Day 52 , Looking back and Forward

The 20 minutes a day Zen Stance has definitely improved myself physically.  Just a few short years ago, I was having some difficulty getting in and out of the little Toyota MR2.  Thought I was supposed to accept the fact that I was no longer young and have to change the way I get in and out of a car.  It made me learn the "correct" way of getting onto a low sports car.  --> Open the door and enter the car with the buttock touching down on the seat first.  Then pivot about the buttock, bringing right then left legs into the car.  Now I realized that it was because my left leg not having the strength to support my body.  This is no longer an issue.

It was my wish to also strengthen myself mentally.  Initially I thought the stance could do that.  Now I am not so sure.

So what is it that trains the mind as well as the body?

Day 42 - Renewed Challenge

40 days completed.  The effect was initially surprising, then flattened.  It is true, the muscle tone of my buttock and thighs had not felt so good for at least a decade.  How do I know?  After a ride through the cold air, when the shorts were removed, the icy cheeks (slight sagging) are no longer so icy.  Yet, I began to feel restless during the nightly stance sessions.  And the sessions seemed to begin later and later.  I need more challenge.

This morning I gave myself a challenge.  I added the morning session.  It was not just a 20 minutes session.  I bent lower than before, and then I stretched it to 25 minutes.

It worked.   Approaching 20 minutes mark, the intense shaking began.  I held it.. for 5 more minutes, as the flame inside burned, and perspiration on the verge of forming on my forehead.  Let's begin another 40 days.