Tai Chi Chih is a moving meditation. There are only 19 movements and 1 pose, which make it very beginner-friendly. The movements are done slowly, as if moving through water or heavy air.
To begin each movement, the student moves from their center (t'an tien) and shifts most of their weight to one foot. The first step out is done slowly and carefully. Attention is focused in the soles of feet, where we make contact with the earth. Students then gradually shift their weight from one foot to another, while performing a slow movement with the hands.
Mindfulness for where the soles of the feet are and how the student's weight is distributed across the foot is one of the important concepts taught in Tai Chi Chih. This not only promotes good balance physically. The concept transcends physical stability and promotes a sense of mental balance.
When students are reminded to focus on the soles of their feet, they are are prompted to relax the body and be present in the moment.
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