The Details:
It's 71 at the house. It's forecast to be super hot (100) and humid. We put the stand up air conditioner in the living room in preparation for the 'heat wave'. We're scheduled to have dinner at Hope and Olive with Dylan (Birthday Boy) at 6:30 this evening.
The Practice:
I started inside with acoustic guitar practice. I had a breakthrough yesterday using the book 'The Art of Contemporary Travis Picking by Mark Hanson. I spent several hours working through the first 3/4 of the book and several songs after the exercises. I'm getting the 'feel' of steady thumb playing as I'm picking the melody. It feels great to have a surge forward. It feels like it's a long time coming.
Around mid-morning I went out to my main practice area to practice.
I started using my Dragon Canes to do all 4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyo's. I was using two canes and did #1-3 on both sides. There were multiple variations from using two canes.
Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao using my Dragon Canes. I focused on consistency, sequence and shoulder health ('round the head movements) as well as sinking lower in the Cross Step Stance-Work.
Next I did a full round of The 10+ focused on doing them regularly and the overall health benefits that can be derived IF you do them regularly.
Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I've added a couple of phrases about 1.) Using a Calm, Centered State of Mind and 2.) Using Taoist Longevity Breathing (TLBreathing) in and out through the nose, the abdomen is (Yang) active and the chest (Yin) is passive. I focused on being "light and spirited in every movement with all of its parts (the body) connected like a 'string of pearls'.
Next I did a full round of Cheng Style Baguazhang's Old 8 Palms Form - One circle for each posture using a modified Mud-Wadding Step. I focused on The Circle Walking while the upper body health the postures as in Standing Post Training. This is an advanced internal form. The movements are not as complicated as the 8 Animal Form. It is purely internal!
Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on proper sequence, quality basics and light body.
Next I did around of Seiunchin Kata focused on grabbing, pulling and striking.
I finished with Healing Qigong as I returned to the house to journal this mornings practice here in this blog.
If you're looking at this please let me know. Thanks!