A simple shift

         Often in Tai Chi I will shift my focus to different parts of my body to see the impact it has on my movements.  Even something as simple as focusing on one of my hands can really change the feel of a movement.  I often forget that I can take this approach in the rest of my Kung Fu.

          In our last Kao Shi class we were going over the first few moves of Da Mu Hsing 2. In particular the check to knife hand to long punch sequence.  I know I often start to disconnect from my back leg as the punches thrown, because for me I know I put the emphasis on the open roundhouse.  I view the knife hand almost as a clear that my opponent is getting out of the way of, and the long punch, even though it connects, as a set-up for the kick.  Which explains why I tend to want to commit to that kick right away.  I shifted my focus to the back leg on that punch, and it does help ground that heel and complete the technique better, but now I feel disconnected from that kick.  I’m still playing with the timing of it, but I’ll get there.

        Simply shifting focus, which is really just a shift in intent can produce a different result.  This is also true in our day to day lives.  The best example I have of this is my gratitude practice.  Simply shifting my perspective on things to that of gratitude can have a profound impact on my life and in my mood.  It’s easy to dwell on the negative, but if we can find a way to find gratitude in the situation it can change the narrative and put a positive spin on things.