Tao Mae Form 1 Part B

The second part of Form 1 involves moving backwards with the footwork while still extending forwards with our arms. This embody’s a balance of opposing directions while at the same time coordinating opposite arm to leg helping us to harmonise opposing energies and actions into a fluid dynamic. The use of opposite arm-to-leg motions helps us to connect left and right side of the brain as it is the left-brain that controls the right side of the body, and the right-brain that controls the left side of the body. As we work to develop a soft fluid movement of opposite arm and leg we strengthen neural connection between both sides of the brain.

Key points:

• maintain a softness in the knees
• glide the feet back as you step
• keep you centre of gravity low so that your head remains level and doesn’t ‘bob up and down’

• centre yourself with the inhale
• exhale as you step backward and push the hand gently forward
• keep the hand soft with the palm open
• start your practice with preliminary Qigong breathing
• Practice the second part of Form 1 each morning for the next 2 days so that you can learn the movement and cultivate a harmonization of mind, body and breath, before combining part A and part B. This will allow you to embody the movements in a physical and practical approach, not just learn the sequence from a theoretical or mental standpoint.