Natural Movement Principles

Lately, I've been reading a book by Tara Stiles titled "Guiding Strala: The Yoga Training Manual.  To Ignite Freedom, Get Connected, and Build Radiant Health and Happiness.  By Tara Stiles.  Carlsbad, California, Hay House Inc., 2017.  Index, 361 pages.  ISBN: 978-1401948108.  The Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries supply me with plenty of good books, CDs, VCDs, ebooks, etc. 

In Guiding Strala, she outlines "11 Principles of Natural Movement" (pp.69-85)  These 11 Principles are then discussed throughout the book mostly in the context of Vinyasa style yoga.

These Principles can also be found in Tai Chi Chuan theory and practices.  Qigong and Feldenkrais practices and theory use some of same concepts. 

"So here they are: 11 principles to natural movement that will get you moving easily and powerfully, without tiring, in everything you do."

1.  Soften
2.  Establish Your Breath-Body Connection
3.  Lead From Your Middle
4.  Use Your Opposites
5.  Use Momentum
6.  Use Your Whole Body
7.  Open the Door, Close the Door
8.  Conserve Energy
9.  Sensitize
10.  Focus on Body Position
11.  Play

For example, Principle 7 (Open the Door, Close the Door): "Always move into challenges from where you are comfortable and open. Always open the door to movement first so you don't have to force your way through."  Relax while learning new movements, be open, don't rush, welcome yourself in.  Don't let impatience, immaturity, or pride close the door to your progress.  Overly stressful exertion, too much effort, or high octane challenges might delay your overall progress and close the door on real progress, benefits, and mastery.  Close the door on dis-ease, and open the door to ease.  Breathing practices (pranayama) use inhaling (opening the door) and exhaling (closing the door) to our benefit and mental-spiritual well-being. Mind-body yoga practices enable us to close the door on unhealthy practices, and open the door to a healthier lifestyle.  [The "Door" metaphor works in many ways.]