IHT Blog

Ho Tai Chi

2/5/2015

There is a pulse, a murmuring in the root
A delicate quiver through its stem

It sinks....yet, it rises simultaneously?

Unfurling, from its humbled sleep, it stands.

Its form complete

The hard and brick-like winter ground

Could not stop its gentle push

To greet the morning sun.

- John H

Pat O'Meara

31/12/2015 03:49:04 pm

Good Morning John, Your Ho TaiChi morning thought was lovely to read.

A question! Can the deep meditative relaxation you feel in the wu chi be achieved the same as when doing the 37 form or sensing hands? Or is it a different state of relaxation or awareness? I may not get there but I would like to know what is possible and it would fun trying.

Going gently,

Pat O’Meara

John H link

31/12/2015 03:51:17 pm

Hey Pat, good to hear from you I trust this finds you well and in good spirits.

Great question Pat, I will do my best to provide a short general response. My subjective response arises from my experience relative to the Taichi principles as I know them to be, so I trust you will excuse my limitations, I do trust I've not gone too far off track and am quite happy for other BWDG members to share their experience?

Just to put it some context Pat I will take “meditative relaxation” to mean - “the process of ‘mindfully releasing unnecessary tension/s (relaxation) - leading to a calm, highly alert, internally aware and sensitive state of being (song - meditative quality)?-

Generally however if what we learn in Wu-ji (including experiencing a relaxed meditative quality) cannot be carried over into our practice in its entirety then there is an inconsistency in the method being taught or, we may not understand what is being taught correctly or, if we do understand it, we do not practice it enough?

Can the deep meditative relaxation you feel in the wu chi be achieved the same as when doing the 37 form or sensing hands?

(1) Given the above context, the short answer, Pat is yes, absolutely, and yes it is consistent throughout our practice regardless of form and flows into our everyday living too I may add.

Or is it a different state of relaxation or awareness?

(2) Though a “state of relaxation and awareness” are in the main subjective and constantly changing, I can answer in this way Pat. In the practice of ‘song’ and the releasing of tension/s (which is ongoing) is not different but remains consistent throughout our Tai Chi Chuan practice, whatever form that may be? Our awareness must be fully focused internally at all times.

What may be different is where we place our emphasis and focus? What is important and telling I think, is the methodology we learn to embed the principles and the systematic manner in which we structure the physical body and apply our mind/intent when releasing unnecessary tension/s throughout our body in the practice of song.

I may not get there but I would like to know what is possible and it would fun trying.

(3) Not a question but - Is it possible yes and dare I say, within our reach, though it is a continual and life-long learning process “we are not trying” we are realizing our Taichi in the everyday act of simply doing it. I have come to relaize that there is no perfection and no getting “there”. There is only the doing and every day we learn a little something new, perhaps, this is what we may call progress?

Fun? It's absolutely joyous my friend.

All good things
Travel gently
John H

Pat O'Meara

31/12/2015 03:52:17 pm

Thank you John, for the care you took in answering my question. I think I need to, as Roman keeps saying, keep practising. It’s a real discipline keeping up the focus, but very rewarding when it works out sometimes.
Well, back to the drawing board.

All good things to you,

Pat

John H link

31/12/2015 03:53:34 pm

Thanks Pat. Sounds as if you have had a really good experience in your practice so you must be doing right and as you say its very rewarding when it all seems to click. I am sure you will have many more. Can I suggest you stick to the little things such as, when ever you feel tension in the body relax it downward, suspend the head-top, place your attention in the Tan Tien, maintain your centreline and your feet flat to the floor or ground with your weight spread evenly in both feet and your breathe long slow fine and calm. When focusing do so gently by use of the mind and not through forceful willing. or muscular tension.

Sound advice from Roman as usual

Regards
John H

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