Guide to use Tai Chi principles

We have all read many books and articles, our teachers have been telling us many aspects of the essential principles. The issue is: How many of us are particularly puzzled with the TCM(Traditional Chinese Medicine) terminology and philosophical ideas? It is easy to talk about it but it may take to work on them layer for layer. The ideal way for beginners would be to work on one principle for a set time and then take a journey into its depth. Later when we are more familiar with them, we may work on all of them at once but focus on a specific aspect for a certain period of time, say one week?

My former clinical teacher once told us that we should memorize everything in three main points, then subdivide each again in three main features. This is the way I am going to elucidate a summary of the 10 essential principles standardized by Yang Cheng Fu.

A. Posture

1.Head straight and light, as though suspended by a string from above
2.Shoulders and elbows relaxed and sunken
3.Back straight, waist relaxed, hips flex, imagine the lower back(acupuncture pt. MIngmen)
expanding sidewards.


B. Mind state coordinated with the body

1. Tranquility/serenity of the mind, cleanse the mind from all thoughts
2. The intention/will or implied mind drives the body, not brute force
3. Absolute harmony between the internal and external, all movements come
from within.


C. Whole body coordination and movements

1. Proper weight shifting. Focus on the center(dantien), about 3 fingerbreadth below the belly button. Maintain body balance
2. The upper coordinated with the lower body. The arms should have the same speed as the
legs
3. Absolute continuity like silk being reeled from a cocoon. No stops inbetween, only a halt


You see, a beginner may start with the posture because other sports or physical activities such as singing work with the same posture requirements. It is visible on nearly all good videos.