Relearning how to learn
Listening Inside...The Adaptive Response
As mammals we specialize in adaptation, we evolved this way, which might suggest that we have natural in-born tendencies towards moving with change. Contrary to this, the idiom Old dogs don't learn new tricks, suggesting that we may have stopped listening, may have forgotten how important receptivity is, to mastering adaptation.
In a world where competition "sets the standards" receptivity, listening, following, opening, sensing/extending outward, are often side-lined as they are seen as "indirect" or passive, so therefore, less useful....nothing could be farther from the truth. That they happen to be basic aspects of Yin, give them a fundamental nature, applicable at all times/situations in life. Naturally, they are basic to the inner qualities of Tai Chi / QiGong.
Developing a more adaptable nature, allowing the perspective to change as we are shown by life circumstances and our daily interactions, is a return to natural intelligence. This is a way to harmonize our intentions and will, and see how Yin skills pave the way for successful Yang actions. This harmony of Yin and Yang is the heart of Change/Balance/motion, the heart of Adaptation. Yin begets Yang begets Yin begets Yang begets.....And so the basic understanding of Rhythms and cycles is born...everything is rhythms and cycles.
Natural Learning; A few things learned along the way...
- One must start with the suspicion/realization that they are perhaps, not in a natural state...
- Sincerity allows us to recognize that perhaps disharmony is the prevailing habit, harmony is more fleeting...
- One must study the cyclic nature of rhythms to understand that balance is the key...
- Balance on-going is the recognition that change and movement are constant, awareness must follow and adapt in accord...
- Our experiential learning is part past teachings, part present awareness, part infinite possibility...a convergence of past present and future...
- Life is a dress rehearsal that plays itself over and over, until it is time for the next scene...
- The best piece of advice I have been given; "do the best you can, don't worry about it too much"...
- If you are honest; even when it goes wrong, it goes right, mistakes always teach you something, uncomfortableness is the sign of learning...
- Things last as long as they need to...then they change. There is a beginning...a developing momentum...an apex....a descent....a finish....and change again....
- Just because "something happens" in and around us, does not always mean it requires our involvement...sometimes our part is just to witness it...
- Developing and refining sensory perception, insight, and reflection; links answers to questions, connects the material world with the invisible world, and maintains the center through all changes...
- The greatest gift one can give themselves is to methodically pierce the veils of the fears carried in a life, relief, relaxation, confidence, and infinite potential are realized in this way...
- In a world that seems "upside down and backwards", achieving a loving disposition and a strong heart may seem like a mountain shrouded in clouds....one could begin with achieving patience and tolerance and re-centering the heart/mind (feelings/thoughts)...
- It is better to do "the bad things in life", and learn why it does not serve us, than spend a lifetime pretending the desire to experience it is not there. Go ahead and learn about it, be responsible for your thoughts/words/actions, then you can be free of it...
- Have as many interests as you want, pick one of them and stay with it for your whole life and wisdom will develop...
- Insight and reflections can replace the need to over-think, trust your sensory perceptions and pay attention to the inner struggle of higher and lower nature...
- Re-learn how to learn, learn from the present moment, learn from life, test yourself, experiment openly, and have the courage to embrace what is unknown to you...your sincerity is your power.
The practices of Internal Arts, the connection of Mind/Body/Spirit is expressed in many countries and cultures in a multitude of structures, contexts and frameworks. Some of the more common pillars in the Internal Arts Practice world include Yoga/Yi Jin Jing/Qigong/Tai Chi/Hshing-I/Ba Gua and are known to provide a structure of self Inquiry and self development unrivaled by modern educational standards.
References:
Solloway, M.R., Taylor, S.L., Shekelle, P.G. et al. An evidence map of the effect of Tai Chi on health outcomes. Syst Rev 5, 126 (2016).
Woodyard C. Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. Int J Yoga. 2011 Jul;4(2):49-54.
