Why Push Hands?

This month, Shakti’s Elements will be holding the second Push Hands Workshop in a series of five. Lately, many of you are questioning whether to take on one more workshop? I know you are asking yourself, “Should I add one more piece to my practice? And if so…why push hands?” Good Question.

In every practice, our body becomes a microcosm for our world and the way in which we perceive it. Tai Chi teaches us to surrender and hone patience. Yoga gives us further insight into the inner workings of our “monkey mind”. Dance enables us to express the subconscious and the apparent. All three mirror one another and present a depth far beyond the reflection of the eye. Push Hands is yet another gift presented as an opportunity to learn about our own universe and its existence in relation to our neighbour. To learn this art requires a cultivation of spirit void of winning. Instead, one must concentrate the heart and mind solely on listening.

It has been said, “To listen well, is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true conversation.” Thus, in order to Push Hands, one must listen to their opponent and avoid the tendency to conform or become habitual. The practice provides unique understanding of how to manipulate Qi and gives insight into one’s own shortcomings. The Art of War, by Sun Tzu, states, “When listening… you induce others to construct a formation while you yourself are formless. You then concentrate your energy, while your opponent is divided.” Push Hands provides the tools for this type of true conversation without preconceived notions. The concept of harnessing the ability to be so unencumbered yet deliberate is definitely paradoxical and requires great skill. But most importantly, it requires a mindful teacher.

This necessity could singularly be the most significant reason for choosing to include Push Hands into your practice. Master Julius Baker possesses a level of mastery and life experience that has fined-tuned his ability to listen. He has taught martial arts for over 40 years and his student body is a testament to his legacy for they cannot be categorized into a specific demographic. They come from all walks of life for Master Bakers ability to listen is profound and heart-felt. If you were to sit with his students, the stories would overwhelm your spirit. Over the years, he has provided students with tools to manage ADD, ADHD, depression, and bi-polar disorder… to name a few. He has a revolving door for those in need. Master Baker’s life has been dedicated to listening and understanding how to work with Qi.

Shakti’s Elements is fortunate to provide this caliber of teaching. The tools provided for self-study in this workshop are worth their weight in gold. We hope you take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.