Extended Throws - The Art of Leadership

Many of us have heard the saying “ You can lead a horse to water but, you can not force them to drink” When we are practicing extended throws we should keep this in mind. Extended throws are not about force or strength. They are about leading the energy to where it wants to go. If we attempt to manhandle or force the move of our partners or loved ones they will feel our energy and resist. Therefore, it is important to move out of the way of the opposing force while guiding the energy with your spirit at the same time. This is the art and practice of leadership. We can see this same practice when leading a project or class, listening to a friend, being in a relationship and resolving conflict. In all the situations we must first remove our ego and get out of the way so we can lead, listen and be in the present moment. Leading with our intention or spirit. If we are thinking about what we are going to say or do we can not lead because we are attached to the outcomes and no longer in relationship with what is happening. Things quickly become personal, we get angry, and get lost in the act of doing. However, when we are present we can see where our partners want to go or their point of view making it possible to lead and show them another way. If we get too close or too far away we loose connection. So, what is required us to be good leaders? 1. Listening fully and completely 2. Moving out of the way yet, making yourself available 3. Maintaining your core alignment 4. Connect – be in relationship with your partner (feel them completely with a single touch) 5. Stay in the present unfolding moment 6. Guide the energy to its depletion point then continue the thread 7. Extend and redirect them beyond their centered place 7. Keep them suprised and off balance 8. Lead not with technique but with intent 9. Allow the momentum take its course, be effortless without force 10. Stand in the non-doing 11. Remember there is no enemy, other than one own ego