Tension Versus Form

How do we distinguish between tension and form via the forward-backward weight shift?Recently a senior T’ai Chi Chih practitioner mentioned that she was no longer lifting up the front foot completely via the backward weight shift, as this seemed to be more relaxing for the foot. Her approach provoked an exciting internal exploration. What is the difference between releasing tension and actions that express a combination of form within the formless and, hence, are more powerful?

For me, I continually reference the tan t’ien to answer this question. When the weight is shifted back fully from the tan t’ien, I experience the front foot as hinging at the ankle. When the foot is naturally allowed to respond completely through the weight shift, I feel a direct connection from the tan t’ien to the heel. The foot is literally pulled up to about a 45-degree angle by the tan t’ien when we are moving completely from that place. I experience an aliveness that is lacking when the top of the foot remains neutral, less upright.

Consider the opposite: we often can identify students who are pushing with the back toes when the weight has shifted forward. The tan t’ien has pulled them forward somewhat, and then suddenly, at the end, the toes assert a final exclamation as independent entities. In this case, the toes add tension, not form, as they do not act as a unit with the tan t’ien. And yet, Justin has frequently said, “The back leg stiffens when the weight is forward.” The toes are not pushing in isolation, yet there is form within the shape. There is strength, vitality, and power in the leg.

So it makes sense that when shifting the weight backwards, we can experience an equal connection. There is “stiffness” in the front leg as the foot rises up. I notice if I try to keep the front foot neutral, I am almost stopping a certain flow or strength prematurely. For me, with a neural foot, the leg remains inert, formless. We know the meridian channels run through the wrists. Though I am not an expert, I wonder if in hinging at the ankle through a complete weight shift, we are activating the meridian channels more deliciously here, too?