Moving from the center might begin with T’ai Chi for some of us.
When I swim or when I walk, this Year’s lesson seems to be how to turn the hip to power each kick when swimming, and to power each step when I walk.
In so doing, I use more muscles and move faster and more efficiently. This works in the water and on the land.
It also accrues immense health benefits by increasing the blood circulation through the body’s core.
Because I am using new and more muscles, making these changes in the way that I move is taking time.
Often the new movement seems to kick in toward the end of my walk or swim.
It takes some effort and tires me to use more muscles, and after a little while I find that I have to go back to the easier, slower way of moving to rest and catch my breath.
As I get used to the new way I can sustain it for longer periods of time. Soon, as I become more fit and healthier, moving more from my center will become the natural way that I move.
It is from this generalization of the T’ai Chi principles into our normal everyday movements that accounts of longevity and increasing ability may originate.
This comes not from anything magical or extra - ordinary. It is just another common sense example of the “Use it or lose it” principle, as applied to normal aging.
Each year, as one progresses and pays attention, new lessons will hopefully appear.
Namaste,
Daniel
