Birds Flap Their Wings?

How is it possible that birds can fly together effortlessly? How can they stay in sync, in perfect formation, and evenly spaced? How hard do they practice to get this good? Or do birds just fly? Is this what is meant by the effort of "no effort"?

Do we have to practice to move together effortlessly? Or is it the harder you practice the harder it becomes? What happens when you let go? Will it become softer? Does the chi keep us in sync?  Is this what is meant by the effort of "no effort"?

Spaghetti

Take spaghetti out of the box. It is hard and brittle.  It is life less and full of tension. Try to shape it and it breaks.


Now take this spaghetti and add it to boiling water. Stir it so it does not stick. The spaghetti absorbs the moisture from the water. Slowly over time the stiff spaghetti becomes soft and flexible.

It can now be easily shaped without breaking.

This is what is happening when you practice T'ai Chi Chih®. Tension causes us to become hard and brittle. Add some Chi to release this tension and become soft and flexible.

Practice T'ai Chi Chih®.

On the Beach

On the BeachVideo

Second Life

Tai Chi Second Life Video

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.

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.