Chi Directs Movement Refinements

Chi is the intelligently directed agent of the Supreme Ultimate. It is the living force that under girds and perpetually sustains all processes of Life. Every being depends on this living force for its sustenance.

Through the conscientious practice of T’ai Chi Chih one can improve her/his degree of receptivity to chi, and thus empower the mind-body more completely.

We can accomplish a certain level of proficiency in our practice of T’ai Chi Chih through the correct adherence-application of time validated movement principles. At some point, after we have successfully incorporated these important principles into our performance of TCC and our circulation of chi is relatively free, we can naturally begin to rely directly on the innate guiding impulse of chi to further shape and refine our movement patterns.

At this stage of proficiency we are simply allowing chi to accommodate its circulation-expression through the mind-body more efficiently and abundantly, by sensitively responding to its direction. Our responses will include various internal and external adjustments that spontaneously occur in order to improve our capacity to process and utilize this living force.

It is sometimes a wondrous revelation when chi prompts a modification in the way we execute a certain TCC movement. It might require a change in emphasis, focus, attitude, timing, alignment or shaping. Even a slight adjustment can bring dynamic improvements. The key is to honor the mind-body adjustment that chi is presently suggesting to you, by acting on it.

In our relationship with T’ai Chi Chih, first we endeavor to master the movement principles so that they are effortlessly performed through each movement pattern. Following this accomplishment we allow chi to be the director of TCC, which leads to true self-integration and joy.

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Life tends to express its Good – that which assists evolution – through well integrated individuals.

Often it is those who feel no compulsion to be the “teacher” who teach best.

– Steve Ridley