Tai Chi: Substantial vs Unsubstantial: How Shifting our Mind can Create More Power

[@arnaudh4789]

incredible demonstration ! 🙏 big thanks

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@paulantonia9449]

What a gift you are!

[@InternalTaiChi]

What a beautiful comment to wake up to first thing in my morning. 🙏🤩

[@philipc8411]

I just tried it while pushing on a wall, by using your image of expanding / extending away. Using a corner wall, door, post or a tree, a variety of directions can be practiced.

[@InternalTaiChi]

And how did it go? Did you feel how the wall then actually served to support your structure rather than you pushing against it?

[@philipc8411]

Im not sure at this moment, exactly what that means, but in a vague way it seems to fit.

[@philipc8411]

That is, it seemed to fit when I used the image in a certain way, and not when I used it in another. I agree that imagery enlists and engages a more whole response. The limitation is that it can be interpreted in different ways, leading to misunderstanding. This particular image may be less so. I prefer a combination.

[@philipc8411]

Another addition is the kinesthetic awareness. Another level is the automatic navigation, analogous to an experienced driver. Another method is to use te fang without necessarily standing as a firm target.

[@philipc8411]

Regardless, thank you for this video and for your other videos!

[@philipc8411]

I like it and I am guessing that what you experience as the shift in direction of awareness is actually a more complex dynamic involving unaware alignments and may include the sinking of your center of mass between your far foot and the point of contact. I suggest playing with it by having him exert more, while changing his direction of force, so that you have to adjust your alignment in response. Gosh I miss the pushands of my younger days! It was so much fun.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Actually my experience is, if you start thinking about all of those components, it is less effective. Just expand the less obvious and the rest will follow.

[@josephlobue4207]

I tried it on a wall and it felt like the soft part of my finger tips that were touching wall kind of pulled on or sucked in the wall. I felt like the wall connected with my structure. Pretty cool. When practicing the fascia connection to move my practice partner, (my cooperative and gracious wife lol) is this the same principle? When I put my hands on her fore arms, would I “imagine” the energy coming out of my fingers like you instructed for the opposite hand from the wall? Would that be for both hands when doing this with a partner? Thank you! Love your videos btw!

[@InternalTaiChi]

Wow!! That is really fantastic that you felt that! Congratulations, that is a huge internal sensation. The fascia is a different technique but one you can add to anything you are already doing for magnified effect. In other words, do as you did in your description and then ADD connecting to the fascia of the other person and you will be wonderfully surprised! Let me know how it goes!

[@messengerstreetwalker9427]

Hi susan,very nice demonstration. I just have one question. Our weight should be on the unobvious side .i mean the substantial leg should be on the unobvious side? Thank you.

[@InternalTaiChi]

Thanks for the great question. In the instance of this particular form, the weight is actually on the substantial side, the side that I am making contact with the person. That is why if we put our intention there as well, we are "double weighted" and out of balance. So we place our mind, our intention, on the lesser weighted side to balance it out. I hope this makes sense? As soon as we place our mind on the obvious side (the side we feel more because we have more weight bearing through it) we are out of balance. Always place your awareness on the lesser weighted side.

[@messengerstreetwalker9427]

Thanks Susan, I completely understand. Your words clear my mind. Thank you again.

[@InternalTaiChi]

@@messengerstreetwalker9427 You are very welcome. I'm glad it helped.

[@kingofaikido]

;)

[@InternalTaiChi]

🙂