Earlier this month, I attended my first Practical Method event with the 7th European Meet Up in Bordeaux (October 7-8th 2023), hosted and organised by Thomas Poitreau. After being introduced to the practical method for few months by Thomas, this event made me discover the caring and enthusiastic practical method community. I particularly enjoyed to learn from passionate people from Austria, Poland, England, Slovenia and Germany during this whole weekend.
As the first day was dedicated to foundations and some partner work, the different exercises helped me to better understand and adjust my structure. We started from scratch, placing our feet on both side of a physical line and feeling how our feet should be connected to the ground to build a solid structure. During the following exercises (twisting the towel, positive and negative circles), I could feel my heels pressing down on the ground to keep my hips in a horizontal alignment. At the end of the first day, trying to apply thoroughly all the corrections of the day, I felt some changes in my way to practice the 13 moves.
On the second day, we had the opportunity to practice in one of the most beautiful parc of Bordeaux under a shining sun. After foundations, we worked on how to step forward without using the upper part of the body to lead the movement forward. I also had to focus on not moving the rear knee each time I step forward. Not easy! Once again, I kept these corrections in mind doing the 13 moves and it felt different from the day before.
Overall this meet up was for me both a taichi and human rich experience, with nice new encounters and memories.
Many thanks to Thomas Poitreau (Talence Wuguan) for organising this great meet up !
You can still enjoy a bit of the 7th European Meet Up by watching this video made by Damian Jagosz (from Żywiec, Poland)
