What should you pay attention to while practicing?

One of my favorite Single Leg Standing Post Training Postures 

- Raise Hands/Play Guitar -  

What should you pay attention to while practicing Taijiquan or Baguazhang?

 What you pay attention to while practicing is the most important aspect of practicing. Adjust what you are thinking about and you'll have adjusted you physical practice. 

It's essential to calibrate your mind in order to access higher levels of skills and internal development.

I refer to this mental calibration as "Correct Thinking": 

Adjusting (calibrating) what your minds eye is attending to.

CONSCIOUSLY PAY ATTENTION TO:

 *Vertical Alignment of your bones,*

from the sole's of your feet to the top of your head.

The vertical alignment of your bones (externally and internally), is an essential focus while practicing Taijiquan and Baguazhang. 

This important principle is best practiced and refined during Standing Post (standing meditation) Training. 

I like to imagine three bowls of water that are filled right to the top of the bowl:

1st Bowl is in my pelvis and is even only when the tailbone is released down

2nd Bowl is in my shoulders. Shoulders are thought of as a suspension bridge; Hanging with elbows heavy

3rd Bowl is on the top of my head

The Bowl's line up vertically, without any incline, so as not to spill any water.

 Best to start this visualization while standing still and then proceed to refine your movements by keeping the Bowls aligned and also keep them level, so as not to 'spill' any water.

More practice tips to come!

Email me with feedback or questions