Tai Chi Principles Part 2

When moving in T'ai Chi Chih® all parts of the body should move together. Everything should be connected. Proper alignment is of the utmost importance. Without this proper alignment the Chi will not flow properly. To keep your alignment your body must move in harmony. When you move one muscle this will effect all the others. Relax every part of your body. Tension is your enemy. Tension will block the flow of Chi.

When the flow of Chi is blocked the parts become disconnected. You must release all tension. Without tension the Chi will flow freely and connect all the parts of your body and mind. This allow you to flow with softness and continuity. T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ching attributed to Chang San-feng describes this principle.

Rocking Motion Tips

Rocking Motion is the first movement in T'ai Chi Chih®. This may just be the most difficult of all movements to master. The importance of this movement cannot be over emphasized. The movement is done by sifting the weight toward the front of the feet and down into the ground. Then the weight is shifted toward the back of the feet and down into the ground. At the same time the body must remain in perfect alignment.

Your weight should be pushing straight down into the ground at every point. You should push down with your mind and not your muscles. Do this and you will be grounded. Let your head be light and and float up like a helium balloon. This will gently lengthen your spine. Only then will the body will be in correct alignment.

This is true for all of other the movements of T'ai Chi Chih®. It is important to feel the pressure at each point on your the bottom of your foot. This is like giving yourself a foot massage. Your weight must also be perfectly balanced between the right and left foot.

Rocking Motion is part of all the movements of T'ai Chi Chih® especially Bird Flaps It's Wings, Wrist Circles, Light at the Top of the Head / the Temple, and Joyous Breath. Incorporate the principles you learn from Rocking Motion into your T'ai Chi Chih® movements and your life.