Attentiveness in T’ai Chi Chih

The greater the attentiveness, the more empowered the movements of T’ai Chi Chih become. This is an important principle of TCC practice. Being fully focused and sensitively aware within the performance of each movement contributes to the enlivening of each pattern. Ideally, we enter into each movement with what might be termed “relaxed intensity,” directing each pattern with total conscious attention. This helps bring the optimum chi flow to our current stage of proficiency in TCC, which of course evolves through time.

Even by practicing in a somewhat absentminded fashion we are able to generate and attract a measure of benefits, because the act of moving through the TCC patterns, even in a purely physical way, helps stimulate and balance chi to a degree. How much more effective it is to meet each movement with complete awareness, unifying thought and form – a true meditation in motion – which results in a more potent and comprehensive processing of chi through the mind-body.

The following two translations of a passage from The Song of the Thirteen Postures (unknown author), highlights the importance of bringing full attentiveness to our practice: A) “Speaking of the body and its function, what is the standard? The mind and chi are king, and the bones and muscles are the court.” and B) “What is the correct application to the body? The mind commands, and the bones and muscles obey.” The reference given here, of commanding the body to act, isn’t meant to infer that there is a distinct division of subject-object relationship between the thought process and physical functioning. This principle is enacted in a more subtle, all inclusive context than for instance, a man ordering his dog to fetch the morning paper or a puppeteer manipulating the limbs of her marionette. Because of our sensitive application of attentiveness and feeling awareness in TCC practice, there is no clear distinction between thought and function, command and response. One simultaneously incorporates into the other. They are blended as one, through the agency of chi.

The “mind-body continuum” is not a theoretical concept. Mind-body unity is recognized and understood through the correct application of the above described principle. Again, TCC may be practiced as a “muscle memory” exercise, while disconnected thoughts randomly form and entrap our attention, and some good results will be experienced anyway. However, the potential potency and life transforming benefits are more likely to occur through intentional thought-function synchronicity, which is fostered when we practice T’ai Chi Chih as a unified process. From this foundation, true integration and harmony unfold progressively.