Doing tai chi efficiently means having to perceive the most subtle of
changes in one's environment. During push hands, sparring and real
combat situations it is essential to always be aware of what is going on
in the environment, so that you can place yourself in the most
advantageous position. An exercise that strengthens the awareness of
what is going on is to sit outside on warm nights and wait for bugs to
start flying around you. Keep your head stationary, and every time a bug
flies within your vision watch its every movement. While the bug stays
within your vision watch all of its movements and do not lose track of
it. You may notice that as you watch the bug your awareness of the rest
of your environment dims- counter this by relaxing your body as much as
possible and keeping your vision "wide". By doing so you will see your
whole environment and not miss out on the bug's movements. When you are
able to see all of the bugs movements try watching the movements of two
bugs, than three. Let the bugs go as they move out of your vision and
focus on two (or three) new bugs. If you begin with one bug and over
time can see three bugs moving at the same time and feel what they are
doing in the space around you, you have greatly strengthened your
attention. This is helpful in many aspects of life.
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