12. Chest, Posture, And The Natural Curve

We’re starting to get fairly far in our 40-movement progression. Today
we’ll continue to advance by learning two new moves: box both ears
and separate the left foot. Then, we’ll turn to a new tai chi principle: that the
body resembles five bows, always naturally curved.
Shuāng fēng guàn ěr (“Box Both Ears”)
● We’ll begin with a movement called shuāng fēng guàn ěr, meaning
“box both ears.”
● Bend the right knee and withdraw the right foot. Rotate both
forearms outward so that the palms face in and close both armpits
so that the palms face the body, fingertips pointing up. (Be sure to
keep the arms rounded.) Turn the body to the right and bring both
hands down in a curve to either side of the right knee, palm up.
● Step out into the southeast corner with the right foot to form a bow
step. As the heel touches down, lower both hands to the sides and
gradually make two loose fists. As you shift the weight forward into
the bow step, sweep the two fists outward, upward, and inward in
a pincer movement.
Zuǒ fèn jiǎo (“Separate the Left Foot”)
● The next movement is called zuǒ fèn jiǎo, which means “separate
the left foot.”
● Sit back onto the left foot and turn the waist to the right, pivoting
the left toes to the front as you go. At the same time, open bothfists and separate the hands in a circular manner; extend them
sideways a little above shoulder level, palms facing forward.
● Shift the weight forward onto the right foot and bring the left foot
up to create a t-step. At the same time, circle the arms downward,
inward, and upward, crossing at the wrists in front of the chest.
● Lift up the left knee (pointing it to the east) and extend the leg,
kicking out with the toes. Simultaneously extend both arms out:
left arm to the east over the kicking leg and right arm to the south
(at a 90-degree angle). Remember to keep both arms rounded.
The Five Bows
● As you practice this lecture’s moves, keep this tai chi principle in
mind: The body is carrying five bows. Both arms and both legs
naturally curve, as does the spine; all five mimic the curvature of
a bow.
● A bow has power to shoot an arrow out because a string draws
back, shortening the bow and creating tension. As it releases,
the bow springs back into its original position and shoots the
arrow out.
● There is a place in the bow’s curve where there’s not enough
tension, and there’s a place in where there might be too much
tension. When the string is slack, and there is not enough tension,
there’s nothing to pull back, so there is no force to send the arrow
out. On the other hand, if you pull the string too strongly and you
bend the bow too much, it might break.
● Metaphorically, the springiness of the bow is played out in the
springiness of our body. Many of the techniques of tai chi are
dependent upon some kind of springy action.
● The body follows curves of nature. And no matter the move, tai chi
creates curves in the body