Zhuan Falun (Turning The Law Wheel)

[Stonehenge]

Technique is very important. For the chi to flow first the body must be loose and relaxed. The waist must turn or move with the other movements. Just moving the hands is not correct form.

The chakra called the dantien, or many other names, is the center of physical power. The other 6 centers work on other types of energy but the one near the navel is related to the physical, from what I have learned. Its also the center of gravity for most people. When ever you do a movement imagine a flow through that area. By physical power I mean it affects the physical plane.

[judih]

This is what I love about the way our teacher conducts our classes. Warm-up, then chi cong (lately we do the Wild Goose cutta). Chi flows, dan tien is back to prime, then t'ai chi. The energy is present, no need for visualization, but rather to stay in the moment with the body and mind and allow the experience to unfold.

Time slows down as weight shifts. I don't really have words.

[Stonehenge]

Yes, being in the present moment is very important, possibly the most important thing. You aren't truly meditating if you are thinking about chores or what might happen tomorrow. Its hard to keep focused but it can be done.

Visualization is a tool, nothing more. It can be a powerful tool. Just for example, thinking of beams of light coming from the top of your head, hands or whatever. Visualizing your body and breath as being totally relaxed. There are many uses.

Its used in magic too, you can bring about changes in your life by visualizing them. Its not tai chi but its in an undefined category. Visualizing healing energy from your hands makes it work well. Not saying its the only way, but it works for many.

[judih]

mr s. henge
you are an interesting man!
again, thanks to our illustrious new member EnergyGem for the thread

[EnergyGem]

You're most welcome Judih, happy to have shared this with you and the community. 

[Stonehenge]

Just to continue an interesting discussion, I will share a few things that work for me. To keep in the moment I might focus on sounds around me. There are always sounds, if nothing else then the ones in my head. Tinitis can be a tool though I ignore it most of the time. Or just look at something and focus on it rather than thinking "its pretty, ugly, looks like something else..." Just soak it in. Focus on movement, on your breath, on a chant.

I think the goal is to be in the moment most of the time. We still have to plan ahead, learn from the past and so on. But being constantly preoccupied with those things is what degrades the quality of life. You can't appreciate what is going on around you when you are doing an inner dialogue or thinking about something else. The thoughts and dialogues come up constantly, I try to gently bring myself back to the moment when I notice it. Little by little I get more in the moment.