I get Google Alerts for things that relate to tai chi. I just saw a posting on STLToday.com that talks about different forms of meditation. It’s the one on tai chi that got my attention of course. It read, “Try tai chi showering — Move your body in slow motion and notice the sensations. Take a moment to be still, close your eyes and notice how the body responds.”
At first I thought this sounded a little funny, then I thought, “that’s brilliant”! The single biggest issue new students struggle with is getting to know their own bodies. They often have no idea what their left hand is doing in relation to their right hand, let alone whether or not their shoulders are actually lined up over their hips, and forget about whether their shoulders are tense or relaxed. The students who have the greatest difficulty seem to spend too much time in their heads, and not enough time paying attention to their bodies.
Believe it or not this simple little exercise could teach you a lot about tai chi. Not because it will teach you how to move, but because it will teach you to pay attention to your body. In tai chi knowing your body is everything.
Give this simple little exercise a try and be mindful of all the sensations you notice in your body. At first you’ll probably find it a little difficult to pay attention to a lot of that’s going on. Over time though I’ll bet you’ll find you’re aware of, in the background, what your left hand is doing and how it feels while you’re paying attention to your right hand.
I have to admit, I haven’t tried this myself. You can be sure I will though. 
Your thoughts?
John
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John Crewdson
195 days ago
Hey Sheldon,
I am coming back in the next few months. I’m currently in the process of shooting a video class series on the 24 standardized set and then revamping the site.
Thanks for asking. I’m looking forward to it too, and it would be nice to get down under to meet you in person sometime.
John
Sheldon
196 days ago
John,
Are you coming back soon?
Are you off on a grand adventure to chi-charge the old creativity?
I miss reading your blog posts, and misreading your blog posts.
Thoughts?
Manuel Porras
347 days ago
I feel good doing tai chi in the shower but it’s funny
Sheldon
469 days ago
Hi Jon,
What? no posts from John for a while, it’s snowing out side right? We miss hearing your insights man.
Myself I have been giving the step walking some more attention, it occurs to me, and this has been confirmed in a lesson of sorts, that, to incorporate relaxation in any move, in my case it’s the step walking study, you must first have correct form, once all the pieces are in place then the body will be naturally relaxed.
As for the step walking I have narrowed it down too… weight 100 0, place empty foot on step (don’t push up with leg), transfer weight over ball of foot, the legs natural springiness will support your weight, and think up with Yi. Utilizing rhythm and co-ordination, repeat with next step and alt leg… main point is to be very precise, and think up with good foundation, keeping the hips moving forward will send the body up the steps.
Well thats how i am looking at it anyway, think down on each step makes it hard, think up makes it easy.
Thoughts?
Russell
500 days ago
Great post. We were discussing this in class the other day and everyone was sent home with the assignment of picking some mundane 20-30 minute task, dishes, laundry, mowing the lawn, and do it with all the principles of tai chi in mind. Love the idea of tai chi being something you incorporate into your whole life.
Thanks for the post,
Russell
Sheldon
516 days ago
I like Mary’s point a lot, very nicely put, I like that quote.
But the picture made me think, One of the things I notice most with the shower, and hopefully will get this across without it sounding sordid, a shower is one of the few places where we let down the barriers, open up, and feel.
It occurs to me that feeling is what separates Taichi from other martial arts, to feel your way, rather than react on impulse from repetition.
So my thought is, and maybe a question here wrapped up in a statement… you feel before you see, to see it is already too late, but with your mind directing it you can react sooner if your feelings lead your actions.
Trust your feelings Luke.
Mary
531 days ago
This has little to do with this post but I thought you would like it –
“ Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly ever acquire the skill to do difficult things easily”
James J Corbett (a boxer in the 1800′s)
Restita
531 days ago
This is great! I’ve never heard of Taiji Showering before, only bone marrow washing
.
Wings
532 days ago
I’ve been doing a chi wash for a long time, but not with the shower, but I’m a water baby so I’m sure I’m going to love it! If you are ever in the vacinity of Warm Springs Virginia be sure to stop by the springs and go down the steps from the men’s pool. The attendant lifts a board and lets 250 gal per minute rush through a small hole and you stand, crouch, etc in front of it. By moving your body slowly closer or further away from it you change where it hits you – fabulous massage! The place is OLD and the stairs down are kind of creepy – but get past that because it is worth it!