How Soft Is Soft?

As I complete my T’ai Chi Chih practice overlooking the peaceful lake and tree-covered mountains in North Georgia, my mind drifts to softness. What is softness? I see three different cloud types in the otherwise blue sky, and they appear soft. Interestingly some look softer than others. If I tried to touch them I would find no substance to substantiate my thinking they were soft. I guess soft is a relative term with no absolute soft or unit of measure.

Over the years my concept of soft as it relates to my TCC practice has changed. What I thought was soft I’ve since learned is limp. I was missing substance in my softness, like al dente pasta rather than overcooked pasta. When I finally understood that and was not trying so hard to be soft, the Chi flowed more freely through my body. I delighted in my softly fluttering fingers. Instead of trying to be soft, I became soft. Every time I think my TCC practice is soft, I find more softness. Just this morning I felt more roundness at the base of Base Drum and a further softening of that movement. How had I missed that before?

So how soft is soft? If I keep practicing every day and when I am ready to listen and let go just a little more, the Chi will reveal more to me. There is always more softness. It patiently waits.