In Tai Chi it is very important to have a calm and tranquil mind. This is good for your health and very important for success in Tai Chi practice. In the Poem of Thirteen Postures, we are reminded that "If asked what the main standard of Tai Chi's application is, the answer is the mind and the internal energy are the primary mechanism, and the bone and muscles are secondary."
It is much more important to be calm and settled than to become frustrated and worried that you aren't doing it exactly right. No one ever gets it "exactly right." Mindful practice over a long time only improves and refines your practice but it doesn't make it perfect. The goal of perfection remains elusive. This does not mean we don't care about correct technique, but that we recognize it's a long road of constant effort and improvement, and "beating oneself up" about it does not help us move ahead. As your technique improves, your awareness does also. No matter how many years you practice, you will always see refinements that can be made to improve your play. So when you practice at home or in class, relax, be calm, and be patient with yourself. Be mindful and put your full attention to your practice. Gradually, you will see improvement and it will be a lot more fun.
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