The Eiffel Tower Is Built On A Solid Base

In T’ai Chi Chih the structure of our bodies must have an appropriate base in order to maintain upright posture and move smoothly and comfortably without being stiff.

I have found that attention given to “setting up” each movement initially (i.e. finding the proper stance/placement of the feet) is paramount to moving well. A seasoned practitioner might be able to adjust this without having to start the movement all over again, but it is so much better if our feet know where they need to be from the outset of each movement.

As one sinks, and the weight initially shifts onto one leg, the position is solid and confident, so that when the opposite foot picks up to step out, the body does not waver, the posture remains still (one hundred percent of our body weight is momentarily on that one leg), and we feel as though we are sitting upright on that leg. (The buttocks are as if tucked under in this position.)

But an error often happens in placing the opposite foot – if the body is allowed to move from its solid upright position of sitting still on one leg: Either the shoulders tilt back a bit or to the side, or the hips are allowed to move forward as the opposite heel is extended into the forward step position, creating a stance that is too large (i.e. the heel is placed too far forward). This results in an incomplete weight shift forward, or even a forward/backward lean.

When the foot steps out forward, the pelvic girdle must remain still and the back upright. Then, if we place the foot with a straight leg, the heel will most likely land on the ground exactly where it needs to be.

In placing the heel for a side to side movement, the body again remains still and upright, and the waist remains turned off-center (the waist is turned to the right when placing the left foot out and visa versa), and the body must not lean. While the foot extends to the side, the weight remains firm on the supporting leg, the shoulders relaxed and the torso still, but not stiff. (The longer one’s leg, the more the leg tends to feel not absolutely straight when extended to the side.)

As above, so below: When the upper body does not move softly and smoothly, or the balance feels off, or the weight shift incomplete, check the foundation. Practice the set up of the movement over and over again.

Pyramid Poems

life

begins

and shines the

light all around

creating

joy and

love

– M.W.

no

dinner

and no sun

setting in the

western sky

for me

now

– Judy

breathe

it in

all in sight

surrounded by

beauty day

and night

now

– P.B.Q.

peace

calm quiet

mindfulness

serenity

is the key

to the

truth

– Marlene B.

I

don’t know

what to do

but it’s okay

time for no

thing just

be

P.Q.

Pyramid Poems

sun

blue sky

beautiful

sounds all around

full of life

welcome

warm

– Kendra Lawson

sun

provides

energy

gives benefits

to all those

facing

up

– L. Lawson

bird

singing

mountain ridge

for you and me

sunshine song

on time

peace

– Ted

bush

budding

by the wall

moves with the breeze

not bothered

by us

here

– Debra Winland

it

happens

when I walk

and am quiet

thinking of

you and

me

– May Britt Eagle

soft

stillness

breathe life in

sharing beauty

with the world

joy with

all

– Mary W.

rock

rhymes with

brock indeed

coincidence?

perhaps but

I think

not

– Jim Eagle

rock

high on

the mountain

low in the stream

each becomes

other

soon

– JGJ

rocks

sunshine

juniper

incense fragrance

cottontail

jasper

peace

– S. Holmes

light

shining

through feel the

warmth and beauty

know the truth

in your

heart

– Judy