09/28/2025
Happy Sunday everyone! Lately in my classes I’ve been trying to explain my thoughts on the correlation between Tai chi movements and our Solar system. Here’s some interesting stuff;
The body as the central point:
In Tai chi, all movement originates from the dantian—an energy center located 3” under the navel in the lower abdomen. This central core acts as the "sun" of the practitioner's personal solar system, from which all other movements radiate. ☀️
Limbs as orbiting planets:
The practitioner's arms and legs extend outward in large, continuous circular and spiraling motions, like planets orbiting a central star. These movements are not linear or jerky but are smooth, flowing, and interconnected, representing the harmonious motion of celestial bodies. 🪐 🌎
Gravity and balance:
A core principle of Tai Chi is to be "rooted" to the ground, aligning the body with the earth's gravity. This grounding is similar to how a planet's orbit is governed by gravitational forces, creating stability within a dynamic system. ⚖️
Integration of opposing forces:
The movements in Tai Chi constantly balance opposing forces, such as fullness and emptiness (substantial and insubstantial), which is the physical manifestation of the yin-yang symbol. This reflects the delicate equilibrium within the solar system, where gravity and centrifugal force keep planets in stable orbits. ☯️
Continuous, effortless flow:
Just as the solar system operates in a perpetual, uninterrupted cycle, advanced Tai Chi practice involves moving in a seamless, continuous flow without starts or stops. This effortless quality is described as "conquering the unyielding with the yielding," where a soft, fluid movement can overcome a hard, forceful one. 🔄
Timing and Synchronization:
In a unified system, like two stars orbiting each other, the movement of one part of the body is inextricably linked to the movement of the other. The system as a whole moves in a synchronized manner, centered around their common center of gravity. The timing is perfect, as movement of each individual part of the body is in unison and dependent on the motion of the other. 🕰️
This is all mentioned in the Classics.
Have a great practice and see you in class!😉
太極羅尼 Tai chi by Ronny ☯️
