I was watching Bleach last night, which is nothing new for me. This idea of spiritual power they have is exaggerated, but I think such a thing may exist, in a roundabout way.
I'm thinking back to my TKD classes. Part of the advancement tests involved the breaking of boards by some prescribed method.
It was difficult. It was intimidating. And it took several attempts. That was the first time. It got easier, until I had to do a reverse hook kick, and could not see the target.
Anyway, I'm not saying I have insane "spiritual pressure" or anything. The first two boards didn't take a lot of strength, they were front and side kicks. The reverse hook kick almost hamstrung me. I missed. I hit it without enough force to break it, much less keep my balance. I almost kicked the instructor. [this kick requires a spin before the actual kick takes place, striking with the heel.]
I remember to this day, how it felt when I focused my entire being on that piece of wood. I spun faster than I had ever done before, it was as if my foot wasn't touching the flloor. I smashed my heel into that board with more force than I'd ever created before, and one of the pieces went flying across the room. When I landed, it was in a perfect stance.
That wasn't earth shattering might, but it was more strength and coordination than I'd ever had before. It was like the world dropped away from me and went silent, and the only thing that existed was me and the wood. I didn't see, feel, hear, or breathe. Well, obviously I saw, but I didn't see anything but the target. The world was a blur of white [walls] and grey [carpet]. It was exhilarating, knowing I could lose myself that way, and generate such force.
I got into that "zone" a few times when I was sparring with a stronger and more skilled opponent. I rarely strike to hurt the other student when I spar, but this guy was hurting me and I got angry. I hammered him as hard as I could, and I didn't feel any of his kicks until the adrenaline had faded.
It was beautiful.
It's really got nothing to do with Bleach, but that's what made me think of it - Ichigo can focus his will to create tremendous power. I did, too. Well, minus Zangetsu and waves of pure energy blowing the world apart.
Thoughts? Ever been there?
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