How balance is achieved

                            How Tai Chi works

Tai Chi has five main parts: Balance, Fluidity, Coordination, Deep Breathing, and Meditation.

Let’s talk about them one at a time.

Balance

Balance is an essential part of the practice of Tai Chi. It is improved by consciously shifting weight onto the leg you anticipate standing on. While on the surface, it may seem like a simple task, it is more difficult than one thinks.

Several moves in Tai Chi require an “inordinate” amount of balance: the step-over shift in Tai ji, the circle kick, the toe tap, the shift back to turn the lead toe, the stand on one leg in the flute, the roster, the white crane spreading its wings, and the kick.

How is the balance achieved? Balance is achieved by pretending that a rope or string is attached to your spine and runs through the top of your head and into space. At the end of the rope is a giant hand pulling straight up into the heavens. This causes your spine, chest, neck, and chin to be perfectly aligned.

The most challenging part for beginners is that it must be done consciously until they get accustomed to it, which can distract from the session’s deep breathing and meditative parts.

The good thing is that once you get used to aligning your spine and shifting your weight in anticipation of a move, it spills over into your daily life and can prevent falls in seniors. In Tai Chi, transition moves are done by shifting weight to the supporting leg while at the same time consciously picking up the moving leg and placing it in a desired place.