Lesson one, take a chance

Published: Wed, 01/15/14

Hi
First Tuesday evening Foundation Class in Crewkerne last night.
Three new students and I was ably assisted by Venetia and Hugh. So
I hope we communicated how the Stav training works. I do feel
privileged to be in a position to teach Stav, I particularly like
the mind and body aspect to the way it works. It isn't
particularly difficult to just do lots of exercises and work up a
bit of a sweat. It is also quite easy to sit around talking about
stuff and coming up with ideas that never really go anywhere.
Manifesting a profound idea physically is the real challenge. The
Trel principle, for example, is an interesting idea to talk about.
The Trel drills we use in Stav training are quite challenging
physically in that they are often the first drills that students
learn. However just being able to go through the motions is fairly
meaningless if you don't understand the concept behind it. But
combine a mental understanding of the idea of the Trel principle
with the physical practice of the drill and you will be able to see
when a Trel response is necessary in real life situations and just
do it.

I don't mean as a martial arts technique with a staff or an axe
or other weapon. That will hopefully happen infrequently in
everyday life. But we all find ourselves in situations we would
rather not be in from time to time. Not life threatening probably,
just everyday situations where there is really no benefit to anyone
in hanging around. The Trel principle is about seeing these
situations as they arise and knowing how to extract yourself with
the absolute minimum of fuss. In the ideal expression of the Trel
principle the person you would rather get away from doesn't
even notice you were there. Lets face it, we have all had
situations when that could have been useful sometimes.

Stav training is fun and interesting too. I would like to share
the opportunity to learn Stav with you. It does have to be
experienced physically as well as being thought about. Course this
Saturday in Salisbury as well as the programme of training in
Crewkerne. I know there is a commitment in time, effort, travel
and cost, I am afraid that is the price of living in a material
world of time and space. But if what is stopping you is fear of
the unknown then all I can say is, take a chance. Just having the
courage to make it to a course will be your first lesson.

Updated courses page at http://iceandfire.org/calendar.html

regards

Graham