How do you generate internal power in taijiquan? For years I have emphasized the essential triad of: Energetic coherence. Central equilibrium. Ball-Knee-Kua Energetic coherence brings your body-mind into a state of wholeness by marshaling the organizing power of the liquid crystal matrix, your connective tissue system. The easiest, most reliable way to do this is to point and reach with your index fingers. Central equilibrium is that sweet spot that connects you up to the Big Qi of Heaven and Earth. It is most easily found by centering your body’s mass over the balls of your feet. Instant root.… Read More
Maria’s Thoughts on Women and Push Hands – Part 2
March 11, 2013 by 5 Comments
Don’t expect me to approach this discussion in a linear fashion, as I tend to think laterally or in a scatter pattern. Let’s consider Yin and Yang. We have often heard that yin is the female principle, yielding, softer, earth, darkness, absorption. Yang is often thought of as male, heaven, light, activity, outgoing. Yang is directionally up and out and Yin is down and in. There is yin in yang and yang in yin, if you consider the well known symbol. There is a need in life for balance between the two. When we are working on tai chi form,… Read More
What Could Be Better Than This?
February 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment
To create or experience anything we need space. Internal space is the territory we stake out in our consciousness where we can safely go. Fear reduces our willingness to know, create, experience, and relate. A catatonic has a very small internal space. People go into the fetal position when terrified, so as to find a space where they can relax and feel safe. Love opens us up to new experiences and expands the space where we feel safe and comfortable. The Edge exercise creates internal space by allowing us to safely explore our relationship to the body and to… Read More
Maria’s Thoughts on Women and Push Hands – Part 1
February 12, 2013 by 2 Comments
To start, I want to thank all of the ladies who posted replies to my question on Facebook and who sent me emails on the topic. You have my gratitude and love for clarifying the big picture on this topic. Here is the original question: Ladies, I want to know why many women have little or no interest in learning push hands. Wanted to write a blog post on this subject and thought it would be great to get some input from you, who know what it is. – I am considering reframing what push hands is all about to… Read More
What’s Going on Inside?
February 1, 2013 by 2 Comments
Taijiquan is an internal martial art. What that actually means can provoke some heated arguments. For my nickel, it means that most of what makes a movement or posture effective is happening on a non-physical level. It still manifests as physical, but initiates in the mind. There’s a lot more going on than we can keep track of in any moment, but we can lead the parade with our conscious attention. That’s what leads the qi, and the body follows. This video shows the sequence I follow when doing any taiji movement. Push is one of the simplest, so it… Read More
