The Details:
It's a chilly 48 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:54. The low tide will be at 8:44. It's the coldest morning so far this season. I slept in a bit (it was cozy and warm) and I'm moving a bit slowly this morning.
The Practice:
Yesterday afternoon:
I went out at 5:00 to QW The Beach. I walked south up to 27th Avenue. On the way back north I stopped to work on Change #6 (The Unicorn) and #5 (The Phoenix) from The Yin Fu 8 Palms Set. I'm making progress on the physical forms, but the names of the postures are challenging. I'll keep working on it. It'll come with more time and effort. I also did a round of The 21 while I was walking but stopped when I got to the middle part.
Today:
I practiced in The Backyard again this morning. I'm really liking the privacy and the practicing on the pavers on The Patio.
I started inside with acoustic guitar practice for about 40 minutes focusing on Sugar Babe and Freight Train the bass walk-ups from C to F to G and the Pinch and Roll exercises using Outside/Inside followed by Inside Outside.
Next I went out to The Backyard and did a round of Pakua Knife working on the sequence and directions of postures.
Next I did a round of Taiji Dao. I used my light wooden broadsword that has a wooden scabbard.
Next I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into the health benefits of regular practice. I've been doing these exercises regularly since I was in my 20's and it's easy to feel and see how aging changes things even if you don't take any breaks from practicing them. When I was teaching 23 (average) classes per week I would do these exercises with every class. Some days I would do them 6-8 times!
Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I became profoundly connected to nature and the Qi that is all around me.
Next I did a Standing Post Training (SPT) and Healing Qigong
Next I did a round of Anyo Isa adding more snap and focus to my punches and kicks. I also have been adding Heel Stomping and Jumping to my warm ups. I've working on increasing my air time when practicing the progressive step movement in this Anyo.
Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata. I continue to work on the changes that I'm making to this Kata. It's coming along....Slowly!