The 10 points of alignment for beginners in Tai chi are summarised as follows:-
"to keep the head straight and the chest slightly sunken, relax the body, move the whole body as one unit from the center, harmonize upper and lower body movements, and use the mind to lead the body. Additionally, aim for smooth, relaxed movements, breathe from the lower belly, and maintain a clear distinction between "substantial" and "insubstantial" weight".
More details on the 10 points:-
" Head: Keep the head straight and relaxed, using the mind to lift upward without physical force.
Chest and back: Keep the chest slightly sunken and the upper back slightly bowed out, which helps the breath sink to the lower abdomen.
Relaxation: Maintain a relaxed state with no tension. Keep elbows and wrists relaxed and sink the elbows downward.
Center of movement: All movement should originate from the center of your body.
Harmonize the body: Coordinate the movement of the upper and lower parts of the body so they work together as a single unit.
Body unity: Move the entire body as one connected unit.
Smoothness: Perform all movements in a smooth, flowing manner.
Substantial/Insubstantial: Clearly distinguish between your substantial (full weight) and insubstantial (empty) leg during movements.
Breath: Breathe deeply and naturally from your lower abdomen, in harmony with the movements.
Mind: Use your mind to lead the body's movements rather than brute force".
Apart from zandtao's formatting these quotes are taken from Google's AI search.
Tai Chi is concerned with harmony of movement so on a certain level that should fit in with meditation and practice. How much can his practice prepare for movement in daily life - heart will not allow for Tai Chi form any more? Yet zandtao is considering this for alignment of body - but of course the purpose of the body (emotions and mind) is as a vihara for movement. In addition we have the dukkha question - how much dukkha is caused when we do not move naturally? And at the same time, because of his health he cannot move "as he used to", so how much does harmonious movement fit in with his health? Some of this zandtao can slot easily into his NZP, but others he will use meditation and mindfulness to integrate. So this analysis for practice is not finished. But he has things to work on with his practice
Below is a 10 points table that will be changed - how?
1 |
Head |
Keep the head straight and relaxed, using the mind to lift upward without physical force. |
2 |
Chest and back |
Keep the chest slightly sunken and the upper back slightly bowed out, which helps the breath sink to the lower abdomen.
|
3 |
Relaxation |
Maintain a relaxed state with no tension. Keep elbows and wrists relaxed and sink the elbows downward.
|
4 |
Center of movement |
All movement should originate from the center of your body.
|
5 |
Harmonise the body |
Coordinate the movement of the upper and lower parts of the body so they work together as a single unit. |
6 |
Body unity |
Move the entire body as one connected unit.
|
7 |
Smoothness |
Perform all movements in a smooth, flowing manner |
8 |
Substantial? |
Not sure about this |
9 |
Breath |
Breathe deeply and naturally from your lower abdomen, in harmony with the movements. |
10 |
Mind |
Use your mind to lead the body's movements rather than brute force. |
With the body and its movement aligned in this way, hopefully the dukkha will come in, do its work and be released without attachment.
|
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