Dr. Chi Chiang-Tao recommended that we contemplate yin, yang, full, empty, open, close and central equilibrium.
You can say that yin, yang, full, empty, open and close are all aspects of the same principle of dynamic opposites. They have no meaning in isolation and are defined in relation to each other. One leg may be full in relation to the other. Central equilibrium is the central axis around which the other six qualities manifest.
How do we contemplate these opposites? In some traditions of chi kung it is important to separate yin and yang and it is true of t'ai chi. This means that they approach their extremes in practice. When one side of the body becomes full the other side is empty and we cultivate this difference so that the full becomes more full and the empty becomes more empty. At the beginning this separation is slow to manifest. It requires a very good level of relaxation and the patience to wait until the process of becoming full has reached a natural conclusion. Although this is a slow process there should not be any stagnation or stopping.
When taking a step it is a common mistake to try to move the leg before it is completely empty. If you do this you will need muscles to move the leg on its own, separately and not be able to move with the body as one piece. This fault creates clumsiness and prevents speed in martial application.
Bristol 22.1.09
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How would you succinctly describe central equilibrium? What visualisation or exercise would you advise using or doing in order to develop a better understanding of central equilibrium?
It is body alignment such that the feeling of the force of gravity descends centrally to the centre of the foot, especially before taking a step. Essentially it is the alignment of the bones.
When the bones are aligned there is less need for muscle to compensate for poor alignment.
During movement of the body during weight shift it can also be felt as a vertical sensation through the centre of the body extending into the ground.
However it cannot be taken too literally. When riding a bike, for example, you need to lean when going round a corner otherwise you will fall off! In a similar way there is a dynamic aspect to central equilibrium.
Sometimes practise the form and stop the movement before you are about to step. Relax and make fine adjustments to your posture to align the feeling over the foot. Relax deeply in a downward direction and wait until you feel the stepping leg is very light. This is the way to develop your understanding of central equilibrium.
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