Initial impressions of Pearls
I have been working on the Pearls module for a little over a month now and have worked through the first few videos. I now know that the initial sensations of the couple that relate to the feet start to present themselves naturally as you come to the end of Stillness, so once again sifu's initial instructions assembled the beginning sensations relatively quickly if subtlely. What i can say so far is that the sense of tearing oneself apart from the inside becomes much more apparent with the added dimensions of stretch that the Pearls produce. This increased stretch quickens the process of finding the preference not to move from the Stillness and after about 10- 15 minutes I experience a sense of being held in place by the couples which is very cool! This a couple times had given rise to a curious experience I can only describe as an inner sense of buoyancy. My diagram and the viscera in my chest seem to melt while also giving rise to an uplifting feeling from within.
This, especially when followed with the neigong walk, produces such a different experience of the inside of my body that it is kind of wild when compared to my notes from the beginning of this process. To put it simply, it feels like clarity and knowing of where I am within myself which sounds so mundane but it is really very cool and honesty reminds me of how my body felt when I was much younger. That kind of on top of the world feeling even at times. Maybe its just me feeling relief after being in near constant pain for nearly 20 years but I'll take it!
I have also been noticing the ambient effects of Stillness more day to day. My body is more at rest in public places, and the shift in social dynamics that sifu occasionally alludes to are becoming more apparent. Especially with the other males I work with.
All told, my excitement has certainly not diminished in this process, and while I know it will only get harder, this fact does not feel as intimidating as it used to. And ultimately my appreciation for sifu making this kind of work not only available, but accessible to country bumpkin fiddlers like me continues to grow. As this practice continues to add depth to my everyday experiences and increased capacity to all of my work and arts.