No matter how far you progress in your practice, a strong foundation will always be vital and an integral component in future endeavors. Just as a house without a solid foundation can easily crumble, so too can your physical, mental, and emotional well-being come crashing down if not for a strong foundation and understanding of the basics. One of many memorable lessons learned regarding the profound power of the basics was acquired while training for the Second Degree Yellow Sash test and, more specifically, for the stationary stance challenge. It may sound silly, but I never would have known just how much of an impact this experience would have outside of the physical aspect of the training. Yes, your muscles are shaking and your body wants to quit, but to your surprise, your mind stays sharp, locked-in. It took finally reaching a “breakthrough” point, that the development was much more than physical. I came to realize that in order to endure, I had to stop the internal fighting–just breathe, let go and trust the process.
Keeping it simple and learning to direct your intentions deeper, rather than always upward and outward, develops a strength and a will that honestly, no one can take from you because you have done the work, through consistent effort over time, and it is yours. Despite each and every obstacle, in the end, you remain standing. With the aid and color of your experience, you are whole.