| Feature Article
Discover the Treasure Hidden Within
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Within Traditional Chinese kung fu training, there are
many ways to reach the top of the mountain. Some routes are more direct
than others. Some appear easy but, in fact, are quite difficult. Some
look more attractive while others don’t. In the end, you still have to
do the work, that is, pass the training, to get to the top of the
mountain. Naturally, climbing to the top isn’t easy and not everyone
wants to get there.
In the beginning stages, we need to master the physical
body. This involves strengthening the legs, loosening the waist and
spine, relaxing and opening the shoulders, etc. As the physical body is
changing, we also become aware of the connection that links the mind,
the emotions and the spirit. We realise it takes effort to change and
it is not as easy as we hope. We may want to give up – feeling that we
are not cut out for this or finding some other excuse. On the other
hand, we can learn about ourselves, strengthen our minds, swallow our
pride and discover our spirit. In the end, we realise sincerity,
perseverance and determination are required to meet the challenges we
set ourselves. Eventually, we will reach our goal and we will have
grown physically, emotionally and spiritually through the experience.
It is easy to become discouraged with your practice and
we all have these experiences. This seemingly bad time is a blessing in
disguise. This is when you can truly train your mind and spirit, for
example, in a Qigong practice called San Ti which involves standing for
a length of time with most of the weight on one leg. The real benefits
come when the body starts to feel pain. This is when the mind wants you
to stop. However, if you persevere, the pain often subsides. The
training is not about ignoring pain. It is about strengthening our
minds and bodies through the endurance of discomfort and being able to
transform the experience into one of meditation. This takes time,
effort and correct practice. One begins doing this practice for only 3
minutes on each leg and gradually increases the duration. Some Martial
Arts students can now stand for 15 minutes on each leg. The results are
a stronger body and a more concentrated and calm mind. Don’t give up on
yourself. Perseverance and regular practice are the keys. There are
many trails to follow and many more treasures to find.
To connect the mind and body, you need to cultivate the
mind. During practice, it is the ability to let go the mind chatter and
bring your intention to what you are doing in the moment. In terms of
Tai Chi, it is focusing on the feelings within the body and practising
according to the correct requirements. This trains you to be mindful,
to discriminate and to maintain an even awareness throughout your
practice. Gradually, this leads to a calming of the busy mind. This
state of calmness produces relaxed breathing, better circulation, and a
feeling of warmth throughout the body. It allows you to enter into a
state of absorption, where you become one with what you are doing. This
is when you become aware of the mind–body connection and feel the power
and joy of your practice. You are discovering the treasure within you.
Successful people are not necessarily happy or
satisfied. Most people look only to the outside for success. In Taoism
and Buddhism, success and happiness come from within us. Your practice
is the doorway to this inner world. It is a mystery only because we
have neglected to look at this area of our lives. Practising Tai Chi
and Chinese internal martial arts, such as Wu Dao Gong, are all proven
methods of entering the inner world and discovering its hidden
treasures.
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