" Category 3. Internal Components of the Tai Chi principles
Tai chi is an internal art; ultimately we are controlled by our internal. The power of the mind has immense potential. Integrating mind and body is the ultimate aim of tai chi. When your mind is in good balance, so is your body.
A: Loosen or 'song' your joints. You should relax when you do tai chi, but by relax we don't mean let your muscles go floppy. Instead, consciously and gently stretch your joints from within, almost like you're expanding your joints internally. Many people mistranslate the Chinese word 'song' as relaxation; song is both relaxed and loosened.
To practice loosening your upper limbs, form a semi-circle with your arms in front of your chest and imagine all your joints are stretching out gently from within. If you stretch out your shoulder joint this way, you should see a dimple at the middle of the shoulder joint.
To loosen the spine, imagine it's a piece of string, and that you're gently stretching it from both ends. For the lower limbs, bend your knees and stretch your hips out to form an arch as you crouch. Check in a mirror to see if your thighs are forming an arch. Other lower limb joints will gently expand from within.
B: 'Jing' your mind means to focus on your movements. Imagine you are in a quiet and serene environment and your mind will also slow down, becoming quiet and serene. The Chinese word "Jing' in tai chi means mental quietness or serenity. Keep yourself focused on practicing your tai chi, your movements, breathing, balance and body alignment, and avoid any distraction.
For more information read Dr Lam's article "Extend the Essential Principles" at the Tai Chi for Health Institute website or follow this link.
http://www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org/articles/individual_article.php?id=18 "