More on rooting: Last week I discussed with students three (of course there is more) things relative to being rooted or not. 1. The pace when one is doing the form (discussed below) , 2. Alignment in motion, and 3. The upward tension in the muscles. More on these aspects later. Being rooted is also connected […]
Tag Archives: tai chi principles
The Root at the Top-of-Head
Rooting also happens at the top of the head. The Ba Wei point is located at the top-of-head. It is referred to in several different ways in the tai chi classics. For example: As if being hung by a string from above, Let the spirit of vitality reach your head-top, etc.An additional point that has […]
Just published
The second/third of the Yang Style Short Form demonstrated by Master Young is now available. Includes individual postures with back (as if in class), front, feet and waist/hands perspective. Narration of the weight distribution and waist involvement are included.
Watch Chen Wei-Ming Move
Chen Wei-Ming was a senior student of Yang Chang-Fu back in the 1930’s. I was told that he was deemed the “keeper of the gate” entrusted with upholding the integrity of the Yang lineage. Another story I was told is that when Professor Cheng Man-Ching modified the long form, he asked Chen Wei-Ming (CWM) for […]
First/Third On-Line Now Available
Hi, I have completed the first/third digital media video and uploaded it to Vimeo On-Demand. The series includes a stream of the full face view of the first/third with a narration of the basic principles; front, back, hands, and feet views of the individual postures; and stream of the back view (as if you were following me in class). […]
Breath Awareness in Tai Chi and Chi Kung (Qigong)
Bring conscious awareness to your breathing. Let your mind connect with the in and out breaths. Know that when you inhale, you are bringing in vital and nourishing energy. On the exhale, consciously let go of what no longer serves you physically, mentally, and emotionally in that moment.
Relaxation
Relax your feet towards the earth; lift your head-top to the universe. Your body mass relaxes downward; your spirit of vitality goes upward. In the motion the tai chi form, you place your weight over the dominate weight baring foot. Let your body mass relax down and feel the energy bounce upward. This is much […]
Lower Tan Tien
The lower tan tien – located approximately 2-3 finger widths below the navel – is the center of nourishment – both energetic and physiologic. In the Form we move from this center. If you can center your awareness in this area of the body, it will help contain your energy from over extension. Although centered […]
Reeling of Silk
Reeling of Silk – Chi Kung Exercise – Video This is a great exercise for the Lungs and Large Muscle Groups. (Caution: Start gently, do not practice for a long period of time as to become lightheaded. To start, 3 upward and 3 downward motions is sufficient.) Breathe in as the arms go up and […]
The Knot Between the Pearls 2 – Tai Chi
The Knot Between the Pearls 2: The strand of that runs through the Tai Chi form from its beginning to end is an energy flow. The “knot” creates the ebb and flow that generates movement between postures. When I studied meditation with Trungpa Rinpoche in Boulder, CO he expressed the motivation force as “the gap […]