Question:
My teacher often says that no matter what is being done because of the training over the years it is taichi.
I have found this to be true and it is hard to put into words but it goes something like this. You are doing something and you find yourself using very little effort and you are efficient, this could be how you are handling tools or small screws or how you navigate thru a crowded area moving your body in a balanced and calm way and "seeing" your next move ahead of time. I will try to add more examples as I find myself doing it and if you are experiencing this also please add.
I find this when I'm washing up, ironing, or weeding in the garden. I actually enjoy it because it gives me a short time to focus on just one thing. It keeps my mind clear and free from all the other stuff that goes on in my life.
I find I use my whole body when I do things rather than trying to force it with my arms and sometimes rather than try to force something I just sorta let it go where it should go if that makes any sense.
Oh, I think I see what you mean now. It's not a mental thing, you're talking about something physical? Do you mean like being less clumsy? Maybe less yang, more yin?
A carpenter may realize they are in the zone when it takes 2 strikes to drive a nail instead of three, he is combining body, mind and intention without doubt. In sports this may translate similarily as you have prepared properly, learning skills and getting in physical condition then you get out of your own way.
I agree. I remember a tai-chi teacher who stepped in to lead a class when the other instructor was unavailable. We all did the same kinds of "moves" as before but he left us with the phrase which I still remember "You have been doing tai-chi, and indeed you are tai-chi." This made me really identify with it. Hence notice the difference between "I practice tai-chi" and "I am a tai-chi person." Do you detect a difference?
I get what you mean about the gaps in crowds too. I have had great fun with this where you can see empty diagonals of space ahead in the crowd and you adjust your pace just so. And you go into it like it's the most perfect line to be walking.
I have found this to be true and it is hard to put into words but it goes something like this. You are doing something and you find yourself using very little effort and you are efficient, this could be how you are handling tools or small screws or how you navigate thru a crowded area moving your body in a balanced and calm way and "seeing" your next move ahead of time. I will try to add more examples as I find myself doing it and if you are experiencing this also please add.
Answers:
I find this when I'm washing up, ironing, or weeding in the garden. I actually enjoy it because it gives me a short time to focus on just one thing. It keeps my mind clear and free from all the other stuff that goes on in my life.
Answers:
I find I use my whole body when I do things rather than trying to force it with my arms and sometimes rather than try to force something I just sorta let it go where it should go if that makes any sense.
Answers:
Oh, I think I see what you mean now. It's not a mental thing, you're talking about something physical? Do you mean like being less clumsy? Maybe less yang, more yin?
Answers:
A carpenter may realize they are in the zone when it takes 2 strikes to drive a nail instead of three, he is combining body, mind and intention without doubt. In sports this may translate similarily as you have prepared properly, learning skills and getting in physical condition then you get out of your own way.
Answers:
I agree. I remember a tai-chi teacher who stepped in to lead a class when the other instructor was unavailable. We all did the same kinds of "moves" as before but he left us with the phrase which I still remember "You have been doing tai-chi, and indeed you are tai-chi." This made me really identify with it. Hence notice the difference between "I practice tai-chi" and "I am a tai-chi person." Do you detect a difference?
I get what you mean about the gaps in crowds too. I have had great fun with this where you can see empty diagonals of space ahead in the crowd and you adjust your pace just so. And you go into it like it's the most perfect line to be walking.
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