Discovering Discovery

Discovery is the first thing we learn in Tai Chi, and, in our haste to learn more, and newer things, it’s often the first thing we let go of.  Sometimes, we simply don’t do it, and other times, we don’t do it properly, rushing through it.

A good discovery can easily take a full hour, but even a fraction of that, done right, is never wasted, as discovery gives back exactly what you put into it. It is one of the most powerful tools and techniques we learn, and within it is the basis of all the work we will do.

Now, here are a few tips to help you get more out of your discovery:

1) Slow down.  The slower you go, the easier it is to listen to your body.  It’s like a microscope, and the speed you move is the magnification.  Slower movement allows you to scan your body more deeply and completely for problems.  It allows you to create more time to work on those problems and heal.

2) Discovery is not stretching.  Nor is it massage.  We release tension energetically, using attention, intent, and breath. When you’re rolling your shoulders back, you may feel your shoulder-blades pressing knots between them and be tempted to think of this as a “massage,” but it should be an energetic release, not a physical, forced one.  Even when we’re doing difficult positions, like Warrior Posture, or Iron Broom, you should do your utmost to relax into the positions, not to stretch, but to let go of all tension and resistance, using just enough energy to hold yourself up.

3) Go at your own pace.  This isn’t really feasible in class, where we have to have some structure in order to teach, and make time for new lessons, but when you’re home alone, going at your own pace is important because we all have different bodies.  While I may need to go slowly through my shoulders, which is where I keep tension, someone with Sciatica may need to spend more time on their hips and lower back.  One prescription doesn’t fit all people, and likewise, as discovery is a very powerful form of healing our bodies, one pace is not right for all people.  We each need to respond to our own bodies’ needs.

Good luck as you (hopefully) re-discover discovery!