed and free enough to experience subtle variations in our sensations and feelings, which lies at the heart of our health and well-being. And it is through natural breathing that we can begin to experience this sensitivity and freedom.
PRACTICE
Be sure that you practice in a space where you won’t be interrupted by people or phone calls. Though early morning is preferable, you can practice anytime during the day or early evening except for up to an hour after a meal. Wear as few clothes and as little jewelry as possible. Make sure that what clothes you do wear are loose, especially around the waist and pelvis. Do not practice outside if it is extremely cold or windy. When you practice, remember to be playful. Don’t worry about results. As your breathing begins to reach into more parts of yourself, the results will come—usually when you least expect them.
Where appropriate, the practices in this book are divided into sections. Each new section builds on the previous section. Do not move on to a new section until you feel comfortable with the previous one.
1 Basic standing position
The following standing position will be used not just in this practice but in all other standing practices in this book. Don’t worry if the position seems awkward at first. As you continue working with it, your body will begin to understand it through your inner sensation, and you will find yourself able to relax far more than you can in your normal standing postures. What’s more, the posture will help root you to the earth and provide a stable foundation from which to experiment.
Stand quietly, with your knees slightly bent, your feet parallel (about shoulder width apart) and your arms at your side ( Figure 10 ). Tilt your sacrum (the
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