Neigong caution | ||
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Exaggerating the internal
One of the problems with learning tai chi is that the system is very subtle.
The skill is on the inside.
It is not showy and external.
Yet, in order to learn neigong, you must exaggerate certain qualities to make
them discernable.
This carries some risk.
Learning
Watching an outward show of neigong can lead you to perform it in that way.
Remember that the neigong must exist within the framework.
When the movements are grossly exaggerated, the body is forced to twist and
torque beyond a safe limit.
This can lead to instability of structure and potential injury if you are not
careful.
There is a time
to embrace and a time to refrain.
(Jesus)
Groundpath
By the time a student has learned the first neigong they are ready to start
internalising the form slightly.
At this point many of the more explicit waist turns become smaller.
The need for groundpath and intent is emphasised.
This process creates internal tension and channels force much more
effectively.
Awareness
Neigong are often simply an awareness of what the body wants to do
naturally.
You feel a need to turn, twist, release, open or close.
Providing the action does not compromise your structure, you allow it to
happen.
Doubling-up
Once you have patiently incorporated a neigong concern into how you use your
body, the augment will remain.
Only contradictory or conflicting body use will remove the quality.
One danger lies with seeking to revise, 'practice' or re-incorporate an
existing neigong.
To do a concern again will effectively double whatever the neigong entails.
i.e. if your sternum is already dropped, then aiming to drop your sternum
will only serve to drop an already dropped sternum thereby collapsing the
chest and affecting the knees.
Injury
Injury is possible if you double-up a neigong.
At best, you will lose the required augment and negatively affect other
qualities.
At worst, you will cause unanticipated injuries as a by-product.
Not forcing
If you are patient and aware, the neigong will unfold.
Your main activity is simply to remove the obstacles that prevent the
neigong from manifesting.
Typically the obstacle is tension.
Attempting to physically 'do' a neigong is not a good endeavour. Remember
Yang Cheng Fu's maxim "use mind not force".
Page created
18 April 1995
Last updated
16 June 2023
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