11. Inside Reflects The Outside

This lecture will continue our progression in the Yang-style 40 form by
introducing a pair of new movements: high pat on horse and kick with
heel (right). But first, we’ll cover a new concept: that of shen, or spiritual
energy, which guides our intentions.
Shen
● What tells us whether our intentions are good or bad? According
to tai chi, that faculty is called the shen, which means “the spirit.”
The ability to raise up the shen is an advanced technique in tai chi.
● The shen guides everything else. The tai chi classics refer to the
shen as the commander. The classics say the spirit is the boss
and the body is like soldiers doing all the work.
● What are you trying to express when you’re doing your tai chi?
That guides the way the intention is flowing. In turn, the intention
guides the qi, and the qi pushes the body. Bear that in mind when
we go over the new movements in this lecture.
Gāo tàn mǎ (“High Pat on Horse”)
● In this lesson, we’ll start with a movement called gāo tàn mǎ,
which in English means “high pat on horse.”
● From the final position of single whip, take a half step forward with
the right foot, then shift the weight completely back onto the right
foot. Lift the heels of the left foot slightly to form an empty step.Open the right-hand hook and turn both hands palm up, elbows
slightly bent.
● Turn the body to the left; draw the right hand past the ear and
push it forward, palm facing out. At the same time, withdraw the
left hand down to the left hip, palm up and fingertips pointing
forward. Meanwhile, replace the left toes slightly forward on the
floor. Look at the right hand.
Yòu dēng jiǎo (“Kick with Heel [Right]”)
● The next move is yòu dēng jiǎo, “kick with heel (right).”
● Turn the waist to the right and sweep the right arm out to the right;
then, scoop down and past the belly and up to the left forearm. As
the right hand passes the belly, withdraw the left foot in preparation
for the step into the northeast corner.
● Step the left foot out into the left corner and bring the right foot up
to make a t-step. Simultaneously, stroke the right hand over the
top of the left forearm, then slightly upward and to the right, while
the left hand curves slightly downward and to the left.
● The two arms continue to circle—right hand downward, then
upward; left hand upward—until they cross again at the wrists.
Both hands are palms up, right hand underneath. As the
wrists come together, the right knee lifts up and points into the
southeast corner.
● The two forearms rotate outward. The right hand separates into
the southeast corner (over the leg), and the left hand separates
into the northeast corner (90 degrees away). Simultaneously, the
right leg extends, kicking the foot into the southeast corner.