One of the unexpected side-effects of studying TaeKwonDo is that it has become nearly impossible to watch a Martial Arts scene in a film without shouting out the techniques that are being employed. And.. judging them. Even when – or, perhaps, especially when – the movements are ones I am still very much struggling with… Read More The Martial Matrix
Grip strength. What’s it for? Well, everything, apparently – as it translates into full body strength and overall health. It also relates to gentleness. Check out this great article by Nerd Fitness on improving grip strength, wrist mobility and hand flexibility. Interestingly, and partially relatedly, check out this Post by Bulletproof Musician on a simple grip-related trick… Read More Getting a Grip
A lovely book, deeply comforting, moving, and enlightening. Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach. PS: Check out this page for a treasure trove of free(!) guided meditations by Tara.
This is part one of a series of 13(!) posts about my experiences in working with the Dance! Flexibility Makeover Power Pack online course series by the fantastic Stacey Nemour. A brand new series of posts about Stacey’s Beginner’s Ultimate Flexibility Makeover Guide can be found here. Check out this post for a great seat… Read More Stacey Nemour’s Dance! Flexibility Makeover Power Pack – Part 1
Relaxing during the evening with a cup of tea – either alone or together – has long been a tradition in House Bech. This year I wanted to take it a step deeper, and delve into the world of tea ceremony. The picture below shows a very simple matcha tea (ie finely ground green tea, often… Read More Taking a Moment
This Saturday it was rainy, grey, and chilly outside. Perfect weather for a woodland walk. I love the forest when it rains. Hearing the raindrops on the branches, on the leaves, and on your head. Stepping in puddles on the paths. The forest floor feels more alive. Everything looks cleaner, clearer (at least when it… Read More Walking in the Rain
Today‘s ballet class was amazing. Tuesdays are traditionally dedicated to basics (for pointes as well as ‘regular’ ballet and floorbarre) so it was the perfect way for us students to kick (or grand battement?) the new year into gear, dance-wise. I do my best to take several classes a week when I am not traveling,… Read More Back to Basics
Today, in Haidong Gumdo training, we covered several ways to practise and refine a single (diagonal) sword cut. After that, in Taekwondo class, we got to spend most of our time on practising a single kick. I loved it. Time flew by. Focus. Depth. Concentration. Action. Observation. Feedback. Adaptation. Re-focus. The power of Repetition. Of… Read More Focused Training
It’s the strong hand, not the weak one, that must learn to be gentle. Today was a day for gentleness. In all things practise, instead of an ‘all or nothing’ approach, sometimes the best way forward is to take a small (or considerable!) step back. To go deeper instead. In strength training for instance, ‘off… Read More A Gentle Approach
If you are interested in learning more about Myofascial trigger points (and/or would like to add Foam rolling and/or Foot reflexology to your self-care routine) be sure to check out The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair and Amber Davies. An extensive, clear, practical and useful resource. Makes great points (ha!)
