The Importance Of Consistency In The Practice Of Tai Chi Chuan

On the mental side there are also several things that the practitioner needs to be consistent with. When first learning the movements of the Form, one’s thoughts will be focused on remembering the sequence of the movements they are learning, as well as where and how to stand in the postures, what direction to step, where to put the arms and head, and which direction to look. In this stage the beginner must try and be consistent with their focus and be attentive of what the instructor is telling them.

Once the beginner has learned to remember the basic sequence and postures of the form, then they can begin to work on being consistent with other mental aspects of practicing the Tai Chi Form. When we are about to begin our time to spend on our Tai Chi Chuan, one must first rid all other thoughts other than the Tai Chi that will be trained. When you stand ready to start your Tai Chi Form, take the time needed to center the body and the mind. If you are training with others, when you are about to begin the training do not talk about how each others day has been.

One needs to be consistent with being mindful in all things that they are doing while training and practicing their Tai Chi. Actually when you are practicing you are also training. There should be no mindless repetition of the movements you are doing. What are the sensations that you feel when you put your foot on the ground, how do you shoulders move when you lift the arm? Do you feel anything in your feet when you turn over your palm of your hand? Do you feel similar things more or less in other postures. What are the similarities in movement and feelings between the different postures and transitions between the postures of your style of Tai Chi Chuan?

Being consistent with all aspects of your training will begin to set a strong foundation and work ethic for all of your training yet to come with your Tai Chi Chuan. This is important because one does not stop learning Tai Chi Chuan, even after 30 years of practice. If one is mindful, attentive, and always being aware, then you will always get the most out of your experience in Tai Chi Chuan. It is only with this mindset that one can truly advance to the higher, more subtle levels that await the practitioner of Tai Chi Chuan. This is true no matter which level that one is at in their journey with Tai Chi Chuan.

Back to Page 1…