Simple Monthly Home Practice - Blossoming

"Blossoming" is one of the most basic Tai Chi movements that guides you to be totally present and get in touch with your inner power. Master Zi always says "let the intent guide the breath, let the breath guide the movement." Blossoming is a perfect movement to practice this teaching.

First, place the picture in your mind, then your breath will respond to that picture, and finally your body will follow the breath to fulfill the intent. It is amazing the power of imagination and how our body works. Since breath and body are just following the intent you have, the most important part of Tai chi practice is to clarify the intent-and become the intention. Everything else will follow once you have taken care of that. You cannot "do" blossoming. You become the blossoming. You are blossoming. Once you physically experience this concept through practice, you will be amazed at the power of intention in your life as well.

Step 1) Open your leg about shoulder width and feet parallel. Squat down until the knees just over the toes. Put your hands on the side as if you are sitting on the chair with arm rest. Imagine your head is pulled from the top and your spine pushing downward.

Step 2) Imagine the flower responding to the first light of sun and start to blossom. Breath in.

Step 3) Breath out and the two arms come up to the level of the head. As you do this, imagine that you have strings attached to your wrist and someone is pulling you up. Keep your shoulders and hands relaxed. Your body become light as you breathe out and your leg straighten.

Step4) As you breath in, let the elbows sink as if the bottom became heavy. Then the wrist. Hands will look like you are framing picture in front of you. Bring the arms down and start bending your knees as you do this.

Step 5) When the hands reach the lower stomach area, allow the body to return to the starting position. (Repeat)