There are trees that appear to have outlived the tests of time. Or so it seems.
In China, I’ve hiked in mountains and posed before ginkgo trees that were purportedly 800-1,800 years of age.
There is a giant sequoia in the U.S. that has supposedly been around for 3,200 years, and is still alive.
Same goes for an olive tree in Lebanon that is estimated at 6,000 years.
My point is that trees stand still, for the most part, and this is what many believe leads to their longevity.
But are trees truly standing still?
Not really. In fact, despite the outward appearance of a tree, more is going on inside and beneath the surface than on the outside.
In the animal world, we can see that all creatures get into various postures each day, and hold them for long periods of time to rejuvenate their system.
So the question arises: What happens to a human being who stands still? Can one’s life be extended by imitating trees? Can we recharge and rejuvenate our bodies the same way animals do?
The answer, according to Chinese theory, is YES, but you won’t find classes on this process at a local gym. Why? Because it’s been a closely guarded secret in the martial arts world for centuries.
To stand still and grow like a tree, internally, is more than a metaphor. It’s one way the body heals itself. You plug yourself into the earth through your feet, and your legs begin to feel as though they are antennae.
The energy from the earth begins to take root within you, and it expands throughout your body. You feel tingling sensations and warmth in your hands and feet. Your legs and shoulders may tremble and shake. Clearly, there is deep movement in this stillness practice. But you don’t have to do much of anything but relax and align your body properly.
As soon as you are aligned with a good structure, the energy begins to flow through you. You can start out feeling fatigued from the stresses of living, and within five minutes you feel brand new. It’s truly remarkable and amazing.
Even though you might think there’s nothing to the practice of standing still, that is untrue.
If there was nothing to it, then why do I tell people to begin slowly, with five minutes, especially those who are banged up with various injuries?
This standing practice is far more challenging than you may think - with many postures to learn, cultivate and grow into.
For more information on this incredible method of training, go to PowerPostures.com
Matt Furey