This is one I really seem to have to work at in daily life. I find this easier to do in tai chi, although it would be interesting to hear what my master says about it.
I have students, as well as training brothers and sisters who seem to try so hard but can’t quite seem to get there, although they are making progress. At times I’d like to get them to just let go because their bodies already have a better grasp of the forms than their minds. I do find it difficult to get this point across sometimes, especially when just stating it openly. I guess we just can’t hear things until we’re ready for them. 
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“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning.“
Lao Tzu
Your thoughts?
John
P.S. I found this great pic here: http://influent.tumblr.com/post/208512659/ak47-aurorae-smooth-handa-and-then-you-let-go
Leave A Reply (10 comments So Far)
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mark small (4 comments)
817 days ago
…”I do find it difficult to get this point across sometimes, especially when just stating it openly. I guess we just can’t hear things until we’re ready for them”…
Implied content, potential action, supposed learning curves none can be heard. Yet, there is something to anticipate in a training stance,disposition, willing readiness…ready?…Kai Shi —begin.
John Crewdson (479 comments)
816 days ago
Mark,
A friend told me I was a bit cryptic in this post. I’m glad someone got it. Yes, doing is the way and letting go is a short cut of sorts.
John
David (38 comments)
813 days ago
John, I understand your post. People think so much about the move they cannot move. It is like trying to get a hit in basball. You have to relax and swing, not stand there thinking about hitting the ball. I am always explaining that through practice, the body learns the movements before the mind knows it can perform it.
John Crewdson (479 comments)
813 days ago
David,
It seems we have to get to that place of letting go before we really understand it. It can be difficult at times to convince others that’s it really is in their best interest. Thanks for adding your 2 cents; the body definitely gets the hang of it faster than the mind.
John
Tobi - Phuket Meditation (2 comments)
811 days ago
First of all – your page is awesome and very informative. I really missed a good page on Taichi for a long time. I have a good feeling eith your work I am teaching Taichi in Phuket. We do have a meditation center here and I love to combine Taichi, ChiKung and Meditation.
Letting go is vital for a good practice of Tai chi. That is waht I believe. Each movement is only a movement of the present moment. Within a pure concentration – Taichi gets timeless and wonderful.
Thanks for all the great articles. This is truly a discovery!
John Crewdson (479 comments)
811 days ago
Tobi,
Thank you for the kind words. Please feel free to comment on anything you see here, even if you don’t agree with me. Everything moves the conversation along. I’m looking forward to getting your newsletter.
Thanks again,
John
minh (5 comments)
808 days ago
My teacher – he does not enjoy being called master – often says – & it is almost a mantra for me – “is not hard, do nothing”
I love it!
minh
John Crewdson (479 comments)
807 days ago
Minh,
My Master doesn’t like being called master either. He “allows” it here in the US though because even people with only 10 years of experience are calling themselves masters, despite being all that accomplished. My teacher had to convince him of that first though. You’re right when you imply it’s hard to do nothing too.
John