When we extend ourselves in our postures we extend the physical form. But we can and should also endeavour to extend past the physical form. What does this mean in practical terms? I means that we intend an extension mentally as well.

If we only extend to the end of physical form and stop there, we also stop the movement of the mind in a way. We reinforce rather than overcome the boundaries of our physicality. We also impose those constraints on our energetic or “will” body.

Kung-fu practitioners have known this for a long time. When punching an object, they punch a few centimeters (or more) past the point of contact. This adds a huge amount of additional force to the strike and the difference arises primarily from a mental rather than a physical shift.

Next time you are in your virabhadrasana II, see if your energy is stopping at the tips of your fingers and, if it is, whether or not you can intend to extend beyond them.*

“Don’t punch the block of wood, but rather punch through it.” – Wise Old Kung Fu Master 🙂

*of course, extension is only a part of the story