Standing Like a Tree

Zhan zhuang, the practice of not moving

Chinese internal arts

Stand still, knees soft, arms curved as if holding a great ball. That's all. Within minutes the stillness turns out to be full of small events: weight shifting, breath moving, attention settling. The quietest workout in the world.

1. 1Feet shoulder width, knees slightly bent
2. 2Arms rounded in front, as if hugging a tree
3. 3Shoulders down, breath low and slow
4. 4Stand for eight minutes, adjusting nothing