Know yourself

Tai Chi solo training including standing meditation, single movement, form and etc. is to know yourself. It is not straight forward as it sounds.

So how to know yourself better in your own training? You need to bring your senses inwardly. Eyes and ears are the sensors to detect the outside (outside of yourself) environment. During your Tai Chi practice, focus should not be on what you see and hear instead it should be how you feel your own body. Areas need to pay attention are described in Tai Chi classics such as Yang Chengfu’s 10 Guiding Principles.  Here are some key areas for you:

1. Baihui (百会) top of the crown

Following the principle of “Light and insubstantial energy at the top of the head” (虚灵顶劲)

2. Dantian (丹田)

To enable Qi to sink gently down to Dantian

3. Yongquan (涌泉) On the sole of the foot

Knowing how you stand and following the principle of “Distinguish empty and solid” (分虚实)

4. Shoulder and elbows

Following the principle of “Sink the shoulders and drop the elbows” (沉肩坠肘)

5. Mind

Don’t let your mind wondering off to work, family, kids and etc. Stay relaxed and focus on Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is an internal martial art so you should train it ‘Internally”. Once you know the movement of the form, you should focus your inward senses to the above areas (points) during your solo training. This way, you are on to the right path.