Moving with the tao is important; understanding the tao is impossible.
The purpose of moving with the tao is to harmonize in dynamic balance
everything that is inside and outside oneself,
and to become a process that facilitates a larger balance of harmony.
There is a broad balance inherent in the nature of things.
(Ray Grigg)
Internal
The 'internal arts' are so-called because the focus is within.
You are required to feel rather than do.
Outward movement must reflect the inner condition and should stem from what is
happening internally.
This sounds difficult until you consider it further.
Every movement made by the human body begins under the skin; nerves activate
muscles and muscles move the bones.
There is nothing special about this; it is the normal process.
Tai chi simply reconsiders the way in which the movement is generated; it
explores the how.
Physical
Beneath the nerve and muscle action, tai chi considers the action of
qi
within the body.
Qi is regarded as being a subtle energy, both fuelling and directing biological
functions.
A tai chi student aims to move in accordance with qi.
This is quite different to exploring the physical range of possible movement, as
with yoga or pilates.
Energetic action is minute.
Gravity and connection
The body uses
gravity and connection to channel energy
throughout the body.
Energy passes through the structure towards the extremities.
Centrifugal and centripetal force accomplishes this on the horizontal, and the
rippling of the joints and vertebra on the vertical.
This is the heart of 'reeling
silk'.
Physical tension and holding will impede this flow.
External
People who attend tai chi classes irregularly or train in other
martial arts are often very stiff.
They have difficulty letting-go of tension.
The habitual practice of muscular contraction conditions the body to exert.
Such exercise blocks energy and reduces physical sensitivity.
Exaggeration
There is also a danger from within the class.
In order to see how tai chi generates movement, the posture must be demonstrated
and then practiced in a slightly exaggerated manner.
If the exercise was shown correctly, a beginner could not see the detail or
understand what they are looking at.
This is why the
form slowly internalises every movement.
Mind, body, spirit
Once the essence of a movement is understood, you must explore
the spirals, circles and curves that generate the action.
You must also consider the potential application.
Finally, the awareness must go deeper.
Awareness and neigong will unlock the subtle inner rhythm of each motion.
Breath, energy and gravity will become more significant than outward show; and
your training will fold the tai chi inward.
Page created 8 September 2003