What Does It Mean To Move With Intention?

 

What Does It Mean To Move With Intention?

June 20, 2021

According to Deepak Chopra, “Everything that happens in the Universe starts with Intention.” There are many different levels and kinds of intention. Without intention, we just observe the world. Intent is not mystical. However, it is a bit vague and somewhat difficult to explain.

In both Tai Chi and Qigong, Qi (energy) is moved through the meridians in the body by using the mind. The blood following the Qi flow is considered to be the source of great health benefits. Intention commands all movement, without intention movement is nothing and vice versa. As the ancient practitioners and masters have said for many years “The mind leads the Qi”. When intention (also known as Yi and Qi move spontaneously, they are in harmony.

Moving with internal and external intention is considered a essential ingredient in Tai Chi and Qigong. Every movement is executed with purpose and focused awareness. If you practice form and mentally detach, you are not doing Tai Chi nor Qigong and your mind isn’t engaged in the purpose of the movement. Intention (Yi or the mind) leads the Qi which moves the body according to Tai Chi Classics!

For those of you who have seen Man of Tai Chi, remember the Master’s warning about letting Qi control you rather than the other way around!

Intention can be considered the daily unspoken, non-verbal commands we give our minds and bodies. We simply do things without words or commands. What we are trying to do in Tai Chi or Qigong is to feel the intention that our brain or central nervous system sends to us in order to move. In order to consciously feel the intention, we need to slow down our movements. This makes our mind and body more sensitive to feeling the intention.

As we learn to recognize and feel our intention, we become more sensitive to it and can refine it’s energetic quality. The goal is to develop a focused mind which keeps us engaged with our movements as well as improving our posture. We then become more aware of any changes in our balance or tension in our bodies. This will allow us to make needed adjustments before they are problematic. We also learn to quiet our mind, concentrate on a deeper level, and discover the stillness within us.

Sometimes Yi is also called Yi Nian. Yi is considered intent and Nian means to study or train. Together they mean thinking and studying the Qi movements in your body. If both the intent is strong and the body mechanics are correct, the Qi will flow and the strength of the body will also improve. Remember that intent needs to be strong in order for the Qi to flow!!!

To give you a more martial interpretation, consider this. When an attacker punches you, it would be highly unusual for them to leave. They may then grab you or a part of your body, and last but not least, attempt to get you off balance and bring you to the ground. Just as their intent changes, your intent must shift with the changing situation. Unless you have developed strong Yi (or intention) you will not be able to react effectively!

As written in the old Tai Chi Classics: “When the Qi is not there, the intent is already there.”

Bottom line here: It is essential to build a strong Yi or intention in order for the Qi to flow!

Next week we will discuss Intention, Attention, and Imagination for the internal arts practitioner! Stay tuned!

 

 

 

출처 :

https://balancedlifetaichi.com/blog/what-does-it-mean-to-move-with-intention

What Does it Mean to Move With Intention? — Balanced Life Tai Chi