It is necessary to be continually mindful;
to whatever part (of the body) is touched the mind should go.
You must discover the information by non-discrimination and non-resistance.
(Li I-yu)
Imagination
The conscious mind is considered to be a problem-solver whereas the unconscious
is the home of the imagination.
In tai chi problem-solving and imagination are crucial.
If we need to figure something out, we relax the mind and consider the
components of the matter.
Imagination is different, in that it is
spontaneous.
By allowing our tense thoughts to slow and dissipate we give
imagination the opportunity to flourish.
The mind cannot be forced.
Choice
Choices occur constantly and add
a certain degree of confusion and hesitancy to life.
When thought has calmed, choices feel to cease.
In
taoism, a state of choiceless awareness is said to happen when a
person is in
alignment with tao, with the way things
are.
Intent
Focus or concentration is the
process where the mind pays attention to one task and ignores everything
else.
In tai chi, we do not use focus or concentration.
Intent is different; it is purpose.
It must be used whilst maintaining awareness.
Intent adds substance to movement and is essential to all aspects of
tai chi
practice.
The three crucibles
The three crucibles are cavities
within the body: skull, chest and abdomen.
They relate to mind, emotion and instinct.
Tai chi must balance these appropriately so that mind and emotion are calmed
and instinct is allowed to operate without interference.
Tai chi and the mind
By applying intent and awareness
to the tai chi, a person becomes fully immersed in what they are doing and
what is going on around them.
Rather than chattering in their own minds, they experience what is occurring
without the interference of thought and memory.
Spontaneous action is only possible when the mind is calm and still.
Page created 12 March 2004