Hello all-
I am glad others posted on the bouncing. It is simple, but has specifics. As KWL mentions, seeing where people don't relax while bouncing,,,,I have seen this too. When I first learned a 'bouncing' move, in a different system, it was generated in the lower dan tien. A freefall, of sort of dropping that center like a bowling ball. Now I don't quite put that clunk on the bottom, but, there is something to the freefall idea. The legs can sort of cushion and provide a smooth ride, without being tense, or closing up, or without the movement generating solely from the leg 'muscles', or muscle tension, like an up and down muscularly driven movement. You can drop inside, very open and loose, and soften the movement with the 'cushion' of your legs. Focusing on relaxing different areas, like the shoulders, K mentions . I have seen people bounce too, and still retain tension. keep the legs open , and pelvic area too.
Etoile, as far as treading water... I am sure I have gone for some years here and there!
Seriously... I have had many shifts though too. Also, affirmations of spiritual growth here and there. One good experience, can be a light in your practice, that helps you see the purpose in doing this type of work, or , can be quite motivating too. I have found retreats to be very effective in accelerating growth. I tried fasting at these, and found that fasting, enhances a lot of aspects to practice. Of late, I am seeing how transformational a practice of mindfulness can be. Simply staying more, in the present. Mindfulness!!! Read your last post, and look at the energy in these words.
"healing will be very difficult, until the sleep problem is solved" . Not exactly a gift from this person! Look at what you may be holding or how you define things. Healing, "will" be difficult with this particular thought, held... It doesn't have to be. Release the thought. Release any thought of that nature that comes up. It is extra energy you don't need. If you stay in the present, and simply do your practice, you can see, and know, that 'everything' is moving in a healing way. We know that people can experience discomfort , in regards to their practice, and the possible side effects relative to a blockage. It is at that point of experience, that you can see it as part of a healing process and sensation/experience, or see it as something bad coming from a problem you have. If you are doing the work, everything moves in the right direction. The whole of you is touched by your work. Staying more in the present, and putting in positive signals or messages, supports this, and can keep you from treading water, regarding this aspect , or limiting the effectiveness of your practice.
I saw at the last retreat that LS held, many people held on to their blockages, from this standpoint of mindfulness. They could have let them go, really go, at any point. The retreat was so powerful, people would repeatly clear themselves in a session, then , with their mind, or self perception, think of this 'blockage' they have, and see themselves 'with' the blockage, doing this qigong work, instead of letting it go, for good, with a session, one session, any session.. and moving forward, supporting that, every session, adding strength to that position of clearity. Further breaking down the physical manifestation, by continually keeping the yin aspect(idea) clear. No More Blockages. Not, I did a session , and I have cancer, or, I am depressed, and I practice qigong to help me 'with' 'it'. Who would want to be 'with it'! Get rid of it , release it. Don't let your mind come back and push it in your face again. Release the thoughts. Release any negative ideas about it.
Regarding sm universe: I haven't used any CD or tape of it for a long time. I prefer quiet, and my own pace. I slow it down, as much as I can, relative to my breathing.That slowing down is a substantial part of my focus. Personally, I hear the sounds. This is a personal preference of utilizing those sounds. Mantra, is an aspect to meditation practice, that sort of varies from person to person, as far as whether they have interest in engaging with it. I also think one's practice changes over time. You simply might do things differently , as you live with these methods. However I do it now, is not how I did it when I started. This is probably true for most people. The experience can change, and preferences change.
love,
gallen
