Learning an internal art means never experiencing boredom ever again. There is always a drill to practice, a routine to review, a theory to think over.

(photo by Allison - AliceNWondrlnd. Click photo to see her Flickr page.)

Practice in the Park

Drop-in classes in Qigong, Bagua and Xingyi on Wednesday evenings throughout July and August.

Someone recently described running as a selfish form of exercise. I understood what he meant and understood the implications for Taiji practice.
I think people reach only a certain level in Taiji because they approach practice selfishly. Group practice can counter this and can even provide practical skills. You train an awareness of your surroundings and a matching of movement and timing with the people around you.
Whether with a group or solo, Taiji is a not navel gazing practice.
(photo by Kjell Tjensvoll. Click image to see his Flickr page)

In all of the internal arts there is a distinction made between the most valuable and the most important. The most valuable are the most refined of internal energies, the most subtle of techniques, the most challenging of routines, the hardest of skills to acquire. But these are not the most important.
The highest in importance are always the most fundamental.
(photo by Oleg Casini. Click image to view Flickr page)

To understand Qi, study nature

Learning the internal arts is a process that moves from the mind to the Qi to the body and back. This applies to all internal arts and is the foundation of Xingyi.
Thinking about a posture or movement helps understand it’s intent. This guides the Qi and consolidates structure and alignment. This is what the Chinese would call ‘Spirit’.
The shape of a posture or movement guides the Qi. Only through this direct experience is a deeper understanding obtained. This is what the Chinese would call ‘Essence’.

(Photo by John & Fish. Click image to see their Flickr page.)

Just because we can read the characters doesn’t mean they have no meaning.
Everything has meaning. This is a hard concept and runs counter to our preference for ideas like the law of averages. But it is important to keep in mind when practicing forms and routines.

Intent leads the Qi
This is a common phrase. But using intellect or will to lead the Qi is not the same as using intent. Intellect uses the brain, will uses the Ego. Intent uses the Heart.
(Photo by Jack Wolf - click on image to see his Flickr page)