3.5 Meel swinging – step 1 turning the Meel

To learn to swing Meel you must first learn to coordinate the upper limbs movement with the basic four count rhythm. This is the first step for beginners to learn how to handle the Meel and coordinate their upper limbs prior to learning how to properly swing Persian Meel.

Meel starting and transition posture

Meel turn position

• From the starting position (starting and transition posture) commence by lifting your right Meel up and over your right shoulder by turning it back in a long arc until you have fully flexed from the shoulder and elbow. Inhale deeply as your thoracic and rib cage expands and focus on keeping the left Meel balanced in-front of you. This is the first count.
• To turn the right Meel back to its original position, i.e. the starting and transition posture, start by contracting through the abdomen and extending through the elbow followed by the shoulder in a long arc until the right Meel is back in it’s starting position. exhale as you do this. This is the second count.
• At three and four count you will perform the same sequence of movements with your opposite arm and Meel. i.e. for the third count turn the left Meel back and for the fourth count return the left Meel back to the starting position.
• At this early stage you are only moving the Meel in the frontal plane and getting used to balancing and working with this wonderful tool.
• Keep the Meel that is in front of you balanced upright but with the head of the Meel slightly leaned in towards your torso and keep looking at it while you turn the other Meel. This will be the foundation on which we will introduce full body and core engagement during Meel swings and is very important.
• Do not hyper extend the lower back, in fact the spine should be well balanced and in a normal upright posture as there is an equal distribution of weight.
• Do NOT drop the Meel backwards but lower it with intent.