Should Tai Chi Practice Focus on What?

We practice Tai Chi, because of the difference in our concepts, leading to different understandings of Tai Chi. Many beginners' Tai Chi friends think that one must work hard to cultivate internal power, but the place where this power is cultivated has a big difference. In our daily Tai Chi practice, we should pay attention to the following two points:

One, seek less and be meticulous

This requires us to put effort into reduction, to change the direction of cultivating Tai Chi from pursuing quantity to focusing on improving quality; from focusing on 'more' to focusing on 'essence'. After learning a set of Tai Chi, we must refine it through countless times of quiet practice, and we must not be greedy for more.

Two, cultivate internal power and consolidate the foundation

Tai Chi emphasizes 'internal cultivation'. Tai Chi internal power includes internal intent, internal energy, and internal force. 'Intent, energy, and force.' 'Intent, energy, and force.' Internal intent is the condition, internal energy is the center, and internal force is the result. The combination of the three produces 'inner strength'. The strength of inner strength, whether strong or weak, is the main standard for measuring the quality of the movements, and it is also the foundation for Tai Chi's fitness and combat. Cultivating the No-Pole Stance practice develops the dantian internal energy. With dantian internal energy, we have the capital to practice Tai Chi.

How to produce this positive and good effect? We must put Tai Chi cultivation in the following five aspects:

First, persevere in practicing basic skills

Basic skills are the foundation for improving the quality of movements. Without solid basic skills, everything is just empty talk. Basic skills must be practiced every day, practiced diligently. 'Cultivation comes from practice.' More practice is the fundamental way to improve the quality of Tai Chi.

Second, relaxation

Relaxation is the most outstanding characteristic of Tai Chi, and an important condition for improving the quality of movements. Without relaxation, there is no inner strength. Inner strength is generated in a relaxed state. Inner strength is generated in a relaxed state.

Third, quiet mind and focused intention

Intent is another important factor in Tai Chi, and it is also a key condition for generating inner strength and improving the quality of movements. Among the three elements of inner strength, 'intent' is the first. 'Intent leads to energy.' Intent is the precursor to energy. 'Intent' is the intention, awareness, and attention. 'Intent' is the intention to command and control every movement. 'First the heart, then the body.' We must think of where to go and do it. Intent must accompany every movement, so that it does not become a purposeless spontaneous movement. 'Intent' requires concentrated spirit, unwavering focus, which must be 'quieted.' To eliminate all distracting thoughts and interference, the brain must be completely calm without any distractions, with unwavering focus on the movement and intent.

Monotony and focus are reflected in the eyes. If the eyes are scattered, it means the heart is not focused, and if the eyes are stagnant, it means over-focused. The eyes must be both focused and agile, through the main hand to observe forward. If you wander, your eyes will scatter, and the energy and intent will disappear. Here, I want to say to my friends: the more you practice, the more relaxed your heart will be, and only through more practice will inner strength arise. Of course, it is not blind practice, but relaxation of the body, using light, soft, and uniform speed to practice slowly.

Remember to practice slowly. If you want to use Tai Chi for combat, extract some movements to practice quickly. You should have the idea of wanting to beat someone faster, like practicing the willow-hand softness, while quick practice is like lightning. Light practice is like leaves, heavy practice is like iron. You use what thought to practice Tai Chi, you will have that kind of Tai Chi. Your consciousness determines your cultivation effect. The quieter your heart, the deeper your Tai Chi will be. Because stillness gives birth to vitality, vitality gives birth to stillness, they are mutually transformed. It is no wonder that people call Tai Chi 'yin and yang boxing' – look at the Tai Chi diagram and you will know.

Fourth, strictly follow the rules and norms of the movements

This 'shapes' has internal and external aspects, it uses internal to guide external, and external guides internal, and the internal and external are combined. Correct external movements are the basic condition for ensuring the quality of movements. Therefore, Tai Chi emphasizes 'internal power', it is not to ignore external form. Tai Chi each movement's route, direction, angle, position and method of operation has specific requirements, and it is unique. So when you start learning Tai Chi, you need to find a good teacher to guide you. This will avoid detours.

Fifth, vary according to individual differences and be moderate

According to your own physical strength and time, practice as much as you can. The size of the exercise volume should be based on whether you feel mentally full and not tired or sluggish. As for the movements, there is no difference between simplicity and difficulty, it just depends on which one you learn. Learning too much will easily confuse you, if you don't practice often, you will easily forget it, and it will disperse your energy and affect the improvement of your level.

In short, when we practice Tai Chi cultivation, the most important thing is to focus our main energy on improving quality, and put 'essence' first. The movement is a carrier, a means, 'internal power' is the foundation, and a healthy body is the purpose.