Pathways to Change - NLP & Tai Chi

The art of standing is almost a separate study in itself. It will improve your Tai Chi and pushing hands greatly

Pre-Commencement Posture

• Stand with the feet one shoulder width apart or less if that is uncomfortable
• The feet should be parallel
• Bend the knees slightly
• Settle the lower back so that the tailbone feels like it is sinking down and the part of the lower back that normally curves in straightens out. It might help to tuck the pelvis under slightly to achieve this.
• Make sure at least half the weight is in the heels
• The knees splay outwards slightly
• The rest of the back is vertical
• The shoulders are relaxed and hanging loose.
• The arms hang loosely down with the hands roughly in front of the hips with the palms facing the hips.
• The shoulders are slightly rounded forwards
• The chin is lightly pressed back so that there is a slight stretch at he back of the neck and the upper shoulders. Use abdominal breathing (see article)
• Breathe in and out through your nose
• Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth in the position as if you were about to say the syllable 'le'
• Keep the head level and the eyes looking straight ahead into the distance
• Without moving the eyes become more aware of what you see at the edges of your visual field. You will not see things with any sharp focus but with a little practice you will be able to sense objects and movement further and further out to the edges. This is usually known as using your peripheral vision.
• Keep checking that all muscles and joints are as relaxed as possible whilst maintaining the position.
• Only stand for a long as it takes to get mildly uncomfortable.