Keys for Successful T’ai Chi Chih Practice

One’s mental-physical attitude is a most important consideration in TCC practice. Each movement should be met with sensitive attentiveness. While practicing, one is simultaneously aware of the surrounding environment and internally transitioning states of consciousness.

One enters into a ‘feeling connection’ with earth and sky, opening the soles of the feet and crown of the head to freely drink energy. Abiding within the lower tan t’ien one is stable amidst yin and yang actions.

Hands and feet are energetically soft. One’s abdomen is openly vibrant like an infant (no holding!). Breathing is uninhibited.

One’s eyes are relaxed yet attentive. The spine is light, agile and energized.

While expressing a yin characteristic one is rooted in yang and vise versa, to ward off involvement with extremes while preserving the important principle of circularity.

In practice one stands firmly like a tree while effortlessly and potently flowing like a river.

Body-mind stillness following movement practice is the best possible complement, whether using standing or seated styles of meditation.

– Steve Ridley
Denver, CO