In the Tai Chi form, being aware of the body’s movements and combining them with the breath creates a seamless transition from one posture to the next. While the breath doesn’t need to dominate the Taiji form, similar to yoga, it plays a significant role in connecting the mind and body.
By enhancing the more subtle aspects of your practice, you can highlight the mind and unify the body. As the body moves, there are various aspects to focus on, such as directions, pressures, and subtle energy centers that can be felt and listened to.
These aspects become more familiar, and maintaining passive alertness in the breath helps deepen your understanding of these areas.
Your mind can guide your concentration both internally and externally. Direct your concentration within the sequence of the form and focus on the breath within that sequence.
By directing your attention in a focused manner, without the distractions of everything surrounding your point of concentration, you can delve more deeply into the aspect of Taiji you are working on. With practice, your knowledge of what is true will grow.
True concentration extends beyond simply fulfilling your responsibilities and avoiding mindless scrolling on Facebook. The mind initiates the intention, attention, and concentration, and that intention can manifest in a physical sense.
Concentration and subtle awareness of the breath can help you stay present in the moment.
