The Eight Characteristics of Tai Chi (First Characteristic)

tai chi was born from the profound observations of ancient Chinese wise men about the body and nature. After centuries of practice, it was discovered that this set of movements contains the cosmic law of the balance of yin and yang. Now we will unveil its most fundamental mystery – the movement of energy guided by intention.

Each movement contains the unity of opposites, such as opening and closing, square and circle, and reality, which is as natural as the alternation of day and night.

The appearance of the movement looks like a flowing stream, but inside it is a subtle “consciousness gymnastics”.

Scientific Conjectures about Qi
What we call “internal Qi” (Qi) is:
✓ Life energy in traditional medicine
✓ A composite being not yet fully defined by modern science
✓ May contain a combination of neural signaling, bioelectricity, oxygen delivery, etc.

Imagine you are directing a precision machine

Movements are outward manifestations of thoughts, like the gestures of a symphony conductor.

Example: Raise your hand with the image of “upward flow” before activating the limb.

Building flexibility through slow extension (e.g., pulling back a bowstring).

Spiral movements to help energy flow through the body (similar to the double helix structure of DNA)

Creating dynamic balance by shifting between the real and the imaginary (like a surfer rising and falling with the waves).

Alternating between soft and hard like waves lapping at the shore (softness builds up energy, hardness releases it).

Fast and slow rhythms mimic the natural fluctuations of the heartbeat and respiration.

Continuous as the strokes of calligraphy, maintaining the integrity of the energy flow.

✓ Enhance physical and mental coordination (the ability of the conscious mind to direct the body)
✓ Cultivate calmness under pressure (the wisdom of handling the world in a soft way)
✓ Enhance energy management (efficient use of life force rather than depletion)

As the Tai Chi Master said, “The form is like an eagle that hunts, the spirit is like a focused spirit cat.” When consciousness resonates perfectly with movement, you will experience the rhythm of life that dances in every cell.