Flowing Back To Rest

One of the blessings of a new year is the feeling of a fresh beginning, a chance to start over, an opportunity to try something new, challenging ourselves. As a teacher, I have the opportunity each time I begin a new eight-week series of classes to try something new. One might think that after 27 years of teaching I would run out of new ideas but, thank goodness, there always seems to be a new awareness in my own practice that sparks a fresh idea for teaching or at least a new approach.

One of those new approaches this year will be an emphasis on feeling the weight settle evenly into both feet, feeling it balanced evenly between the left foot and right foot while in the rest position between moves. As teachers we often say, “Bring the attention to the soles of the feet,” but by adding the “feel” component it heightens the awareness. With this focus of feeling the weight balance evenly between both feet, there is the tendency to linger just a heartbeat longer in the rest or stillness. With the mind occupied in feeling, the body does not get antsy to move on.

Another phrase I am using more and more is “flowing back to rest” as we conclude the last movement of a set. This phrase gives a certain feel of continuity between moving and stillness or rest.

These two ideas go well together. As we conclude the last repetition of a set I might say “flowing back to rest” (brief pause), “settling downward” (brief pause), “feeling the weight flow evenly into both feet, firm and grounded or rooted and grounded.” Focusing on this thought brings the attention to the soles of the feet, which is great for the flow of energy, and also might help the practitioner settle just a bit longer in the rest by actually having to take the time to feel something specific.

What are your ideas for something new in your teaching this year? Try new words or phrases, new readings from Justin’s books, a different way to teach the [four variations of Pully Taffy], beginning or ending class differently, partner work in class. Sometimes new ideas aren’t always better, but challenging ourselves as teachers is always a growth experience.