In most of the breathing workshops, after a short introduction, we simply stand there.
You can try this now if you like, it’s helpful to have enough space around you so that you feel relaxed.
If your shoes have a heel, they need to come off. Five minutes is a good starting point.
We close the eyes, and just stand. No intention to “meditate” or follow a method. We simply start by noticing the effort.
Where is there effort in the stance? Is there a forward lean? A backwards lean?
What about effort in the shoulders? Effort in the jaw?
Effort in the fingers?
The intent isn’t to “release” the tension or effort in this case, just to notice it. Through noticing, we bring awareness to this concept of effort. This is enough.
For an individual, this is a great practice – yet the “shift” in a group or collective can be even more pronounced.
Effort can be directional or purposeful, and, it can also be residual or unintentional. As a culture we are infatuated with the first, yet largely ignore the second. Both are important.
To explore this other side of the coin, we see this concept of “allowing,” of permission. The space to observe.
The standing practice is a great way to explore effort in the physical body and of course from here, we can open up the lens to other aspects of how we are living, our thoughts, relationships, our work and our perspectives.
