ECP Initiation Session 5 - The Nowspace
- Steve Ehrenreich
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
In the world of internal martial arts, the concept of bringing conscious attention into the Nowspace is fundamental yet often overlooked. The Nowspace is a term I use for the ideal place for our attention when training. This step aims to help you understand the importance of being in the Nowspace during and inspire you to develop this essential skill.
The Nowspace refers to the emotional and mental presence one embodies during training. It is a state where your mind is in your body allowing for deeper engagement. By consciously focusing on your current feelings and sensations, you can open yourself a rich inner experience that significantly enhances your training progress.
When you consciously bring your attention into the Nowspace, you open yourself up to a myriad of learning opportunities. This heightened awareness enables you to decipher movements and techniques more effectively, thus improving your skills in integrated strength training—essential for mastering internal kung fu.
Creating a Ritual for Entering the Nowspace
Establishing a ritual can be a powerful tool for entering the Nowspace before any formal practice. A simple yet effective routine can include standing or sitting in a quiet place, closing your eyes, and taking deep breaths. Bring your minds eye to various parts of you body in sequence. Breath into the feeling of that body part, releasing any tension, discomfort or pain you feel with the outbreath.
You can do this from bottom up, top down, outside in, inside out...you get the idea. Each approach offers a unique perspective and can significantly enhance your understanding of your body and your awareness of its various components. As you delve deeper into these methods, you will find that you can engage with your body in a multitude of ways, each providing valuable insights into how your physical self operates and interacts with your environment.
As you become more adept at moving your awareness of your body parts, it is essential to shift your intention once again to become aware of the whole. This holistic approach means being simultaneously aware of all the parts you previously scanned with your attention. For instance, after focusing on your feet, legs, and torso, you can broaden your awareness to include your arms, neck, and head, creating a comprehensive picture of your body as a unified entity. This intentional shifting from the parts to the whole is not merely a technique; it is a practice that fosters a deeper connection and understanding of your body’s intricate systems.
This practice of awareness can be likened to a conductor leading an orchestra. Initially, you may focus on individual instruments, listening closely to the nuances of each sound. However, as you gain confidence and skill, you begin to hear how those individual sounds blend to create a harmonious symphony. Similarly, by cultivating the ability to move your point of view from the parts to the whole, you develop a richer understanding of how your body functions as a cohesive unit, rather than a collection of isolated parts.
Over time, we want to balance our learned habitual focus on the parts with the ability to shift and observe the whole. This balance is crucial because it allows us to appreciate the complexity of our physical experience. When we focus exclusively on parts, we may miss out on the interconnectedness and synergy that exists within our body. Conversely, if we only concentrate on the whole without acknowledging the individual components, we may overlook the specific areas that require attention or care.
Practicing this dual awareness can lead to greater body awareness, improved physical performance, and enhanced overall well-being. It encourages mindfulness and presence, allowing you to respond more effectively to your body’s needs. As you continue to engage in this practice, you will likely find that your ability to shift your focus becomes more fluid and natural, enriching your experience of being in your body and enhancing your overall quality of life.
In the next article we look at a very useful tool to include in your personal practice ritual, the belt. As you will see in the article, I highly recommend wearing a belt while you practice as it helps remind you to keep and control pressure in your abdomen, a key component of activating your frame. By making the tying of the belt a reminder to shift into the Nowspace you will have you get both benefits at once.
The Role of Awareness in Experiential Learning
Being in the Nowspace is essential for experiential learning—a key component of training in internal martial arts. When you allow yourself to fully experience a movement, you are better equipped to notice nuanced details. Instead of merely executing techniques, you develop a deeper understanding of how and why they work.
For instance, if you're practicing a certain stance, being in the Nowspace means focusing on how the stance feels, where your body weight is distributed, and how your breathing affects your balance. This attention to detail helps to form a more complete understanding of the technique, allowing for personal growth.
Transitioning from Mental Chatter to Listening Mode
Many practitioners are often overwhelmed by mental chatter during training. This wandering mind can distract and hinder progress, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand. By developing the skill to enter the Nowspace, you can shift from the noise of thoughts to a state of active listening.
Being in a listening mode means you are attentive to both your body and your environment. You notice how certain movements feel, how your energy flows, and how it interacts with others during paired exercises or sparring. This attentiveness enhances your ability to form connections and adapt your learning experiences.
As you train, consciously guide your attention back to the present moment each time you notice your mind wandering. This practice not only deepens your engagement but also fosters a sense of calm and clarity.
Continuous Development of the Nowspace
The journey of developing the quality of being in the Nowspace is a never-ending process. It requires consistent practice and self-compassion. Just as you would train muscles for integrated strength, this quality needs nurturing over time. It’s important to remind yourself that it’s perfectly normal for your mind to drift—what matters is your commitment to returning to the present moment.
Consider setting aside time at the end of each practice session to reflect. Ask yourself the following questions: What were the sensations I felt during practice? How can I carry this awareness into my everyday life? Reflecting in this manner strengthens your connection to the Nowspace and enhances your overall training journey.
Embracing the Principles
The Way emphasizes mental focus and the integration of mind and body. This philosophy highlights that the strength of your movements comes not just from physical training but also from the quality of your mental state. By fostering a strong connection between your awareness and your intentions, you improve the quality of your training.
Incorporating these principles into your practice encourages you to remain committed to developing your internal awareness. This commitment will help you explore the depths of both your physical capabilities and your mental clarity.
Embrace each training session as an opportunity to deepen your connection with the Nowspace. With every practice, aim to strengthen your skill in accessing the present moment more quickly and effectively.
As you cultivate this discipline, you will begin to notice significant improvements in your training and overall well-being. Remember that the importance of bringing conscious attention into the Nowspace cannot be overstated; it is truly foundational to the art of integrated strength training and internal martial arts.
By intentionally drawing your attention to your current feeling state and making a ritual of entering the Nowspace, you will transform your practice from mere physical training into a holistic martial arts journey. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, nurturing this quality will ultimately lead you to the profound benefits of internal martial arts.
Your Tasks to Complete This Step
Watch the video.
Read this article to emphasize the importance establishing the habit of entering the Nowspace when you train.
Make pulling yourself into the Nowspace a ritual to begin your personal practice sessions.
Over the next week or so focus on Nowspace exercises, finding and releasing tension.
Recognize that investing in this foundation practice will yield dividends in the near future.
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