When we learn t'ai chi postures for the first time we need to think and get the body to move in the correct way according to the instructions from the teacher. Or, we may look and copy what we see. Later, when we have learned postures and know some of the principles of movement and can 'get' the ch'i and create forces in the postures we cannot think how to improve any more.
How do we develop our understanding? We pay attention to what we do but at the same time open ourselves to what we feel how the ch'i is moving when we practice. If we know that a spiral force passes through the arm when we lower the elbow in push we can bring awareness to that potential. If we feel something we can let go, relax more, and allow the sensation of force to manifest more clearly. Subtle sensations of force become more powerful when we become more aware of them and adjust our practice to stay connected to them. This does not require much thinking but relies on subtle sensitivity and carefully controlled practice.
Bristol 7.1.09
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