| Feature Article
Developing Your Centre
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Tai Chi
Chuan or Grand Ultimate Fist is born out of philosophical principles,
Chinese medical knowledge, martial arts and meditation. The concept of
maintaining one’s centre is fundamental to all of the above practices.
Central equilibrium is based on the philosophy of Yin Yang – maintaining
balance in all things. When we look at the human body, we can see that
a well aligned spine promotes good balance, reduces wear and tear on the
joints and improves circulation and the functioning of the nervous
system.
In the book, Tai-chi Touchstones, we read, “In moving, our
posture should be balanced, upright, uniform, and even. These four
words – balanced, upright, uniform, and even – are very familiar, but
very difficult to realize. Only when balanced and upright can one be
comfortable and control all directions. Only when uniform and even can
our movement be connected and no gaps appear. This is what the Tai Chi
classics call, ‘stand erect and balanced,’ and ‘energy is moved like
reeling silk.’ If one does not begin working from these four words, it
is not a true art.” (Tai-chi
Touchstones, compiled and translated by Douglas Wile.
New York : Sweet Ch’i Press, 1983. p.22)
In Tai Chi training, the correct alignment of the spine not only
improves the body’s functions, it also allows the practitioner to carry
out physical activities more efficiently, for example, lifting and
carrying heavy objects without injuring the body. Once a student
understands how to stand correctly, the next stage is learning to move
while maintaining that structure. Slow, relaxed movements enable you to
feel how your body moves. This is how we gradually change the body’s
nervous system. So good posture that once felt unnatural gradually
becomes second nature.
In a martial arts context, maintaining your centre enables you to meet
your opponent’s attacks, without allowing yourself to become vulnerable.
It is considered unskilled to use anger as a fuel in the practice and
in self defence. True power and skill come from a well focused and
clear mind. Emotions can only generate energy within the body for a
short period of time, at the expense of clarity and accuracy. Carrying
out an exacting and dangerous task in rage could be fatal.
On an emotional level, maintaining your centre is very important.
Anger, hatred, jealousy or greed produces an unbalancing of our
energies, causing us to become confused and manipulated by external
circumstances. This is a disempowering process. Of course, emotions
are natural. However, if they are over stimulated and not checked with
wisdom, they drain energy and lead to many mental problems and
eventually, serious illnesses. In the book, The Heart’s Code,
Dr. Paul Pearsall talks about the effects of negative emotions on the
heart, the blood in the arteries and the nervous system.
Tai Chi induces a calm, peaceful state of mind. During practice, many
positive changes occur in our body. It lowers blood pressure, slows
down the heart rate and changes brain wave activity to a calming relaxed
state of awareness. The mind and body function more efficiently
overall.
Through the constant practice of Tai Chi, we learn to appreciate calm
and the joy it brings. When anger or other extreme emotions occur, we
recognise their destructive nature and quickly want to redress the
balance. As your training matures, the contrast between the nourishing
state of the practice and the harmful effects of these negative emotions
will be very apparent.
It is easy to fall into the trap of blaming external circumstances for
our emotional outbursts, saying that “it is not my fault” or “they made
me do it”. These are signs that our training can be developed further.
The concept of equilibrium is about personal power. In the Hun Yuan
system, the cultivation of qi – life force energy – is very important.
If you have an abundant supply of energy, many tasks can be completed.
Internally, you will feel strong. This is what the great martial arts
masters harness. It enables them to defeat many opponents. On a
personal level, it translates into self-esteem, self- confidence,
self-discipline and determination. As your training develops, your can
feel your energy and your Dan Tian – energy centre – just below the
navel. By then, very naturally, you will not give your power and
self-respect away. You respect others and expect others to respect
you. If this balance is violated, the relationship needs to be examined
and readdressed.
As Indian saint Shantideva realised, it is impossible to control all the
things in the outside world. To do so would be like trying to cover the
whole surface of the earth with leather. Wouldn’t it be better to put
leather on the soles of your own shoes? The more we develop ourselves,
the more centred we become.
.TOP
|
