#tHEARTofStanding
I keep talking about how I previously had an aversion for yoga. And that was like for many many years. Though I did overcome it, when I realized that yogis/gurus actually look like all other everyday people. You could be standing beside one in the middle of rush hour, and you wouldn’t even know unless you strike up a conversation and ask.
Though I did re-include the padmasana in my daily meditation, circa 2016. It was an on and off thing for me, because I believe meditation comes in many forms. You can sit comfortably in a hammock, overlooking a nice white sandy beach… and that can be meditation.
I tried to resume my practice in Tai Chi Chuan… that’s a long story, I’ll talk about some other time.
Basically, I winded up revisiting some yoga asanas I learned throughout the years. And now that I look back, I realize most of them were actually standing asanas.
Why does that matter.
Most people like to sit when yoga-ing. Or start out in sitting position. And I always found that strange. It always looked and felt weird whenever I see a teacher or class sitting while yoga-ing… even if I am familiar with how most Hatha/Restorative (and other relaxing yoga styles) classes are that way.
I think it was because I never sat in Tai Chi class. We always started standing. And never sit.
That probably had an influence in my self practice.
And I personally prefer standing over sitting.
Standing is more than just standing, when you are talking about standing in taichichuan, yoga, or kung fu… or any martial arts.
And if you ever attended military events, you would have noticed how soldiers/cadets stand for long periods of time.
The ability to stand for hours and remain composed is a remarkable skill… probably more significant than flipping yourself over in so many ways.
I mean… come on…
Hand stands and inversions are awesome. Though if you can’t even stand properly on your two feet… which is the basic way we humans move around in this physical environment… what’s the whole point of impressing people with turning upside down in so many ways.
So today…
I wanna share with you: Standing.
When we stand like this, we aren’t supposed to be just standing.
Instead, it is an opportunity… a moment… to pay attention to your body.
This is probably the one best way to build more self-awareness, and understand what is going on with your body.
Personally, standing this way as shown on the video reveals to me more about my self, compared to sitting in meditation, being in bed, or doing all sorts of yoga stints.
For instance…
I shared about dropbacks around April this year. Though honestly, it was only last week that I started actually practicing it daily. I skipped maybe three days. Though I have been intending to do it daily.
Moreover…
I probably stopped doing the urdhva for about three months. I’ve only tried probably twice. And I noticed my body was being “uncooperative”. Like a child throwing tantrums. And when I would pause and relax from trying… I would remember “dropbacks” and “backups”.
Though “starting” my practice with dropbacks actually only finally “flowed” for me last week.
I already had my personal thoughts as to “why” that happened. “Why” my body was “uncooperative”. And "why" practicing dropbacks was sort of postponed… though in truth, it happened in the right appropriate time.
AND BY SIMPLY TAKING A MOMENT TO STAND…
And pay attention to my body more attentively…
I was able to see more behind my thoughts on the matter.
So standing…
ONE: The best way to start is to simply stand as you normally would. Don’t try to put too much thought into it. There’s no point trying to do it the way a guru or kung fu master would do it.
It would be nice if you have full-length mirrors. Though I personally prefer taking photos or videos.
That way, I can review the photos and videos AFTER and analyze them.
That way, I also remain focused in my practice… and I don’t have to get distracted by glancing at a mirror. This also allows me to focus more on paying attention “inward” than at looking at myself in a mirror.
TWO: Draw your attention inward. In your physical body. And scan your body from head to toes.
This is not about “visualizing” something or anything.
Literally pull your attention to your body. Remain “detached”. And simply observe. Move from one body part to another. Observe without any attachment or judgement. Take note of your observations... without any attachment or judgement.
The goal is to keep your awareness and attention to your physical body. Instead of trying to imagine and visualize something or anything.
That is all you have to do to get started.
You can do the hand sequence as shown on the video as well. If you do so, ensure that you sustain the awareness. Continue to observe as you move your arms and hands.
IF you are new to this kind of exercise, you can start by sitting on a chair with your feet flat on the floor. DO NOT SIT ON YOUR BED. Use a chair. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Keep your spine straight, even if you have to lean on the chair… IF you have to.
However, practice with the chair only until you can stand for longer periods of time.
It has to be comfortable.
You do not have to do this exercise for long hours. Even a couple of minutes will suffice.
The point is to deepen and build more self-awareness… and not “pushing yourself to stand for hours”.
Standing for hours might happen for you. Though it is more important to gain “self-awareness”… than merely standing without actually knowing or accomplishing the purpose of standing.
I also personally consider STANDING as a better position to properly ground yourself, compared to being in bed or sitting.
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