The Art of Focus and Splitting Wood
I wanted to split some wood for my stove a couple of weeks ago. It's something I'd never done, but with great enthusiasm I went outside to the log pile to prove to myself that "I'm strong and can do anything"! With my son's camp axe I began to hack away with all my might, sound effects and all, splitting the logs, feeling quite empowered and absolutely exhausted and in pain after five or six splits!
A neighbor who had been hearing and watching my sincere efforts walked over and gently inquired if she could show me how she had learned to split wood. I welcomed the training session and with gratitude and new information carried on and managed to get a few more logs split (not many), with a little less effort (not that much less). My back was still screaming for mercy.
Later that day I went to a friend's house where my son would be learning some wilderness skills. The next thing I knew, I was in the midst of a fabulous lesson on splitting wood and making fires! I learned three very important things. I needed to use a splitting maul, instead of the camp axe; I needed to use my entire body; and I needed to have a clear focus of mind. What a huge difference this made. There were other details, but these were the standouts for me.
I now know how to split wood in a way that engages full focus, uses minimal energy, and without the physical stress. Just like any art, I am practicing this skill. Most importantly I have added one more thing to my "I can do this" list.
The true gift is that in one day, with my desire to learn how to split wood, opportunities presented themselves one right after the other. Growing in self-sufficiency every day.
Click below for specific tips on splitting wood:
So here are some tips:
Use a splitting maul which has a fat, wedge shape to the head, allowing it to "open" the wood once it's made good contact. (Save the camp axe for smaller jobs, like making kindling.)
Place wood on a level stump so you'll be splitting with the grain.
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
Hold the maul with both hands. Slide one hand up near the head of the maul, and practice letting it slide down the handle toward the other hand as the swing is executed.
Put the maul in the spot you want to hit and feel for appropriate distance. Focus for a moment on that spot. You don't want to strike beyond the wood or fall short of it.
Pull the maul carefully over your head, allowing the upper hand to slide up near the maul head.
Focus your mind at the bottom of the log you're splitting. See it making a complete and clean cut to that point. Now bring the maul quickly and firmly down, allowing your hand to slide down the maul handle to the other hand, aiming to hit the exact spot you selected, keeping your focus the entire time, and using your whole body. The power of your focus and your whole body are key. This prevents the shock of the striking blade from affecting your back, leg and arm muscles.
Have fun splitting! Your fires will never be cozier than with wood you've split yourself!
Be well! Be happy! Be outrageous!
Louise
Topics
Self Sufficiency0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: The Art of Focus and Splitting Wood.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.mastersconnection.com/blog/mt-tb.cgi/29
Leave a comment