One foot in front of the other

         The last couple of weeks we've had some lessons that look simple, but actually have a lot to offer; and they are both based off of walking. 

        In the IHC class we were doing some walking drills and focused on placing our foot first before shifting weight, a lot like in Tai Chi.  I really enjoy these lessons because it gives me an opportunity to switch pace and slow down and really be present in what I'm doing.  I wouldn't say I'm necessarily "thinking" harder about what I'm doing, it is more I get the opportunity to observe what I'm feeling.  Along with that lesson, we were told to do Lao Gar at a sloth's pace.  Another great opportunity to feel what is going on in my body with each movement.  I could really feel when I was leading with my hips and core, versus my upper body getting ahead of me.  I could also feel how I shift my weight and center in the transitions.  I admit the strikes felt weird, hard to get that whip like sensation/connection when you're going slow, but I could feel where the technique was being generated from.

        Last night we focused on slide and side stepping both in a bow stance and horse stance.  We were then told to do it silently.  I think because I had done Tai Chi earlier that evening I was already feeling hyper aware of how I was moving, but I understood how I needed to shift my weight and center to one side, place and then shift again.  Also harkens back to previous lessons about not falling into place, we purposefully set our foot down and settle when we choose too.  Great workout for the legs too, having to use all those smaller stabilizer muscles to keep our balance.  These exercises may seem "basic", but I really enjoy them.  It helps me hone my footwork while also showing me how far I've come.  They also generated a lot of questions for me and helped me connect the dots to other areas of my training.