We can use the term silk reeling to help us refer to, and study, the concepts of blending and weaving as we practice. The production of silk is deeply embedded in Chinese culture and society throughout the ages. The term is used in martial arts, tai ji and qi gong and comes from the Chen style of Tai Chi, but has been adopted, and possibly independently developed by numerous styles. Analogy and metaphor are the language of tai ji and qi gong, it creates space for us to build our own understanding in our own way and in our own time. Some silk reeling concepts we can take into our practice. -Like reeling raw silk from a cocoon, our movement should be relaxed, focused and unbroken. -Like creating thread, the harmonization of the joints should move and 'string' together as you move. Each joint is its own cocoon. Move from center, as center. -Each movement weaves another thread into our experience and creates a stronger connection throughout. -Movements weave and blend together creating contrast, intersection and separation. This can be related to the idea of 'brocade' as in the "8 Pieces of Brocade" Fun fact, silk worms create a single thread to make their cocoons which can reach up to almost a mile long!

There is much that we can discuss and study when it comes to posture, but first we want to understand that posture is as much reaction as it is intention. It is something we have present when we stand, sit, and walk which is one of the reasons we discuss the Three Treasures of walking, standing and sitting so much in qi gong and tai ji. Posture is also intrinsically connected to our breath and sense of our space(internal and external). For these reasons we want to develop a more accepting, logical and practical understanding of posture as we study these arts. Certain aspects of our posture we can affect right away, like our focus, tongue to pallet, and grounding the feet. Others will take time, like core stability, leg strength, and greater awareness of center(of mass). Qi gong training improves all of these qualities naturally so postural improvements are part of the "rising tide" as well as one of the ships being risen. So what are some important, real time cues you can make to improve posture across all areas. Yi Dao Xian | Awareness finds the horizon - Lift gently from the crown of the head and suspend the head top. Eyes rest at level that should be able to rest in your space as if reading a book as well as glancing out to find the horizon as if on a plain, ship or peak. Head on a swivel. Like walking backwards, a lot of new information can come from the panorama. Tongue to pallet -internal postural awareness connected to breath, neck and jaw health. This is an ongoing aspect of our practice. Greater awareness to this area will bring benefits in both the short and long term. In taoist physical theory, tongue gently, yet firmly suctioned to the pallet was the neutral resting place of the tongue at all times. Don't over worry about the challenge this may or may not present in your practice. The body is deeply aware of how to manage these inputs. Simply allow that intention to become part of our practice in its own way. And as always, Relax, Be Present, Listen, Follow & Flow.

This is another of my favorite sayings from the arts. It is meant to evoke an internal awareness as well as an external expression. From the outside at times it might seem like the tai ji or qi gong practitioner has come to a complete rest, and there are times when you should, and it is in those moments you continue to observe and listen for the subtler rhythms of the body and motion taking whatever time is needed to occupy your space. This is the permission to find your own rhythm with a movement once you feel the body, mind, and breath harmonize. This is the space between the breaths where there is no need to rush into the next moment. It is the ending and beginning of movements. It is your practice from one day to the next:)

Join me tomorrow morning for our first Coffee & Qi from 11:30-12:30pm PST. We can enjoy a simple chat about the practices we now share. If you have any questions or topics drop them in the comments or just ask away tomorrow. In China, it is quite common for teachers and students to sit over tea before or after class and discuss the practice. Over the years, all my teachers, whether they were from China or someplace else had their own way of going about this. Here in Visalia we have a local coffee shop that I have always loved. When I moved away to China I would get beans from them any chance I could get. After I moved back I liked taking students there and introducing them to this local gem. Our small town had grown so much in the time I was gone, but Mavericks Coffee still was relatively undiscovered. Of course, our chats would usually center around qi gong, tai ji, marital arts and general practice topics and that is why we now have Coffee & Qi! No beverage needed:).

This saying was oft repeated by one of my teachers, so much so that I still hear it in my own practice for which I am very thankful. As with any principle it is there as a gentle reminder, to be recalled only as needed. In this way we can simply relax and be present as our practice unfolds around us. If you feel like you are forcing a movement or not quite getting it, then allow those concepts to guide your intention and your individual connection to the practice to grow. Please feel free to ask questions or comment on any of the topics or concepts shared in this section.