The Archer

Focus.

Me - the target. Focus.

Very simple. Just get the arrow from the bow to the target. Pull the string back and let it go.

Yet it doesn’t always happen that way. I wouldn’t be standing at the firing line if it did.

There with me are several others whose arrows sometimes fail to hit the spot on the target. Each in his own space, each trying to maintain his own focus.

Focus. But how is my friend doing? What about my rival? Can I block out the laughter of the group behind me?

Plenty of time. Half a minute for a process that is complete in the space of two breaths. Deceptively little time.

Focus! The bow is ready. Everything tight, everything adjusted properly. High tech, well designed, this bow can hit the spot every time. If I let it.

Put the arrow on the string, attach the release.

Focus. Me - the target.

Focus leads the arrow from me to the target. The arrow’s flight begins with focus on me.

Breath in, from the base of the spine up the back. Full breath, on up to the top of the head. Breath out, down the front of the body, around again to the base of the spine. Like a wheel turning.

And with each turn of the wheel, focus and energy flow in, tensions flow out.

Foot placement; hip rotation; shoulder alignment. All vital. All so easy to be off just a little.

Focus. Raise the bow. Arm extended, hand to the string. Keep the wheel turning.

Now focus links to the spot on the target. Me - the target. In focus.

Some would say that the outcome of this shot is decided by the flight of focus. Perhaps the flight of the arrow is not necessary.

But I am not so confident. I need to see the arrow in the spot to know.

So I follow the wheel around. Breath in, smooth draw back. Full breath, anchor and aim. Start the breath out. The release will come when it is ready.

Is the arrow in the spot or not? Either way, it builds toward the next shot.

Toward focus.