Not only in the world of business or sports, but also in our daily lives, we are expected to have “flexibility” in order to respond to pressure and stress with adaptability, rather than rigidity. To that end, I think many of us try to cultivate an “unwavering core” within ourselves. However, there is an unexpected pitfall here. When we try to create such a “core” intentionally, we may mistake staying “unwavering” for trying “not to move”, causing both our mind and body to become stuck.
Let’s think about walking on a wet, slippery road. Fearing we might lose our footing, we unconsciously tense up our mind, and our bodies stiffen as a result. The more we tense up our minds and bodies, the less able we are to respond to subtle changes in the road surface, and the easier it is to lose our balance.
Trying to hold ourselves rigidly actually makes us more vulnerable to external influences. Unconsciously pressing our lower body down (against the ground) is a clear sign of this fixation.
On the other hand, merely letting our muscles go limp leads to a collapsed state in which we cannot exert the necessary strength to walk. What we aim for is “proper relaxation,” which is neither fixation nor collapse. It is a state in which there is no unnecessary tension anywhere in the body or mind. Many approaches aimed at relaxation attempt to change the “physical state” of the body. While these methods may have a symptomatic effect, maintaining a state of relaxation even in stressful or high-pressure situations requires a change in the “state of our mind” in accordance with the principle that the “Mind moves the body”.
Only when the tension in our mind is released, can we be guided toward the most balanced posture; that is, the most natural state known as a “Toitsutai” (unified body), in which our entire body becomes one. Establishing this solid foundation is the true “unwavering state.” The question is, how can we release this tension in our mind?
This is what it means to “Calm and focus the mind at the One Point in your lower abdomen” (Keep One Point). Since One Point is an infinitesimally small point, it is physically impossible to tense or stiffen it. By calming our mind in this One Point where we cannot put any tension, we can respond flexibly to external influences without tension or stiffening the body or mind.
This flexibility is also important in everyday communication. When we are having a conversation with someone, aren’t there moments when we get defensive, determined to prove we are right and really wanting the other person to understand our point? When that happens, our mind and body instantly become rigid, and we start to overreact to even the slightest thing the other person says or does!
However, if we remain calm and focus our mind at the One Point in the lower abdomen, then we can maintain our composure and openness in order to see things from the other person’s perspective and thus respond flexibly. If we try too hard to “create a core” within ourselves, we may end up fixating ourselves on it and becoming rigid or even stubborn. By first calming and focusing our mind at the One Point in the lower abdomen and letting go of unnecessary tension, we can establish this unwavering foundation.
Recently, I attended a recital by pianist Shiori Kuwahara. The sound was incredibly powerful and exquisitely delicate. I found myself captivated by the graceful way she faced the piano keys and the stable posture that supported it. The fact that “power” and “delicacy,” which at first glance seem polar opposites, could coexist so beautifully was facilitated by her rock-solid foundation. In other words, it was her posture and sheer presence that served as the core foundation enabling her to embody true suppleness.
Like a willow tree that takes deep root in the earth and sways gracefully in harmony with the wind, let us cultivate the flexibility to embrace any change by laying a solid foundation day by day.
Translated by Mayumi Case
Edited by David Shaner
Eastern Ki Federation
https://easternkifederation.org/
Original article in Japanese: しなやかさ (Shinayakasa)
June 1, 2026
https://shinichitohei.com/japanese/01-%e3%82%b3%e3%83%a9%e3%83%a0/36784/
