The Substance Of Softness

I believe that softness and quieting the mind, so that attention can sink to the soles of the feet, are the two most indispensable aspects of a fruitful T’ai Chi Chih practice. And despite the endless metaphors and relentless classroom reminders, words often fall short when we explore these elusive traits.

Other fundamentals can be directly measured. We can briefly lift the insubstantial foot off the ground to validate the completion of a full weight shift. The tactile sensation of polarity is either felt or not. Circularity in each move can be diagrammed or traced through the air, plain as day. And if you need to discern continuity, consult your shadow.

Softness, on the other hand, can be more problematic. We may incorrectly assume students already know what the word means, so we start using it every five minutes, diluting its impact as a timely suggestion or unifying solution to disjointed movement. Our choice of images might skew to the more formless and saccharine connotations of the word, and by extension, to a more frivolous interpretation of the practice.

Softness in TCC is not about feeling the baby’s bottom. It is about holding the newborn, with a supportive hand under the baby’s undeveloped neck. Yes, it is gentle and loving; but it is also vigilant of substance and purpose.

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