As much as I've read and studied over the past 4 years, well over 20 books, more than half by GrandMaster Yang, it does not translate into actual useful skill.
In his excellent Xing Yi Quan book what are you supposed to be doing internally while pole standing and practicing the five elements (besides the internal connections and directions --shoulders to hips, forward motion, backward motion, etc.) It seems like there are some very important internal features missing from the text, or I am ignorant of what is staring me in the face.
The closest YMAA branch school is over 3 1/2 hours away. If I am asking for something not openly taught, I apologize beforehand. I am searching through Xing Yi for a way of rising above my body, emotions, and mind.
Thank you for anything you can tell me,
Shawn