Soft, Flowing Movement
Soft, flowing movement starts with a quiet mind. A busy mind has no patience for soft movement. It is too goal oriented.
The mind must be still. If the mind is still, the body will enter a state of relaxation. This will allow movements to flow softly and gently. This is essential in developing soft movement.
Still practice, either sitting or standing, is therefore beneficial in preparing qigong practitioners for movement. To help calm the mind, practitioners should adopt proper posture and become aware of breath.
There are many aspects to movement. Often people initiate movement from the head. Movement generated from this area is stiff and unnatural.
The lower dantien, a point situated just below the navel, is considered the body's physical centre of balance and is the source of kinetic energy. Movement arises naturally from this point, creating both power and grace.
To activate this centre, the body must be well grounded. Body weight must hang off a skeletal structure that is in proper alignment. And the mind must be clear.
Breathing originates from the abdomen and is often coordinated with movement increasing it effectiveness. In general, you exhale when you move your arms away from the body, and you inhale when you move your arms towards the body.
Be aware of movement. Carry the peace of mind developed in still meditation into movement. This will extend your abilities to move harmoniously with the world around you.
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