[python] Re: riding attempts


On 18 dec 2006, at 14.32, Stephan Schöling wrote:


Olaf,
you wrote, that you have learned that technique plays a bigger role than balance. I wonder if balance isn´t the final goal, to reach with the technique of being able to release the tension of mind steered actions?
Yes, except that balance is not the goal. It is the way. I see balance as a process. Physically, balance manifests itself as a series of small movements to correct the body's alignment. In cycling or any other physical excersise I have noticed that a better balance result in smaller movements. In other words with a heightened sense of balance one will discover any imbalance earlier than an untrained person would. Early detection demand smaller corrections. But even if they are small, balance still is a series of movements. Like in tai chi where you continously move your center of gravity back and forth as well as from side to side. Your body is never still, but your mind is. Keeping physically absolutely still is not balance. It is death.
So my way to do it is to try to make my mind free of the things i learned before.
This was also my impression when first confronted with a centre- steered bike (flevobike). I said to myself this is as much about unlearning as it is about learning. Same thing with unicycling, by the way. Parting from old reflexes and habits is hard work!
I sit on the python like a wet sack, look to the horizon, feet up to pedals, hands down on the ground and just go. Go while concentrating to nothing but the feeling of balance. OK, behave like a wet sack is a kind of technique too, but i think releasing is the point.
A method that can be effective to keep your mind concentrated on "nothing" is to focus on your breathing. Move the centre of your consciousness to a point below your navel. Be there, breathe from there. If it works it will calm your mind and relax your body. 

Still learning,
Olaf



Still learning,
Stephan

Olaf Johansson wrote:
With an ending like that I feel the need to be humble. I have not ridden mid steered bikes for many years but I have found great pleasure in challenging my balance (mental & physical) in different ways; by practising tai chi, riding regular recumbent bikes, riding mid steered recumbents and also unicycles. What I have learned is that in all those activities technique plays a bigger role than balance. This means for instance that I have little benefit from being able to ride my unicycles when trying a new mid-steered bike. Every skill has to be larned on its own prerequisites. Balance is of course improving over time but what really matters is your will and eagerness to learn. You know, beginner's mind ... being a child all over again. So either you go from two wheel to three or in the opposite direction you will have to learn and relearn. Why not start with the thing that feels most tempting? 


olaf


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