Foundation

T'ai Chi Chih® must be built on a good foundation. This is essential for good balance. Sink into the souls of your feet and you will create a good foundation. Just like a tree you must have good roots. The wind will blow over a tree with shallow roots. If the roots are strong and deep a tree will stand. Bring your mind into the souls of your feet and the Chi will follow.

Tai Chi Principles Part 1

The movements of T'ai Chi Chih® follow the basic principles of Tai Chi. The Tai Chi Chuan Classics explains these principles. As you practice your movement you must try to incorporate these principle. These principle should be incorporated into the rest of your life. In Tai Chi Chih you must be rooted (grounded). Be as strong as a Tree. This means you must have a strong stance or base. This can be accomplished by concentrating on the soles of your feet. If you think about pushing down into your feet your knees will be soft and slightly bent. This will give you a strong stance. If you try to lift something heavy you have to push into the ground. This is the same thing you should do when practicing T'ai Chi Chih®. You must do this for good balance. The purpose of T'ai Chi Chih® is to circulate and balance the Chi. This will improve more than just your physical balance.

Balance

T'ai Chi Chih® is great for balance. Remember to move with your legs and let your hands and arms follow. It is like walking on a tight rope. Use your arms to keep you balanced. If you lead with your hands you will fall. Next time you practice feel the movement. Keep your balance. Bring your mind down into the souls of your feet. Let your arms follow. Avoid the pitfalls. You may not have a safety net.

The Secret of T'ai Chi Chih®

People often ask (or wonder) what is the secret to T'ai Chi Chih®? It is not really a secret. If you want to get benefits from T'ai Chi Chih® you must practice regularly. The more you practice the more you will get out of it.

You can practice T'ai Chi Chih® when ever you have free moment. Make it a habit to practice when you are feeling bored, frustrated, over worked, stressed, or any other time. Other good times to practice are before you have an important meeting or appointment.

T'ai Chi Chih® will help you to relax. Maybe, before you talk to your family or friends after a stressful day a little T'ai Chi Chih® will make you more pleasant to talk to. Most people feel good when they practice T'ai Chi Chih®. So at these times or any other time, just take a moment for yourself (and those around you).

When I first started practicing T'ai Chi Chih® people would often ask me, "what happened, why are you so nice?" Why was this? Please share your comments about times to practice and some your experiences.