Habit
Long strides make your progress unsure.
(Lao Tzu)
Habit patterns
The tai chi drills we explore are designed to develop
habit patterns in the body.
Your body - rather than your thoughts - will respond.
But only if you practice.
Repetition over long periods of time is the only way to create nerve and
muscle memories.
The abstract quality of the tai chi exercises help the body to re-shape your
natural responses.
Training
Training at home may seem like a chore at first.
If this is the case, do not force yourself to practice.
For the tai chi to work, you must relax and be receptive to it.
If your enthusiasm grows you'll exercise because you want to.
Reflex
One
of the first things that you notice from daily training is reflex and
coordination.
Your body subtly alters its relationship with the world around you.
Clumsiness fades, you feel more alert, more energised, stronger and confident.
Forms and drills become easier.
It is as if your hands move by themselves.
When this happens to you for the first time it can be quite disconcerting.
Familiarity
One risk of familiarity is carelessness.
Being sloppy will destroy all the work you have undertaken.
It is essential to be patient and constantly scrutinise your tai chi for errors.
By using a door frame as a reference point or a mirror - you can pay attention
to the physical relationship of the different limbs, torso, weight and balance.
Page created 18 April 2000