The Ten Essentials

If I say "Tai Chi" what is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Slowness right? That is correct. And when you watch a group of people practicing in a park, moving together in synchronicity, it almost feels hypnotizing to see ONE body made of many people, move together with fluidity.

The interesting thing about Tai Chi is that, because it is slow, it can also look easy. But if it is looking easy, it is because it is being very well done. And if it is being so well done, it is because a lot is happening behind the slow tempo. Apart from learning the sequence of the movements, there are internal considerations to apply.

The Yang Family calls them: The Ten Essentials.

They are guidelines to help you throughout the practice, in order to keep the right Presence while Meditating. I will elaborate on each one of them in future blogs but for now, allow me to introduce you to: The Yang Family's Ten Essentials:

1. Empty, Lively, Pushing Up and Energetic.

2. Hold in the Chest and slightly Round the Back.

3. Relax the waist.

4. Separate Empty and Full.

5. Sink the Shoulders and Drop the Elbows.

6. Use Intent rather than Force.

7. Synchronize Upper and Lower Body.

8. Match up Inner and Outer.

9. Practice Continuously and Without Interruption.

10. Seek Quiescence Within Movement.