There are
two types of intention within Taiji Form: yang intention and
yin intention.
Yang
intention is active and leads to physical action. Yin
intention, by comparison, is more passive and rides on the movement
created by the yang intention. This can be observed when
pushing a swing: the initial push is yang, then the yin
intention rides the path of the swing as it returns towards you in
order to push again.
Other examples -
Drawing a bow: yang is the draw and aim, yin is realesing the arrow.
Pushing a car to get is started: the initial effort to get it moving - yang, once it's moving less effort is required - yin.
We all have
little jobs at home we intend to 'get around to' one day. This is a
yin intention and will only become action once it shifts to a
yang intention.
The Taiji
Classics say 'the Mind leads the Qi, the Qi leads the
body'. All action begins with a thought. If the thought remains just
an idea in your head, it doesn't connect with the Qi so the
body isn't moved. When the intention is strong/clear enough the
process follows through into action.
One aspect
of Taiji practise is to develop this process within each posture.
When this becomes second nature the same process will be there in
your everyday actions and decision making.
