- LVKA Ki Notes
- Posts
- Keep Weight Underside
Keep Weight Underside
Finding Living Calmness
Matthew Doetsch-Kidder
November 02, 2024
Table of Contents
Reflection of the Week: Keep Weight Underside
7. Living Calmness
In a natural state, the weight of objects is always underside. Therefore the physical expression of living calmness is that the weight of every part of our body is also underside.
Like the calm, still surface of the water that reflects the moon and a flying bird, true living calmness is the condition of our mind that reflects all living things clearly. This is our original and natural state.
By understanding these principles, we can acquire true living calmness.
When the wind blows through the scattered bamboos, they do not hold its sound after it has gone. When the wild geese fly over a cold lake, it does not retain their shadows after they have passed. So the mind of the superior man begins to work only when an event occurs; and it becomes void again when the matter ends.
身体の総ての部分の重みを、その最下部におく
Karada no subete no bubun no omomi o, sono sai kabu ni oku
The weight of every part of the body is naturally underside
This week, we explored the principle of "Keep Weight Underside." At first glance, this might seem purely physical—something related to how we carry our body weight. But it's more than that; it’s a path to a deep, internal calm, a "living calmness," that guides both our physical and mental being.
In a natural state, the weight of objects is always underside. Think of a boulder or the way a fallen log settles firmly into the earth. This "underside" quality keeps things steady and grounded. Similarly, the weight of every part of our body should feel naturally settled, not forced or held up rigidly. In this calm, settled state, our body is at ease, our mind is undisturbed, and our responses are clear.
Just as the calm surface of water reflects the moon or a passing bird without distortion, true living calmness allows us to reflect all things clearly, without the clouds of tension, anxiety, or distraction. The surface of the water also does not hold onto the image of the moon or bird once they have passed. This is our original, natural state. By understanding and practicing the principles of "Keep Weight Underside," we can restore this calmness in both body and mind..
In practicing "Keep Weight Underside," I've faced many challenges. Initially, I saw it as a directive to "push down" and hold my weight lower in a physical sense. But this perspective missed the point. Keeping weight underside isn’t about exerting effort or forcing control. Instead, it’s a practice in letting go—allowing gravity to work on us naturally. When we stop resisting, our body settles, our mind becomes calm, and our heart, or kokoro, finds peace.
Recently I was working on a website project and we were ready to launch. At the last minute the requirements changed and we had to make a variety of changes. For a moment, I found myself irritated with the client about coming in at the 11th hour with these changes. I felt my mind getting shaky and my shoulders starting to climb towards my ears. But then I remembered the fourth principle explained below, “You are flexible and can adapt to changing circumstances.” I changed my concept and it became a great opportunity to practice in daily life.
Five Principles of Keeping Weight Underside
You maintain your most comfortable posture.
Your body feels light and does not sag.
Your Ki is fully extended.
You are flexible and can adapt to changing circumstances.
Therefore you perceive everything clearly.
You maintain your most comfortable posture.
Our best posture is one that is balanced and natural. We’re not forcing anything; instead, we let our body find its comfortable, stable alignment. Here, we don't "push down" or create unnecessary tension; we just let gravity do its work.
Your body feels light and does not sag.
Imagine standing tall yet feeling light, with no heaviness pulling you down. When we truly "keep weight underside," we aren’t collapsing or slumping but rather finding a state where the body is upright and at ease.
Your Ki is fully extended.
Extending Ki doesn’t mean forcing anything. It’s about a calm, effortless energy that extends naturally. This extension brings us clarity and focus, helping us to engage with the world without resistance. More on this next week!
You are flexible and can adapt to changing circumstances.
When we keep weight underside, we stay centered and grounded, which allows us to be flexible. No matter what comes our way, we can adjust with ease because we are settled yet free to move. This flexibility extends to the mind, enabling us to approach challenges without rigid preconceptions.
Therefore, you perceive everything clearly.
A calm mind and body lead to clear perception. Without unnecessary tension clouding our judgment or physical discomfort distracting us, we can fully experience and respond to the present moment. This clarity is essential to "living calmness."
Living Calmness: A Reflective State
"Keep Weight Underside" helps bring us into a state of "living calmness." In this state, we are like the still surface of a lake that can reflect the sky, the trees, and any movement around it with perfect clarity without holding onto the reflection. This living calmness doesn’t mean being passive or indifferent; it means being fully aware and at peace with whatever comes. Letting it arise, abide, and dissipate naturally. It’s an active, grounded calm—a strength rooted in balance and awareness.
By embodying these principles, we restore our natural state. We regain our ability to respond to life’s ups and downs with clarity and composure, perceiving each moment as it truly is. This week, let’s take time to settle into this calmness, reflecting on how we carry ourselves both physically and mentally. With each breath, let go of tension, allow gravity to guide you, and feel the lightness of true calm, naturally underside.
I look forward to seeing you on the mat (and in daily life) soon!
