The origins of standing practices are lost in the mists of time, but one can easily imagine that they began with ancient hunters as a way of attuning to their surroundings and gathering deep reserves of energy and strength while becoming invisible to the prey they hunted.
As they were used by hunters, warriors, and healers they began to be further refined, developed, and codified into the powerful practices we have today under the broad heading of zhan zhuang or standing meditation.
The Paleolithic Posture
“In the Paleolithic Posture, the knees are slightly bent, the spine is straight and long, the breath is deep and quiet, the eyes are open and alert. The body feels like a tree standing with deep roots for balance and tall branches for grace… The Paleolithic Posture is an attitude of mind and body that was a matter of instinct and survival among ancient hunters, warriors, mothers, and healers.”
– Honoring the Medicine by Kenneth “Bear Hawk” Cohen, M.A., M.S.Th.
I researched, studied, and practiced these postures for well over a decade plumbing their mysteries and making them accessible for anyone who wants to understand and experience the tremendous benefits for themselves.
You can apply all that I teach to your own health, strength, and energy here or here.
“In ancient times great masters stood on earth, supporting heaven, controlling yin and yang, breathing with essence of qi, standing alone, guarding spirit, with body being as one.”
The health preserving and sustaining effects of zhan zhuang have been documented in hospitals and medical clinics across China. The reason this practice has such a profound impact on health and recovery from exercise is that standing meditation acts like a system-wide reboot for the whole body. It stimulates the nervous system, increases circulation, and raises energy levels, while providing deep relaxation for both mind and body.
