Tai Chi for health & wellbeing
If I tried the sinking technique today I’d either drown or disappear into a mud hole as it’s raining heavily 🙂
But yesterday while practicing my Tai Chi form in the garden I focused on sinking my Chi into the ground and it certainly slowed the form and it felt great.
Here’s what I did;
By Chris 3 Comments
During my various forms practice I’ve been focusing on keeping my balance while standing on one leg.
As I raise one leg I imagine a line shooting through my supporting leg and foot deep into the ground. This visualisation helps anchor my leg thereby maintaining my balance.
Here’s an exercise that can help your balance when standing on one leg:
It’s taken sixteen weeks but I’ve gradually built up my standing ’embrace the tree posture’ to sixteen minutes.
And I haven’t had any major problems with my knees reacting against the stance. Apart from some minor soreness, the knees feel fine.
In the past I’ve tried to work through pain and practice lower stances which actually stressed my knees and caused pain. A silly attitude because it wasn’t in line with the Yin Yang philosophy of finding one’s balance. It took me a while to wake up to my self and focus on only doing exercises I could physically handle.
I was working on a Tai Chi self defence application in front of a mirror the other day which involved a low kick, parry and strike at virtually the same time.
As I did this I noticed and felt off balance performing this Tai Chi application.
Why?
Well, I was too focused on the strikes and paid little attention to balance just like most beginners would do.
To correct this mistake I focused on sending the Chi down the supporting leg and deep into the ground rather than in the direction of the striking hands and kicking leg.
As soon as a I did this I felt anchored to the ground and the following repetitions felt smooth and natural.
It just goes to show that no matter how many times you practice a skill you still need to be observant and be able tap into the feel of a techinque so you don’t drift into errors.
Just had a work out with my Tai Chi spear form practicing strength drills.
As I was training I noticed I was occasionally off balance, particularly when I was using fajing.
The spear is about 8 feet in length, made of bamboo and a weighty beast.
I need to make sure I stay in control of the weapon which is easier when I practice my sword, sabre, and fan forms because they are lighter in comparison.
Next time I go into the garden and practice I need to remind myself to – relax and stay in control of the weapon.