In Taiji sometimes because of the accuracy and self-analysis involved it is easy to think that your practice is either correct or incorrect. There is good reason to think that a dualistic thought process is the way. In modern society, we seem to be addicted to this type of limited analysis.
Maybe when we are playing snakes and ladders we know this is an acceptable or good roll of the dice or this roll will put me on the jaws of a snake. But life and tai chi aren’t like that and there are many paths to get to where we want to go. And sometimes when we practice we may feel we are lost in the forest but we don’t realise we are actually on our path. Practice creates achievement.
Taiji is an achievement, concentration is an achievement, self-correction is an achievement. Consider yourself more graceful than your last practice.
As you practice, gently leading with firmness and relaxation.
Contract the muscles as you lift.
Release the muscles, align the body as you sink.
In Taiji, there is more going on than the movement of the body, the muscles are a bridge to energy and the mind. So as you progress there is much more going on.
With consistent practice, our awareness becomes like the rungs of the ladder rather than the heads of the snake making progress and contentment more real.
