The multi-layered learning of basic tai chi and qigong exercises
3/24/2008

I do basic exercises in my classes: single moves or postures found in a form and applications that are repeated in drills. With my China master teachers we often do the same movement dozens of times for several minutes at a time. Similarly, it’s common to see people in China’s parks (in many US parks, too) every morning repeatedly doing a single move. The advantages and benefits of doing single moves this way is multi-layered. For one thing, you’re utilizing two ways of learning and memorizing at the same time: one is simply remembering how the move is performed to practice later at home, and the other is helping the body to learn the movement.

The first way that drilling basic moves is good for is the usual mental process of logging something in your brain for later use. This reminds me of when I was in the 8th grade and our teacher made us remember the names of all 50 states. The mental process is pretty much the same. The second way gives the body a chance to “internalize” the information. This is sort of learning by rote. It’s the body’s way of remembering that I think we tend not to use as consciously, although we’re familiar with body learning. It’s natural, like learning to ride a bicycle, or other motor coordination tasks. In tai chi and qigong, this is the kind of learning you really want, because with enough practice, it lets you perform moves when you most need without thinking about it at all … instinctively, with “no mind,” as it is sometimes referred to.

Remembering and internalizing information relates to “mindful repetition.” While you’re repeating each move you develop a rhythm. Aerobics and pop exercise programs such as Taebo are popular because of the music and its beat that they usually they move to; rhythm in other words. In tai chi and qigong, intending to perform the moves rhythmically and mindfully allows you to shift the focus of your attention among different body parts while your body repeats the movement. Once you establish a rhythm, your mind can move about more freely and open to new awareness, paying attention to what a particular joint is doing, or whether you’re overextending or under-extending any ligaments or tendons, perhaps focusing on the alignment of your skeletal structure as a whole.

Wherever you focus your attention is what you’re working on at that moment. This is sort of a complex statement that I think relates to what I’ve heard many China teachers say: “the mind does it.” Taijiquan and qigong are, at their core, mental exercises in which you work the brain, improving its function, it’s quickness and agility. Susan Matthews talks about his a lot in her Brain Workshop seminars. The qi and the body respond well to the mind letting go of habits and assumptions we make about whatever state we happen to be in at any given time we focus our attention on our being. Tai chi and qigong result in a more agile, open mind with enough regular practice over time.

The mind does the move. But how do you come to understand what this means? As far I’m concerned internalizing knowledge comes with regular practice over time. I try to drill at least a few basic exercises everyday with a goal of working towards this understanding.

There are a number a ways to approach doing basic exercises. With a better grasp of how to memorize them using both your mind and your body, you’ll be well on your way before you know it to enjoying the benefits of practicing tai chi and qigong.

Tim Richard
3/24/2008