| Get more results from your tai chi practice by | | | | a certain period of time. This will enable the body |
| following these tips: | | | | to get used to the configuration of that particular |
| #1) For your warm up and for getting on the | | | | posture. Soon you will start to feel the chi moving |
| road to really understanding the form, practice | | | | in the posture. |
| Pulling Silk, which consists of doing a small portion | | | | #4) All postures are self defense movements and |
| of the form over and over again. Remember to | | | | your form should look the part. Use your |
| link up the last posture of the portion you select | | | | imagination to see your opponent attacking as |
| with an appropriate step into the first posture and | | | | you move thru the form. |
| repeat. This indispensable method can be done for | | | | #5) Standing Meditation must be practiced as |
| long periods of time. Sometimes I spend over 1 | | | | much as the form. This will enable the chi to |
| hour on four corners practice. The posture makes | | | | come out of the joints and move down to your |
| its imprint on your psyche and the practice can | | | | center of gravity called the tan tien. From here it |
| be done without thinking of the next movement. | | | | will circulate throughout your body. This step is |
| #2) Relaxation of your whole physical framework | | | | imperative to your practice. It is also used for Qi |
| is a must and should be constantly practiced, | | | | Gong practice. While standing in wu chi, slowly |
| especially the legs and feet. This will take a long | | | | bring the arms up to shoulder height and configure |
| time, as the body must adjust totally. Your | | | | them as if you were holding your arms around a |
| marker of success in relaxation will be a severe | | | | tree. Hold for 10-30 minutes while relaxing your |
| ache throughout your body. The ache usually | | | | body. |
| travels from your neck down to your feet. | | | | #6) Always take your time with your practice. |
| Remember the chi cannot move in a contracted | | | | You are embarking on a long road leading deep |
| environment. Your body must condense over | | | | into your psyche. The practice of Tai Chi is a path |
| time or you will not understand the form. | | | | to your inner being. My teacher always said, "The |
| #3) Don't bend your hands at the wrist. There | | | | form does you, you do not do the form." Have |
| should be a straight line from your forearm to | | | | patience, keep up your daily practice and give |
| your fingertips. This is called Beautiful Ladies Hand. | | | | thanks to the universe during your voyage of |
| #4) Practice holding a posture without moving for | | | | understanding your true nature. |