We were talking in class about presence of mind when you raise your arms in the Beginning Posture. I demonstrated that my arm was difficult to push down but at the same time wasn't full of tension. Teacher used to say to us: "Something's there!" My understanding is that 'something' is presence of mind, awareness, attention, or simply 'mind'. It has great potential but is not manifested as internal strength until it receives pressure, i.e. someone pushing on my arm. Tai Chi is unique in that way. It looks like nothing (no strength), but 'something' is there. Though that something doesn't become apparent until it reacts with external force. The image of steel wrapped in cotton. Soft outside, solid core.
This relates to one of the first lines in Tai chi Chuan Ching (Tai Chi Chuan Classic by Chang San-feng). "The ch'i should be excited, the shen (spirit) internally gathered."
It should also be said that in correct practice this 'something' is present in all postures.
This blog is for students and Tai chi friends of Kim Kanzelberger to share thoughts and ideas about Tai chi and their practice.
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