The tao cannot be avoided.
By attuning to its way, we seem to move less and less with a disturbing
wilfulness;
we move with rather than against the nature of things.
Self interest gets in the way of the tao.
When we move selflessly, we move with grace,
ease and harmony amid apparent confusion.
(Ray Grigg)
Perfection
Some people seek to 'perfect' their tai chi practice.
They seek a condition of faultless excellence with nothing lacking.
This idea of completeness has the connotation of finality.
Yet, tai chi is not about reaching a goal.
Tai chi is the process, the
means, the nature; not the end.
Taoism considers 'perfection' to be a condition of uncontrived
naturalness.
Yet, the very notion of perfection is simply a concept...
Your tai chi can only ever be a work-in-progress.
The learning will never end.
Outward form
Accurate form postures do not
necessarily reflect skill in tai chi.
They demonstrate accuracy, memory and spatial awareness.
Do not be caught up in how nice your form looks.
Edward De Bono:
Sometimes we adjust so well to the current way of doing things that any other change seems unthinkable.
Skill in tai chi is internal, within the body - and can always be
improved upon.
The outward form should reflect the
energy of each movement.
Every movement should be like a wave, rippling out of the body and then
returning.
This is shown by the water-like undulation of the body as you move.
Posture is a framework for shaping the movement, nothing more.
It is the scaffolding, not the substance.
Virtue
Tai chi needs to be considered according to its own
nature...
Each movement has particular characteristics; both
energetically and martially.
What is the essence of each movement?
The body must adjust to express the appropriate energy, remaining utterly
loose,
balanced and
relaxed at all times.
Your muscles must be soft but not flaccid.
Returning
Returning is an important theme in tai chi; the movements should
not start and stop.
Energy must release and return constantly as the body expands and contracts.
Similarly, if your
mind wanders, you return to what you doing
and continue.
If you make a mistake, you identify,
accept, correct and then begin again.
Every time you practice, you start the form afresh by returning to the
beginning.
There is no end, no perfection.
Just endless returning.
Being human
When you remove any notions of being perfect, you can
relax and get on with the practice.
Everyone is flawed.
Everyone makes mistakes.
This is part of what makes us human.
Don't be so worried about 'getting it right'.
Just be.
Mastery
Can you actually master tai chi?
To do so suggests a degree of
self-consciousness incongruent with tai chi practice.
Surely you need to be mastered by tai chi?
Your body and mind must flow with what is happening;
undisturbed and without
resistance.
Yielding, surrendering - until the 'you' is no longer present.
When you and tai chi are indivisible, there is no master, no perfection.
Page created 15 June 2000