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 In
Tai Chi we talk of "the silken thread". We imagine
that an invisible thread that connects the crown of our head
to heaven. At the other end - on the soles of our feet there
is a spot called "the bubbling spring". If you wish
or if your condition dictates you may do these exercise sat;
but if you do you should ensure that you put the soles of
your feet flat on the floor and you must still visualise the
silken thread and the bubbling spring - and all of the things
learnt in the previous sessions - i.e. ... Circle Breathing,
The Three Gates etc.
As you breathe
in you feel silken thread pull the crown of your head upwards;
heavenwards. As you breathe out feel your belly sink - and it
is as if you can feel the silken thread become taut or tighter
- like an incredibly long and incredibly thin bungee chord.
Relax
your shoulders and then, focus you attention upon the position
and placement of your head. In Tai Chi we call this "exquisite
self examination". Find the place (there is one!) where
your neck and shoulders can be relaxed and your head may 'rest'
there without effort. This (eyes looking directly ahead/chin
up a fraction) is the only 'effort' this this first 'preparation'
part of exercise that is required.
Think
about this: The most frequently used visualisation in Tai
Chi is that of a ball … or more precisely, balls and
circles of various sizes; from that of a beach-ball, held
between our in-turned hands when doing "Embracing the
Tree", or, as in this instance, i.e. simply standing
in preparation, as a sphere about the size of a tennis ball
that we hold against our neck with the underside of our chin.
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