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Tai Chi Classroom
Mental Concentration
Once you are technically proficient, you should concentrate
your attention on the application of force. In doing
a "stroke" movement, for instance, you should
imagine yourself passing your hands over something
(e.g. a long beard), and when you do a "press"
you should likewise visualize the movement in your
mind. In other words, movements should be guided by
mental power so as to bring your strength into fuller
play and make your performance more precise. Such
mentally guided exercise will also help to regulate
the central nerve system and improve the functions
of the internal organs. For this reason, Tai Chi is
sometimes described as a kind of "physical exercise
of consciousness." The following points should
be remembered in comprehending and practicing Tai
Chi boxing as a mentally guided exercise:
(1) By mental concentration, we do not mean emotional
tension or an inert mind. Rather, mental activity
should vary rhythmically in intensity, in keeping
with the alternation of tension and relaxation in
the application of strength.
(2) Mental activity, physical strength and movements
are all interrelated, but their relationship is such
that mental activity guides physical strength, which
in turn propels the movements. In other words, the
action of the mind precedes the movement of the body,
so that when there is a change in movement, the exertion
of strength continues; and when there is a change
in the exertion of strength, mental activity remains.
Any change in mental activity must find expression
in the exertion of strength and in the execution of
movements. Do not seek for "an absolute void
in the mind," not anything purely visionary and
unsubstantial, for this would reduce mental activity
into something unfathomable and meaningless. |
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