Master Yang’s Training Tips

The Overlooked Power of Small, Consistent Doses

Confucius once said, “You can learn from every situation.” Today, I’d like to share what I learned from my mom’s remarkable recovery from severe COVID in 2024—a lesson that has reinforced the value of small, consistent efforts in nurturing health and well-being.

A Story of Survival and Resilience
In July 2024, my mom contracted severe COVID. The illness completely drained her energy, leaving her so deconditioned she could barely move her body. Within a month, her inactivity led to persistent coughing, mysterious itching, dizziness, constipation, and overall systemic decline.

Even with exceptional care from her primary physician, Dr. Emily Chai, and invaluable advice from friends Dr. Robert Sheeler and Dr. David Mann, progress was slow. My mom and I both feared she might not recover.

But we didn’t give up. We made a plan to start small and remain consistent, focusing on gradual progress over time. When she felt even the faintest ability to move, she began a small, consistent practice: standing up with her walker, walking five steps, then resting. She also practiced standing meditation for one minute, focusing on her posture and balance. These doses were so small they might seem insignificant—but they weren’t.

Dripping Water Can Penetrate Stone
Over time, these small, steady efforts brought profound results. Gradually, her coughing stopped, her itching disappeared, her bowel function normalized, her urinary incontinence greatly improved, her sleep returned to normal, and her core strength began to rebuild. When we visited her primary doctor, Dr. Chai, she was amazed by my mom’s transformation.

This journey reminded me of one of the most important principles for health and aging: small, consistent daily doses of practice—whether for balance, core strength, posture, cardio, or the mind—can go a long way. These seemingly tiny efforts build resilience and a foundation to face health challenges.

Your Takeaway
Whether you’re recovering from illness, managing pain, or simply working toward better health, this story reminds us that small, consistent efforts can lead to remarkable results. Let’s prioritize our daily training, even if it’s just for a few minutes. A consistent, small effort can relieve pain, improve sleep, strengthen the immune system, enhance balance, rebuild core strength, and cultivate a tranquil, positive, and resilient mind.

Meditation Wisdom:
“Dripping water can penetrate stone.” Let this remind us that small, consistent efforts in mind-body practice can help us overcome obstacles and nurture our health and well-being.