Simplicity

When we practise internally the mind needs to be clear and uncomplicated and then when intention arises the ch'i will follow. If there are any extra, unnecessary movements or mental distractions the ch'i will not follow.

There are many ways in which the force will be weakened by an unfocused mind or disharmonious body action, or even by an incorrect understanding of application.

At the beginning the important techniques to create as habits are as follows :

• first get the ch'i
• the movements of the body must be harmonious and continuous without hesitation
  
• the mind moves first, directing the ch'i, the body follows.

Adjust the body/mind :

• Relax deeply
• open the joints
• sink the substantial feeling of ch'i
• Raise the shen

Perhaps the most obscure instruction is to 'raise the shen.' It is difficult to explain without any ambiguity. To point at the meaning it is easier to refer to examples of heightened shen such as the 'feeling of being inspired,' or the 'sense of awe,' or 'great compassion,' and so on. You can say that there is an alertness but it is on a more subtle, fundamental level of consciousness and not the kind of alertness which we may experience when we know we need to respond quickly... like playing 'snap.'