We are between heaven and earth. We are a mix of both aspects.
The dense physical, heavy matter of our body sinks down towards the earth. This occurs naturally as we relax. First we must align the body to allow gravity to pass centrally through from the top of the head to the centre of the feet then we can relate to the heavenly ch'i. This is the yang ch'i and it moves upwards when we raise the Shen.
How do we raise the Shen?
The Shen is an aspect of the mind. When we are interested and inspired there is a kind of excitment to the mind. So the Shen is similar to excitement yet not quite. When we have a sense of awe in the face of a natural wonder, or feel compassion for our friend, or can manifest creativity, these are all moments of increased Shen.
How do we cultivate Shen?
When I wake in the morning I remind myself that I am alive to the wonder of life on this planet. It is not something to take for granted. It is truely marvelous. Then after stretching a little, I try to get the feeling of ch'i, even if it is only slight. I reflect on the day ahead and inspire myself to do something useful and extend out to others as much as possible.
The feeling of aliveness and interest in connecting with one's experience is a way of cultivating the Shen. If possible train yourself to stay connected with the way of this. The happiness that comes from this simple practice will increase.
Dr. Chi's advice was to 'forget self and become one with the tao.'
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Central Equilibrium : How to develop naturally.
First it is necessary to align the body physically over the foot before taking a step. Only when the body is perfectly vertically aligned can you relax downwards to produce a force which passes through the centre of the standing foot (Kid 1). The fullness of the standing leg increases in this way and at the same time allows the stepping leg to empty.
When the fullness has increased sufficiently the other leg will empty and move with minimum effort.
To avoid the mind loosing contact with the t'ai chi force and to achieve a dynamic responsive attitude during the application it is important to relax the leg muscles completely. The muscles around the ankle and feet are the most difficult to relax. When the full and empty of the legs is achieved completely internally using relaxation and sinking the t'ai chi force and application will increase their function.
Bristol 24.1.09
When the fullness has increased sufficiently the other leg will empty and move with minimum effort.
To avoid the mind loosing contact with the t'ai chi force and to achieve a dynamic responsive attitude during the application it is important to relax the leg muscles completely. The muscles around the ankle and feet are the most difficult to relax. When the full and empty of the legs is achieved completely internally using relaxation and sinking the t'ai chi force and application will increase their function.
Bristol 24.1.09
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Sinking
Sinking is the internal, downward movement of ch'i. It occurs as a result of relaxation and allowing a change in the substantial solidity of the body - the body softens and melts. It has a direct effect on the increase of substantial, solid accumulation, or storage, of force.
When a substance melts it transforms its state from a solid unmoving state to a fluid movement influenced by gravity.
The key ideas are : Relaxation, Transformation, Melting.
Bristol 22.1.09
When a substance melts it transforms its state from a solid unmoving state to a fluid movement influenced by gravity.
The key ideas are : Relaxation, Transformation, Melting.
Bristol 22.1.09
T'ai Chi force is directly related to the Substantial.
What is the substantial?
When relaxation is sufficient and the body functions as a unified whole, when the ch'i is able to flow throughout the body, then it is possible to practise internally and move the substantial with martial application.
It is necessary to have a good habit to move according to t'ai chi principles in order to be able to pay enough attention to the internal experience. When the body is a unified whole and is able to move from the feet there is a quiet unified sensation. When the body movement lacks harmony the internal sensation is like noise. To bring complete quiet to the internal sensation requires a great care.
The substantial becomes apparent after accumulating as a result of sinking. There is an increase in the sensation of heaviness moving down towards the ground or to the feet. From the foot the solid heavy sensation can be directed to the appropriate place according to the application. When we practise we keep awareness of the solid feeling of force. It is moved using the mind intention.
Bristol 22.2.09
When relaxation is sufficient and the body functions as a unified whole, when the ch'i is able to flow throughout the body, then it is possible to practise internally and move the substantial with martial application.
It is necessary to have a good habit to move according to t'ai chi principles in order to be able to pay enough attention to the internal experience. When the body is a unified whole and is able to move from the feet there is a quiet unified sensation. When the body movement lacks harmony the internal sensation is like noise. To bring complete quiet to the internal sensation requires a great care.
The substantial becomes apparent after accumulating as a result of sinking. There is an increase in the sensation of heaviness moving down towards the ground or to the feet. From the foot the solid heavy sensation can be directed to the appropriate place according to the application. When we practise we keep awareness of the solid feeling of force. It is moved using the mind intention.
Bristol 22.2.09
Contemplating the seven features of T'ai Chi
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
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
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Coordinating the two sides of the body
When my opponent stikes I empty his or her force with sticking and neutralising on the appropriate side. In some postures the force can be taken into the body and returned through the opposite side. To achieve this the waist must be the commander and the feet rooted. As the body turns, the back is relaxed and open and the orbit of the turn contains the force and feeds it through the other arm.
The muscles at the top of the back need to be loose and the shape of the body through the arms will contain the forces if you find the circle.
Bristol 17.1.09
The muscles at the top of the back need to be loose and the shape of the body through the arms will contain the forces if you find the circle.
Bristol 17.1.09
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