5 Principles In 3 Postures #11

Embodied Tai Chi 

Five Principles In Three Postures 

Attention

Grasp the Sparrows Tail: pay attention to the springy bouncy sensation in your right leg.  But also be aware of the ground under the left foot.  

The tips of the fingers in the left hand are pressing down on the imaginary sparrows tail. Flex the fingers just enough to feel all the joints open.  Move your elbow away from your body so the left hand rotates inwards but keep your left shoulder relaxed and rounded.  Don't let the shoulder lift.  Flex the fingers open again and pay attention to the muscles, tendons and fascia in your arm.  You may notice flexing the fingers open also creates a sensation or feeling in your arm.  Play around with the position of your shoulder and elbow to get the best sensation or feeling in the left hand and arm.  

Let's pay attention to the right hand.  Turn the palm down.  Open the hand then slowly turn it clockwise until you feel the muscles, tendons or fascia in the right wrist or forearm gently flex.  Don't worry if the palm isn't facing upwards for the sparrow to sit in.  The position of the hand is determined by you being able to sense the muscles, tendons or fascia in your wrist and forearm.  As before bring your elbow away from your body without raising the shoulder and pay attention to how this changes the sensation or feeling.  Play around with the posture until you find the position that gives you the most sensations or feelings in your hand and arm.

Now adopt the sparrows tail posture again by paying attention - being aware of the sensations in each leg and arm.  

……. This program of learning explores five key principles of Tai Chi in the sequence of postures 'grasp the sparrows tail', 'throw down' and 'double handed push'.

Copy the sequence of posture and movement using the Tai Chi video or images. Never do anything that is uncomfortable. After uncomfortable comes tension ruining your practice. After tension comes discomfort. After discomfort comes injury.